KR20210008822A - Sensor tag, distribution container having the sensor tag and distribution management system using them - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor tag capable of improving the reliability of the distribution process by measuring a condition of a product in a distribution container with various sensors to monitor the condition of the product during distribution in real time and further providing a distribution history including the movement path of the product, to a distribution container having the sensor tag, and a distribution management system using the same. The sensor tag comprises: a sensor unit having an accommodating space therein, having an external appearance formed by a case which can be coupled to a mounting object, and measuring a state value; a communication unit wirelessly transmitting the state value of the sensor unit to the outside; and a power supply unit providing power necessary for the operation of the sensor unit and the communication unit. The lower portion of the case may be configured to include a communication means with the mounting object to measure the internal state value of the mounting object.

Description

Sensor tag, distribution container having the same, and distribution management system using them {SENSOR TAG, DISTRIBUTION CONTAINER HAVING THE SENSOR TAG AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USING THEM}

The present invention relates to a sensor tag, a distribution container having the same, and a distribution management system using the same, and more particularly, by measuring the state of the product in the distribution container with various sensors to monitor the product status during distribution in real time, and furthermore It relates to a sensor tag capable of improving the reliability of a distribution process by providing a distribution history including a moving route, a distribution container having the same, and a distribution management system using the same.

“Cold chain” generally refers to a food distribution system that requires low temperature management. In other words, it is a systemized system of low temperature management of food flow from production to consumption.

Target items requiring low temperature management can include not only foods such as fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, and processed foods, but also chemicals sensitive to temperature or precision mechanical devices such as IT parts, so it has a broader meaning than in the past, which meant only food. Should be understood as.

On the other hand, the dictionary meaning of "low temperature" is a temperature lower than the outside temperature. However, since distribution conditions and economics must be considered, there are cases where they are distributed in a temperature range other than the optimum temperature for long-term storage. Moreover, target items such as fruits and vegetables and vegetables that must be distributed in a non-frozen state are sometimes transported at a temperature higher than the outside temperature in an area with a low outside temperature. Therefore, it is more accurate to refer to the "optimum distribution temperature range according to the target item" for low temperature in the cold chain.

Therefore, it should be understood that the recent "cold chain" refers to a system that manages frozen food at a low temperature, as well as manages any kind of target item in an optimal temperature range.

On the other hand, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), that is, radio recognition technology, is a technology that can identify objects (objects, people, etc.) using radio frequencies (RF), and is used for RF tags composed of antennas and chips. This is a technology that is used as a method of recognizing information through an RFID reader corresponding to a reader after storing and attaching information suitable for a purpose to an application object. Recently, it has been applied to various fields such as transportation card, parking management, library management, access control card, animal identification, and high pass card.

Such RFID technology has been regarded as a next-generation recognition technology that will replace barcodes generally used for product management in the distribution field so far. Specifically, the tag attached to the product contains information on the entire process of production, distribution, storage, and consumption, and makes the reader read this information through an antenna.

Unlike barcodes, RFID can track the entire process of being displayed on supermarket shelves outside the factory door as a finished product. When a consumer selects an item with this tag, the payment is automatically paid, as well as comprehensive inventory and consumer taste management.

However, so far, RFID technology has not been used as a method of managing the storage quality of products. In other words, it is possible to trace the movement path that the product is currently passing through the factory and moving to the warehouse through a vehicle.

In addition, it is impossible to track whether or not the product is properly moving at an appropriate temperature and humidity during such movement, and in which path it is deteriorated when the product is deteriorated in the future.

In this case, when the delivered product is a product that maintains freshness, it was a method of indicating whether the product is being delivered after being maintained at an appropriate temperature and humidity, depending only on the temperature and humidity indicated in the box or refrigeration system contained in the product.

Therefore, in the case of fresh products delivered in this way, in the case of a product exposed to an environment that is not suitable for temperature and humidity due to an error or an internal error of the shipper, the past history cannot be recognized and the product that should not be distributed to the consumer As a result of the delivery, there has been a problem in that corrupt products are delivered.

In addition, in the case of foods, many deteriorated products are generated due to incorrect transportation in the distribution process, and returns due to these deteriorated products are greatly increased, resulting in enormous economic losses. The problem is that it is difficult to fundamentally solve the problem because it is impossible to know at which stage the problem occurred with the current barcode or RFID system.

The present invention has been conceived to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to monitor the status of products in real time by measuring the status of products in a distribution container with various sensors, and further provide a distribution history including the movement path of the products. By doing so, it is to provide a sensor tag capable of improving the reliability of the distribution process, a distribution container having the same, and a distribution management system using the same.

According to the present invention, the exterior is formed by a case having an accommodation space inside and capable of being coupled to an object to be mounted, and a sensor unit for measuring a state value; A communication unit for wirelessly transmitting the state value of the sensor unit to the outside; And a power supply unit providing power required for operation of the sensor unit and the communication unit. Including, the lower portion of the case provides a sensor tag, characterized in that the communication means with the mounting object is provided so that the sensor unit can measure the internal state value of the mounting object.

Preferably, the sensor unit is characterized in that it is configured with at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an impact sensor, and a CO ₂ sensor.

Preferably, the power supply unit is composed of a battery, and the case is characterized in that the charging terminal is configured to charge the battery with an external power source.

