TW200538986A - Methods and apparatus of meshing and hierarchy establishment for tracking devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Devices, such as tracking devices, cooperate with one another to establish the routing necessary for a relay network in which a device having power-efficient and data-reliable communication with an access portal, operates to relay messages from devices which do not have an acceptable communication path to and/or from the access portal. In one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of devices synchronously determine whether an acceptable communication path can be established between themselves an one or more access portals by measuring the signal strength of an access portal beacon. In another aspect of the present invention, one or more devices, which have determined that an acceptable communication path can be established between themselves and an access portal, transmit information regarding their availability to relay messages on behalf of devices which have determined than an acceptable communication path cannot be established between themselves and an access portal.

Description

200538986 (1) IX. Description of the invention [Technical field to which the invention belongs] The present invention relates to a system, device, and method for tracking items. Specifically, the present invention relates to a tracking device that collectively operates to send messages suitable for tracking items throughout a supply chain. [Prior art]

The main focus of many companies today is the security and visibility of inventory throughout the supply chain. This is particularly important when the management or processing of high-value assets is exported to another company. The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to assist in project tracking is well known. An RFID tag is an electronic device, which usually includes a transponder and a integrated circuit programmed with unique identification information. In the case of a supply chain, it is placed on the project and / or project tray and can be used as a substitute for barcodes to identify the project. An RFID tag reader is used to read the unique information programmed on the RFID tag. An RFID tag reader includes an antenna, a transceiver, and a decoder and can be constructed as a handheld unit or a fixed-mount device. The reader emits radio waves in the range of several centimeters to about 40 meters according to its power output and the radio frequency used. When an RFID tag passes through the electromagnetic area generated by the tag reader, it detects and reads Start signal. This electromagnetic area energizes the RFID tag and enables the tag to transmit the data encoded on its integrated circuit. The reader decodes this data and passes it to a host computer for processing. -5- 200538986 (2) RFI D tags are usually passive tags, as discussed above, because they do not have an internal power source and rely on an external power source to provide power. In some cases, an RFID tag can be active due to its internal power supply. Active RFID tags are more expensive and cumbersome than passive RFID tags, and are generally not a better tracking device for item tracking. Due to memory and processor limitations, the data stored on the RFID tag is usually slightly more than one unique identifier for the item. As a result, traditional systems provide a little more than an electronic barcode that can be read from a medium distance. Another disadvantage of traditional RFID tracking systems is their lack of synchronization and integrity of data covering the entire supply chain. As different entities join the subsequent stages of the supply chain, effective tracking of items from source to destination becomes complex and expensive. The integration of the company's back-end systems with transportation contractors, etc., to enable the auditing and tracking of company projects through the supply chain, becomes difficult and incalculable. For example, consider a situation where one of the transportation contractors is used by multiple companies to move goods. Each company has its own RFID system and the shipping contractor has its own RFID system. Although the transportation company can read the information on each company's RFID tag, the integration of the back-end computer system of the transportation contractor with the computer system of each company is difficult and expensive, so it is difficult for the company to accurately track its products throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, RFID tags have not effectively addressed the security needs of governments and companies with high-value assets. To meet these security needs and prevent theft and tampering with existing solutions, tag readers need to be installed at every point between the manufacturer and the consumer. This is very puzzling not to be a prudent, scalable or diverse solution for the cost tracking of projects across the supply chain.

In another form of item tracking, it is desirable to pass information from and / or to the tracking device associated with the item (during its transportation through the supply chain). These tracking devices are usually placed on the item, on the item packaging, or on one of the trays on which the item is placed. In addition, these items and their related tracking devices can be collected into a storage area or container, and the storage area or container can provide one or more communication access points. Entrance. Methods and equipment are needed to allow multiple low-power communication circuits with limited transmission distances contained in a tracking device to communicate through a storage area or container's communication access portal. [Summary of the Invention] Briefly, the tracking devices cooperate with each other to establish a route required to generate a relay network, in which a tracking device having high-efficiency and reliable communication with an access portal's power is operated to relay The message came from one or more other tracking devices, which did not have an acceptable communication path to / or self-access portal. In another form of the present invention, the plurality of tracking devices measure the signal strength of an access portal beacon to synchronously determine whether an acceptable communication path can be established between itself and an access portal. In yet another form of the invention, one or more tracking devices (which have determined that an acceptable communication path can be established between itself and an access portal) transmit information about their availability to 'Retransmit message' means that it has been -7-200538986 (4) Never be able to establish an acceptable communication path between itself and an access portal. [Embodiment] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a device (sometimes called a tag), which can determine whether high power efficiency and reliable data communication can be established between itself and a communication access portal. A label that can establish an acceptable communication path with the access portal informs them of the labels that could not be created, and also provides a message relay β service to those labels. "One embodiment", "an embodiment", or other similar names herein means that a specific feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the appearance of these words or names does not necessarily indicate the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, operations, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified, "communication access portal", "access portal", "communication portal", "wireless access point", "access point", and similar expressions refer to a communication facility Among them, the tracking device according to the present invention is an entity that can send messages to and receive messages from far away through this communication facility. These communication facilities are usually actively powered circuits that provide wireless (usually RF) information relay services between the tracking device and a remote entity. -8- 200538986 (5) As used herein, the term "tracking device" refers to an active device containing one or more integrated circuits' and capable of performing wireless (usually RF) communication. The tracking device is described in more detail below. It should be noted that because (on the application) the tracking device is usually mounted to an item, or package, or tray in a manner similar to where the RF ID tag is installed, the tracking device is also referred to herein as an active tag ' More simply called a label (when the context of the description allows).

