DE102010064326A1 - Monitoring unit e.g. telematics unit, for monitoring e.g. transport container during transportation in logistics area, has transmission module that transmits combination of device and transmission identifiers to central management system - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit (101) has a detection module e.g. barcode reader (106), keyboard and camera, which detects a transmission identifier of an object. A processing module (105) combines the detected transmission identifier with a device identifier stored in the unit. A transmission module (104) e.g. global system for mobile communicationsmodule, radio-frequency identification module and universal mobile telecommunications systemmodule, transmits the combination of the device identifier and the transmission identifier to a central management system. An independent claim is also included for a method for monitoring an object using a monitoring unit.

Description

The invention relates to a monitoring unit for monitoring an object. In this case, the monitoring unit is assigned at least one device identifier for identifying the monitoring unit, and a transmission identifier for identifying the object is attached to the object.

The invention further relates to a method for monitoring an object, in which such a monitoring unit is used.

In the transport and logistics sector, special demands are placed on the monitoring of transport shipments during transport in order to ensure high quality and to meet the corresponding quality standards. This relates, for example, to the monitoring of current positions and locations of the transport consignments for tracking the transport route, for the monitoring of which, for example, telematics units are used. On the other hand, for example, but also the state of the transport consignments is monitored during transport. For this purpose, sensor modules are usually used which record measurement data for different ambient conditions, for example for temperature, humidity or pressure during transport.

Both telematics units and sensor modules are monitoring units that monitor appropriately defined parameters for specific shipments during transport. For this purpose, the data is recorded continuously or interval-controlled according to a sampling rate of the monitoring units. The reading of the acquired data then takes place, for example, via a connection of the monitoring unit to a reading device by means of a USB connection (Universal Serial Bus) and / or via a non-contact interface for reading out data, for example by means of RFID technology. The data read out are processed after read-out, for example stored on a server, where they are available for further processing.

Increasingly frequently, instead of the non-contact interface, a transmission module, for example a GSM module (Global System for Mobile Communications), a UMTS module (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) or modules for future standard WAN networks (Wide Area, Network) Transferring the data integrated into the monitoring unit. Via this transmission module, the data is either sent to the server during transport or after the shipment has been transported. The transmission can take place, for example, continuously or discontinuously.

For the further evaluation and processing of the transmitted data, it is necessary that these transmitted data can be assigned to the associated monitored transport transmission. To ensure the correct assignment of recorded data to a transport shipment, each monitoring unit must be assigned to one transport shipment each. This assignment is crucial for an evaluation of the recorded data, since based on this evaluation measures for the respective assigned transport consignment can be derived. For example, temperature data for a medicament shipment could render the medicaments unusable if predetermined temperature limits were exceeded or undershot during transport. However, comparable temperature data would possibly be completely unproblematic for a machine program.

The assignment of monitoring units to a respective transport consignment can be carried out both manually and automatically. A manual assignment takes place, for example, by simply reading information from a transmission or a monitoring unit and entering this information into a detection system in which the two information are linked together. An automated assignment, in turn, is realized, for example, by the use of a barcode scanner. In this case, the bar code scanner on the transport consignment detects a bar code with an identification, which is then assigned to the monitoring unit which is attached to the transport consignment. If the monitoring unit is also provided with a barcode for identification, both barcodes can also be detected by the barcode scanner and then linked together in the detection system.

However, both the manual and the automatic assignment usually have the disadvantage that appropriate detection systems for manual and / or automatic detection must be provided at the place of shipment, which represent a corresponding technical effort.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a monitoring unit for monitoring an object, in which the assignment of the monitoring unit to the object is simple and possible with the least possible technical effort.

Another object of the invention is a method for monitoring an object in which such a monitoring unit can be used.

This object is achieved by a monitoring unit having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the monitoring unit can be found in the subclaims 2 to 10. The object is further achieved by a method according to claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of this method will become apparent from the subclaims 12 to 15.

