GB2433630A

GB2433630A - Data hosting device with interfaced RFID tag

Info

Publication number: GB2433630A
Application number: GB0526217A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Catherwood
Original assignee: Royal Mail Group Ltd
Current assignee: Royal Mail Group Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-22
Filing date: 2005-12-22
Publication date: 2007-06-27
Also published as: WO2007071979A1; GB0526217D0

Abstract

A data-hosting device (101) with human readable information (103) thereon, the device (101) comprising a data storage means (105) adapted to store data associated with the human readable information (103) and a data interface adapted to communicate the stored data to an RFID tag (201). The device (101) may be a card for insertion into a packet (301) attached to a trolley or container. The human readable information (103) may relate to the contents or handling of the trolley or container. By associating the data with the human readable information (103) and the RFID tag (201), consistency between the human readable information (103) and the data read from the RFID tag (201) is assured. The orientation of the device (101) may be determined from physically coded communication means to ensure the data which is communicated to the RFID tag (201) is consistent with the human readable information (103) which is visible.

Description

ADAPTABLE RFID SYSTEM

The present invention relates to an adaptable RFID system. In particular, the present invention relates to a re-usable asset management system including a data-hosting device for communicating human readable information to an RFID tag, an RFID tag system, a method of transferring data from a data-hosting device to an RFID tag, and a method of manufacturing and programming a data-hosting device.

Radio frequency identification device (RFID) tags are used for signalling and sensing applications such as, but not limited to, logistical routing applications. Information relating to an asset may be stored on the RFID tag and then placed on the asset. The RFID tag can be programmed to hold any information related to the asset. In this manner, it is possible to keep track of assets in a logistical environment. The information within the RFID tag enables the infrastructure to efficiently manage use of the asset.

Further, information may be printed upon the RFID tag that relates to the information stored within the RFID tag. For example, US patent US 6,520,544 discloses labelled RFJD tags that are programmed with information related to the asset. The RFID tag is attached to a reuseable container. Once the re-useable container has been used, the RFID tag is reprogrammed with new information related to its current use using a work station. in this US patent application an RFID reader is required to communicate wirelessly with the tag in order to re-program the information that it contains. However, there is no method of changing the human readable information labelled on the RFID tag when the RFID tag is re-programmed.

In postal logistics, postal items may be transported by placing the postal items within containers, for example, trays, trolleys etc. These containers have human readable information printed on a clearly visible label indicating the destination to which the container is headed. Human operators can read the information on the labels to determine where the containers are to be placed to ensure they are routed correctly. Once the containers reach their destination, the postal items are removed and the container is relabelled so that it may be re-used for a different route. Alternatively, the tray is relabelled and returned to its source.

However, it is common for labels on the containers to remain attached after the container has reached its intended destination. This can then lead to errors in the redistribution of the asset at a later time, as human operators may determine the assets intended destination incorrectly.

Further relevant information can also be made available in human readable format on the assets such as the status of the container (for example, empty, full) and other relevant information associated with the asset or its contents. However, this can also cause problems if the associated labels are not removed when the status of the asset changes.

Another known system for logistical routing of mail items is that of using RFID tags attached to the asset, which are then reprogrammed each time the asset's route or status changes. As in the US patent described above, it is necessary to reprogram these RFID tags using a workstation each time the asset is used for a different purpose.

Further, old RFID tags can remain erroneously attached to the asset.

Also, the human readable information on a label associated with the asset may not match up with the RFID tag attached to the asset. In this manner, tracking of the assets becomes extremely difficult and costly as errors occur in the routing and tracking of the different assets and their status.

It is therefore desirable to provide a system wherein mistakes are reduced in the routing of assets and the cost of managing the routing of assets is reduced.

The present invention aims to overcome or at least alleviate some or all of the above-mentioned problems.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a data-hosting device with human readable information thereon, the device comprising a data storage means adapted to store data associated with the human readable information, and a data interface adapted to communicate the stored data to an RFID tag.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of communicating data from a data-hosting device according to any of claims 1 to 40 to an RFID tag comprising the steps of: interfacing the datahosting device with the RFID tag, extracting data from the data-hosting device, and communicating the extracted data to the RFID tag.

In yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a re-usable asset management system comprising a re-usable asset, an interchangeable data-hosting device, and an RFID tag, the asset comprising a holder for removably holding the interchangeable data-hosting device, wherein the interchangeable data-hosting device includes human readable information thereon and comprises a data interface adapted to provide data associated with the human readable information, the data interface further adapted to communicate the data associated with the human readable information to the RFID tag.

In yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a data-hosting device comprising the steps of: providing human readable information on the data-hosting device; associating the data-hosting device with a specifically adapted holder, the holder being interfaced with a computer controlled programming system; providing data to the computer controlled programming system, wherein the data is associated with the human readable information; transferring the data from the computer controlled programming system to the data-hosting device via the specifically adapted holder.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la shows a front view of a data-hosting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure lb shows a cross sectional view of the data-hosting device shown in Figure Ia; Figure 2a shows a front view of an RFID tag according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2b shows a side view of the RFID tag in Figure 2a; Figure 3a shows a front view of a pocket and RFID tag (with the top layer of the pocket removed) according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3b shows a cross sectional view of a data-hosting device, a pocket and RFID tag as shown in Figure 3a; Figure 3c shows a perspective view of a data-hosting device, a pocket and RFID tag according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3d shows an asset (container) with a pocket, RFID tag and data-hosting device attached; Figure 4 shows an adaptable RFID system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a first alternative to the data-hosting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6a shows a data-hosting device according to a second alternative to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6b shows a cross sectional view of a pocket and RFID tag according to the second alternative to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6c shows a data-hosting device with a pocket and RFID tag according to the second alternative to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7a shows a data-hosting device according to a third alternative to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7b shows a cross sectional view of a pocket and RFID tag with orientation sensors according to the third alternative of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7c shows an isometric view of a sensor assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8a shows a front view of an eight way storage device for use on a data-hosting device; Figure 8b shows the reverse side of the storage device of Figure 8a; Figure 8c shows a side view of a RFJD device and data-hosting device for use with the storage device shown in Figures 8a and 8b; Figure 8d shows a front view of the eight way storage device of Figure 8a with the connectors of an RFID device; Figure 8e shows a reverse side view of the storage device of Figure 8a with a connector of an RFID device; Figure 9a shows a data-hosting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9b shows a cross sectional view of a pocket and RFJD device with orientation detectors for use with a data-hosting device as shown in Figure 9a; Figure 9c shows the data-hosting device of Figure 9a placed in the pocket of Figure 9b; Figure 1 Oa shows a first alternative to the data-hosting device according to the second embodiment; Figure 1 Ob shows a cross sectional view of a pocket and RFID tag for use with the data-hosting device as shown in Figure 1 Oa; Figure 11 shows a second alternative to the data-hosting device according to the second embodiment; Figure 12a shows a front view of a data-hosting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12b shows a cross sectional view of the data-hosting device as shown in Figure 12a; Figure 13 shows a first alternative to the data-hosting device according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14a shows a data-hosting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14b shows the data-hosting device of Figure l4a inserted into a pocket with an RFID tag.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

A first embodiment of the present invention will now described in detail. Alternative arrangements of data-hosting devices and interfaces to this first embodiment will then be described.

In this first embodiment, a data-hosting device is provided that includes a data storage device. Data stored in the data storage device can be extracted by electricallelectronic contacts connected between the data storage device and an RFID tag.

Figure la shows a front view of a data-hosting device 101. The data-hosting device is made out of any suitable flexible material which enables the device to be machine handled in an automated asset management system.

That is, the material is a suitably flexible material such as any suitable plastic or laminated card.

In this embodiment, the data-hosting device 101 is made from a square piece of laminated card. Located along the periphery of one edge of the data-hosting device 101 is a piece of human readable information 103. In this example, the human readable information is "SWINDON-FULL". This information is used to convey to a human operator that the asset to which the data-hosting device is attached is intended to go to the town of Swindon, and is currently full of postal items.

Located on the front face, in the top half, of the data-hosting device 101 is a data storage device 105. The data storage device 105 includes a data interface for allowing the data stored therein to be extracted. In this embodiment, the data interface is formed as a thin horizontal strip along the top portion of the front face of the data-hosting device 101. The interface may be made of any suitable material that allows a connection to be made to the data storage device 105.

Figure lb shows a cross sectional view of the data-hosting device described above. The data-hosting device 101 includes a storage device 107 with a data interface output 109 and a common interface connection 111 (for example ground). The combination of the storage device 107, interface output 109 and common interface 111 provides the data storage device 105.

Within the storage device 107 is stored data associated with the human readable information 103. That is, a data string "SW1NDON-FULL" is stored within the storage device 107. In this manner, a connection made across the interface output 109 and common interface 111 allows the information "SWINDON-FULL" to be extracted from the storage device 107.

Figure 2a shows an RFID tag that enables data to be extracted from the data storage device 105. The RFID tag 201 includes connectors 203a and b, and contacts 205a and b. The contacts are adapted so that they can extract information from the data storage device 105 via the data interface output 109 and common interface connection 111.

Figure 2b shows a side view of the RFID tag. The RFJD tag 201 includes a front connector 203a which connects the RFID tag 201 to a front contact 205a. Further, a back connector 203b connects a back contact 205b to the RFID tag 201.

Figure 3a shows the RFID tag as shown in Figures 2a and b attached to a pocket 301. The pocket receives a data-hosting device 101 as described above. Figure 3a shows the internal components of the pocket including the RFID tag and its associated contacts and connectors. The top layer of the pocket is not shown in the figure for clarity reasons. The pocket 301 includes a cut out portion 303 arranged in a position to allow contact to be made to the data storage device 105. An opening 305 is located along one edge of the pocket 301 to allow a data-hosting device 101 to be received.

Figure 3b shows a cross sectional view of the pocket and RFID tag in detail. It can be seen that the RFID tag 201 connects to the front and back contacts 205a and b via the front and back connectors 203a and b. Indication A shows the direction a data-hosting device (not shown) is inserted into the opening 305 of the pocket 301. The front and back connectors 205a and b are biased towards each other such that when a data-hosting device 101 is placed within the opening 305, the contacts 205a and b make contact with the interface output 109 and common interface 111. In this manner, information within the storage device 107 is extracted by and accessible to the RFID tag 201.

Figure 3c shows the data-hosting device 101 inserted into a pocket 301. It can be seen that the human readable information 103 on the data-hosting device 101 is visible to a human operator when the data-hosting device 101 is inserted in one orientation (as shown) into the pocket 301. In this orientation, data matching the human readable information 103 is extracted from the data storage device 105 by the RFID tag 201 via the contacts 205a and b.