The terms wafer, microchip, integrated circuit (IC), microelectronic device, semiconductor device, and monolithic device are often used interchangeably in the field of electronics. The present invention can be applied to all of the above, as it is generally understood in the art. An embodiment of a tracking device according to the present invention includes an RFID communication module, the RFID communication module is connected to one or more RFID tags; a processing module, which is connected to the RFID communication module; and a A wireless communication module, which is connected to a processing module and operatively connected to an Internet; wherein the RFID communication module receives data from one or more passive RFID tags and transmits the data to the processing module, The processing module interprets the data and passes the data to the wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module transmits the data to a destination determined by the processing module via the Internet &. An embodiment of a system according to the present invention includes one or more tracking entities; ~ or more locations, each location having: a communication portal connected to one or more tracking entities; one or more tracking devices Each tracking device has ... (i) a wireless communication module with a communication portal; (ii) a processing module that is connected to the wireless communication module; and (iii) an RF ID communication module 200538986 (6) Group, which is connected and processing module; one or more passive RFID tags are connected to at least one tracking device; wherein the tracking device can read data from one or more passive RFID tags and communicate data to one or more Multi-tracking device FIG. 1 shows an item tracking system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The tracking system 1 has a network 2, a plurality of positions 3, and a plurality of tracking entities 4. Each location 3 is connected to the network 2 via a communication path 5. Similarly, each tracking entity 4 of S is connected to the network 2 via a communication path 6. Preferably, Network 2 is the Internet, although it should be understood that Network 2 can be any form of communication network. As such, it should be understood that each position 3 is operationally connected to one or more tracking entities 4. . Similarly, each tracking entity 4 is operable to communicate with one or more locations 3. Preferably, the tracking entity 4 is a supplier or distributor of an item. Position 3 has a communication portal 7 and a plurality of tracking devices 8 which are connected to the communication portal 7 via a communication path 10. Position 3 further includes plural times

The tracking device 9 ′ is connected to the main tracking device 8 via a communication path 11. The location 3 may be a storage room, a container on a ship, a truck, or any entity used to store or move items throughout a supply chain. . In a first embodiment, location 3 is a warehouse for storing items in the supply chain. Preferably, the secondary tracking device 9 is a passive RFID tag mounted to the item, as known in the art. These items can be several boxes of goods stacked on a pallet, or individual high-priced items that are grouped together. Therefore, a unique identifier is encoded on the secondary tracking device 9 and its identification -10-

