DE202013010686U1 - monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

A monitoring system (10) comprising: a plurality of products (11, 12, 13) each provided with a contactless readable label (21, 22, 23) comprising product information identifying the product (11, 12, 13) a data processing device (50) and a reading unit (40) connected thereto for contactless reading of the labels (21, 22, 23), characterized by a container (30) in which the plurality of products (11, 12, 13) are received and which lies completely within a reading radius (R) of the reading unit (40), wherein the data processing device (50) is adapted to detect a product inventory of the container (30) on the basis of the product information read by the reading unit (40).

Description

The invention relates to a monitoring system, comprising: a plurality of products each provided with a non-contact readable label, the label having product information identifying the respective product, and a data processing device having a reading unit for non-contact readout of the labels.

Such a label may be a radio tag, such as an active or passive transponder, on which information about the product marked thereby is stored. In particular, the label has product information identifying the product labeled with the label. A label in the form of a transponder can be read out by means of alternating electromagnetic fields which are emitted by the reading unit (reader) and to which the label is exposed. An instruction sent by the alternating field is decoded by the tag and a response of the tag is returned to the reader. Alternatively, however, the label may also be an optically readable label such as a bar code or a matrix code or other contactless readable label.

Surveillance systems are known in particular from the field of warehousing or for managing an inventory. Thus, the document discloses DE 20 2011 109 260 U1 a system for managing a stock of goods in a household in which a stored inventory is kept up to date by reading out the labels of supplied and withdrawn goods by means of a reading unit and transmitting the corresponding information to an application server. However, keeping the inventory up-to-date using this system is a laborious task as the user of the system must "scan" each incoming and outgoing product using the reader.

Furthermore, commercial warehouses are known in which a reading unit is arranged at the warehouse outlet in order to read the labels of incoming and outgoing goods and to keep the inventory up-to-date. Such or similar monitoring systems are in the documents DE 10 2006 010 159 A1 and DE 10 2007 013 237 A1 described. However, in such a monitoring system, if the output or receipt of a commodity is not detected, for example, due to a system error, this will result in an incorrectly stored inventory of the warehouse, tracing such error being difficult and time consuming.

In view of the described problems, it is the object of the present invention to provide a monitoring system which indicates with higher reliability as possible at all times a correct product inventory.

This object is achieved by a development of the monitoring systems described above, which is essentially characterized by a container in which the plurality of products is accommodated and which lies completely within a reading radius of the reading unit, the data processing device being set up on the basis of FIG read the product unit read the product unit of the container.

In other words, the reading unit can read at any time the labels of all goods received in the container and pass on the corresponding product information to the data processing device, so that the data processing device can determine the current and correct product inventory of the container at any time. For this purpose, the dimension of the container and the reading radius or the positioning of the reading unit are coordinated. If the container is small (for example, a first-aid case), the reading radius of the reading unit may also be small if the reading unit is located directly in the vicinity of the container. The reading radius in this case may be less than 50 cm, preferably less than 20 cm, in particular about 10 cm or less.

In the present case, the reading radius is understood to mean the distance from (an antenna) of the reading unit in which communication between the reading unit and a label is just possible. In order to ensure that the container is within the reading radius, the reading unit can either be fixedly attached to the container, or alternatively the reading unit can be fixedly mounted outside the container on a container holder or the like, so that the distance between the container and the container Reading unit does not exceed a predetermined level when the container is properly received in the holder.

The invention is based on the recognition that the errors of conventional monitoring systems are due in particular to the fact that a reading of the product information is only possible at the time of feeding or removing the product from the warehouse. An error that occurs at this time during reading can hardly be corrected later. On the other hand, in the case of the monitoring system according to the invention, read-out of all products accommodated in the container is also possible later, since the reading radius of the reading device is sufficient is large. Errors when entering the inventory can be reliably avoided. If an error should occur, a correction is possible by a later readout of all product information.

The label can be a radio tag and have a transponder, preferably an RFID chip or an RFID tag. In this case, the reading unit can be an RFID reading unit or an RFID reading and writing unit and can have an RFID antenna. The RFID chips may have a preferably permanent memory in which the product information and possibly further information characterizing the product are stored, which can be read out by means of the reading unit. The product information may be stored and / or transmitted in encrypted form. For further details on the communication between reader and label in RFID systems, reference is made to the relevant specialist literature.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container is a suitcase or a box, preferably a first-aid case, a first-aid box o. The like. The desired content of such a container may be predetermined, so that the reading unit when reading selectively the labels of the predetermined Can appeal to products. The absence of a response of the addressed product can then be interpreted as an indication of a shortfall. In this way, the determination of the product inventory can be accelerated.