Preferably, the case is made by a combination of an upper case and a lower case, the lower case, a case forming an inner space and opening the upper portion; And a flat portion extending at an upper end of the housing and protruding in a lateral direction. Including, wherein the upper case is formed in a dome shape to close the open upper part of the lower case and is coupled to the lower case, and the housing and the flat part of the lower case are interlocking means for receiving the shock transmitted from the mounting object. It is characterized by functioning.

Preferably, the communication means is made of a communication hole formed in the form of a through hole on the bottom surface of the housing, and is directly communicated with the interior of the mounting object by the communication hole.

Preferably, the upper case is provided with a concave-convex handle formed on the side in an uneven shape, and the lower case is provided with a locking protrusion protruding from at least one side of the case body, and the sensor tag rotates on the mounting object. It is characterized in that it is fitted in a manner.

Preferably, a power button for turning on/off the sensor tag is formed on the enclosure.

Preferably, a power button for turning on/off the sensor tag is formed as a push-type toggle button on a side surface, a bottom surface, or a side surface of the flat portion of the housing.

Preferably, a state check unit for checking whether the sensor tag is mounted on a mounting object; It further includes, wherein the state check unit is configured of a current-carrying terminal exposed on an outer surface of the housing, wherein the current-carrying terminal is energized by a check terminal of the mounting object.

Preferably, a state check unit for checking a closed state of the mounting object; It further comprises, wherein the state check unit is composed of a conductive terminal exposed on the outer surface of the housing, the current passing terminal is energized by a check terminal connected in a closed state of the mounting object in at least two or more separate mounting objects. It is characterized.

Preferably, the communication unit is characterized in that it comprises a built-in antenna consisting of a wire wound along the inner peripheral surface of the upper case.

Preferably, the lead end of the internal antenna is connected to a connection terminal of the lower case, and the connection terminal of the lower case is connected to an extension terminal of a mounting object, and an external antenna of the mounting object connected to the extension terminal is connected to the internal antenna. It characterized in that the connection with.

Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mounting object to which a sensor tag according to any one of the above-described features can be coupled, a main body having an inner space to receive a product therein and open the upper part; And a cover for covering and closing the main body. It includes, and provides a distribution container, characterized in that the mounting portion for coupling the sensor tag is formed on the cover.

Preferably, the mounting portion is formed in a recessed shape corresponding to the outer shape of the sensor tag, and the inner wall is formed in contact with the side surface of the upper case formed in the dome shape of the sensor tag, so that the upper case of the sensor tag from the side. A supporting inner wall supporting; A seating block protruding inward so as to seat a flat portion protruding from the lower case of the sensor tag and supporting the lower case of the sensor tag from the bottom; And a receiving surface configured as a lower bottom surface of the seating block and supporting the housing of the sensor tag from the lower side. It includes, and the support inner wall, the seating block and the support surface is characterized in that it functions as an interlocking means for transmitting the shock transmitted to the distribution container to the sensor tag.

Preferably, a sensing hole is formed on the support surface at a position corresponding to the communication hole of the sensor tag in a coupled state to communicate the sensor tag with the interior of the distribution container.

Preferably, an external antenna made of a wire wound along an inner circumferential surface is provided on the inner surface of the cover, and an end of the wire of the external antenna is connected to the extension terminal of the mounting part, and the connection terminal of the mounting part is connected to the sensor tag. It is connected to a terminal and characterized in that the internal antenna of the sensor tag connected to the connection terminal is connected to the external antenna.

On the other hand, according to another aspect of the present invention, according to any one of the above-described features, the sensor tag for transmitting product status information about the product in the mounting object to the outside; A control unit collecting product status information from the sensor tag and transmitting it to the outside together with its own location information; And a management server that processes product status information and location information collected from the control unit and provides them to a connected inquiry terminal. It provides a distribution management system comprising a.

Preferably, the management server includes: a communication unit that receives product status information and location information of a distribution container unit collected from the control units and is connected to inquiry terminals to provide necessary information; A distribution history monitoring unit that processes the location information to monitor distribution history of a distribution container unit; A status history monitoring unit processing the product status information to monitor the status history of a distribution container unit; An alarm monitoring unit for generating warning information by detecting an abnormal situation through the distribution history and status history; And an information inquiry unit that provides distribution history, status history, and warning information of a corresponding distribution container unit by using at least one of a product, a distribution container, and a delivery vehicle transmitted by the connected inquiry terminal for inquiry. It characterized in that it comprises a.

Preferably, the distribution history monitoring unit matches the product location information of the distribution container unit received through the communication unit with the electronic map data so that the product information is displayed on the electronic map. It is characterized in that it manages the current location, movement route or movement history of the distribution vehicle.

Preferably, the alarm monitoring unit is characterized in that generating warning information about corruption or damage of the product by comparing the state history of the product transmitted in real time with product safety measurement reference information.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the reliability of the distribution process by measuring the status of products in a distribution container with various sensors, monitoring the status of products during distribution in real time, and further providing a distribution history including the movement route of the products. have.

In particular, a sensor tag that can be easily attached to the outside of the cover of the distribution container allows you to obtain various information such as temperature and humidity, impact, and CO ₂ of the product inside the container from the outside of the container, thereby inserting the tag inside the container. Compared to the method, the damage rate of the tag can be reduced and the recovery rate can be increased, thereby reducing the management cost.

In addition, the sensor tag itself has a built-in antenna for high utilization, and when combined with the distribution container, it can be connected to an external antenna using the cover of the distribution container and can be extended, so it communicates smoothly in a large space such as a large warehouse facility that becomes a distribution base. This has the effect of being able to operate a huge warehouse facility without expanding control units to cover the communication range.