200538986 (7) Projects installed by others. The tracking device 8 is mounted to a tray on which the items provided next are placed. The tracking device 8 is connected to the secondary tracking device 9 on each item. Each tracking device 8 is connected and communicates with the entrance 7. Preferably, 7 is a wireless access point (WAP) and the communication between each tracking device 7 is through a wireless network. As in the month of this technology, on the one hand, other communication protocols may be implemented to assist between Communication with communication portal 7. FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of a tracking device forming part of the tracking system 1. As shown in FIG. The tracking device 8 has an RFID. In addition, the tracking device 8 has a wireless communication module 14 and a diameter of 17 to communicate with the processing module 13. Optionally, tracking: There is an RFID energy source 15 for transmitting an energy frequency guard to energize any secondary tracking device 9 with passive RFID within range. The communication module 12 has a wireless transmitter and a receiver S and other related components of the device. The processing module 13 preferably includes a controller and related memory. Optionally, a modular processor is processed. Alternatively, the processing module 13 may include a dedicated module which is organized to perform a desired function. The tracking device 8 and its implementation will be described in more detail below. In use, the tracking system 1 tracks at regular intervals throughout the supply chain. The secondary tracking device 9 is located by a location: To track the device 9 I it is located on a tray. I, communication portal 8 and communication portal ί known. In addition, each tracking device 8 sets one of 8 'to implement the communication module I 3, which can also be in the form of a tag on the path 1>: used to control this-the programmable microcrystal L 1 3 can be A microintegrated circuit, an item of functional units. -11-200538986 (8) The line frequency source (not shown) is activated during the pre-3. On the other hand, the RFID energy source 15 of each tracking device 8 can provide an energizing frequency to all the secondary tracking devices 9 on the item on the tray, and the tracking device 8 is placed on this tray. The tracking device 9 transmits its unique identifier, which is read by the RFID communication module 12 of the tracking device 8. When the tracking device 8 is placed on, for example, a tray on which items are placed, each tracking device 8 receives a unique identifier from each secondary tracking device 9, and the secondary tracking device 9 is placed On one of the items stored on the tray. The information received from the secondary tracking device 9 is then processed by the processing module 13 on the individual tracking device 8. This information can be stored on the processing module 13 or it can be connected to the wireless communication ' module 14 of the tracking device 8. The communication module 14 then encapsulates this information into a data packet (which conforms to the communication protocol used to track the device 8 and the communication portal 7) and transmits this information to the communication portal 7. It should be understood that the data that it transmits from the tracking device 8 to the communication portal ^ 7 will have the network address information present in the header of each data packet. As is known in the art, for example, the TCP / IP protocol, this information contains details of the destination to which its packet will be delivered. The communication portal 7 then passes this information over the network 2 to one or more tracking entities 4. The tracking entity 4 has dedicated software to record this information and enables each tracking entity 4 to track items throughout the supply chain. In the event of a missing item, the tracking entity 4 may contact the owner of location 3 to inform them of this fact. In addition, 'a record can be maintained such that if (for example) a particular location has a history of missing items, the tracking entity 4 can make a decision about which 12-200538986 (9) the location will be used for future transportation / storage purposes Notice of decision. In the case where the information is stored on the tracking device 8, the processing module 1 3 confirms certain information and transmits this information to the communication module 14. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, when an item is loaded on a tray, the tracking device 8 stores its identification information from each secondary tracking device 9 (which is mounted to each item). At regular intervals, the tracking device 8 receives its identification information from all the tracking devices 9 on the% items located on the tray. If the processing module 13 of the tracking device 8 detects that not all items are present on the tray, a warning message is transmitted to one or more related tracking entities 4 using the above procedure. Optionally, the tracking entity 4 The tracking device 8 can be asked about this information. Therefore, a tracking entity 4 can send a request via the network 2 to request information or a specific action from a specific tracking device 8. The tracking device 8 then performs this action, or receives its request information, and then passes it back to the relevant tracking% entity 4. FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the item tracking system 25, which is another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, position 3 has a plurality of secondary storage positions 3 '. For example, location 3 may be a warehouse and location 3 may be a shipping container placed in a warehouse. As mentioned above, the tracking device 8 is placed on a tray and conveys information from the secondary tracking device 9 on its item on the tray. The tracking device 8 then communicates this information to a tracking device 8 'located on a container having a tray stored therein. This information is then communicated via the network 2 to the communication portal 7 and -13-200538986 (10) to one or more tracking entities 4, as previously described. In this way, the tracking entity 4 can decide not only what items should be placed on the pallet, but also what pallets and items should be placed in each container. It should be understood that there may be many levels of hierarchy related to the tracking system of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows an item tracking system 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the main tracking device 8 has a point-to-point communication path 21 for communication with each other. It should be understood that although only two tracking devices are shown in Fig. 4, a point-to-point communication path 21 may exist between three or more tracking devices 8 which form a point-to-point network. Any information transmitted from any tracking device 8 to the tracking entity 4 is transmitted to the communication portal 7 through the point-to-point communication path 21 and via the closest tracking device 8. The communication along the path 21 is assisted by the wireless communication module 14. In this way, the power demand of each tracking device 8 is reduced due to the smaller distance required to communicate information 'because each tracking device 8 only needs to transmit sufficient power to communicate with the point tracking device 8 closest to it. FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the tracking device 8. In this embodiment, the tracking device 8 has a global positioning system (GPS) module 22 that communicates with the processing module 13 via a communication path 23. The GPS module 22 implements known techniques to determine the coordinates of the tracking device 8. This information is communicated to the communication module 12 for processing. Alternatively, the GPS module 22 implements advanced signal processing related technologies to overcome the decline of GPS signals when indoors. Therefore, -14-200538986 (11) provides accurate location information for decision (when tracking When the device 8 is indoors). This technology has been used in radio astronomy applications and includes advanced related processing to enable the GPS module 22 to extract subtle signal levels from periodic signals generated in space. The embodiment of the tracking device 8 shown in FIG. 5 has the advantage that one or more tracking _ entities 4 can find the precise coordinates of the tracking device 8 at all times. ·

