WO2002013132A1 - Scanning device, system & method - Google Patents

Abstract

A data retrieval device for identifying an article and retrieving stored data about said article and a method of use of such a device are described. The device consists of a scanner adapted to read and retrieve identification data from a transponder tag attached to an article, a transceiver to transmit the identification data to a remote data store, and to receive stored information corresponding to the identification data from said remote data store in a user readable form, and a plurality of transponder tags adapted to carry unique identification codes.

Description

SCANNING DEVICE. SYSTEM & METHOD

The invention relates to a scanning device for remote retrieval of information about an article and in particular an electronically tagged article, to a scanning and tagging system for the same, and to a data retrieval system and method for use in conjunction with the same.

Tagging and scanning systems, comprising electronic tags and devices to read the tags have become widespread in recent years. Such systems generally comprise two principal components, namely transponders which are attached to the items to be tagged, and scanners or readers for reading the identity of the transponders and/or identifying the presence of the transponders and/or retrieving data stored thereon. In some instances, the transponders might be actively programmed to broadcast the data representing their identity under their own power, but in many applications the transponders are passive being merely readable by the scanning devices.

Transponder and scanner systems employ various electromagnetic arrangements to allow for scanning at a distance. Simple devices utilising magnetic fields are known, for example in association with door security. However, for greater range and greater potential for data transmission, transponders based on radio frequency tuned circuit devices are generally preferred. Systems of this type are conventionally referred to as radio frequency identification devices (RFID).

Radio frequency transponder systems have been used for some time for example in relation to aircraft identification. However, technological developments, in particular in relation to a miniaturisation, and associated cost reductions have rendered the devices practical in recent years for a much wider range of identification purposes.

The simplest RFID system involves a transponder with single bit information. These devices can be used effectively for basic electronic article surveillance, for instance to prevent shoplifting, or to provide basic quantitative data about tagged articles.

However, tagging transponders which store multi bit information, and in particular which are therefore able to store unique and identifying data about the articles to which they are attached, offer much greater potential. In addition to conventional uses in relation to aircraft, these devices have found increased use for example in relation to container identification for transport and shipping systems. Other uses include animal identification, for example in relation to identification of race horse, labelling of farm animals, provision of data relating to medical history for domestic pets and the like. Transponder tags attached to vehicles may have application in vehicle tracking, in relation to traffic management, automatic road tolls, and like applications.

Transponder tags worn by people may have application in building and site security, or law enforcement. Tagging of goods may have application as a personal security aid, for example to identify details of the owner or authorised user(s) of the goods.

For many of these applications, advantages can be envisaged if the transponder tags are able to provide not merely identification information identifying the article to which they are attached, for example in the form of the unique code number, but additional information about the tagged subject. The system becomes even more sophisticated if the information can be updated over time to reflect changes. To this end, transponders with increasing data storage capacity and/or programmability have been developed.

It is a drawback of these more complex systems that the technological complexity of the transponder tags increases with the amount of information that is to be stored. To some extent, this obviates one of the primary advantages of RFID based systems, which is that it permits cheap and simple tagging of a large number of items which can then be remotely scanned for the variety of purposes listed.

A further limitation of transponder tags which can be updated, is that it will be necessary for the person updating to be in possession of the transponder tag. It is not practical for most applications to provide the tag with a capacity to be remotely updated.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a data retrieval device inco orating a scanner which is suitable for use with simple transponder tags, in particular passive radio frequency transponder tags, to provide an information storage and retrieval system which mitigates some or all of the above disadvantages.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a device and system which facilitates increased data storage capacity and/or data updating without unduly increasing the complexity of the transponder tags.

Thus, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention in its broadest concept, there is provided a data retrieval device comprising a scanner adapted to read and retrieve identification data from a transponder tag attached to an article, a transceiver to transmit the identification data to a remote data store, and to receive stored information corresponding to the identification data from said remote data store in a user readable form.

The invention relies on taking a radically different approach from that which has been followed hitherto where electronically readable tags have been applied to articles, in that rather than storing the data about the tagged article on a the tag itself, a transponder tag is used merely to store a unique identification number. The scanning device is configured to read this unique identification number, and to transmit this unique identification number to a data store containing information about a large number of such tagged articles. The scanner is also adapted to download the information stored in relation to the article to be identified from the data store in a user readable form.

