EP1512104A2

EP1512104A2 - System, system components thereof and method for carrying out an object related electronic data transfer

Info

Publication number: EP1512104A2
Application number: EP03730129A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Richter
Original assignee: Ident Technology AG
Current assignee: Microchip Technology Germany GmbH
Priority date: 2002-05-27
Filing date: 2003-05-27
Publication date: 2005-03-09
Also published as: WO2003100705A2; AU2003240724A1; WO2003100705A3; AU2003240724A8; DE10223545A1

Abstract

The invention relates to carrying out of an object-related data transfer electronically, especially in connection with the transfer of objects via a control point from a first area into a second area and the transfer and the use of objects, especially electronic devices, e.g. in the context of surrender of use. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions which can be used to carry out or ensure commitments with regard to the transfer/surrender of goods, services, proof, co-ordination processes or control process related thereto in an improved manner. According to the invention, a data transfer device associated into an object, especially connected and integrated with said object, produces a signal, which in a surrounding area of the products can be introduced into a second data transfer device, whereby the basis of a signal processing observation of a reception event detected by the second data transfer device, is generated for a data set which is indicative of said object, and a service related to the object can be co-ordinated by said data set.

Description

SYSTEM, SYSTEM COMPONENTS THEREOF AND METHOD FOR

IMPLEMENTATION OF AN OBJECT-RELATED

ELECTRONIC DATA TRANSFER

DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the implementation of an object-related data transfer by electronic means, in particular in connection with the transfer of objects via a control point from a first area to a second area, and also to the transfer and use of objects, in particular electrical devices, e.g. as part of the transfer of use. In particular, the present invention relates to a system, components of this system and a method by which in the context of the transfer, transfer or use of objects e.g. A signal sequence is generated as the basis for the provision of an additional service, an auxiliary function or operation control.

Background of the Invention

For example, when purchasing equipment in a retail store, it is common to pay for it at a checkout before leaving the store. The payment process can be processed via a barcode reading device by reading a goods number provided on the goods or the packaging of the goods and interpreting them via the cash register system. The cash register system generates an invoice receipt and, as a rule, enables cashless payment for the goods, in particular via a check card system. An invoice document created in this way can be used as proof of purchase for the goods. The proof of purchase is required in particular in order to provide a guarantee, eg repair or in the event of a goods defect To justify compensation claim. The problem for the owner of the goods is that he may not be able to justify a guarantee claim if the invoice is lost. The problem for the device manufacturer is that manipulation or misassignment of the invoice voucher can result in a warranty claim without legal claim. In particular for manufacturers who offer their products as commission goods, losses are also incurred in the event of poor theft precautions in the sales area.

The invention also addresses the problem that certain goods, for example alcoholic beverages, smokers' articles and medicines, may only be purchased by specially authorized buyers. The problem with such goods is that they can get into the hands of unauthorized persons due to unauthorized delivery or unauthorized transfer and may it cannot be proven how this was done and by which buyer these goods were purchased for the first time.

Task of the invention

In view of the foregoing, the object of the invention is to provide solutions by means of which obligations, services, evidence, coordination or control processes associated with the handover / transfer of goods can be improved or secured, for example.

Solution according to the invention

The present invention is the approach underlying ■ via an assigned an object ^', in particular with this object associated product-integrated data transfer means to generate a signal in an area surrounding the goods can be coupled into a second data transfer device, a data record indicative of this object being generated on the basis of a signal processing consideration of a reception event recorded by the second data transfer device, and a power related to the object being coordinated by this data record.

This advantageously makes it possible to process extensive product- or object-specific data in a case-optimized manner in connection with a goods transfer, for example via a cash desk. On the basis of extensive object-specific data that can be transferred in this case, the generation or the further information content of output events can be determined in an advantageous manner by data processing procedures that are defined in an optimized manner for the application.

In the present context, the term service includes, in particular, the fulfillment of obligations, the provision of information, the provision of evidence, the control of coordination processes, the procurement of property as well as the procurement or establishment of functionality.