Preferably, the tracking device 8 can send a warning message to the tracking entity 4 when the tracking device is placed outside the boundary of a predetermined coordinate area. For example, when the tracking device 8 is placed on a pallet stored in a warehouse, the internal coordinates of the warehouse are programmed into the processing module 1 3 of the tracking device 8. This action may be performed before the tracking device 8 is mounted on the tray, or may be performed remotely by the tracking entity 4 via the above-mentioned communication path. The GPS module 22 decides the position of the tracking device 8 at a predetermined interval and transmits this information to the processing module 13. When the processing module 13 receives location data from the GPS module 22 (which indicates that the tracking device 8 has left a predetermined boundary of the warehouse), this fact is reported to one or more tracking entities 4, as described above. β Alternatively, the GPS data collected by the GPS module 22 may be transmitted to the tracking entity 4 for processing. In this case, the software on the tracking entity 4 interprets and decides whether the tracking device 8 is located outside the predetermined position at that time. On the other hand, the tracking device 8 transmits its current position according to a request received from the tracking entity 4. FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the tracking device 8. In this embodiment, the tracking device 8 no longer has a wireless communication module 14. This embodiment of the tracking device 8 has a honeycomb communication module, which communicates with the processing module via the data path 27 -15- 200538986 (12) Group 13. The honeycomb communication module 26 is connected to the honeycomb telecommunications network. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use the G P R S communication protocol to assist this communication, although other protocols such as (but not limited to) SMS and the like may be used. Obviously its tracking entity 4 will have an interface with the telecommunications network to receive and send communications from or to the tracking device 8 °

This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous for mobile tracking applications. For example, the tracking device 8 can be placed on a pallet on a truck and has the ability to communicate with one or more tracking entities 4 via a cellular communication module without the need for a physical communication link. Furthermore, GPS data can be communicated to the tracking entity to ensure that the precise location of its tracking device 8 (and thus its secondary tracking device with the tracking device 8) can be communicated to one or more tracking entities 4. In this way, for example, the tracking entity 4 may be informed as to when a truck has deviated from a predetermined route. In this example, the path of the truck is pre-programmed into the processing module 13 of each tracking device 8, and the tracking device 8 can report one or more tracking entities 4 about when the truck deviates from this path. It should be understood that variations of the tracking device 8 shown in Figs. 2, 5, and 6 fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the tracking device 8 shown in FIG. 6 may have a wireless communication module 14 instead of the cellular communication module 26, among other variations. The item tracking system and device of the present invention are not limited to use in supply chain management. For example, the tracking device 8 of FIG. 6 can be used in child-resistant applications. For example, the tracking device 8 in FIG. 6 may have a wireless communication module 1 3. A tracking device 8 is mounted to a parent and a child, and each of the tracking devices is connected to each other. The tracking device 8 mounted to the parent can continuously inquire the child -16- 200538986 (13) Track and ask his GPS location. The parent's tracking device is pre-programmed to alert the parents when the child's tracking device is located a certain distance away from the parent's tracking device via audio, visual, or tactile mechanisms. Therefore, parents can monitor young children at any time. There may also be other applications, such as a child's tracking device that notifies parents of the tracking device when the child enters a predetermined location (such as a pool area, etc.).