Thus, for practical purposes, information retrieval can be achieved almost as rapidly in principle as if the information was entirely stored on the transponder tag. However, because the information stored on the tag is limited to a single unique identification number, each individual tag remains technologically simple and cheap. Rather, the more sophisticated and extensive technology is built into the scanner and central datastore, of which only a small number are needed. Thus, the overall system is likely to be more practical for a range of applications in which excessively complex tag technology would be prohibitively costly.

The data retrieval device rapidly retrieves data from the data store and provides it in a usable form. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the data retrieval device incorporates an integral or attachable display for display of information retrieved by the device from remote data store in use. This permits effectively realtime interrogation of the data store and display of retrieved information. Additionally or alternatively, the data retrieval device includes a retrieved data storage register for storing information retrieved from the main data store for subsequent manipulation by a user. This subsequent manipulation may include downloading to a remote display unit, or to a remote storage or processing unit, for example downloading to a computer. The data retrieval device preferably further comprises stored data transfer means in operative communication with the stored data register to facilitate transfer of retrieved data to a remote device for subsequent processing.

In one embodiment, the transceiver is adapted to transmit identification data and receive stored information in association with a conventional personal computer, in which embodiment the screen of the conventional personal computer may serve as the display.

A further advantage of maintaining a remote central data store accrues with regard to updating information. Since the transponder tag is not itself updated, specifically tailored equipment (for instance in association with the scanner) to permit updating of the tag is not necessary. Instead, the information stored on the central database may be updated in any conventional manner whether by direct access, or indirectly through advising a database manager of changes, without need for specialised equipment in the hands of the individual user.

It will also be apparent that updating of the central information database does not require possession of the transponder tag by the user or the updates of the database. There are a number of circumstances where this could be an advantage. For instance, if a tagged item is missing or stolen, information to that effect may be stored on the central database, so that subsequent scanning of the tag by a third party coming into possession of the item (such as a police officer or other person retrieving the item) would instantly be alerted to the fact.

The scanning part which is adapted to interrogate the transponders may be of conventional design, and conveniently comprises a transmitter for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponder, a receiver for receiving a response signal from the transponder, and a processor for interpreting the response signal in accordance with the pre-programmed identification code. The processor then transmits the identification code to the main transceiver for onward transmission to enable information to be downloaded from the remote data store.

The transponder tags with which the scanner in accordance with the first aspect of the invention is adapted to be used are preferably radio frequency transponder devices, in particular resonant tuned circuit devices. For simplicity, the transponder tags are preferably passive (that is contain no internal power sources), responding merely upon interrogation by the scanning device and deriving power for response from the scanning signal.

A suitable range of radio frequencies will be readily understood by those skilled in the art in relation to radio frequency identification device technology. The scanner will operate on a suitably compatible radio frequency. Low radiofrequency transmissions are to be preferred.

The scanning transceiver may transmit and receive a data to and from the remote data site by any suitable mechanism.

In a first embodiment, the scanning transmitter and receiver may be adapted for direct data connection to the remote data store, by connection to a wire borne direct link or network link. For example, connection may be via the telephone system, or other data communication network, and the transceiver then preferably incorporates a suitable packet switching data transfer means, such as a modem, to effect such connection and data transfer.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the transceiver is adapted for wireless communication with the remote data store, and includes wireless transmission and reception means. In particular, the transceiver is adapted to communicate with the remote data store by wireless telephony, for example using a suitable wireless telephony communication protocol such as wireless application protocol (WAP), general package radio service (GPRS), short message service (SMS) or the like.

The remote data store may be located at any remote site or sites. Preferably, the remote data store comprises one or more data storage registers adapted for electronic retrieval of data. In particular, the remote data store comprises information stored on a computer or network thereof.

The data store may be accessed through a dedicated communication channel, such as through a dedicated hard wired network. For most applications it is preferable if the data store is accessible via an ethernet link, for example if the data store is accessible through a generally accessible internet website.

In all cases, data transfer may be subject to suitable encryption and/or authorisation level protocols.

For example, in a preferred embodiment, the transceiver incorporates means to encrypt the identification data before transmission to the remote data base store and/or means to transmit an authorisation code giving a predetermined level of authorisation associated with the transceiver to the remote data store and/or means to decrypt encrypted information received from the remote store. Suitable security and encryption systems and protocols will be familiar to those skilled in the art. In particular, encryption and/or decryption utilises a public key encryption system, allowing user keys to be issued with each transponder.