Brief description of the invention

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a system for performing a whether ^{'jektbezogenen} data transfer comprising: at least an object integrated Datentransfereinrich- processing that an ^object,' is assigned in particular to a product, for transmitting and / or receiving a signal sequence, a second data transfer device, which is arranged in a communication area, also for sending and / or receiving a signal sequence, to and / or from the object-integrated data transfer device, and at least one assessment device, which is coupled to one of the data transfer devices, for generating an output data record determined by features of the signal sequence exchanged between the data transfer devices, on the basis of a signal-processing consideration of the signal sequence, wherein on the basis of the output data record an object related to the object-integrated data transfer device Process is coordinated.

The system according to the invention comprises at least one product-integrated data transfer device, which is assigned to an object, in particular a commodity, for transmitting an object- or transfer device-specific signal, a second data transfer device for detecting a reception event, which contains the object- or transfer device-specific signal, and an assessment device , which is coupled to the second data transfer device, for generating an output data record determined by features of the object- or transfer device-specific signal on the basis of a signal-processing consideration of the reception event.

To achieve the above object, the present invention further provides a data transfer device for the system according to the invention, the data transfer device being integrated in an electrical device and being coupled to a circuit area of the electrical device in such a way that, in accordance with signals that are fed to the data transfer device, the Electrical device can be functionally locked or released.

A corresponding electrical device with a data transfer device specified above also represents a solution to the problem specified at the outset. According to the invention, a cash register system is also created, with a data transfer device for carrying out an object-related data transfer with an object-integrated data transfer device that is assigned to an object, in particular a commodity, for sending and / or receiving a signal sequence, and a second data transfer device that is arranged in the area of the cash register system is, also for sending and / or receiving a signal sequence, to and / or from the object-integrated data transfer device, and at least one assessment device, which is coupled to one of the data transfer devices, for generating an output data set determined by features of the signal sequence exchanged between the data transfer devices on the basis of a signal-processing consideration of the signal sequence, an object relating to the object assigned to the object-integrated data transfer device being based on the output data set r process, is coordinated.

Further details of the individual complexes of the invention are the subject of the respective subclaims.

The invention can be used in conjunction with the systems described below, for example to create a guarantee certificate.

For this purpose, an originally packaged device equipped with a data transfer device according to the invention is brought to a cash register. A goods number can be read from the packaging by a cash register system via a barcode reading device. The checkout system recognizes from the goods number that the goods at hand are a device with a product-integrated data transfer device. The POS system activates a second one, which is assigned to the POS system. Nete data transfer device - also a communication device that communicates with the product-integrated data transfer device in a preferably field-electrical manner. After payment of the purchase price, the second data transfer device sends a data sequence to the object-integrated data transfer device, for example, whereby a defined data output is initiated by the object-integrated data transfer device. On the basis of the data issued by the data transfer device integrated in the object, it is possible to issue a detailed guarantee certificate via the cash register system. A comprehensive device-specific identifier can be recorded in the guarantee certificate. The purchase date and the purchase price and further data can be stored in the object-integrated data transfer device, so that the goods themselves can also be used to check a guarantee claim.

The product-integrated data transfer device is preferably integrated in an electronic device or functionally coupled to them or so attached ^'in the unit such that this can only be removed by complicated assembly from the device or compensated bridged.

In particular in combination with the measures described above, it is possible to initiate a previously prevented - or limited - activation of the device by means of the signal sequence supplied to the object-integrated data transfer device by means of the second data transfer device. In this way it can be achieved that only devices that are properly placed on the market, in particular those that are paid for, can achieve full functionality. In this way, theft of goods can be prevented in an advantageous manner.

It is advantageously possible to design or configure the data transfer device in such a way that this can be achieved by regulating the use of equipment. It is thus possible, for example in the case of loan tools, to configure the product-integrated data transfer device, for example as a function of the loan fee paid, in such a way that the loan device is only ready for operation for a predetermined period of time or in certain time windows. This can, for example, prevent loaned devices from being used contrary to agreements made with the lender, in continuous use or on weekends. For this purpose, the product-integrated data transfer device preferably comprises a program-safe computer device with time / date determination.

It is also possible to design or selectively configure the data transfer device in such a way that it can be used to determine usage. The usage can be determined by reading usage-indicative data from the device after the device has been returned via the product-integrated data transfer device. Such usage-indicative data can be generated, for example, by recording the electrical power obtained and the device operating time.