However, if the data-hosting device 101 is inserted into the pocket 301 wherein the human readable information is not visible due to the orientation of the data-hosting device 101 relative to the opening of the pocket 301, the RFID tag contacts 205a and b are not able to extract the information from the data storage device 105, because the data storage device 105 is located in a position where the contacts 205a and b do not make contact with the interface output 109 and common interface 111 of the data storage device 105.

With the positional relationship between the human readable information 103 on the data-hosting device 101 and the opening 305 in the pocket 301, as well as the positioned relationship between the data storage device 105 and the contacts 205a and b of the RF1D tag 201, the visible human readable information 103 always matches up with the information extracted from the data storage device 105.

Figure 3d shows a pocket and RFID tag system attached to a re-usable asset, which in this example is a container 309. The pocket has a data-hosting device 101 located therein. The container 309 is used to move postal items from a source to a destination. The human readable information 103 on the data-hosting device 101 indicates to a human operator the destination and status of the container 309.

Figure 4 shows the container 309 filled with postal items 401. A RFID reader 403 mounted on a wall 405 within a logistics room, such as a postal sorting room, extracts infonnation from the RFID tag 201 and passes this information along a data connector 407 to a computing device incorporating a database 409. The database 409 stores the relevant information associated with the container 309 so that the container 309 may be tracked accordingly. Further, information on the status of the container 309 can also be stored and used for monitoring purposes.

By using differently programmed data-hosting devices with different human readable information placed thereon, it is possible to track assets more accurately with reduced cost. That is, it is not necessary to re-program tags using a work station each time an asset is used in a different manner. This increases the effectiveness of the overall system. Further, human operators will only see human readable information that is stored within the RFID tag, which matches up with the RFID database 409. This ensures that minimum errors are created when redirecting assets.

Figure 5 shows a first alternative to the first embodiment described above. An alternative data-hosting device 501 is shown. Although the data-hosting device provides a data storage device that enables data to be extracted therefrom using electrical/electronic contacts connected to a RFID tag, this data-hosting device 501 includes the same human readable information 505 located along the periphery of each edge on the front face of the data-hosting device in positions 505a-d. Further, the data storage device 503 is centrally positioned on the front face of the data-hosting device 501.

This data-hosting device can be used with a slightly modified pocket and RFID tag system as described in the first embodiment above with reference to Figures 3a and 3b.

The pocket described above is slightly modified such that the cut out portion 303 is located in a central position. Further, the contacts and connectors on the RFID tag must be positioned such that they are located at the central area of the cut out portion on the pocket.

As the human readable information 505a-d is visible when the data-hosting device is inserted into the pocket 301 regardless of the orientation of the data-hosting device, and the relevant information associated with the human readable information can be extracted from the centrally positioned data storage device regardless of the orientation of the data-hosting device, a less error prone method of providing the information on an asset is enabled.

That is, the number of errors that occur when a data-hosting device is inserted incorrectly in the pocket 301 is reduced. In this first alternative, the data-hosting device may be inserted into the pocket in four different ways. That is, the human readable information is only printed on a front face of the data-hosting device, while the reverse side is left blank.

However, a further alternative would be to print the human readable information on both faces of the data-hosting device. In order for this to work, the interface output, and interface connections on the data storage device must be reversible. That is, they must be able to extract the infonnation from the storage device regardless of the orientation of the data-hosting device.

Figures 6a-6c show a second alternative to the first embodiment described above. Again, information in the data storage device can be extracted by electrical/electronic contacts. These figures indicate a four way data-hosting device, wherein the visible human readable information is different for each of the four orientations of the data-hosting device when placed in a pocket.

Figure 6a shows a data-hosting device 601 with human readable information 603a-d. Human readable information 603a is "SWNDON-FULL". Human readable information 603b is "SWlINDON-EMPTY".

Human readable information 603c is "READING-FULL". Human readable information 603d is "READING-EMPTY". Each unique piece of human readable information is located along an edge of the front face of the data-hosting device 601. Centrally positioned on the data-hosting device 601 is a four way storage device 605. The four way storage device 605 includes four separate storage areas 605a-d with a separate interface means for each storage area. On the reverse side of the data-hosting device (not shown) is a single common contact.

The information stored within each of the storage areas 605a-d matches up with each of the four pieces of human readable information 603a-d.

This alternative data-hosting device 601 may be used in conjunction with the pocket as described above in relation to Figure 5. That is, the pocket includes a centrally positioned cut out portion.

Further, as shown in Figure 6b, an alternative arrangement for the contacts on the RFID tag system are required.

Figure 6b shows this alternative RFID tag and pocket system in cross sectional view. A RFID tag 613 is connected via a front and back connector 615 and 617 to a front and back contact 609 and 611. The back contact 611 is located such that it makes contact to the data storage device at a central position when the data-hosting device 601 is inserted into the pocket 607.

The front contact 609 is located such that it makes contact with the front lower data storage area 605c on the data-hosting device 601.

Figure 6c shows this four way data-hosting device 601 inserted into a pocket 607 and RFID tag system. It can be seen that the storage area 605c is in contact with the front contact 609 of the RFID tag 613. On the reverse side (not shown) the back contact 611 is in contact with the common interface of the data storage device 503. The human readable information 603a is visible to a human operator due to the cut out portion of the pocket 609. The visible human readable information matches up with the information stored within the storage area 605c of the data storage device. The RFID tag 613 using the front contact 609 extracts data matching up with this information. The relative position of the data-hosting device 601 with the pocket 607, and the relative position of the front contact 609 of the RFID device 613 with the storage areas allows the different unique pieces of human readable information to be extracted from the four different storage areas of the data storage device such that they match the visible human readable information.