In addition, the sensor tag is equipped with a toggle-type power button so that it is automatically turned on and off depending on whether or not it is combined with the distribution container. Since it can be turned on/off, it has the effect of achieving convenience of management and power saving.

In addition, it is possible to automatically check whether the lid of the distribution container is closed through the locking function built into the sensor tag, so that the convenience of container management can be obtained.

In addition, it is possible to collect distribution history information for the entire process of storage and distribution until the product is sold to consumers by positioning the control unit and checking the product status of the sensor tag installed on the distribution container. In addition to monitoring the distribution history, product changes during the distribution process are quantitatively measured and monitored in conjunction with food safety measurement standard information, thereby enabling proactive response to food accidents.

1 is a view for explaining a distribution management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an assembled perspective view illustrating a distribution container and a sensor tag detachable therefrom according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view for explaining a cover of a distribution container according to another embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a view for explaining an external antenna inside a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a view for explaining a sensor tag according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a view for explaining a built-in antenna in a sensor tag according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view for explaining the structure of the mounting portion in the cover of the distribution container according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a view showing the inside of the cover of the distribution container according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a block diagram of a sensor tag according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a block diagram of a management server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a distribution management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the present invention, various modifications may be made and various embodiments may be provided, and specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, it is to be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In describing each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used for similar elements.

Terms such as first, second, A, and B may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term and/or includes a combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but other components may exist in the middle. Should be. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in the middle.

The terms used in the present application are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features. It is to be understood that the presence or addition of elements or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, does not preclude in advance.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms as defined in a commonly used dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and should not be interpreted as an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in this application. Does not.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a view for explaining a distribution management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a distribution management system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a sensor tag 100, a distribution container 200, a control unit 300, a management server 400, and an inquiry terminal 500. .

The sensor tag 100 can be easily coupled to and operated in a detachable manner to the distribution container 200 and acquires various information such as temperature and humidity, impact, and CO ₂ of the product in the distribution container 200 from the outside of the container. The product status information obtained in this way is collected by the control unit 300 capable of wireless communication with the sensor tag 100 and transmitted to the management server 400 along with the location information of the corresponding control unit 300 to be managed. The management server 400 processes the collected product status information and location information, and provides information so that the connected inquiry terminal 500 monitors the product status during distribution in real time and checks the distribution history including the movement route of the product. do.

2 is an assembled perspective view illustrating a distribution container and a sensor tag detachable therefrom according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The distribution container 200 is for receiving and transporting goods, and has a certain internal space to accommodate the goods therein, and a main body 210 with an open top and a cover 220 for covering and closing the main body 210 It can be composed of. Such a logistics container 200 functions as a product loading/packaging, storage, loading/unloading, and transportation, and products requiring various environmental management such as temperature and humidity, impact, and CO ₂ (e.g., low temperature management is required. Foods such as fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, processed foods, temperature-sensitive drugs or IT parts, precision machinery) can be accommodated.

The distribution container 200 may be made of plastic (EPP, PP, urethane, etc.) or wood, and may be standardized to fit a standard distribution size.

In the present invention, the detachable cover 220 of the distribution container 200 is provided with a mounting portion 230 capable of coupling the sensor tag 100 to each other.

5 is a view for explaining a sensor tag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, the sensor tag 100 is formed by a case having a certain internal accommodation space so that various sensors and PCB circuits can be embedded therein. The case may be composed of an upper case 110 and a lower case 120 and may be coupled by a coupling method such as screwing.

The lower case 120 is composed of a housing 121 that forms an inner space and has an open upper portion, and a flat portion 122 extending from the upper end of the housing 121 and protruding in the lateral direction. In the part 122, a coupling hole for coupling with the upper case 110 is provided in a vertical direction. In addition, the upper case 110 corresponding thereto is formed in a dome shape to close the open upper portion of the lower case 120 and is coupled to the lower case 120. When combining, the upper case 110 and the lower case 120 are coupled by inserting a screw into the coupling hole provided in the flat part 122 of the lower case 120 and fastening it to the female screw part (not shown) formed in the upper case 110 This will come true.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sensor tag 100 having such an appearance includes a sensor unit 140 for measuring various state values of the inside of the container and the container itself, and the state values of the sensor unit 140. A communication unit 150 for wireless transmission to the outside, a display unit 160 for displaying the operation status of the sensor unit 140 and the communication unit 150, and mounting of the sensor tag 100 to the distribution container 200 A state check unit 180 for checking a state, a power supply unit 170 for providing power required for the operation of the sensor unit 140, the communication unit 150, the display unit 160, and the state check unit 180, and , And a control unit 130 for controlling the respective units.

The sensor unit 140 may be composed of a sensor for checking the state of the inside of the distribution container 200 and a sensor for checking the state of the distribution container 200 itself.

The sensor for checking the state of the interior of the distribution container 200 is a sensor for measuring an environmental factor affecting the goods accommodated in the distribution container 200 during the distribution process, and at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a CO ₂ sensor It can be composed of the above. These sensors can operate only when they are in direct communication with the interior of the distribution container 200, so that the sensor tag 100 provided with the sensor unit 140 and the distribution container 200 in which the sensor tag 100 is mounted can be communicated. Possible means of communication must be provided. The communication means will be described in more detail through the following description.