It is possible to ensure via the product-integrated data transfer device that the respective device can only be operated by authorized users. It is thus possible, for example, to arrange a mobile variant of the second data transfer device in the area close to the body of a user, via which a data sequence is generated which prompts the product-integrated data transfer device to activate the device. This makes it possible to lend a range of devices to a user, whereby only one device - or a certain combination of devices - can be used by the user. In this way, theft or multiple use of the Devices are prevented since these devices are only ready for use in connection with the second data transfer device.

It is possible to make the generation of the signal causing the activation dependent on further query results by the second data transfer device. So it is possible that the second data transfer device first of all equips the user, e.g. is checked with regard to the wearing of certain safety devices. The second data transfer device can enter into dialogue with data transfer devices which, like the product-integrated data transfer device assigned to the device to be operated, correspond to the respective safety devices, e.g. Hard hat, safety glasses, are assigned.

Brief description of the figures

Further details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. These show:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation ■ to explain the operational linkage of individual functional components of a system according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation to explain the data transfer to / from an electrical device designed according to the invention.

Description of preferred embodiments

1 shows a checkout system 1 arranged between a shop area and an outside area. The _b For example, goods 2 selected by a customer can be brought to the cash register system 1 in the originally packaged state.

The cash register system 1 comprises a barcode reading device 3, via which a goods identifier provided on the goods 2 is read in and fed to a data processing system 4. Via the data processing system 4 ^'generates a billing record and the price of goods either displayed on a cash register display. 5

The payment for the goods 2 can be made cashless via a check card system 6. During the payment process, it can be determined either via the goods identifier or via an electronic query sequence whether the goods 2 to be billed are goods with an object-integrated data transfer device 7.

If the goods are with an object-integrated data transfer device 7, a second data transfer device 8 arranged in the area of the cash register system is activated. As soon as the product-integrated data transfer device 7 recognizes the query sequence generated by the second data transfer device 8 as a permissible query sequence, it sends a goods identification data record to the second data transfer device 8. The second data transfer device 8 is connected to the data processing system 4 ^″ . The data processing system 1 is configured, for example, that this taking into account the Wareni- created ^{dentifizierungsdatensatzes'} a device warranty certificate. Furthermore, generates the data processing system 4, for example a sales message and sends it via a network line 9 to the device manufacturer. the manufacturer transmits a goods release code to the data processing system 4. the data enable code or an activation sequence derived therefrom can then be sent to the product-integrated data transfer device 7 via the second data transfer device 8. Insofar as this activation sequence is an activation sequence applicable to this item 2, the object-integrated data transfer device 7 releases an internal functional lock and the paid item is switched to a fully functional state.

With an appropriate system configuration, the activation sequence can also be generated independently of a manufacturer feedback, provided that the goods-specific activation information is known to the data processing system 4.

The product-integrated data transfer device 7 can also be configured for other purposes. It is possible to configure the product-integrated data transfer device 7 in such a way that it is only configured to remove a functional lock after receipt of an unlocking sequence.

It is also possible to configure the product-integrated data transfer device 7 in such a way that it is configured only for sending goods-specific information.

It is also possible to configure the product-integrated data transfer device 7 in such a way that it stores certain information, for example warranty-relevant information. Such information can be transmitted from the data processing system 4 to the product-integrated data transfer device 7 via the second data transfer device 8. This makes it possible to store warranty-relevant information in the goods individually. It is possible to design the product-integrated data transfer device 7 in such a way that its configuration can be selectively tuned. It is thus possible to re-program or supplementarily program the product-integrated data transfer device 7, which was originally prepared for sales processing, so that, for example in the case of a tool rental, this enables a useful life limitation.

It is also possible to implement additional, in particular protective, functions via the product-integrated data transfer device 7. It is thus possible to enable the operation of an appropriately equipped device only if defined signal sequences are supplied to the product-integrated data transfer device 7 when the device is used. These signal sequences can be generated, for example, by a data transfer device carried by the user. The

Generation of the operating release sequence by the data transfer device carried by the user can be performed by others

• Conditions, for example depending on the equipment status of the user. The equipment status of the user - e.g. with regard to wearing protective equipment - can preferably be checked by a signal line to the user-side data transfer device if the required equipment objects are also provided with object-integrated data transfer devices.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the product-integrated data transfer device advantageously comprises an electrode surface for transmitting and / or receiving a signal sequence based on electrostatic, in particular field-electric effects.