The invention provides a monitoring unit for monitoring an object, wherein the monitoring unit is assigned at least one device identifier for identifying the monitoring unit and wherein at least one transmission identifier for identifying the object is attached to the object. The monitoring unit has at least one detection module, which is designed to detect the transmission identifier of the object. Furthermore, the monitoring unit has at least one processing module which is designed to link the detected transmission identifier of the object with the device identifier of the monitoring unit, wherein the device identifier is stored in the monitoring unit. In addition, the monitoring unit has at least one transmission module which is designed to transmit the linking of the device and transmission identifier to a central management system.

The central management system can be, for example, a system of the transport company to which the recorded data are also transmitted for evaluation. This embodiment of the monitoring unit with an integrated detection module makes it possible to detect a transmission identifier of an object with this detection module, whereby the transmission identifier detected in this way is assigned to the relevant monitoring unit by means of the monitoring unit and the linking of the device and transmission Identifier can be transmitted to a central management system. Both the detection of the consignment identifier, the link between the consignment and the device identifier and the transmission of this information are thus carried out by the monitoring unit, which is then attached to a consignment, so that at the consignment no further infrastructure is required.

In one embodiment of the monitoring unit, the transmission identifier is integrated in a barcode. Barcodes are already widely used in the transport and logistics sector and are therefore highly accepted. In this case, the shipment identifier can be attached to the object as a separate barcode or integrated into an existing barcode. In a development of the monitoring unit, the detection module is then designed as a bar code reader.

In another development of the monitoring unit, the detection module is designed as a camera, which can detect the transmission identifier of an object and optionally evaluate it immediately. In a further development of the monitoring unit, the detection module is designed as a keyboard, via which a transmission identifier can be entered by a user after having read it from an object. Although this is a less convenient option compared to a barcode scanner or a camera, even entering an identifier into the monitoring unit via a simple keyboard still offers the advantage over conventional solutions that no special infrastructure has to be present at the point of shipment.

Different detection modules offer the advantage of a high flexibility in the application of the monitoring unit, since the detection module can be selected depending on the design of the transmission identifier. It is also possible to integrate different types of acquisition modules into a monitoring unit so that they can be used for objects with different shipment identifiers. A keyboard in addition to a barcode scanner or a camera is also useful to provide an alternative input option in case of failure of one of these units.

In one embodiment of the monitoring unit, the transmission module is designed as a GSM module (Global System for Mobile Communications) or as a UMTS module (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). In another embodiment of the monitoring unit, the transmission module is designed as an RFID module (radio frequency identification). This allows already existing infrastructures to be used for the transmission of data. GSM or UMTS modules can use facilities and equipment used for mobile communications, and RFID modules are also used in other areas of logistics, so that corresponding readers are also often already available.

An embodiment of the monitoring unit has at least one fastening element with which the monitoring unit can be attached to the object. This prevents the monitoring unit from later being erroneously inserted in another transport consignment. The object may be For example, to act a transport container in which a monitored Good is transported.

In a further development of the monitoring unit, the monitoring unit is designed as a telematics unit. In another development of the monitoring unit, the monitoring unit is designed as a sensor module.

The invention further provides a method for monitoring an object with a monitoring unit according to the preceding description. In the method, the monitoring unit is assigned at least one device identifier for identifying the measuring device, and at least one transmission identifier for identifying the object is attached to the object. The shipment identifier of the object is detected by the acquisition module and the processing module links the acquired shipment identifier of the object with the device identifier of the surveillance unit. In this case, the device identifier is stored in the processing module and the transmission module forwards the linkage of the device and shipment identifier to a central management system.

In one embodiment of the method, the mailing identifier is scanned by means of a barcode reader, wherein the mailing ID is integrated in a barcode, and then extracted from the scanned barcode. In another embodiment of the method, the transmission identifier is detected by means of a camera and read out of the recorded image. In a further embodiment of the method, the mailing ID is read by a person from the object and entered by means of a keyboard.