The sensor for checking the state of the distribution container 200 itself may be configured as an impact sensor as a sensor for measuring an environmental factor affecting the distribution container 200 itself during the distribution process. Since such an impact sensor needs to accurately measure the amount of impact delivered to the distribution container 200, the sensor tag 100 provided with the sensor unit 140 makes intimate contact with the distribution container 200 so that the amount of impact is transmitted to the sensor tag ( 100) must be provided with an interlocking means to be delivered. The interlocking means will be described in more detail through the following description.

The communication unit 150 transmits various state values measured and transmitted by the sensor unit 140 to the outside in a wireless manner. The communication unit 150 may perform wireless communication with the control unit 300 using a communication network. The communication network is, for example, WiFi (wireless fidelity), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low power (BLE), Zigbee, NFC (near field communication), magnetic secure transmission, radio frequency (RF), or body area network. At least one of (BAN) may be used.

Here, the communication unit 150 is provided with an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves for wireless communication. The antenna may be composed of a built-in antenna 151 made of a wire wound multiple times along the inner circumferential surface of the upper case 110 of the sensor tag 100 as shown in FIG. 6A.

If the space in which the actual distribution container 200 is loaded is a small space such as inside a vehicle or a small warehouse, radio waves can be transmitted and received with the control unit 300 only with the above-described built-in antenna 151, but a large warehouse facility and a distribution base In such a large space, it may be difficult to transmit and receive radio waves only with the built-in antenna 151 described above.

In preparation for this, in the present invention, the end of the lead wire of the built-in antenna 151 is connected to the connection terminal 152 in the center of the lower case 120 of the sensor tag 100 as shown in FIG. 6B. . In addition, an extension terminal 238 is formed at a point corresponding to the connection terminal 152 in the mounting portion 230 of the distribution container 200 as shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, the built-in antenna 151 is extended to the cover 220 of the distribution container 200 through the connection terminal 152 and the extension terminal 238. Here, an external antenna 240 connected to the extension terminal 238 is provided on the inner surface of the cover 220. The external antenna 240 is formed of a wire wound multiple times along the outer periphery of the inner surface of the cover 220 and is connected to the internal antenna 151 of the sensor tag 100.

Since the external antenna 240 is configured on the cover 220 having a cross-sectional area larger than that of the sensor tag 100, the external antenna 240 has a wider antenna diameter and a longer wire length than the internal antenna 151. Therefore, smooth communication with the control unit 300 is possible through this external antenna 240 even in a large space such as a large warehouse facility that is a distribution base, so that a huge warehouse facility is operated without expansion of the control unit 300 to cover the communication range. You will be able to do it.

The display unit 160 may display various information such as the operation state of the sensor tag 100, the operation state of the sensor unit 140, and the operation state of the communication unit 150 to the user, and a display lamp composed of an LED lamp ( 111) can be displayed by flashing in various colors and various operation methods.

The state check unit 180 checks whether the sensor tag 100 is properly mounted on the cover 220 of the distribution container 200, and generates a separate mounting check signal when the sensor tag 100 is properly mounted. Is done. This mounting check signal will be transmitted and managed to the control unit 300 or a separate management device through the communication unit 150.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the state check unit 180 may include a conductive terminal 127 exposed on the outer surface of the housing 121. As an example, since the two conductive terminals 127 are composed of two and are not connected to each other, the two conductive terminals 127 through which a minute current is transmitted are not energized, so that no signal is generated. As shown in FIG. 7, a check terminal 237 may be provided on the mounting part 230 formed on the cover 220 of the distribution container 100 to which the sensor tag 100 is inserted and mounted. The position of the check terminal 237 must be formed at a position in which both the energized terminals 127 can be connected to the check terminal 237 while the sensor tag 100 is completely coupled to the mounting part 230. Through this, in a state in which the sensor tag 100 is completely coupled to the mounting unit 230, the two conductive terminals 127 through which a minute current is transmitted are energized by the check terminal 237 of the mounting unit 230, so that the state check unit 180 Is to be able to emit a mounting check signal. Of course, when the coupling between the sensor tag 100 and the mounting unit 230 is released due to an external shock, the current between the energization terminal 127 of the sensor tag 100 and the check terminal 237 of the mounting unit 230 is released together. The check unit 180 will be able to emit a mounting release signal indicating a non-mounting situation.

Meanwhile, the state check unit 180 may also function as a rocking function to check whether the lid 220 for closing the distribution container 200 is properly closed. In the above description, it has been described that the cover 220 for closing the distribution container 200 is a single body, but as shown in FIG. 3, it may be a separate body separated into at least two or more. 3, the cover 220 is composed of the left cover 220a and the right cover 220b on both left and right sides, and the left cover 220a and the right cover 220b rotate and meet in a horizontal state, thereby closing the cover, that is, locking. This will come true. In this case, the mounting portion 230 may be formed at a position where the left cover 220a and the right cover 220b meet. In this mounting part 230, the area on the left cover 220a side and the area on the right cover 220b side can be connected to each other when the cover is closed, that is, when the left cover 220a and the right cover 220b meet in a horizontal state. Terminals 237 are respectively formed. Therefore, in a state in which the sensor tag 100 is completely coupled to the mounting unit 230, the two conductive terminals 127 through which a minute current is transmitted are energized by the check terminal 237 of the mounting unit 230, so that the state check unit 180 is The locking check signal can be sent out.

Through this locking check signal, the manager will be able to always check the closed state of the lid 220 of the distribution container 200.