A significant advantage provided by the tracking system and device of the present invention is that the passive RFID tag information can be transmitted to the relevant tracking management organization through the Internet. In this way, data is synchronized between tracking management agencies and a truly transparent supply chain is provided. Furthermore, the use of GPS on tracking devices allows high-value assets to be tracked throughout the supply chain, with their exact location known at all times. This allows its tracking device to be programmed to respond to certain conditions (outside a predetermined area, etc.) and notify the tracking entity 4 of these conditions. In addition, a significant advantage over traditional tracking devices is the ability to provide a tracking device with the ability to alert a unit based at least in part on warning conditions that it is programmed into a chip of one of the tracking devices. Furthermore, a tracking device capable of complying with a wide range of communication protocols allows the delivery of a flexible item tracking device and system. Referring again to Figs. 3 and 4, it can be seen that the intermediate tracking device is configured in the communication channel between the access port and a second tracking device. Although FIG. 3 shows a one-level configuration and FIG. 4 shows a point-to-point configuration, it should be understood that various embodiments of the present invention include a method for determining which tracking devices are directly connected to a storage device-17- 200538986 (14) access points and what needs Agency for message relay service. Generally, the method used to determine which tracking devices are directly connected to an access portal includes one or more considerations, such as (but not limited to) the strength of a signal received from an access portal beacon, Data rate, allowable bit rate, whether to use error detection and correction code, the transmission power required to transfer data between the tracking device and the access point within the limits of the acceptable data rate and error rate, the battery of the tracking device Current potential and the indirect costs used by higher-level network protocols to ensure communication accuracy. A tag containing multiple active circuits consumes power and therefore consumes its individual battery. As everyone knows, if it wants to conserve power, the circuits that do not need to be operated can be closed to achieve the conservation of power. For one of the tags whose way has been closed, wireless communication is not possible. Occasionally, it is desirable to wake up a tag in which the radio circuit has been turned off so that the tag can engage in wireless communication, that is, transmit and receive data. In various embodiments of the present invention, it is desirable to enable one or more ^ tags simultaneously. In many embodiments, the tag maintains an accurate clock by, for example, a real-time clock (RTC), a time determined to receive from a GPS, or 802.1 1 communication. Since one accurate clock is maintained within each complex tag, those tags will have substantially the same time, that is, the same time ± small error. In this way, tags have a common time reference and can therefore engage in time synchronization activities. In one embodiment, by a programmed protocol, the tag wakes up at a specific time, for example, every hour on the hour, every 5 minutes on the minute, and so on. By waking up, it means that at least one part of the circuit that was previously in the power-off state is powered for operation. Once awake, the tag stays awake for T seconds. This period can be referred to as the engagement time. Typically, the tag has a normal, or predetermined, time that is programmed by the programmer to indicate when data communications will occur. Note, however, that alternative embodiments may provide the necessary circuitry and / or software to receive and process its reprogrammed instructions to achieve this time. If a tag has successfully communicated its information, it can wake up at engagement time for one of two reasons: (% 1) provide engagement / bridge services to other tags; or (2) receive data updates (or be updated by Inform to stay on and receive updates). On the other hand, tags that are unable to transmit data at their predetermined communication time can wake up at the meshing time for one of three reasons: (1) Use meshing / bridging tags to obtain one access and one access time. Routing; (2), providing mesh / bridge services to other tags; or (3) receiving data updates. Note that the tag that tries to save its own power (due to a low power condition) needs to wake up but is allowed to withdraw to provide meshing services to other tags. By exiting the mesh / bridge service, ^ the particular device will be able to avoid power-consuming operations that receive or transmit messages from other tags. It should be understood that one consideration under this configuration is to design 802.1 1 reception so that the power required during its period T is an affordable energy consumption. An illustrative embodiment of the invention is described in the context of a "container canyon". It is assumed that a container canyon is a two-dimensional (2 D) array of five-height containers stacked, and it is assumed that each container has a label disposed thereon. Also assume that most of the tags on its top-level container can see an access portal (ie, at a predetermined bit error rate to transmit to and receive from an access portal-19- 200538986 (16)) •, times Some tags on higher containers can see an access portal; most tags on lower containers cannot see an access portal. In this illustrative embodiment, tags that cannot see an access portal need to be engaged, or bridged, to facilitate communication to and from the access portal. This assistance can also be referred to as conveyance. In other words, a tag that is basically beyond the communication range with the access point needs the assistance of one or more tags (which are arranged between the out-of-range tag and the access point) to relay the message between the out-of-range tag and the access point. between.

As described above, for a tag to see an access entry, the tag should be able to transmit (and receive from) an access entry within a predetermined bit error rate. Note that if a tag contains functions required to perform error detection and correction, the predetermined bit error rate as described above becomes the corrected error rate. Similarly, if the tag contains the functions required to insert error correction codes in its transmission, and the access portal has the ability to perform error correction based on these codes, the tag can be transmitted at a low power level and still achieve the predetermined bit Communication of access entries within error rate. It should be understood that the establishment of an acceptable communication path between a tag and an access entry can be determined in a number of alternative ways. For example, an affirmative decision may be made based only on the strength of the signal received on the tag of the beacon that accessed the entrance. On the other hand, this decision can be made by the tag according to the decision to reach the transmission power required to access the entrance and the power level of the tag battery. Those who are familiar with this technology and understand the present invention should understand that its data rate, modulation technology, and transmission power are related, and various trade-offs can be used to implement the present invention, for example, a lower data and more Low transmission power is selected for communication where the tag's battery power is below a predetermined threshold -20- 200538986 (17) 値. In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, a tag may choose a data rate and / or modulation technique that provides the lowest overall power consumption.

In other further alternative embodiments, the tag may choose to transmit at a relatively low power and low data rate, if the amount of data it must transmit is less than a predetermined amount; and may further choose to transmit at a relatively low Higher power and higher data rate, if the amount of data it must transmit is greater than a predetermined amount. Note that it can have any number of power and data rate combinations, based on the amount of data to be transmitted within a given period of time. In this way, it may allow the lowest power operation to achieve a particular data transfer to be used by a transmission tag. Note that in some environments, an out-of-range label can actually be physically closer to the access portal than a label that provides relay services to out-of-range labels. For example, a tag with a stronger transmitter and a more sensitive receiver can communicate with the access port within a predetermined bit error rate, even if it is located at a greater distance from the access port than it is. Provide a message to the label to which the% service is delivered. For the purpose of this description, when a label providing a message relay service is referred to as being located between a label and an access portal, it means that its relay label is located between the access portal and the out-of-range label, during which communication The physical location of the path, regardless of the label and entrance. An illustrative method in accordance with the present invention, which is described in the context of Container Canyon as mentioned above, includes: waking up a tag, performing an engagement operation, and performing the required data transfer. It should be understood that the expression "data transfer" in this context may include communication from an out-of-range tag to an access portal via one or more relay tags, and from access-21-200538986 via one or more relay tags 18) Communication from entry to out-of-range tags.