In this manner, the human readable information always matches up with the infonnation extracted from the data storage device, which is then subsequently passed to a database to enable tracking of the asset to which the pocket and RFID tag is attached.

Different data-hosting devices may be used for different purposes.

Thus allowing an easily adaptable and interchangeable system for tracking and monitoring assets.

Figures 7a and 7b show a third alternative to the first embodiment described above. Again, the information the data storage device can be extracted by electrical/electronic contacts.

However, in this example, the data-hosting device 701 includes a data storage device 705 that holds four unique pieces of human readable information. Each piece of human readable information 703a-d is printed along an associated edge of a front face of the data-hosting device 701. When the data-hosting device 701 is placed within a pocket (with an RFID tag), all four pieces of human readable information are extracted in one operation from the data storage device 705 by the RFID tag via its contacts.

In order for the system to determine which of the pieces of extracted information will also be visible to a human operator, orientation codes 707a-d are placed along the edges of the data-hosting device 701. It will be understood that any type of coding system may be used to provide an indication of the orientation of the data-hosting device. In this embodiment, slots are cut out and arranged along the four edges of the data-hosting device.

Each arrangement of slots provides a unique code associated with a particular orientation. For each orientation, only one piece of human readable information will be visible to a human operator when the data-hosting device is placed in the pocket.

Figure 7b shows a cross sectional view of the pocket and RFID tag system with orientation sensors for use with the data-hosting device 701 described above. It can be seen that a similar arrangement for the RFID tag 717, front and back connectors 723, 725 and front and back contact 719, 721 is used as described above in relation to Figure 301.

However, in this example, the system further includes an optical sensor 711 with an LED 713 and a detector 715 connected thereto. If an object is placed between the LED 713 and detector 715, the optical sensors 711 are able to detect the obstruction. Thus, if a number of LEDs 713a-h and detectors 71 5a-h are placed in line, it is possible to detect a series of cut out slots on the data-hosting device 701.

For example, referring to Figure 7c, the optical sensor 711 includes eight low power LEDs 713a-h, and eight detectors 715a-h.

Further, a small electro-mechanjcal switch (not shown) is fitted to the pocket such that the insertion of the data-hosting device triggers the operation of the optical sensor unit 711.

Thus, when a data-hosting device 701 is inserted into the pocket 709 orientation codes are determined by the optical sensor 711 and passed to the RFID tag via a connector between the RFID tag and optical sensor 711.

These codes allow the RFID tag to determine which of the four unique pieces of human readable information will be visible to a human operator. That is, if the code related to the orientation code 707c is detected by the orientation sensor 711, the RFID tag 717 is able to determine that the human readable information 703a "SWINDON-FULL" is visible to a human operator.

Whereas, if the optical sensor picks up the orientation code 707a, the RFID tag is able to determine that the human readable information visible to a human operator is that of human readable information 703c "READiNG-FULL". This is enabled by allocating each piece of human readable information stored in the data storage device with an identification number that matches up with one of the orientation codes.

In this manner, the information extracted from the data storage device is associated with the human readable information visible to human operators.

Figures 8a-8e show an alternative arrangement for a data storage device attached to a data-hosting device. This data storage device is an eight way device wherein the data-hosting device may be orientated within a pocket in eight different ways. Unique human readable information is printed along each of four edges of the data-hosting device on both the front and back face of the device. The eight different pieces of human readable information are also stored in eight different sections of a data storage device. Figure 8a shows a front view of such a data storage device. Four separate data storage areas are shown 80 1-804. Centrally positioned on the data storage device is a common contact 80c.

Figure 8b shows a reverse side of the data storage device. Four further separate storage areas 805-808 are indicated. Centrally positioned is the common contact 80c.

Figure 8c shows an RFID device and contact mechanism that allows all eight pieces of human readable infonnation to be uniquely extracted depending on the eight different orientations of the data-hosting device. In this figure, the pocket is not shown for clarity reasons. The data-hosting device 811 is inserted into the pocket such that the data storage device is in contact with the front and back contacts 813 and 815 of the RFID tag 809.

The back contact 815 makes contact with the common point 80c of the data storage device. The front contact 813 makes contact with the uppermost front storage area of the data storage device.

Figure 8d shows a front view of the front contact 813 of the RFID tag 809 making contact with the first storage area 801 of the data storage device. Figure 8e shows the reverse side of the data storage device wherein the

RFJD tag 809 has a back contact 815 making contact with the common point 80c of the data storage device.

In this manner, each of the eight unique pieces of human readable information are extractable for each of the eight orientations of the data-hosting device. This ensures that the visible human readable information shown along the eight different edges of the data-hosting device matches up with the information that is extracted by the RFID tag. That is, the four pieces of unique human readable information located along the four edges of the front face and the four pieces of unique human readable information located along the four edges of the reverse face of the data-hosting device.

In order for each of the devices above to work in conjunction with a complete adaptable RFID system, the data-hosting devices must be programmed such that the information visible to human operators matches up with the information that will be extracted by the RFID tag. The programming mechanism operates such that human readable information printed along specific edges of a face of the data-hosting device is automatically programmed into a specific storage area of the data storage device such that the orientation of the data-hosting device relative to the pocket provides information extracted by the RFID tag that matches with the visible human readable information.