Use of such security systems, and in particular use of a transmitted access code, will allow access to the information to be controlled. The data store may be suitably adapted to release specific information or categories of information only in response to specific authorisation codes received from the transceiver.

The device may incorporate integrally or in combination in a kit, or be adapted for use with, any suitable display to display the retrieved information. The display may comprise visual and audio displays or combinations thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, to maximise the capacity for readily readable information display, the display comprises an alphanumeric display screen, for example an alphanumeric liquid crystal display screen.

It will be appreciated that it is a particular advantage of the present invention that a user needs neither a scanner nor the transponder tag in his possession to update data about the tagged article. The data may for example be updated remotely by telephone, or by a direct access to the information storage site, for example through a suitably networked computer. The user (e.g. the purchaser of the tag) is conveniently given an access code with the tag, which may or may not be identical to the unique identifier stored on the transponder, which access code enables the user to supply information to the data store about the article to be tagged. The access code may be used as an additional security aspect to limit access, limit update ability etc. Preferably, the data store comprises a plurality of registers each relating to data concerning an individual tag, and each accessibly only by users of one or more of such access codes.

Reference herein to an article to be tagged is to any item to which a transponder tag readable by a scanner in accordance with the invention might usefully be attached for any suitable application. In this context, article includes articles of commerce, and in particular however valuable goods and/or goods which are particularly prone to theft, articles whose movement is to be monitored, whether for stock control or security purposes, moveable items such as vehicles or transport containers whose position is to be tracked, and animals and people.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided an identification and data retrieval system comprising a scanning device as hereinbefore described and a plurality of transponders, each configured to be presettable with a different identification code.

Each transponder is of a design which will be familiar to the person skilled in the art, conveniently comprising a receiving antenna for receiving an interrogation signal generated by the scanning device, a code generator to generate a pre-programmed code, and a transmitting antenna, the code generator being adapted such that on receipt of an interrogation signal the transponder transmits a response signal container data corresponding to the identification code and thus enabling identification of the transponder.

The transponder may be active, incorporating its own power source which is adapted to be actuated by the interrogation signal and to repeat the transmission of the response signal to increase the probability of successful reception. In this embodiment, the scanning device preferably incorporates means to transmit a deactivation signal to deactivate the transpondent power source on successful identification and/or the transponder power source includes means to cease transmission after a predetermined time.

Alternatively, the response signal may be generated passively without a power source in the transponder, for example using resonant circuit effects, and obtaining power for the response signal from the interrogation signal.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a system for retrieval of data in relation to transponder tagged items, comprising at least one scanning device and a plurality of transponder tags as hereinbefore described, and further comprising a remote data store adapted for interrogation by and data communication with the transceiver of the at least one scanning device.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of identifying an article and retrieving stored data about said article, comprising the steps of:

Attaching a transponder tag incorporating a predetermined identification code to the article;

Storing data corresponding to the article in a remote data store;

Providing the data store with data access control protocols which permit access to the said stored data on receipt of the identification code from a remote transceiver device; Generating a scanning signal to scan the transponder tag and retrieve a response signal corresponding to the identification code;

Transmitting data corresponding to the identification code to the remote data storage site;

Receiving and displaying and/or storing in usable or readable form the information thereby generated.

Other preferred features of aspects of the method will be understood by analogy with the foregoing.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic figure, illustrative of the interrogation process, and with reference to examples of use.

Figure 1 represents a simplified book diagram of a system for operation of the present invention.

A plurality of transponder tags (1), (la), (lb) are shown of conventional construction, incorporating receiving/transmitting antenna or antennae and a pre-programmed code generator.

An interrogating scanner (3) emits an interrogation signal (5) in the direction of the transponder (1) via suitable transmitting means such as an antenna (not shown).

The transponder (1) generates a response signal (6) corresponding to and reflecting its pre-programmed identification code. Typically, the transponder (1) is passive, generating a response signal which is a weaker signal at the same frequency as the interrogation signal modulated to reflect the code identifying the transponder tag and thus the object which is tagged.

In the alternative, the transponder could be provided with its own power supply, such as a battery, to power suitable amplification circuitry. This would allow the scanning device to generate an interrogation signal of relatively reduced power for any given range, since the interrogation signal does not need to generate the power by which the response signal is generated. However, this entails greater complexity of arrangement in each individual transponder tag. For most applications, a system is envisaged in which a plurality of cheap and simple tags are used, and it follows that for most applications a passive transponder will be preferred.