In a further development of the method, the monitoring unit is mounted on the object after the detection of the transmission identifier by means of a fastening element, whereby in particular a swapping of already assigned monitoring units should be avoided.

The described monitoring unit and the associated method for monitoring an object have the advantage that no additional technical devices for the assignment of the device identifier of the monitoring unit to the item identifier of the object are required. Further, a reliable association between the device identifier of the monitoring unit and the shipment identifier, wherein the effort for a person in the assembly of a shipment with a monitoring unit is minimal. Particularly in the case of a detection module in the form of a barcode scanner or a camera, it is particularly simple for a user since he only has to keep the monitoring unit in the vicinity of the transmission identifier and the further processes are automated by the monitoring unit.

The invention thus turns away from monitoring units for which separate technical detection devices such as bar code scanners or manual input devices for assigning the device identifier of the monitoring unit to the transmission identifier of the object are required.

An advantage of the invention over monitoring units without integrated detection devices is that the integration makes the use of such monitoring units extremely versatile and flexible. In addition, the use is simple and the assignment is very fast.

The above and other advantages, features and expedient developments of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments, which are described below with reference to the figures.

From the figures shows:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a monitoring unit according to the invention with a bar code scanner,

2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a monitoring unit according to the invention with a camera; and

3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a monitoring unit according to the invention with a keyboard.

In 1 is schematically the example of a monitoring unit 101 shown for monitoring an object. The monitoring unit 101 has as components a carrier element 102 , a monitoring module 103 , a transmission module 104 , a processing module 105 as well as a barcode scanner 106 on.

The carrier element 102 the monitoring unit 101 serves to accommodate the individual components for the monitoring unit 101 , It is designed for example as a printed circuit board, which consists of one or more layers of material. Materials for printed circuit boards are well known in the art and may be selected as appropriate by those skilled in the art.

For attachment of the individual components on the support element 102 There are various options available. The components For example, on the carrier element 102 glued or welded or soldered on. In addition, it is possible to have one or more components on the carrier element 102 stick on and aufzuschweißen or solder the other components.

The carrier element equipped with the various components 102 the monitoring unit 101 can then be integrated to protect the components in a housing, not shown here, so that the monitoring unit 101 is designed as an electronic device, for example, in the size of a mobile phone.

With the monitoring module 103 the monitoring unit 101 a recording and recording of data takes place. The recorded data are, for example, position data for a monitored transport shipment or also environment data during the transport of the monitored transport shipment.

The monitoring module is used for recording position data for a transport transmission 103 For example, designed as a telematics unit. Telematics units, for example with GPS modules, are very often used in vehicles of transport and logistics companies in order to determine and transmit their position data during transport. As a result, a customer can always be informed about where his transport consignment is currently located. This can significantly increase the service quality for the customers.

Another possibility for a monitoring module 103 is an embodiment as a sensor module. Sensor modules are used to record data for environmental conditions during transport of the consignment. For this purpose, the sensor module has a measuring sensor, which is, for example, a measuring sensor for recording and recording temperature measurement data. However, other sensors may also be used, for example for detecting moisture or pressure measurements. It is also possible to integrate several different sensors into the sensor module.

The monitoring module 103 However, it is not limited to telematics units or sensor modules. Other monitoring modules can also be used.

The transmission module 104 transfers those with the monitoring module 103 recorded data preferably to a system for processing and evaluation of the data. This may be, for example, a central system of the transport and logistics company responsible for transporting the consignment. However, the data can also be forwarded, for example, to a central system of the sender and / or the recipient of the transport program.

As a transmission module 104 suitable, for example, a GSM module (Global System for Mobile Communications). GSM modules use the GSM mobile standard as a second-generation wireless standard for transmitting data, which is very widespread because of its use in mobile communications. For transmitting and receiving the data, the existing mobile stations can be used accordingly.