Especially in containers such as first aid boxes o. The like. It is very important that the box is filled correctly and contains all the necessary products such as bandages, dressings, compresses, patches, disinfectants, gloves, etc. Manual control is time-consuming and time-consuming. Therefore, the monitoring system according to the invention in containers with predetermined target content such as first-aid boxes can be used particularly advantageous.

The products accommodated in the container may include medical articles such as medications, bandages or the like. Each article may be contained in the container in a certain number (once or several times).

Alternatively or additionally, the product information has a shelf life information, wherein the data processing device is set up to monitor product shelf life on the basis of the shelf life information read out by the reading unit. Especially in the field of medical use, it is important to monitor the shelf life of the drugs and to take medicines with expired shelf life in time from the container. In good time before the expiration of the shelf life of sterile materials such as compresses, dressings, medicines o. The like expiration messages or expiration warnings can be generated if the remaining shelf life of a particular product falls below a predetermined period and / or if the expiration date is reached or exceeded.

In a preferred embodiment, the reading unit is located in the immediate vicinity of the container, preferably on a holder such as a wall holder for holding the container or the like. For example. the reading unit is received in a first-aid box holder for holding a first-aid kit. Preferably, an antenna of the reading unit is located on an outer surface of the holder on a side opposite to the container in the held state or against which it rests. If the reading unit has an RFID antenna, it may be wound in curves, in loops, with branches and / or spirally in a wall of a container holder facing the container so that the greatest distance between the antenna and the holder held in the holder Container is as small as possible. The antenna may alternatively or additionally consist of two or more antennas. In this case, it may be sufficient if the reading radius of the reading unit corresponds approximately to the depth of the container and is about 15 cm, 10 cm or less. The reading unit then only requires comparatively little energy for reading the product information.

In order to enable monitoring of the container itself, it has proved expedient that the container is also provided with a contactlessly readable label, preferably with a transponder, which has a container information identifying the container. In this case, not only monitoring of the contents of the container is possible but also a check of whether the container is present or not. For example. can be monitored whether the container is properly received in its associated holder.

The data processing device may be configured to detect and preferably to store a container removal message when the container is removed from an environment of the reading unit, in particular when it is removed from the holder. In addition, such a container removal message can also have the removal time. Alternatively or additionally, a container feed message can be generated and, if necessary, stored when the container is brought back into the reading radius of the reading unit.

In particular, in the case of a first-aid case, a first aid kit o. The like. Is a Regular monitoring and recording of the product inventory are important and sometimes even mandatory. Therefore, the data processing means may be arranged to automatically detect the product inventory and / or the shelf life of products at predetermined time intervals, the time intervals preferably being 1 hour or less, more preferably 1 minute or less, more preferably 10 seconds or less, but preferably more than 1 second be. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the product inventory is detected every 5-6 seconds. In the event of an accident in which bandages or the like are removed from the container, the exact time of removal may be of particular importance. Therefore, it may be provided according to the invention to store each detected change in the product inventory.

Especially when first aid is provided, the documentation of the accident is regularly prescribed in a bandage book, which is located in conventional first aid kits. Otherwise, for example, in the case of an accident at work, the loss of claims against the employers' liability insurance association is threatened because it is no longer possible to prove that it was an accident at work. In the case of minor accidents, if, for example, only a plaster o. The like. Is taken out of the first-aid kit, however, the removal is not regularly duly documented. This can have serious consequences if inflammation or the like develops from a minor incision.

For the reasons mentioned, the regular automatic recording of the product inventory and the storage of changes in the contents of the container in small time intervals make sense in accordance with the invention.