The response signal is received by a suitable antenna (not shown) in the scanning device (3) which is able to decode the signal identifying the transponder tag (1) and consequently obtain identifying data corresponding uniquely to the article which is tagged. In the illustration, a transponder tag (1) is being interrogated by an interrogation signal (5) to produce the response signal (6). Broken lines illustrate alternative transponder tags (la, lb) which can be respectively interrogated (5 a, 5b) to produce responses (6a, 6b) characteristic of their own identification codes.

A code signal corresponding to the identification code of the transponder tag is transmitted along data link (8) to a transceiver (10). The transceiver passes an interrogation signal (11) incorporating the identification code and any encryption or authorisation codes to the data store (12) which responds by downloading the information corresponding to the article thereby identified by a data link (13) back to transceiver (10). In the embodiment, transceiver (10) is preferably a wireless application protocol (WAP) cellular phone, and establishes data connection with a computer data store (12) via an internet link.

The downloaded data is displayed on the screen (15).

The embodiment thus allows near instantaneous display of information about an interrogated transponder tag even though the transponder tag contains little information itself, but is of relatively simple design, disclosing merely an identification code, preferably passively.

In this embodiment, the interrogating scanner (3), the transceiver (10), and the display (15) are self contained within a single portable scanning and interrogation device (17) which allows for effective, portable, real-time scanning of a variety of transponder tags. The invention is not limited to such an arrangement, and in particular is not limited to an integral data display. In particular, it could be envisaged that the data display could be replaced or supplemented by a data store for subsequent downloading to a remote display (such as to a computer monitor screen) or remote data processor. Such a device could then be used successively to read a number of tags at a remote site, before downloading information for viewing or processing at a base station.

Examples of use of a system in accordance with the invention are given below.

In the first example, the invention is used for the protection of property, and to assist in the recovery of lost and stolen property. In this example, a transponder tag is provided to a customer at the time of purchase of an article to be protected, or is incorporated within the article. The device incorporates the unique identification number. At time of sale the customer is also given a customer identification number, which may or may not be identical to the identification number stored on the transponder tag, but which permits access by the customer to the central data store.

The customer is thereby able to access the central data store, and to provide information such as name and address, product details and the like, for example by the way of registration. In particular, the central data store is an internet site which is accessible directly by the customer using the customer identification number.

The system offers the customer a number of advantages. First, it provides an easy means for on line registration of the product purchase, for example to receive product support information from the manufacture or supplier.

Second, the customer's ownership and address details are registered in association with the transponder tag. It is envisaged that police forces and the like will obtain compatible scanners. This allows them to identify ownership and similar details for the property, if the property is lost or stolen and subsequently recovered. The ability to update information on-line without access to the transponder tag itself is particularly useful in the event of theft or other loss, since it enables the owner to identify the goods as stolen or otherwise lost in the record on the remote data store, such that on recovery of the goods they can instantly be identified as such assisting in their speedy return.

In a second example, the invention is used to record emergency medical information. Individual users are provided with a transponder tag with a unique identification code is a readily portable, and especially a wearable form (e.g. as a medical bracelet, necklace etc). Again an access code is given to update the database, although in this instance it may be desirable that the access code is made available to the individual's medical practitioner or similar, either in addition or alternatively to the patient.

The access code is used to programme the central data store with emergency medical information, for instance relating to possible emergency conditions, allergies and the like. It is envisaged that paramedic crews, staff in hospital accident and emergency departments and the like will be issued with scanners, and that the transponder tags will be worn or carried by the patient at all times. This allows the medical staff to interrogate the patient's tag in an emergency to identify any particular medical requirements.

Again, a large amount of data is accessible via the transponder tag without being stored on the transponder tag. In relation to this sort of use, remote storage offers particular advantages of potentially enhanced confidentiality and controlled access.

It will be understood that these uses are mere examples of possible uses of the invention, and that others will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. The invention lends itself in particular to any circumstance where, for reasons of economy, confidentiality, central co-ordination or otherwise, it is desirable to have a retrievable supply of information about a plurality of tagged articles, without necessarily being desirable to have the information stored directly on the tag.

Claims

1. A data retrieval device comprising a scanner adapted to read and retrieve identification data from a transponder tag attached to an article, a transceiver to transmit the identification data to a remote data store, and to receive stored information corresponding to the identification data from said remote data store in a user readable form.