As described in more detail below, the engagement operation is performed to establish the information required to send, or relay, a message from one or more tags (which cannot successfully communicate with an access portal) through one or more other tags, To reach an access entrance. The establishment of this routing information can be referred to as "routing settings". To sum up, the tag wakes up at a predetermined time (for example, the hour is past 15 minutes; this is called the meshing time, which lasts for a certain period of time, T, where T is quite short (for example, 3 seconds); Engagement time can be synchronized because tags have obtained synchronization time from one or more sources, such as (but not limited to) GPS signals, 802.1 1 ATP, and RTC clocks. In this illustrative example, all tags Wake up during the meshing time. "Awake" means that its tag is powered to the extent necessary to perform at least the routing setting operation. During the routing setting, all powered tags listen to the access beacon. Audible (ie, Successfully communicated with) a tag that accesses the entrance beacon recognizes this ability, and thus outputs an 80.2.1 packet that provides this information% to other tags. These packets may contain a statement that basically states "I am A tag with a MAC address of xxxx and I leave a access entry with 1 hop ". A tag leaving a access with a hop is referred to here as a first-order tag. The access beacon cannot be heard A label here Do not take any action about the route setting operation at the moment. It is not a first-order tag but can hear a broadcast of a first-order tag. It outputs an 8 0 2 · 1 1 packet to transmit this fact. This packet may contain It basically states "I am a tag with MAC address xxxx and I leave 2 accesses to an access portal, and information. This is a standard iron; here is called a brother 2 (¾ standard fiber. These steps can be repeated Several times to the -22-200538986 (19) Multiple jump steps required (or deemed necessary). It should be understood that it requires a certain amount of memory, at least two or more jump labels away from an access portal To store the information needed for the tag to communicate via the access portal.

Once the routing information is established, various data transfers can be performed. In one embodiment, a tag that needs to transmit data selects a tag that has broadcast the lowest hop and transmits its information to the tag. The selected destination tag receives the information and rebroadcasts it to the access portal. On the other hand, a tag with data to be transmitted can indicate a more complex route and encapsulate the route information in any appropriate format. In one embodiment, a tag with data to be transmitted transmits its data to a tag with only a lower number of hops. It should be understood that in this case, the data packet can be passed on until it reaches a label that is only one hop away from the access portal. In an alternative embodiment, the power level is detected during the access portal routing broadcast and the power reception information is thus used to determine which intermediate tag is closest and therefore to determine an initial tag with the lowest possible transmission power possible to reach Which middle label. It should be understood that there are several trade-offs, and considering these trade-offs results in several alternative implementations of the invention. For example, in the case of reply packets, the middle tag can store routing information to pass back any response data; or data packets can be augmented with additional routing information. In the illustrative embodiment, all tags are dormant after the engagement time has elapsed. The tags of the transmitted data and the tags that have been “assisted” wake up again within a short period of time (response engagement time) to accept the packets that they have been waiting in line at the access portal. Referring to FIG. 7, an illustrative method 700 is described, which includes a wake-up and operation operation for a routing setting performed by a tracking device (or tag). According to the present invention, within a tag in a sleep (i.e., power off) state, '702 determines whether it is the time to perform a routing setting operation. As described above, this operation can be performed in synchronization with other tags that share a common time reference. If the decision of 70 2 is negative, the label may be in a state ′ where the label waits for a proper predetermined time to wake up to perform the routing setting operation. If the decision of 7 02 is positive, the tag wakes up and listens to 7 04-access

It is determined 706 whether an access entry beacon was detected. Usually, this decision is more commonly a detection of a specific signal, and further includes a decision that it can establish an acceptable communication path between the access portal and the tag. For example, 'if an access beacon signal with a low signal strength is detected, it can be determined that an unacceptably high error rate will occur in the data received from the access entry. In another example, if the received signal strength is low (indicating that it will need some transmission power to reach the access entrance from the tag), but the battery power of the tag is also below a predetermined threshold level and cannot provide a high level Transmission power, it is determined that an acceptable communication path cannot be obtained. If the decision of 706 is negative, then the decision 70 8—whether the first time period has ended. If the decision of 70 8 is negative, the method 700 returns to step 704 and continuously listens for an access entry beacon. If the decision of 706 is affirmative, the tag identifies itself as a first order tag and records the fact that it has successfully received the access portal beacon 7 1 0. It is determined whether the label of 7 1 2 should be broadcast and its status is the first order label. If the decision of 71 2 is negative, the tag continues to wait until the time when this broadcast should be performed. If the decision of 7〗 2 is affirmative, the label broadcast 7 1 4 -24-200538986 (21) its status is the first order label. The tag then goes to sleep, that is, enters a low power state 7 1 6. Referring again to FIG. 7, if the decision of 708 is affirmative, the tag listens to the first-order broadcast. Decide if 7 2 0 first order broadcast has been received. If the decision of 7 2 0 is negative, the tag is dormant 716. However, if the decision of 720 is affirmative, then the tag identifies itself as a second order tag and records 722 the fact that it has successfully received the first order broadcast. Decide if 724's tag should broadcast its status as β 2nd order tag. If the decision of 7 24 is negative, the tag continues to wait until the time when the second order broadcast should be performed. If the decision of 7 2 4 is affirmative, the status of the label broadcast is the second-level label. In this illustrative embodiment, the tag goes to sleep 7 1 ό 〇