Blank un-programmed data-hosting devices are initially provided.

These blank devices are printed and programmed in accordance with operational requirements. Depending on the flexibility of the data-hosting device, suitable printing processes such as an office laser printer or any compatible professional printing process can be used. In order to program the device, a specifically adapted pocket, or holder, is interfaced to a computer-controlled programming system.

An operator using the computer-controlled programming system can enter data to be associated with information related to an asset. This information can then be transferred from the programming system to the adapted pocket, such that it can transfer the information to the data-hosting device. Alternatively, information can be provided from a central database for programming the data-hosting device.

The interface in the adapted pocket connects to the data storage device in order to program the relevant information. In this embodiment, the information is transferred to the storage device by electronic/electrical means.

A barcode is applied to the data-hosting device during printing in order to ease the task of later associating the printed information with the correct data to be programmed into the memory of the data storage device.

Alternatively, where data-hosting devices cannot be printed directly, it is envisaged that the human-readable information is printed separately and then adhered to the data-hosting device by being, e.g.: enveloped together in a transparent plastic sleeve (with pre-cut windows) or alternatively stuck to the surface using heat, glue or a self-adhesive layer, for example.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

Figure 9a shows a data-hosting device 901 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment data from the data storage device is extract by an RFID tag over a wireless medium.

Figure 9a shows a data-hosting device 901 with a wireless data storage device 903 located thereon. Each of four unique pieces of human readable information 905a-d is placed along an edge of the data-hosting device. Also located along each edge of the data-hosting device is a unique orientation code 907a-d. The orientation codes 907a-d correspond with an associated unique piece of human readable information 905a-d. In this embodiment, the orientation codes are provided in the form of cut out slots as described above.

The device shown in Figure 9a is a four way device. That is, human readable information is only visible on a front face of the data-hosting device 901. The reverse face of the data-hosting device does not hold any visible human readable information. However, it will be understood that human readable information may also be placed on the reverse face of the data- hosting device. Further, as the orientation codes on the edges of the data-hosting device are not symmetrical, a separate series of unique orientation codes are provided for when the data-hosting device is oriented such that the reverse face is shown when located in the pocket. In this manner, eight different pieces of human readable information may be provided.

Figure 9b shows a cross sectional view of a pocket and RFID device with orientation detectors located therein. A wireless RFJD device 909 is connected to an optical sensor 911. The optical sensor 911 is used as an orientation detector to determine the orientation of the data-hosting device 901. The optical sensor 911 includes LEDs 913 and detectors 915. A series of LEDs and detectors are placed side by side in the pocket 917. That is, the optical sensors are the same as those shown and described in relation to Figure 7c above.

The wireless RFID tag works using the infrared data association (IrDA) physical specification. This allows exchanges of data over a wireless interface using infrared light. Further, the wireless data storage device 903 described above also includes an interface for using IrDA. Therefore, the wireless data storage device 903 is able to communicate with the wireless RFID tag 909. Information may be exchanged between the wireless data storage device and the wireless RFID. It will be understood that other types of wireless interface could be used.

Figure 9c shows the data-hosting device of Figure 9a placed into the pocket 917 of Figure 9b. Further, the optical sensors of the orientation detector are indicated (the front cover of the pocket 917 is not shown for clarity reasons). The wireless data storage device 903 communicates with the wireless RFID tag 909 and forwards all information therein. This information includes the four unique pieces of human readable information. Each piece of information is stored and transmitted using an identification code.

In order for the infrastructure to determine which of the pieces of human readable information is the relevant piece that the human operator will be able to see when the data-hosting device is placed in the pocket, the optical sensors produce an orientation code based on the cut out slots on the edges of the data-hosting device. Each orientation code is uniquely associated with an identification code of a piece of human readable information. So, for example, code 907c can be associated with the human readable information 905a "SWiNDON-FULL", and code 907d can be associated with the human readable information 905b "SWiNDON-EMPTY".

In this manner, when an RFID reader reads the RFID tag, all the unique pieces of human readable information are extracted from the RFID tag along with their unique identification codes. The infrastructure is then able to determine which of the pieces of human readable information is relevant by looking up the code in a look up table to find the identification code.

Therefore, the system is able to cross-reference the identification codes of the human readable information with the orientation code.

Figure 1 Oa shows a first alternative to data-hosting device according to the second embodiment described above. The RFID tag, using a wireless medium, extracts information from the data storage device.

Figure lOa shows a data-hosting device 1001 with a single piece of human readable information thereon. The same piece of human readable information 1005 is located along all four edges on the front face of the data-hosting device 1001 and also along all four edges on the reverse face of the data-hosting device 1001 (not shown).

As the same human readable information is visible regardless of the orientation of the data-hosting device, it is not necessary for the pocket to include an orientation detector therein.

Figure 1 Ob shows a cross sectional view of a pocket 1007 and RFID tag 1009 for use with the data-hosting device of Figure 1 Oa. The wireless RFID tag 1009 works in the same way as that described above in relation to Figures 9a-9c.

Figure 11 shows a second alternative to the data-hosting device according to the second embodiment described above. Again, information is extracted from the data storage device by the RFID tag, using a wireless medium.