2. A data retrieval device in accordance with claim 1 for use with a transponder tag attached to an article and adapted to store a unique identification number, wherein the scanning device is configured to read this unique identification number, and to transport this unique identification number to a data store containing information about a large number of such tagged articles, and wherein the scanner is further adapted to down load this information from the data store in a user readable form.

3. A data retrieval device in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 incorporating an integral or attachable display for display of information retrieved by the device from the remote data store in use.

4. A data retrieval device in accordance with any preceding claim including a retrieved data storage register for storing information retrieved from the main data store for subsequent manipulation by a user, for example by downloading to a remote display unit, or to a remote storage or processing unit, for example downloading to a computer.

5. A data retrieval device in accordance with claim 4 further comprising stored data transfer means in operative communication with the stored data register to facilitate transfer of retrieved data to a remote device for subsequent processing.

6. A data retrieval device in accordance with claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the transceiver is adapted to transmit identification data and receive stored information in association with a conventional personal computer, in which the screen of the conventional personal computer may serve as the display.

7. A data retrieval device in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the scanning part which is adapted to interrogate the transponders comprises a transmitter for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponder, a receiver for receiving a response signal from the transponder, and a processor for interpreting the response signal in accordance with the pre-programmed identification code, and wherein the processor then transmits the identification code to the main transceiver for onward transmission to enable information to be downloaded from the remote data store.

8. A data retrieval system comprising a data retrieval device in accordance with any preceding claim in conjunction with a plurality of transponder tags each attachable to an article and configured to be presettable with a different identification code number readable by the scanning device to enable the scanning device to read and download data associated with the unique identification number from a data store containing information about a large number of such tagged articles.

9. A data retrieval device or system in accordance with any preceding claim adapted for use with transponder tags comprising radio frequency transponder devices.

10. A data retrieval device or system in accordance with claim 9 wherein the radio frequency transponder devices comprise resonant tuned circuit devices.

11. A data retrieval device or system in accordance with one of claims 9 to 11 adapted to operate using low radiofrequency transmissions.

12. A data retrieval device or system in accordance with one of claims 8 to 11 wherein each transponder comprises a receiving antenna for receiving an interrogation signal generated by the scanning device, a code generator to generate a pre-programmed code, and a transmitting antenna, the code generator being adapted such that on receipt of an interrogation signal the transponder transmits a response signal container data corresponding to the identification code and thus enables identification of the transponder.

13. A data retrieval device or system in accordance with claim 12 wherein the transponder is active, incorporating its own power source which is adapted to be actuated by the interrogation signal and to repeat the transmission of the response signal to increase the probability of successful reception.

14. A data retrieval device or system in accordance with claim 12 wherein the response signal is generated passively without a power source in the transponder, for example using resonant circuit effects, and obtaining power for the response signal from the interrogation signal.

15. A data retrieval device or system in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the scanning transceiver is adapted to transmit and receive a data to and from the remote data site by direct data connection to the remote data store, by connection to a wire borne direct link or network link through the telephone system, or other data communication network.

16. A data retrieval device or system in accordance with claim 15 wherein the transceiver incorporates a suitable packet switching data transfer means, such as a modem, to effect such connection and data transfer.

17. A data retrieval device or system in accordance with one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the scanning transceiver is adapted for wireless communication with the remote data store, and includes wireless transmission and reception means.

18. A data retrieval device or system in accordance with claim 17 wherein the transceiver is adapted to communicate with the remote data store by wireless telephony, using a suitable wireless telephony communication protocol such as wireless application protocol (WAP) general package radio service (GPRS), short message service (SMS) or the like.

19. A data retrieval device or system in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the remote data store comprises information stored on a computer or network thereof, and wherein the data store is accessible via an ethernet link, such as through a generally accessible internet website.

20. The use of a system in accordance with any preceding claim to store and retrieve data in relation to transponder tagged articles.

21. A method of identifying an article and retrieving stored data about said article, comprising the steps of:

Attaching a transponder tag incorporating a predetermined identification code to the article;

Storing data corresponding to the article in a remote data store;

Providing the data store with data access control protocols which permit access to the said stored data on receipt of the identification code from a remote transceiver device; Generating a scanning signal to scan the transponder tag and retrieve a response signal corresponding to the identification code;

Transmitting data corresponding to the identification code to the remote data storage site;

Receiving and displaying and/or storing in usable or readable form the information thereby generated.