The power tool 10 shown in FIG. 2 comprises an object-integrated data transfer device 7 for carrying out a data transfer. The object-integrated data transfer device 7 is configured such that it can both interpret a data sequence S _τ and generate a data sequence S ₀ .

The signal reception and the signal transmission takes place via a

Transceiver with an electrode surface for

Processing of data transfer based on electrostatic

(Field electric) interaction effects. In the application example shown, the object-integrated data transfer device 7 is coupled to control electronics such that different devices can be used to bring about internal circuit states via the object-integrated data transfer device 7, by means of which the device can be selectively activated or blocked. Via the output signal sequence S _o , it is possible to forward extensive product-specific data to an external receiving device (second data transfer device). It is possible to configure the object-integrated data transfer device 7 such that the information content of the output data sequence S _{0 can be} determined by features, in particular query commands Si. Via the data transfer device 7 integrated into the power tool 10, it is possible to carry out the data diagram described above in connection with FIG. 1 when the tool is sold in the area of a cash register system. It is also possible to control the use of the electrical device when it is used later. Thus it is possible, DIE ^'Data Transfer device 7 or in such a way to-configure a device connected to the data transfer device 7 object integrated control means that operation of the power tool can only be 10 when a Authoritatively input signal S _I2 is transmitted via a user-preset data transfer device 8a.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. System for carrying out an object-related data transfer with: at least one object-integrated data transfer device which is assigned to an object, in particular a product, for sending and / or receiving a signal sequence, a second data transfer device which is arranged in a communication area, also for sending and / or for receiving a signal sequence, to and / or from the object-integrated data transfer device, and at least one assessment device, which is coupled to one of the data transfer devices, for generating an output data record determined by features of the signal sequence exchanged between the data transfer devices on the basis of a signal processing consideration of the Signal sequence, wherein, on the basis of the output data record, a sequence is coordinated with the object associated with the object-integrated data transfer device.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the product-integrated data transfer device is integrated in an electrical device.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the product-integrated data transfer device comprises a signal transmission device and a signal reception device.

4. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second data transfer device comprises a signal transmission device and a signal reception device.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the product-integrated data transfer device outputs a data message that object-specific information, in particular an identification code.

6. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second data transfer device with a cash register system in

Data network stands.

7. The system according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second data transfer device sends a data sequence to the product-integrated data transfer device when predetermined criteria are met, and that the evaluation device connected to the product-integrated data transfer device checks the information content of the data sequence, and that if object or A function release or function lock is initiated on the part of the test criteria specified by the goods.

8. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the signal communication between the two data transfer devices takes place on the basis of capacitive, field-electrical interaction effects.

9. Data transfer device for a system according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the data transfer device is integrated in an electrical device, and is coupled to a circuit area of the electrical device such that the electrical device in accordance with signals that are supplied to the data transfer device lockable or unlockable.

10. Electrical device with a data transfer device according to claim 9.

11. POS system with a data transfer device for carrying out an object-related data transfer with a Object-integrated data transfer device that is assigned to an object, in particular a product, for sending and / or receiving a signal sequence, a second data transfer device that is arranged in the area of the cash register system, also for sending and / or receiving a signal sequence, to and / or from the object-integrated data transfer device, and at least one assessment device, which with. one of the data transfer devices is coupled, for generating an output data record determined by features of the signal sequence exchanged between the data transfer devices on the basis of a signal processing consideration of the signal sequence, wherein on the basis of the output data record, a sequence related to the object assigned to the object-integrated data transfer device is coordinated.

12. The cash register system according to claim 11, wherein a guarantee certificate is created as part of the process coordination, on the basis of data that were output by the object-integrated data transfer device.

13. The cash register system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a data sequence is supplied to the object-integrated data transfer device via the second data transfer device, and the product-integrated data transfer device feeds the supplied data to a check, whereby depending on a check result, the device assigned to the object-integrated data transfer device is activated or blocked.

14. Method for carrying out an object-related data transfer electronically, in particular in connection with moving objects via a control point from an object-integrated area to a second area and also the transfer and use of objects, in particular electrical devices, in the context of the transfer of use, in which, in the course of an object identification step, a data sequence is output via a product-integrated data transfer device assigned to an object and is recorded by a second data transfer device, based on a signal processing consideration of a reception event detected by the second data transfer device, a service related to the object is coordinated.