WO2004034319A1

WO2004034319A1 - Device comprising transponders containing data, such as data relating to said device

Info

Publication number: WO2004034319A1
Application number: PCT/FR2003/002967
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruno Lo-Re; Nordine Bekka; Olivier Schmitt; Diego Bonanni
Original assignee: Tecban
Priority date: 2002-10-08
Filing date: 2003-10-08
Publication date: 2004-04-22
Also published as: FR2845538A1; FR2845538B1; AU2003299449A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device comprising transponders containing data, such as data relating to said device. According to the invention, a device (A; B) is equipped with at least two preferably passive transponders (1, 2, 3; 4, 5) which comprise a memory element and which can be remotely polled. By adapting the number of transponders, it is possible to store limitless amounts of data of all types in the device. A reader is provided which is used to read and assemble the data in a suitable order. In an alternate embodiment, the consistency of one or more sub-assemblies forming a device can be checked automatically. For said purpose, one transponder is fixed to the sub-assembly and said transponder contains the characteristics presented by the sub-assembly, while another transponder which is not fixed to the sub-assembly contains the characteristics to be presented by the sub-assembly. A reader then compares the data from the two transponders and flags any consistency failures.

Description

APPARATUS WITH TRANSPONDERS CONTAINING DATA

ESPECIALLY RELATING TO THE DEVICE

The present invention relates to the use of transponders having memory and which can be interrogated remotely.

The use and maintenance of systems, machines, devices or their organs, whatever the field of activity concerned, often requires a great deal of technical information (characteristics, adjustments, instructions, etc.), logistics (lists of parts in view their replacement, suppliers of these parts, owner of the machine or device, etc.) and concerning quality (history of interventions, breakdowns and repairs, etc.).

Today, this information is either kept separate from the technical entity (that is to say the system, machine or device), or included in an electronic embedded in them. In the first case, an identification element is generally placed on this technical entity and refers to a separate medium, for example of paper or computer type, containing the usage, maintenance, or other information.

These solutions are not fully satisfactory. Indeed, if the second case is satisfactory, it is however dependent on the existence of on-board electronics with information storage means. However, there are very many situations where such electronics do not exist, or even there is not even a power source that can power such electronics.

With regard to the first case, the fact of having information separate from the technical entity imposes constraints, in particular documentary organization and / or implementation of IT infrastructures. In addition, maintenance over long periods - sometimes over several decades as is common in the railway, aeronautical or marine fields - poses the problem of data sustainability.

The object of the invention is to give access to data of all kinds such as data used for the use and / or maintenance of any systems, machines and apparatuses, or of their organs, and this in the very place where they are located and regardless of the existence of on-board electronics or an energy source.

To this end, the invention proposes to use the technology of transponders - called in English "Tags" - used in so-called "Radio Frequency Identification" applications commonly designated by the abbreviation RFID of English "Radio Frequency Identification ". A transponder includes a processor, memory and an antenna. The contents of the memory can be read and / or written remotely using a reading and / or writing device generally designated by the term reader. Reader and transponder communicate by radiofrequency waves by wave propagation or by electromagnetic coupling. In addition, when the transponder is of the passive type, that is to say that it does not include an energy source such as a battery, it is supplied by the radio waves of the reader when the latter enters. communication with the transponder. The processor of the transponder executes the orders sent by the reader and consequently returns to the latter information written in its memory or stores in memory those sent by the reader. The reader can be fixed or portable. The reader can process the information collected independently or on the contrary transmit it to a data processing center to which it is attached. Furthermore, passive transponders make it possible to keep their data in memory for at least 10 years in the absence of interrogation by a reader.

Such transponders and readers are marketed for example by the company Texas Instrument under the brand Tag-It ® and by the company Philips under the brand i-Code ®.

These transponders are used today for object identification. The object to be identified is provided with a transponder and contains in memory object identification data. The reader allows by interrogation of its transponder to identify the object to which it is attached.