The power supply unit 170 supplies power to each of the components included in the sensor tag 100 under the control of the control unit 130. The power supply unit 170 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 5A, the upper case 110 of the sensor tag 100 is provided with a display lamp 111, an operation button 112, and a handle 113.

The display lamp 111 displays various information such as the operation state of the sensor tag 100, the operation state of the sensor unit 140, and the operation state of the communication unit 150 to the user under the control of the display unit 160. . The display lamp 111 may be composed of an LED lamp, and the display lamp 111 may be flashed in various colors and various operation methods to display its status.

The operation button 112 functions to allow a user to check the communication state of the sensor tag 100. When the user presses the operation button 112 after coupling the sensor tag 100 to the cover 220 of the distribution container 200, the sensor tag 100 checks the operation state of the communication unit 150 and the display lamp ( 111) to display the operation state of the communication unit 150 to the user.

The uneven handle 113 is provided on the side of the upper case 110 in an uneven shape so that the sensor tag 100 does not slide on the hand when the user applies a rotational force while holding the sensor tag 100.

Next, referring to FIG. 5B, the lower case 120 of the sensor tag 100 is provided with a locking protrusion 126, a power button 123, a charging terminal 124, and a communication hole 125. .

The locking protrusion 126 is formed to protrude from at least one side of the side surface of the housing 121 and is fitted into a coupling groove 234 formed in the mounting portion 230 of the cover 220. The locking protrusion 126 is inserted into the guide groove 233 of the mounting part 230 in the process of seating the sensor tag 100 on the mounting part 230, and thereafter, the force that the user rotates the sensor tag 100 By being fitted into the coupling groove 234 by, the sensor tag 100 and the cover 220 are coupled to each other.

The power button 123 formed on the outer surface of the bottom of the housing 121 serves to turn on/off the sensor tag 100. The user manipulates the operation button 112 before coupling the sensor tag 100 to the cover 220 of the distribution container 200 to turn on the sensor tag 100, and then puts the sensor tag 100 on the distribution container ( After removing from the cover 220 of 200), the sensor tag 100 can be turned off by operating the operation button 112.

As such, when the power button 123 is provided on the bottom of the sensor tag 100, since it is not exposed to the outside when it is combined with the distribution container 200, there is an advantage that it can block unintentional button operation in advance. Due to the nature of the sensor tag 100 that needs to be recovered afterwards, there is a hassle in that the recoverer must turn off the device by manually manipulating the power button 123 during the recovery process, and unnecessary power is frequently wasted because the device is not properly turned off. .

Therefore, as another embodiment of the power button 123, the power button 123 is configured as a push-type toggle button, and the power button 123 is attached to the side or bottom surface of the housing 121 of the lower case 120 or the flat part. (122) It can also be located on the side. In this case, while the sensor tag 100 is fitted into the mounting part 230 of the cover 220, the power button 123 is naturally pressed by the outer surface of the mounting part 230 so that the sensor tag 100 is turned on. will be. In addition, when the sensor tag 100 is removed from the mounting portion 230 of the cover 220, the force pressing the power button 123 is released, and the button is toggled to automatically switch the sensor tag 100 to a turn-off state. Will be. Therefore, even if the operator does not manually operate the power button 123, the sensor tag 100 can be automatically turned on/off through the process of detaching the sensor tag 100 from the cover 220, thereby obtaining convenience in management and You will be able to achieve power savings.

The charging terminal 124 is provided to charge the battery constituting the power supply unit 170 in the sensor tag 100 with external power.

The communication hole 125 is a housing 121 so that sensors for checking the internal state of the distribution container 200 among the sensors provided in the sensor tag 100 can directly communicate with the interior of the distribution container 200 It is provided in the form of a through hole on the bottom surface of the.

Correspondingly, a sensing hole 235 is formed at a position corresponding to the communication hole 125 on the support surface 234 formed at the mounting portion 230 of the cover 220 to face the housing 121 It is prepared with.

That is, the communication means provided so that the sensor tag 100 can directly check the internal state of the distribution container 200 with a sensor include a communication hole 125 formed in the enclosure 121 of the sensor tag 100 and the cover. It is made of a sensing hole 235 formed in the receiving surface 234 in the mounting portion 230 of (220). At this time, the position of the communication hole 125 is the sensing hole in the seated state (the state inserted into the guide groove 233) before the locking protrusion 126 of the sensor tag 100 is fitted into the coupling groove 234 It is not communicated with 235 and is closed by the support surface 235 of the mounting part 230, and the sensor tag 100 is rotated so that the locking protrusion 126 is fitted in the coupling groove 234, as shown in FIG. As shown, it will be in communication with the sensing hole 236.

Now with reference to Figure 7 will be described the structure of the mounting portion in the cover of the distribution container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The mounting part 230 to which the sensor tag 100 is coupled may be formed in the central portion of the cover 220, and is formed in a recessed shape toward the inner body 210 side, whereby the sensor tag 100 is mounted. It is configured not to protrude to the upper side of the cover 220 in the state. Therefore, even if the sensor tag 100 is coupled to the mounting unit 230, there is no structural interference in the operation of stacking the distribution container 200.