With a view to rapid and complete documentation of the product inventory of the container, it has proved to be advantageous for the data processing device to be set up for comparing the recorded product stock with a desired product stock for determining a stock shortage, wherein the data processing unit preferably has means for forwarding, storing and / or or displaying a message, in particular an alarm signal, in the event of a shortage and / or in the case of a product having a shorter shelf life. The alarm signal may include a warning message such as a warning email to a previously deposited address and / or an audible or visual warning signal. Alternatively or additionally, a software application can be installed on a terminal of a user of the monitoring system, with which defective stocks, expiration dates of products, withdrawal notifications, and / or removal logs are displayed in a processed form. This enables efficient and secure expiration date handling and / or customizable removal documentation.

In addition, the data processing device can be set up for automatic replenishment of the stock on the basis of the determined stock shortage or the expiry of a shelf life of a product, for example by independently sending an order message in order to compensate for the shortage again. Alternatively or additionally, the actual stock, the target stock and / or the shortage of the container can be displayed by means of a display device of the data processing device and / or stored in a memory of the data processing device.

With regard to the most complete documentation of the entry and exit of products from the container, it has been found to be expedient that the data processing device has means for storing a container removal message and / or a product removal or delivery message if a detected product inventory deviates from a previously recorded product inventory, wherein the product take-off or feed message indicates the product withdrawn or supplied to the container, and preferably a withdrawal or delivery time. With such a monitoring system according to the invention, it is possible to permanently deposit any removal from the container, such as the removal of a plaster or the like, and to resort to it, if necessary, even if the first responder forgot a registration book entry.

In other words, the data processing device may be set up to keep an electronic ledger which, in the case of a first aid kit, may correspond to the traditional binder listing any change in the product inventory stating the time of removal of the particular product and / or each container withdrawal message containing the Taking time of the container indicates from its associated holder.

Such an electronic inventory can have, for example, time-ordered list entries, it being documented in each case when and how long the first-aid box was removed from the holder ("container removal messages" and "container feed messages") and which products when removed from the first-aid box or placed in the first-aid kit ("product withdrawal notifications" and "product delivery notifications"). Complete documentation can be obtained if the product inventory is automatically read out every minute or more frequently, more preferably every 5-6 seconds.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the monitoring system according to the invention has two or more containers, to each of which a reading unit is assigned, wherein the reading units are preferably coupled wirelessly to a preferably common data processing device. The data processing device can, for example, be a common computer that covers all reading units and communicates wirelessly with them. At predetermined time intervals, the individual reading units forward the read-out product information to the common data processing device, where they are evaluated and the respective product stocks are compared with the target stocks in order to determine shortages etc.

Alternatively, each reading unit is assigned its own data processing device, it being possible for the individual data processing devices to relay information determined to a common data processing device or directly to a terminal, where further processing and storage can take place in a common memory.

For example. has a building over several floors distributed numerous first aid boxes, which are each housed in a holder. Incorporated into each holder is a reading unit adapted to read out the product information of those products present in the respective first-aid box. Shortages or changes in the product inventory of each first aid kit are forwarded to a common data processing device, which possibly causes an order of the missing products and in which an all electronic first-aid book is passed.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more connected to the data processing device display and / or interrogation devices such as cell phones, smartphones, tablets, notebooks o. The like. Be present on a product inventory, a shortage and / or electronic inventory of one or more containers Container and / or a durability information to one or more recorded in one or more containers products can be displayed and / or queried. For this purpose, a special application software may be installed on the mentioned terminals, through which these messages are displayed in edited form.

In the following description, the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows in:

1 a first embodiment of a monitoring system according to the invention in a schematic representation,

2 a second embodiment of a monitoring system according to the invention in a schematic representation, and

3 A third embodiment of a monitoring system according to the invention in a schematic representation.

In 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a monitoring system according to the invention 10 shown. The monitoring system has one in a holder 60 kept container 30 in the form of a first-aid kit containing different products 11 . 12 . 13 such as sterile dressings, gauze bandages, plasters, etc. is filled.

Every product 11 . 12 . 13 has a label 21 . 22 . 23 in the form of a transponder (RFID tag), which is attached to the product, for example, by gluing. The transponders each have a readable memory in which a product information identifying product information is stored. The product information may, for example, be a product number, serial number or the like. In addition, in the memory of the transponder further, the respective product characterizing information may be stored, such as an expiration date of the product o. The like.