Also suitable as a transmission module 104 are UMTS modules (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), which use the UMTS mobile standard as a third-generation wireless standard for transmitting data. Even modules of future standard WAN networks (Wide Area Network) appear as a transmission module 104 suitable. A WAN network is a world-wide transport network that covers a very large geographical area and in which the number of connected computers is not limited to a specific number. WAN networks can extend across countries or across continents.

Another possible transmission module 104 is designed, for example, as an RFID module (radio-frequency identification). Since RFID modules work on the basis of transponder and reader, it must therefore be ensured that in the environment of the transmission unit 101 sufficient receiving stations are available for the data sent.

The monitoring unit 101 is by means of a fastener, not shown, on any object, for example, to be monitored on the transport consignment or on the associated transport container, fixable, so that a mobile use of the monitoring unit 101 is possible. For this, the fastener on both the front and on the back of the monitoring unit 101 to be appropriate.

Suitable as a fastener example, an adhesive surface appears, with the monitoring unit 101 can be easily glued to the transport shipment. A Velcro surface or other devices are also conceivable as a fastener.

Thus an assignment of the monitoring unit 101 is possible to a transport shipment, is in the processing module 105 the monitoring unit 101 a device identifier for identification the monitoring unit 101 deposited. This device identifier allows a corresponding assignment of recorded data to the monitoring unit 101 who sent the data. It is also necessary for an assignment that a shipment identifier for identifying the transport shipment is attached to the transport shipment.

The consignment identifier can be printed, for example, on the address label of the consignment. But it is also possible to attach a separate sticker with the shipment identifier on the transport shipment. Integration into an RFID transponder is also possible.

The shipment identifier is, for example, a barcode or a matrix code. Furthermore, the shipment identifier may be formed, for example, as a numeric shipment identifier. Both a bar code or matrix code transmission identifier and a numeric transmission identifier can be attached to the transport transmission as a separate transmission identifier. For example, a barcode or matrix code transmission identifier can also be integrated into an existing barcode or matrix code of the transport transmission.

If the shipment identifier is designed as a barcode or matrix code, the monitoring unit comprises 101 at least one barcode reader 106 as acquisition module. Before the monitoring unit 101 attached to the transport consignment to be monitored or placed in the transport consignment, the consignment identifier applied as a bar code or matrix code on the consignment becomes the bar code reader 106 scanned. Subsequently, the in the bar code or matrix code encrypted shipment identifier in the processing module 105 the monitoring unit 101 decrypted and that in the processing module 105 assigned device identifier.

After the assignment of device and shipment ID in the processing module 105 the two assigned identifiers are from the transmission module 104 the monitoring unit 101 to the central system for processing and evaluation. sent from data, including those from the monitoring module 103 recorded data. By assigning device and shipment identifier in the central system is now guaranteed that the transmission module 105 Data sent to the central system can also be assigned to the transport program sent by the monitoring unit 101 is monitored.

2 schematically shows a further embodiment of a monitoring unit 101 ' , The monitoring unit 101 ' also has a carrier element as components 102 , a monitoring module 103 , a transmission module 104 and a processing module 105 on. Furthermore, the monitoring unit comprises 101 ' a camera 201 as acquisition module.

For an assignment of the device identifier of a monitoring unit 101 ' the consignment ID of a transport consignment is here the consignment ID with the camera 201 recorded and from the transmission module 104 sent to the central system. There is an evaluation of the recorded image, in which the shipment identifier is read. Simultaneously with the picture will be, even the processing module 105 stored device identifier of the monitoring unit 101 ' transmitted to the central system, which is assigned to the shipment identifier after reading in the system.

The captured image may be a barcode or matrix code broadcast identifier as well as a numeric broadcast identifier. Since the evaluation only takes place in the central system, various evaluation strategies can also be stored there. This will be a very variable use of the monitoring unit 101 reached, since no special training of the shipment identifier for later assignment to an associated device identifier is required. With the monitoring unit 101 ' Thus, both barcode or matrix code transmission identifiers and numeric transmission identifiers can be detected.