The overall depression shape of the mounting part 230 corresponds to the outer shape of the sensor tag 100. In more detail, an inner wall is formed so as to contact the entire side of the upper case 110 of the sensor tag 100 to support the upper case 100 of the sensor tag 100 from the side, and the sensor A mounting block 232 protruding inward so as to seat the flat portion 122 of the lower case 120 of the tag 100 to support the lower case 120 of the sensor tag 100 from the bottom, and the It is composed of a lower bottom surface of the seating block 232 and is composed of a support surface 235 that seats and supports the housing 121 of the lower case 120 of the sensor tag 100.

The support inner wall 231 is formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of a part of the side surface of the upper case 110 to hold the left and right movement of the sensor tag 100 in a state in which the mounting part 230 of the sensor tag 100 is coupled. .

The seating block 232 is formed to protrude further inward than the support inner wall 231 in the mounting part 230, and the upper surface is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower surface of the flat part 122, so that the sensor tag The load of the sensor tag 100 is supported in the coupled state of the mounting part 230 of the 100.

The support surface 235 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the bottom surface of the housing 121 to support the load of the sensor tag 100 in the coupled state of the mounting part 230 of the sensor tag 100.

Therefore, the interlocking means provided so that the sensor tag 100 can directly check the impact transmitted to the distribution container 200 with a sensor is the support inner wall 231 of the mounting unit 230, the mounting block 232 and the support It consists of a surface 235 and a housing 1221 and a flat portion 122 constituting the lower case 120 of the sensor tag 100. That is, the housing 1221 and the flat portion constituting the lower case 120 of the sensor tag 100 in a form corresponding to the support inner wall 231, the mounting block 232 and the support surface 235 of the mounting portion 230 ( 122) is formed, so that the lower case 120 of the sensor tag 100 is tightly fitted to the mounting portion 230 of the cover 220, so that the sensor tag 100 can be linked with the distribution container 200. . At this time, a sensing hole 236 is formed on the receiving surface 235 at a position corresponding to the communication hole 125 of the sensor tag 100 in a coupled state to communicate the sensor tag 100 with the interior of the distribution container 200 Will be ordered.

In addition, the mounting block 232 has a guide groove 233 into which the locking protrusion 126 of the sensor tag 100 can be inserted and the locking protrusion 126 extending from the guide groove 233 to be fastened. A coupling groove 234 is provided so that the sensor tag 100 is firmly coupled to the mounting portion 230. The locking protrusion 126 of the sensor tag 100 is inserted into the guide groove 233 of the mounting part 230 in the process of the sensor tag 100 being seated on the mounting part 230, and then the user By being inserted into the coupling groove 234 by the force to rotate the sensor tag 100 and the cover 220 is combined.

10 is a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The control unit 300 collects product status information from each distribution container 200 wirelessly transmitted from a plurality of sensor tags 100 and transmits it to the management server 300 along with its own location information. .

The control unit 300 wirelessly receives various state values for the inside of the container and the container itself from the GPS unit 330 that generates its own location information and the sensor tag 100 of each distribution container 200, and receives the A communication unit 320 for wirelessly transmitting the location information to the outside, a display unit 350 for displaying the operation status of the GPS unit 330 and the communication unit 320, the GPS unit 330, and the communication unit 320 ), and a power supply unit 340 for providing power required for the operation of the display unit 350, and a control unit 310 for controlling the respective units.

The GPS unit 330 receives current location information and time information of the control unit 300 from GPS satellites to generate location information of the control unit 300. The control unit 300 and the distribution container 200 are disposed in a short distance to exchange data based on short-range communication. The location of the control unit 300 may be treated as the location of the distribution container 200.

The communication unit 320 is equipped with a communication module matching the communication method of the sensor tag 100 in order to wirelessly receive various state values measured and transmitted by the sensor tag 100. In addition, a wireless network communication module is also provided in order to combine the current location information with the collected state values and transmit it to the management server 400. The wireless network communication network of the communication unit 320 is, for example, LTE, LTE-A (LTE Advance), CDMA (code division multiple access), WCDMA (wideband CDMA), UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system), WiBro (Wireless Broadband). , Or a communication network using at least one of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and the like.

The display unit 350 may display various information such as the operation state of the control unit 300 and the operation state of the communication unit 320 to the user, and the display lamp composed of the LED lamp flashes in various colors and various operation methods. You can display its status.

The power supply unit 340 supplies power to each component included in the control unit 300 under the control of the control unit 310. The power supply unit 340 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery. Also, the power supply unit 340 may be configured to directly use commercial power.

11 is a block diagram of a management server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The management server 400 processes the product status information and location information of the distribution container unit collected from the control units 300, and provides the processed information to the inquiry terminal 500 to check the product status during product distribution. 500) can be monitored in real time and the distribution history including the movement route of the product can be viewed.

The management server 400 receives product status information and location information of a distribution container unit collected from a DB unit 420 that stores and manages data necessary for distribution management, and a query terminal 500 A communication unit 430 that is connected to and provides necessary information, a distribution history monitoring unit 440 that processes the location information to monitor the distribution history of each distribution container, and a distribution container by processing the product status information. A status history monitoring unit 450 for monitoring the status history of a unit, an alarm monitoring unit 460 for generating warning information by detecting an abnormal situation through the distribution history and status history, and a connected inquiry terminal 500 An information inquiry unit 470 that provides distribution history, status history, and warning information of a corresponding distribution container unit using information such as goods, distribution containers, and delivery vehicles transmitted for inquiry, and a control unit for controlling each unit ( 410).

The DB unit 420 manages electronic map data. The electronic map is provided to display the storage location of the distribution container or the moving location of the distribution vehicle loaded with the distribution container.