The memory of the transponder 21 . 22 . 23 can with a reading unit 40 (Reader) are read out on a side surface of the holder 60 is appropriate. The reading unit 40 has an RFID antenna 41 for transmitting and receiving a high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field. This emitted alternating field is used during the communication process as a power supply for the transponder 21 . 22 . 23 , The one from the reading unit 40 emitted signals are decoded in the transponder and an answer is sent to the reading unit 40 returned. Depending on the signal transmitted, the transponder may respond in response to a product number or serial number identifying the product and / or further information such as an expiration date of the product to the reading unit 40 to transfer. The signals can each be encrypted.

The antenna 41 the reading unit 40 can be looped in a wall of the bracket 60 be misplaced (see 2 ), to which the first-aid box rests, so that the greatest distance between the antenna 41 and the container 30 as low as possible. The reading radius R of the reading unit 40 is greater than this distance. In other words, the entire container lies 30 in reading radius R of the reading unit 40 , so that the transponders 21 . 22 . 23 all products in the container 11 . 12 . 13 from the reading unit 40 can be read out.

Also the container 30 even carries a label 31 in the form of a transponder, in which one the container 30 uniquely identifying container information is stored readable by the reading unit 40 can be queried. When the container 30 however, from the holder 60 is taken, so that the distance between the antenna 41 and the container label 31 exceeds the read radius R, is a readout of the container label 31 not possible anymore. In this way it can be queried whether the container is currently present in the holder or not.

At predetermined time intervals, which may be less than 10 seconds, are each from the reading unit 40 if necessary, first the container label 31 and then, if the container 30 in the holder 60 is arranged, the product labels 21 . 22 . 23 in the container 30 recorded products 11 . 12 . 13 read. The read container or product information is from the reading unit 40 to an associated data processing device 50 which determines the product inventory of the container.

Alternatively or additionally, read-out expiration dates together with the respective product information to the data processing device 50 be transmitted. If the remaining shelf life of a particular product falls short of a predetermined period of time, the data processing device may initiate further steps, such as the issuing of a sequence message or the like.

The data processing device 50 compares the determined product stock with a target stock and determines from this a shortage. Furthermore, the data processing device determines 50 Changes product inventory and stores product picking messages and product feed notifications in a store 70 in the form of an electronic inventory together with the respective withdrawal and delivery times. In this way, an "electronic booklet" is kept, which can be consulted, if the traditional book of associations should not be or not fully managed.

Instead of the first-aid kit, another container such as a first-aid kit, an emergency first-aid box, a medicine cabinet or the like can be monitored with the aid of the monitoring system according to the invention.

Instead of the transponder, alternatively or additionally other labels, such as optically readable labels, may be used.

This in 2 The monitoring system shown is essentially the same as in 1 shown monitoring system. The one from the reading unit 40 read product information here, however, wirelessly to a data processing device 50 transmitted in the form of a central server and evaluated there. Various devices such as cell phones 100 , Smartphones 101 , Tablets 102 etc., in turn, can wirelessly access the data processing device 50 evaluated information and / or to a memory of the data processing device 50 in which, for example, an electronic inventory book is stored. On the terminals 100 . 101 . 102 If necessary, software may be installed which can display to the user of the monitoring system, in processed form, the electronic inventory, shortages, stock changes, expiry dates, or expiration notifications, etc. in the form of appropriate alerts and / or tables.

3 shows a monitoring system according to the invention 10 with numerous containers 30 . 32 . 34 . 36 . 38 in the form of first-aid boxes, each first-aid box being held in a holder. In each holder is associated with the respective first aid box reading unit 40 . 42 . 44 . 46 . 48 whose read radius includes only the respective first aid box. The first to sixth numbered first aid boxes can be distributed over a first floor of a building, while the from 1 'to 6' numbered first aid boxes can be distributed over a second floor of the building. Each reading unit 40 . 42 . 44 . 46 . 48 communicates wirelessly with a common data processing device 50 (eg via W-LAN). The read-out product information is transmitted in each case together with an information identifying the respective container (for example, a container number), so that the data processing device 50 Assign the product inventories to the respective containers.