An illustrative method 800 is described with reference to FIG. 8 ′, which includes a wake-up and data transfer operation based on the routing settings obtained by the wake-up and meshing operations (FIG. 7). Decide if it should transmit data. If the decision of 802 is negative, the tag continues to wait until the time of transmitting data. If the decision of 802 is affirmative, it is determined whether there is any data of this tag to be transmitted. Note that the data to be transmitted from this tag may be locally generated data, or data previously transmitted to this tag for transmission by a tag that is further away from the access portal. If the decision of 8 0 4 is negative, the label sleeps 8 1 2. If the decision of 804 is affirmative, then it is determined whether it is possible to perform direct communication with an access portal, that is, whether this is the first! Order label. If the decision of 806 is negative, the data is transmitted 808 to an adjacent label with fewer hops. In other words, if the label is a second-level label, the label will send its data to a first-level label for forwarding to the access portal -25 ‘200538986 (22). The label then goes to sleep 8 1 2. Note that there are no particular restrictions on the number of ranks that can participate in the messaging technology described herein. It should be understood that its tag will require sufficient memory to store the message for transmission. Referring again to Fig. 8, if the decision of 806 is affirmative, the tag directly transmits its data 810 to the access entry. The label then goes to sleep 8! 2.

In an alternative embodiment, the tag (before deciding whether there is data to be transmitted) determines whether the battery potential is above or below a predetermined threshold. If the available battery potential is below a predetermined threshold, the tag enters a low power state instead of performing a data transfer operation. In this way, the tag can save its battery power for other tasks it may need to perform. In yet another embodiment, a series of predetermined battery potential thresholds are maintained in the tag, and when the potential level drops below a specific threshold, specific actions can be taken. For example, before the battery potential level drops to the point where its tag refuses to perform a transfer operation, tag identification needs to inform other tags about the higher potential level at which it will stop the transfer operation in the future. This allows time for a new routing setting operation, in which a tag with a decreasing battery power stock does not become part of the message relay network. In an alternative embodiment, it is not necessary to support the dormant tag hibernation (ie, enter a state of low power consumption) early in the engagement time period. Some additional computing resources are used to make the tag aware of what it needs to do to convey the purpose of one packet to another. One way for a tag to increase this understanding involves broadcasting (during the routing sequence) the fact that it will want to transmit data via meshing tags (i.e., a tag that leaves more than one hop away from an access entry). Usually, this broadcast will be performed without transmitting its data. -26- 200538986 (23) queued for transmission. In this way, most tags will quickly know if other tags need them to act as an intermediate tag. If a particular tag does not need to be used as an intermediate tag for relaying or transmitting data packets, the tag can be dormant.

In some embodiments of the invention, the tag need not be involved in the engagement time. More specifically, tags with low battery status can choose to waive support engagement time. In various embodiments of the present invention, a tag that gives up support for engagement time may record the fact that it does not participate in one or more engagement times. Any suitable record format can be used. In an illustrative embodiment, a time postmark may be recorded in a table in memory, and entries in the table are added each time a tag gives up an engagement time. In another alternative embodiment, even discarded records can be put on hold if the amount of charge remaining in the tag's battery is below a predetermined threshold. It should be understood that its label can also record the moment (or later) when it will no longer record this (or other) event. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the power-off state represents a condition 'in which the voltage potential between a power rail and a ground rail is changed to zero. In other embodiments, a power-off state represents a condition, where-酉 δ B is a switch (such as a transistor) in a path between a power rail and a ground rail (and the path includes a circuit to be powered off). Is disconnected, the path between the power and the ground node with @ # is interrupted and therefore no current can flow. In other embodiments, a power-off state represents a condition in which the frequency (or operating speed) of the circuit is reduced. In still other embodiments, the power-off state represents a condition in which a substrate bias voltage is supplied to one or more regions of an integrated circuit, so that the threshold voltage of its MOSFET transistor is increased -27- 200538986 (24) Force port, and leakage current is reduced. Those familiar with the technology and benefiting from the present invention should understand that a power-down state can be implemented in many ways, but in each case is designed to reduce steady-state power consumption, usually to reduce the function of the circuit involved Or performance level. CONCLUSIONS Various illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described, including methods and equipment to allow Φ plural tracking devices to cooperate for at least the purpose of communicating with a remote communication facility. It should be understood that the system, method, apparatus, and equipment of the present invention can be applied to a wide range of applications other than item tracking in a supply chain. An advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that its wake-up operation is provided by using 8 02 · 1 1 reception while remaining below a predetermined power loss limit. By using wireless communication hardware that already exists in a tag to support 80 2 · 1 1, the need to include an additional RF module is omitted. As a result, the area on an integrated circuit is reduced, thereby reducing costs and saving power consumption, thereby increasing battery life, and also saving design time, thereby reducing costs and time to market. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but may cover any and all embodiments within the scope of the appended patent claims and their equivalents. [Brief Description of the Drawings] The drawing shows an item tracking system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the tracking device of the item tracking system 1 in the drawing. FIG. 3 shows an item tracking system according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a hierarchical configuration of the tracking device is used for communication and communication access. _ 4 Joe: An item tracking system according to another embodiment of the present invention ′ g φ ^ A point-to-point configuration of the vertical device is used for communication and communication access to the portal.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the tracking device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the tracking device shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a wake-up and engagement operation in which a route setting operation is performed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a wake-up and data transmission operation based on the routing settings obtained by the wake-up and meshing operations. [Description of main component symbols]