In addition, the DB unit 420 manages product safety measurement reference information. The product safety measurement reference information is a reference value of environmental factors that can guarantee product safety. For example, product safety measurement reference information may include food safety measurement reference information. The food safety measurement reference information is an environmental factor for food stored in the distribution container 200 and may be a reference value regarding temperature, humidity, CO ₂ , impact, etc. that may suspect spoilage or damage of the food.

The communication unit 430 is equipped with a communication module matched with a communication method of the control unit 300 in order to receive product status information and location information of a distribution container unit collected from the control units 300. In addition, a communication module connected to a wired/wireless Internet network is also provided to provide information to the inquiry terminals 500.

The distribution history monitoring unit 440 matches the product location information of the distribution container unit received through the communication unit 430 with the electronic map data of the DB unit 420 so that the product information is displayed on the electronic map. Through the matching of the location information on the electronic map, the distribution history monitoring unit 440 manages the current location, movement route, and movement history of the product or distribution vehicle. In addition, it is possible to establish specific base areas or dangerous areas, and manage whether goods or distribution vehicles enter this area.

The status history monitoring unit 450 manages the status history of products using product status information in units of distribution containers received through the communication unit 430. Such product status information may be a history of changes during the distribution process of temperature, humidity, CO ₂ , impact, etc. measured by the sensor tag 100.

The alarm monitoring unit 460 may compare the status history of the product transmitted in real time with product safety measurement reference information of the DB unit 420 to generate warning information about corruption or damage of the product. That is, warning information about the product (e.g., corruption warning, damage warning Etc.) can be registered.

The information inquiry unit 470 includes distribution history monitoring information managed by the distribution history monitoring unit 440 at the request of the inquiry terminal 500 accessed from the outside, and a status history managed by the status history monitoring unit 450 Monitoring information and warning information managed by the alarm monitoring unit 460 are provided.

Here, the inquiry terminal 500 connects to the management server 400 according to the present invention to receive the distribution history monitoring information, status history monitoring information, and warning information for the product that it is looking for. As the computer terminal, it is preferable to adopt a laptop computer or a handheld PC, but is not limited thereto, and should be interpreted as including all information communication terminals capable of transmitting and receiving data through a network network. Accordingly, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a cell phone, a PCS, and a PDA may also be the inquiry terminal 100.

12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a distribution management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, the product distribution manager activates the sensor tag 100 by turning on the power button 123 of the sensor tag 100. In this process, the sensor tag 100 has its own unique control unit 300 at a short distance. It is registered using the number (S10). The unique number of the sensor tag 100 is managed by the management server 400, and product information and distribution information are managed in advance for the unique number of each sensor tag 100.

Thereafter, the product distribution manager attaches and couples the sensor tag 100 to the mounting unit 230 on the cover 220 of the distribution container 200, and in this process, the communication means between the sensor tag 100 and the cover 220 The distribution container 200 and the sensor tag 100 are communicated and interlocked through the and interlocking means (S12).

Here, the communication means provided so that the sensor tag 100 can directly check the internal state of the distribution container 200 with a sensor includes a communication hole 125 formed in the enclosure 121 of the sensor tag 100 and the It is made of a sensing hole 235 formed on the receiving surface 234 in the mounting part 230 of the cover 220, and the impact of the sensor tag 100 directly transmitted to the distribution container 200 is confirmed with a sensor. The interlocking means provided so as to be a case 1221 constituting the support inner wall 231, the mounting block 232 and the support surface 235 of the above-described mounting portion 230 and the lower case 120 of the sensor tag 100 ) And the flat part 122, the lower case 120 of the sensor tag 100 is tightly fitted to the mounting part 230 of the cover 220, so that the sensor tag 100 is linked with the distribution container 200 .

After that, the activated sensor tag 100 senses the product status in the distribution container 200 and wirelessly transmits the sensed product status information to the pre-registered control unit 300 (S14).

Accordingly, the control unit 300 may collect product status information in units of distribution containers (S16).

The control unit 300 transmits the collected product status information in units of distribution containers to the management server 300 together with its own location information (S18).

In this way, the management server 400 collecting real-time product status information and location information for each logistics container unit processes the location information to monitor the distribution history for each logistics container unit, and processes the product status information to process the status history for each logistics container unit Is monitored, and generates warning information by detecting an abnormal situation through the distribution history and status history (S20).

Thereafter, when the inquiry terminal 500 accesses the management server 400 and requests an inquiry for a specific product, distribution container, or delivery vehicle (S22), the management server 400 distributes according to the request of the inquiry terminal 500. History monitoring information, status history monitoring information, and warning information are provided so that the inquiry terminal 500 can share real-time distribution information (S24).