In 3 got out of the first aid box 38 just the product B and twice the product A taken. The data processing device 50 detects a corresponding shortage and sends a warning message to a mobile phone 100 on which appropriate application software is installed. The user of the mobile phone receives the information that in the first-aid kit ( 38 ) No. 5 on the first floor of the particular building twice the product A and once the product B is missing. The user can then fill up the appropriate first aid kit 38 cause.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

monitoring system

11

first product

12

second product

13

third product

21

first label

22

second label

23

third label

30

container

31

Label of the container

32

second container

34

third container

36

fourth container

38

fifth container

40

reader

41

antenna

42

second reading unit

44

third reading unit

46

fourth reading unit

48

fifth reading unit

50

Data processing device

60

bracket

70

Memory (electronic inventory)

100

mobile

101

Smartphone

102

tablet

R

reading radius

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202011109260 U1 [0003]
• DE 102006010159 A1 [0004]
• DE 102007013237 A1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Monitoring system ( 10 ), comprising: a plurality of products ( 11 . 12 . 13 ), each with a contactless readable label ( 21 . 22 . 23 ), the product ( 11 . 12 . 13 ) contains identifying product information, a data processing device ( 50 ) and a reading unit ( 40 ) for contactless reading of the labels ( 21 . 22 . 23 ), characterized by a container ( 30 ), in which the majority of products ( 11 . 12 . 13 ) and which is located completely in a reading radius (R) of the reading unit ( 40 ), the data processing device ( 50 ) is set up on the basis of the reading unit (s) ( 40 ) read product information a product inventory of the container ( 30 ) capture. Monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the label ( 21 . 22 . 23 . 31 ) is a radio tag and has a transponder, preferably an RFID chip, and / or wherein the reading unit ( 40 ) an RFID antenna ( 41 ) having. Monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container ( 30 ) is a suitcase or box, preferably a first-aid kit. Monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the products ( 11 . 12 . 13 ) medical articles such as medicines, bandages or the like. Monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product information has a durability information, wherein the data processing device ( 50 ) is set up on the basis of the reading unit (s) ( 40 ) durability information to monitor product shelf life. Monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reading unit ( 40 ) outside the container ( 30 ) in its immediate vicinity, preferably on a holder ( 60 ) such as a wall bracket for holding the container ( 30 ) o. The like. Is arranged. Monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container ( 30 ) even with a contactless readable label ( 31 ), preferably a transponder is provided that a the container ( 30 ) has container information identifying from the reading unit ( 40 ) is readable. Monitoring system according to claim 7, characterized in that the data processing device ( 50 ) is arranged to detect and preferably store a container removal message when the container ( 30 ) is removed from a reading radius of the reading unit, especially when it is removed from the holder. Monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing device ( 50 ) is arranged to automatically detect the product inventory, a change in the product inventory and / or the shelf life of products at predetermined time intervals, the time intervals preferably 1 hour or less, more preferably 1 minute or less, more preferably 10 seconds or less, but preferably more than 1 second. Monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing device ( 50 ) is set up to compare the recorded product stock with a target product stock for determining a stock shortage, wherein the data processing device ( 50 ) preferably comprises means for forwarding, storing and / or displaying a message, in particular an alarm signal, in the event of a shortage and / or in the case of a short-lived shelf life of a product. Monitoring system according to claim 10, characterized in that the data processing device ( 50 ) is set up for the automatic replenishment of the stock on the basis of the determined shortage, preferably by sending or displaying an order message. Monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing device ( 50 ) Means for storing a bin pick-up or delivery message and / or a product pick-up or delivery message if a detected product inventory differs from a previously-collected inventory of products, the product pick-up or delivery message indicating the product removed or delivered to the bin preferably indicates a withdrawal or delivery time. Monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data processing device ( 50 ) for maintaining an electronic ledger ( 70 ), in which any change in the container ( 30 ) indicating the time of change and the product ( 11 . 12 . 13 ) and / or each bin pickup message is listed. Monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by two or more containers ( 30 . 32 . 34 ), each having a reading unit ( 40 . 42 . 44 ), the reading units preferably being connected wirelessly to a preferably common data processing device ( 50 ) are coupled. Monitoring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by one or more with the data processing device ( 50 ) preferably wirelessly connected display and / or interrogation devices ( 100 . 101 . 102 ) such as cell phones, smartphones, tablets, notebooks or the like for displaying and / or querying a product inventory, a shortage and / or an electronic inventory of one or more containers ( 30 . 32 . 34 ) and / or a shelf life information for one or more products contained in one or more containers ( 11 . 12 . 13 ).

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