In this example, only one piece of human readable information is visible. This single piece of human readable information is only located along one edge on one face of the data-hosting device 1101.

An orientation code 1107 is placed along one edge of the data-hosting device 1101.

This type of data-hosting device may be used in conjunction with the pocket and RFID tag of that shown in Figure 9b and 9c. The optical sensor 911 will produce a code, which will enable the infrastructure to determine whether the data-hosting device 1101 is orientated correctly within the pocket.

That is, for example, if a code "10000000" is provided then the system knows that the information read from the wireless data storage device 1103 may be used. However, if the orientation detectors read the code "00000000" then an incorrect orientation will be deduced by the infrastructure. This information may be stored in the RFID tag for use later by the system to determine whether any improvements in the management of the asset may be carried out. Also, if the optical sensor reads a code "11111111" it would be understood that no data-hosting device is present within the pocket.

It will be understood that as there are only eight possible orientations of the data-hosting device in this embodiment that a 3-bit code could suffice.

However, the use of further sensors (and so more bits) provides an additional advantage of being able to confirm the presence, or correct insertion, of the data-hosting device.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

In this third embodiment data is extracted from the data-hosting device by use of a physically coded communication device.

Figure 12a shows a data-hosting device 1201. Located along the four edges of the data-hosting device on the front face are four unique pieces of human readable information 1203a-d. Further, four more unique pieces of human readable information are located along the four edges on the reverse face of the data-hosting device (not shown).

Also located on the edges of the data-hosting device are four unique codes for the front face 1205a-d and four further codes for the reverse face.

In this embodiment, the codes are provided by a series of cut out slots. These slots form the physically coded communication device and provide a data interface to transfer the associated data.

Figure 12b shows a cross sectional view of a pocket RFID tag and code reading device for use with the data-hosting device as described above in relation to Figure l2a. A pocket 1207 includes a RF1D tag 1209, which is connected to a code reading device 1211. The code reading device 1211 has a series of LEDs 1213 and detectors 1215 connected thereto. In this embodiment, the same optical sensor set up is used as that described above in relation to Figure 7c.

When the data-hosting device is placed within the pocket 1207, the code reading device 1211 retrieves a code based upon the cut out slots on the data-hosting device. The RFID tag 1209 retrieves the codes from the code reading device. The unique code is associated with the human readable information visible to a human operator when the data-hosting device is inserted into a pocket assembly. The unique code enables the infrastructure to determine the visible human readable information associated with the asset.

That is, a look up table is provided in a database wherein all the unique codes are placed and associated with their relevant pieces of human readable information.

Figure 13 shows a first alternative to the third embodiment described above. Again, data is extracted from the data-hosting device by use of a physically coded storage mechanism.

Figure 13 shows a data-hosting device 1301 with a single piece of human readable information 1303 located along one edge of the data-hosting device 1301. Further, a single coded slot 1305 is placed on one edge of the data-hosting device. The same code reading device as shown in Figure 12b may be implemented for use with this data-hosting device, if the code read by the code reading device matches up with the code stored within a database table, then the information associated with that code is verified as being the human readable information that is visible to a human operator using the asset.

As a further alternative, if the physical coding is formed in a symmetrical fashion along the edges of the data-hosting device such that using the opposite face of the data-hosting device provides the same code, the same human readable information could be printed on both the front face and the reverse face of the data-hosting device.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

Figures 14a and 14b show a fourth embodiment according to the present invention. In this embodiment different elements of previous embodiments have been selected to provide a data-hosting device with additional capabilities.

Figure 14a shows a data-hosting device 1401, that includes a data storage device 1403 similar to that shown in, and described in conjunction with, Figure 8a. Unique pieces of human readable information 1405a to d are located along the edges of the data-hosting device 1401. Further, orientation codes 1407a-d, in the form of cut out slots, are located along each edge of the data-hosting device. The arrangement of cut out slots provides a unique orientation code for each of eight orientations of the data-hosting device, in a similar fashion as described above.

Data associated with the human readable information is stored within the data storage device 1403 and is accessible to an RFID tag when the data-hosting device is provided in a pocket as described below in relation to Figure I 4b.

Referring to Figure 14b, when the data-hosting device 1401 is placed in a pocket 1413 (see below) the infrastructure is enabled to determine the human readable information by connecting the RFID tag 1409 to the data storage means 1403 via the data interface.

Further, additional information is provided to the infrastructure through the use of orientation sensors 1415 which enable the codes 1407a to d to be determined. The additional information may comprise any information related to the asset to which the pocket 1413 and RFID tag 1409 are attached.

Also attached to the pocket 1413 is further information in the form of a barcode 1411. This information relates to the asset to which the pocket 1413 is attached. It may be an indication of the type of asset, such as a container, tray or trolley for example.

This embodiment provides an improved means of providing information to the infrastructure.

FURTHER EMBODIMENTS

It will be understood that embodiments of the present invention are described herein by way of example only, and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Further, it will be understood that additional information may be placed on the data-hosting device or pockets of the embodiments described above wherein the additional information is in the form of either human readable information or machine readable information. For example the machine readable information may be shown as a barcode or other coded format. The additional information may be any type of information regarding the nature of the asset. For example, the data may be fixed, dynamic or derived from sensors. For example, the additional information may include the monitoring of temperature, load, tampering, mechanical shock, location etc. Further, this additional information may be coded within the coding mechanism of the data-hosting device.