As described above, an optimal embodiment has been disclosed in the drawings and specifications. Although specific terms have been used herein, these are only used for the purpose of describing the present invention and are not used to limit the meaning or the scope of the present invention described in the claims. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

100: sensor tag 200: logistics container
300: control unit 400: management server
500: inquiry terminal

Claims (20)

The exterior is formed by a case that has an accommodation space inside and can be combined with the mounting object,
A sensor unit for measuring a state value;
A communication unit for wirelessly transmitting the state value of the sensor unit to the outside; And
A power supply unit providing power required for operation of the sensor unit and the communication unit; Including,
A sensor tag, characterized in that the lower portion of the case is provided with means for communicating with the mounting object so that the sensor unit can measure an internal state value of the mounting object.
The method of claim 1,
The sensor tag, characterized in that consisting of at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an impact sensor, and a CO ₂ sensor.
The method of claim 1,
The power supply unit is composed of a battery, and the case is a sensor tag, characterized in that the charging terminal is configured to charge the battery with an external power source.
The method of claim 1,
The case is made by a combination of an upper case and a lower case,
The lower case,
A case forming an inner space and having an upper portion open; And
A flat portion extending at an upper end of the housing and protruding in a lateral direction; Including,
The upper case is formed in a dome shape to close the open upper part of the lower case and is coupled to the lower case,
A sensor tag, characterized in that the housing and the flat portion of the lower case function as an interlocking means for receiving an impact transmitted from a mounting object.
The method of claim 4,
The communication means is composed of a communication hole formed in the form of a through hole in the bottom surface of the housing, by the communication hole, the sensor tag, characterized in that in direct communication with the interior of the mounting object.
The method of claim 4,
The upper case is provided with an uneven handle formed on the side in an uneven shape,
The lower case is provided with a locking protrusion protruding from at least one place on the side of the housing,
A sensor tag, characterized in that the sensor tag is fitted to the mounting object in a rotational manner.
The method of claim 4,
The sensor tag, characterized in that the power button for turning on / off the sensor tag is formed in the housing.
The method of claim 4,
A sensor tag, characterized in that a power button for turning on/off the sensor tag is formed as a push-type toggle button on a side surface, a bottom surface, or a side surface of the flat portion of the housing.
The method of claim 4,
A state check unit for checking whether the sensor tag is mounted on a mounting object; It further includes,
The state check unit is composed of a conductive terminal exposed on the outer surface of the housing,
The energization terminal is a sensor tag, characterized in that energized by the check terminal of the mounting object.
The method of claim 4,
A state check unit for checking a closed state of the mounting object; It further includes,
The state check unit is composed of a conductive terminal exposed on the outer surface of the housing,
Wherein the energization terminal is energized by a check terminal connected in a closed state of the mounting object from the mounting object separated into at least two or more.
The method of claim 4,
The sensor tag, characterized in that the communication unit comprises a built-in antenna consisting of a wire wound along an inner circumferential surface of the upper case.
The method of claim 11,
The end of the lead wire of the built-in antenna is connected to the connection terminal of the lower case,
The connection terminal of the lower case is connected to an extension terminal of the mounting object, and connects an external antenna of the mounting object connected to the extension terminal with the built-in antenna.
It is a mounting object to which the sensor tag according to any one of claims 1 to 12 can be coupled,
A main body having an internal space to receive a product therein and having an upper portion open; And
A cover for covering and closing the main body; Including,
A distribution container, characterized in that the cover is formed with a mounting portion capable of coupling the sensor tag.
The method of claim 13,
The mounting portion is formed in a recessed shape corresponding to the outer shape of the sensor tag,
A support inner wall having an inner wall formed in contact with a side surface of the upper case formed in a dome shape of the sensor tag to support the upper case of the sensor tag from the side;
A seating block protruding inward so as to seat a flat portion protruding from the lower case of the sensor tag and supporting the lower case of the sensor tag from the bottom; And
A receiving surface configured as a lower bottom surface of the seating block and supporting the housing of the sensor tag from the lower side; Including,
The support inner wall, the seating block and the support surface function as an interlocking means for transmitting the shock transmitted to the distribution container to the sensor tag.
The method of claim 14,
A distribution container, characterized in that a sensing hole is formed on the support surface at a position corresponding to the communication hole of the sensor tag in a coupled state to communicate the sensor tag with the interior of the distribution container.
The method of claim 13,
An external antenna made of a wire wound along the inner circumferential surface is provided on the inner side of the cover,
The end of the conducting wire of the external antenna is connected to the extension terminal of the mounting part,
The connection terminal of the mounting unit is connected to the connection terminal of the sensor tag, and the internal antenna of the sensor tag connected to the connection terminal is connected to the external antenna.
According to any one of claims 1 to 12, the sensor tag for transmitting product status information about the product in the mounting object to the outside;
A control unit collecting product status information from the sensor tag and transmitting it to the outside together with its own location information; And
A management server that processes product status information and location information collected from the control unit and provides them to a connected inquiry terminal; Distribution management system comprising a.
The method of claim 17,
The management server,
A communication unit that receives product status information and location information of a distribution container unit collected from the control units and is connected to inquiry terminals to provide necessary information;
A distribution history monitoring unit that processes the location information to monitor distribution history of a distribution container unit;
A status history monitoring unit processing the product status information to monitor the status history of a distribution container unit;
An alarm monitoring unit for generating warning information by detecting an abnormal situation through the distribution history and status history; And
An information inquiry unit that provides distribution history, status history, and warning information of a corresponding distribution container unit by using at least one of a product, a distribution container, and a delivery vehicle transmitted by the connected inquiry terminal for inquiry; Distribution management system comprising a.
The method of claim 18,
The distribution history monitoring unit matches the product location information of the distribution container unit received through the communication unit with the electronic map data so that the product information is displayed on the electronic map, and the current product or distribution vehicle is matched by matching the location information on the electronic map. Distribution management system, characterized in that to manage the location, movement route or movement history.
The method of claim 18,
The alarm monitoring unit compares the status history of the product transmitted in real time with product safety measurement reference information, and generates warning information about corruption or damage of the product.

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