In 3 is schematically the example of another monitoring unit 101 '' shown. The monitoring unit 101 '' has as components next to a support element 102 , a monitoring module 103 , a transmission module 104 and a processing module 105 also a keyboard 301 as acquisition module with different keys 302 on.

For the assignment of the monitoring unit 101 '' For the transport consignment, the consignment ID is simply read from the consignment and then via the keys 302 the keyboard 301 the monitoring unit 101 '' manually into the monitoring unit 101 '' entered. For this, the shipment ID must be available as a numeric ID. In the processing module 105 Then, the assignment of the shipment identifier for stored there device identifier of the monitoring unit 101 '' ,

This is followed by the transmission of the assignment of device and transmission identifier by means of the transmission module 104 to the central system. There, this assignment then stands for an assignment of the later transmitted data to the transmitting monitoring unit 101 '' and thus to the transport shipment available.

To increase flexibility in the application of the transfer unit 101 '' can the keyboard 301 For example, even with an integrated barcode scanner 106 be combined. With such a combination is achieved that even here with only a single transmission unit 101 '' Both barcode or matrix code broadcast identifiers and numeric broadcast identifiers can be captured and assigned to a device identifier.

The described monitoring unit 101 . 101 ' and 101 '' is flexible and versatile, in particular because of its simple and reliable allocation process. The simple structure and the associated low production costs recommend the monitoring unit 101 . 101 ' and 101 '' for example, for use as a disposable product that can be disposed of after a single use.

Particularly advantageous are the monitoring unit according to the invention 101 . 101 ' and 101 '' and the associated method can be used in the fields of transport and logistics, in which position data or environmental conditions, such as the temperature or the humidity, of monitored goods have to be monitored.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

101, 101 ', 101' '

monitoring unit

102

support element

103

monitoring module

104

transmission module

105

processing module

106

barcode scanner

201

camera

301

keyboard

302

Keys

Claims (15)

Monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) for monitoring an object, wherein the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) at least one device identifier for identifying the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) and wherein at least one transmission identifier for identifying the object is attached to the object, characterized in that the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) has at least one detection module, which is designed to detect the transmission identifier of the object, and that the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) at least one processing module ( 105 ), which is adapted to the detected transmission identifier of the object with the device identifier of the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ), with the device identifier in the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) and that the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) at least one transmission module ( 104 ), which is adapted to transmit the link of the device and shipment identifier to a central management system. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the consignment identifier is integrated in a barcode. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the detection module as a bar code reader ( 106 ) is trained. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the detection module as a camera ( 201 ) is trained. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the detection module as a keyboard ( 301 ) is trained. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transmission module ( 104 ) is designed as a GSM module (Global System for Mobile Communications) or as a UMTS module (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). Monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transmission module ( 104 ) is designed as an RFID module (radio-frequency identification). Monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) has at least one fastening element with which the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) can be attached to the object. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) is designed as a telematics unit. Monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) is designed as a sensor module. Method for monitoring an object with a monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) at least one device identifier for identifying the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) and in which at least one transmission identifier for identifying the object is attached to the object, characterized in that the transmission identifier of the object is detected by the detection module, and in that the processing module ( 105 ) the detected shipment identifier of the object with the device identifier of the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ), with the device identifier in the processing module ( 105 ) and that the transmission module ( 104 ) forwards the linking of the device and shipment identifier to a central management system. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the transmission identifier by means of a bar code reader ( 106 ) is scanned, wherein the mailing ID is integrated into a barcode, and that the mailing ID is extracted from the scanned barcode. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the consignment identifier by means of a camera ( 201 ) is detected and that the transmission identifier is read from the recorded image. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the transmission identifier is read from the object and the transmission identifier by means of a keyboard ( 301 ) is entered. Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized. that the monitoring unit ( 101 . 101 ' . 101 '' ) is attached to the object after detection of the transmission identifier by means of a fastening element.

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