It will be understood that the information provide on the face of the data-hosting device in human readable format may include information such as routing destinations, contents, handling instructions, or any other relevant information associated with the management of the asset.

Further, it will be understood that the data-hosting device may be interfaced to the RFID tag in a number of ways. That is, the RFID tag may be interfaced electrically, electronically, optically, in a wireless fashion, physically or by any other suitable means that allows the data-hosting device to communicate with the RFID tag.

Further, it will be understood that the RFID tag may use its own wireless air interface and supporting infrastructure to support the presence, condition and data of the data-hosting device.

Further, it will be understood that the RFID tag may optionally manage the alterable data of the data-hosting device. It will also be understood that alternate communication routes between the data-hosting device and the same RFID infrastructure or any other infrastructure may be supported.

Further, it will be understood that various means may be used to obscure human readable infonnation on the data-hosting device by using opaque flaps or slides. These opaque flaps or slides may then subsequently alter the data provided to the RFID tag such that the data provided matches up with the visible human readable information on the datahosting device when placed in a pocket.

Further, it will be understood that multiple data storage devices could be used to interface interchangeably with a single interface to the RFID tag.

Further, a single memory device with annular electrical contacts could be used, and the information it contains therein exploited differently depending upon the orientation of the data-hosting device. This would be determined by the inherent properties of the memory devices electrical interface, or from additional sensors.

Further, it will be understood that the adaptable RFID system described herein may be used in applications other than in logistical applications.

Further, it will be understood that coded slots placed on the edges of the data-hosting device do not have to be physically cut out slots, but could also be areas that are transparent to specific wavelengths of energy. Thus, using appropriate sensors, codes could be determined by the different wavelength sensitive areas.

Further, it will be understood that the infrastructure used in conjunction with the RFJD tag and data-hosting device system could be made aware of which RFID tag and data-hosting device system is being used so that the database used within the infrastructure can retrieve the correct code look up tables in order to associate the codes with the correct human readable information. The information on which system is being used may itself be coded into the physically coded communication device, stored within any of the above-described data storage devices, or stored within the RFID tag.

Further, it will be understood that the human readable information may be placed on the data-hosting device by any means possible. For example, by printing, etching, scribing, painting etc. Further, it will be understood that physical sensors may be used to detect the physically coded parts of a data-hosting device. Indeed, any type of suitable sensor may be used to detect a code placed upon the data-hosting device.

Further, it will be understood that an equivalent management feature other than a barcode may be provided in order to ease the task of later associating the printed information with the correct data to be programmed into the memory of the data storage device.

Further, it will be understood that the programming device used to program data-hosting devices wherein the information is extracted using a physically coded communication device can also include a specifically adapted pocket interfaced to a computer-controlled programming system.

The interface in the adapted pocket connects to the data storage device in order to program the relevant information by removing or adapting specific parts of the data-hosting device to provide the relevant coding.

Claims

CLAIMS

I. A data-hosting device with human readable information thereon, the device comprising a data storage means adapted to store data associated with the human readable information, and a data interface adapted to communicate the stored data to an RFID tag.

2. The data-hosting device of claim 1, wherein the human readable information and data interface are positioned relative to each other.

3. The data-hosting device of claim 1, wherein the data interface is adapted to allow data to be extracted from the data storage means using an electrical or electronic communication means.

4. The data-hosting device of claim 3, wherein the data interface comprises a plurality of separate interface means, each providing access to data associated with a separate piece of human readable information.

5. The data-hosting device of claim 4, wherein the data interface means comprises four separate interface means located on a first face of the data-hosting device.

6. The data-hosting device of claim 5, wherein the data interface means comprises four further separate interface means located on a second face of the device.

7. The data-hosting device of claim 5, wherein the human readable information comprises four separate pieces of human readable information located along four edges on a first face of the data-hosting device, each piece of human readable information being located along a different edge.

8. The data-hosting device of claim 6, wherein the human readable information comprises four further separate pieces of human readable information located along four edges on a second face of the data-hosting device, each piece of human readable information being located along a different edge.

9. The data-hosting device of claim 4, wherein each separate interface means is adapted to provide access to data associated with a separate piece of human readable information, the data interface adapted such that the orientation of the data-hosting device determines which of the plurality of separate interface means arc used to access the data.

10. The data-hosting device of claim 3, wherein the data interface comprises a single interface means, the single interface means adapted to provide access to data associated with all the human readable information.

11. The data-hosting device of claim 10, wherein the single interface means is further adapted so that data associated with all the human readable information can be accessed regardless of the orientation of the data-hosting device.

12. The data-hosting device of claim 11, wherein the single interface means is located centrally on the data-hosting device.

13. The data-hosting device of claim 10, wherein each separate piece of human readable information is located along a different edge of the data-hosting device.

14. The data-hosting device of claim 13 comprising a physically coded communication means arranged to provide a code associated with each piece of human readable information.

15. The data-hosting device of claim 10, wherein the human readable information comprises a single piece of human readable information, and the single interface means is adapted such that the data can be accessed regardless of the orientation of the data-hosting device.

16. The data-hosting device of claim 15, wherein the single piece of human readable information is located along a plurality of edges of the data-hosting device.

17. The data-hosting device of claim 10, wherein the human readable information comprises only a single piece of human readable information, and the single interface means is adapted such that the orientation of the data-hosting device determines if the data can be accessed.

18. The data-hosting device of claim 17, wherein the single piece of human readable information is located along a single edge of the data-hosting device.