1 Project tracking system 2 Network 3 Location 4 Tracking entity 5 Communication path 6 Communication path 7 Communication portal 8 Tracking device 9 Secondary tracking device -29- 200538986 (26)

1 0 Communication path 11 Communication path 12 Communication module 13 Processing module 14 Wireless communication module 15 RFID power 17 Path 19 Path 2 1 Path 22 GPS module 23 Communication path 25 Project tracking system 26 Cellular communication module 2 7 Data path

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Claims (1)

200538986 (1) X. Patent application scope 1 · A method for conveying information between plural tags' includes: a) In the first tag of plural tags, decide whether or not the predetermined time for the power supply and routing setting operation has arrived; b) if the decision of a) is affirmative, then power is supplied and an access beacon is monitored; c) determine whether the access entry beacon has been detected; d) if the decision of c) is affirmative, identify the tag as a first-order tag and record the rank; e) decide a predetermined time for broadcasting a first-order announcement Whether it has arrived; f) if the decision of e) is affirmative, broadcast the first stage announcement; g) if the decision of c) is negative, determine whether a first time period has expired; and h) if g) If the decision is affirmative, then listen to the broadcast of the announcement of the first stage 2 · If the method of the scope of patent application item 1 further includes: i) determine whether the broadcast of the announcement of the first stage has been received; j) if the decision of i) is positive , Then identify the tag as a second-order tag and record the rank number 3 · If the method of the second scope of the patent application, further includes: k) after j), decide whether the predetermined time for broadcasting a second-order announcement has arrived ; And 1) If the decision of k) is affirmative, broadcast the second order announcement. 4. The method according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, in which it is determined whether it has been checked -31-200538986 (2) The access beacon detected includes: receiving a signal; determining whether the strength of the received signal is higher than a predetermined threshold Limit; and determine that the signal it receives represents an access beacon. 5 · If the method of the scope of patent application No. 4 further includes ·· Determine the potential level at which it supplies power to one of the batteries of the first tag; and determine the level of transmission power required to transmit data to the access portal within a set of restrictions. 6 · The method of item 5 of the scope of patent application, wherein the limitation includes the data rate and bit error rate. 7 · The method of claim 1 in the scope of patent application, further comprising, after broadcasting the announcement of the first stage, < into a low power state. 8. The method of claim 3 in the scope of patent application, further comprising entering a low-power state after broadcasting the second-level announcement. 9. The method according to item 3 of the patent application scope, wherein the first tag includes an RFID communication module, a processor module coupled to the RFID communication module, and a wireless communication module coupled to the processor module. 10 · —A method for transmitting information between plural tags, including ': a) In the first tag of the plural tags, determine whether the predetermined time for the transmission of the data has arrived; b) If the decision of a) is affirmative, then Determine whether the tag has data to be transmitted; c) if the decision of b) is affirmative, then determine whether the access entry is within a hop of the tag; -32- 200538986 (3) d) if the decision of c) is affirmative, then Send data to the access portal: and e) if the decision of c) is negative, then send the data to a second tag of one of the plural tags; wherein the second tag of the plural tag has a jump compared to the first tag of the plural Fewer jumps between itself and the access portal. 11. The method according to item 10 of the patent application scope, wherein the second label has a smaller number of jumps between itself and the access entry than the plurality of first labels. 1 2 · The method according to item 11 of the patent application scope, wherein the first tag and the second tag each include an RFID communication module, a processor module coupled to the RFID communication module, and a processor module Wireless communication module -33-