19. The data-hosting device of claim 1, wherein the data interface is adapted to allow data to be extracted from the data storage means using a wireless communication means.

20. The data-hosting device of claim 19, wherein the human readable information comprises a single piece of human readable information.

21. The data-hosting device of claim 20, wherein the single piece of human readable information is located along a plurality of edges of the data-hosting device.

22. The data-hosting device of claim 20, wherein the single piece of human readable information is located along a single edge of the data-hosting device.

23. The data-hosting device of claim 22 further comprising a physically coded communication means arranged to provide a code associated with the single piece of human readable information.

24. The data-hosting device of claim 20, wherein the human readable information comprises a plurality of separate pieces of human readable information, wherein each separate piece of human readable information is located along a different edge of the data-hosting device.

25. The data-hosting device of claim 24 further comprising a physically coded communication means arranged to provide a code associated with each separate piece of human readable information.

26. The data-hosting device of claim 24 comprising four separate pieces of human readable information on a first face.

27. The data-hosting device of claim 26, wherein each separate piece of human readable information is located along a different edge on the first face.

28. The data-hosting device of claim 26 comprising a further four separate pieces of human readable information on a second face.

29. The data-hosting device of claim 28, wherein each further separate piece of human readable information is located along a different edge on the second face.

30. The data-hosting device of claim 1, wherein the data interface is adapted to allow data to be extracted from the data storage means using a physically coded communication means.

31 The data-hosting device of claim 30, wherein the physically coded communication means is adapted to provide a code that is associated with the human readable information.

32. The data-hosting device of claim 30, wherein the physically coded communication means is provided on at least one edge of the data-hosting device.

33. The data-hosting device of claim 30, wherein there is a single physically coded communication means provided on a single edge of the data-hosting device.

34. The data-hosting device of claim 33 further comprising a single piece of human readable information located on a first face, and the single physically coded communication means is associated with the single piece of human readable information.

35. The data-hosting device of claim 31, wherein the physically coded communication means is adapted to provide the same code regardless of the orientation of the data-hosting device, and a single piece of human readable information is located along all edges of the device.

36. The data-hosting device of claim 31, wherein the physically coded communication means is adapted to provide a different code for each orientation of the data-hosting device.

37. The data-hosting device of claim 36, wherein a different physically coded communication means is provided on each edge of the data-hosting device, and the human readable information located along each edge of the device is different.

38. The data-hosting device of claim 30, wherein the physically coded communication means comprises specific areas transparent to specific wavelengths.

39. The data-hosting device of claim 38, wherein the specific areas are optically transparent.

40. The data-hosting device of claim 39, wherein the optically transparent areas are cut out slots.

41. A method of communicating data from a data-hosting device according to any of claims 1 to 40 to an RFID tag comprising the steps of: interfacing the data-hosting device with the RFID tag, extracting data from the data-hosting device, and communicating the extracted data to the RFID tag.

42. The method of claim 41 further comprising the steps of: extracting a code from the data-hosting device, and determining which parts of the extracted data are associated with the human readable information on the data-hosting device based on the extracted code.

43. An RFID tag system comprising an RFID tag and an RFID interface, said RFID interface adapted to be associated with the data interface of any data-hosting device according to claims I to 40.

44. A sensor system comprising an RFID tag system according claim 43 and a data-hosting device according to any of claims 1 to 40.

45. A re-usable asset management system comprising a re-usable asset, an interchangeable data-hosting device, and an RFID tag, the asset comprising a holder for removably holding the interchangeable datahosting device, wherein the interchangeable data-hosting device includes human readable information thereon and comprises a data interface adapted to provide data associated with the human readable information, the data interface further adapted to communicate the data associated with the human readable information to the RFID tag.

46. A re-usable asset management system according to claim 45, wherein the holder is adapted such that when the data-hosting device is inserted therein, the human readable information visible to a human operator is the same as the human readable information associated with the data communicated to the RFID tag.

47. A re-usable asset management system according to claim 45, wherein the holder includes additional information associated with the asset.

48. A re-usable asset management system according to claim 47, wherein the additional information is in machine-readable form.

49. A re-usable asset management system according to claim 48, wherein the additional information is in the form of a barcode.

50. A re-usable asset management system according to claim 47, wherein the additional information is in human readable form.

51. A re-usable asset management system according to claim 45, wherein the assets form part of a logistics organisation.

52. A re-usable asset management system according to claim 51, wherein the assets form part of a postal system.

53. A database specifically adapted to store and interpret the human readable information retrieved from a data-hosting device according to any of claims 1 to 40.

54. A programming device adapted to program a data-hosting device according to any of claims I to 40 with data and human readable information, wherein the data programmed into the data storage means is associated with the human readable information placed on the data-hosting device.

55. A method of manufacturing a data-hosting device comprising the steps of: providing human readable information on the data-hosting device; associating the data-hosting device with a specifically adapted holder, the holder being interfaced with a computer controlled programming system; providing data to the computer controlled programming system, wherein the data is associated with the human readable information; transferring the data from the computer controlled programming system to the data-hosting device via the specifically adapted holder.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the data is provided from a central database.

57. The method of claim 55, wherein a human operator provides the data.

58. The method of claim 55, wherein the data is transferred using electrical or electronic means.

59. The method of claim 55, wherein the data is transferred by removing or adapting specific parts of the data-hosting device.