However, the memory of existing transponders is limited. In their last state, the largest memory capacity is around 16 kbits as is the case for the transponder marketed under the reference Picotag ® 16K by the company Inside Contactless (France). Such a memory capacity is clearly insufficient to contain usage, maintenance or other data relating to systems, machines or apparatus. To overcome this drawback, the invention provides a device provided with at least two transponders each having memory and which can be interrogated remotely. Thus, data of all kinds can be stored in the memory of these transponders without having to be limited to the memory capacity of a single transponder. The invention is universally applicable to any kind of device such as industrial machines or systems bringing together a set of machines, or even to components of the device. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the transponders contains an indication defining an order of chaining of data in memory in the transponders.

According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of the transponders is housed in a cavity of a pellet closed by a removable plug, the pellet being able advantageously to have two parallel faces. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one of the transponders is incorporated in a tablet having two parallel faces, the tablet possibly advantageously being made of elastomer. In these two embodiments, it is advantageous that at least two transponders are incorporated in the patch. Furthermore, at least one of the two faces of the patch can advantageously be striated. It is also advantageous that at least two pellets are assembled one on the other. According to yet another embodiment, the device is provided with a nameplate and the patch has a circumferential groove, the patch being fixed to one end of the nameplate using a wire or ribbon enclosing the groove of the pad against the end of the nameplate.

According to yet another embodiment, the device is provided with a nameplate comprising a visual marking area, said nameplate carrying or incorporating at least one of the transponders.

According to yet another embodiment, the device is provided with:

- a nameplate with a visual marking area, and

- A support carrying or incorporating at least one of the transponders and having a plate-shaped part superimposed on said nameplate, said part in the form of plate being transparent in the visual marking area of the nameplate.

In general, the transponders can advantageously be of the passive type. According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one of the transponders contains an allocation table locating at least one data item contained in the transponders. Advantageously, the allocation table can locate said at least one data item by a reference to one of the transponders which at least partially contains said data item. Preferably, the allocation table locates said at least one data item in addition by an indication of the location of said item in the memory of the referenced transponder. The allocation table can also contain the size of said at least one item. The allocation table may also contain a name corresponding to said at least one item. Furthermore, at least one of the transponders can contain display formatting data of said at least one item. Preferably, said display formatting data fully define the manner of displaying said at least one item on a screen. Said display formatting data can be contained in said at least one data item. The invention also provides a reader comprising a screen and intended to read said allocation table contained in at least one of the transponders of the device according to this embodiment of the invention, the reader being further provided for:

- display on the screen an indication corresponding to said at least one data item; and

- read said data item in the transponders of said device in response to a selection of said indication by the user. According to yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, at least one data item is contained in the transponders and display formatting data of said at least one item is contained in the transponders.

Advantageously, said formatting data fully define the manner of displaying said at least one item on a screen. Furthermore, said formatting data can be contained in said at least one data item.

Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention also aims to allow verification of the consistency of the composition of an apparatus comprising at least one sub-assembly. To this end, one of the transponders is fixed to the sub-assembly and contains characteristics presented by the sub-assembly, and the other transponder is not fixed to the sub-assembly and contains characteristics to be presented by the sub-assembly. together. The invention also proposes a reader capable of reading the data in the transponders of an apparatus according to this embodiment and characterized in that:

the reader reads the characteristics presented by the sub-assembly in the transponder fixed to the sub-assembly and the characteristics to be presented by the sub-assembly in the transponder not fixed to the sub-assembly; then

- The reader compares the characteristics presented by the sub-assembly with the characteristics to be presented by the sub-assembly to indicate if necessary that the sub-assembly does not have all the characteristics to be presented. Furthermore, the invention also provides a reader capable of reading the data in the transponders of a device according to the invention, characterized in that the reader makes it possible to display, process or print the data read in the transponders of the device in an order determined as a function either of indications read in at least one of the transponders of the device, or of indications present in memory in the reader before the reading of the data in the transponders of the device .

Independently of the previous aspects, the invention also aims to provide an advantageous organization of the data contained in one or more transponders. Thus, the invention provides an assembly comprising at least one transponder - preferably of the passive type - having memory and which can be interrogated remotely, in which this transponder contains an allocation table locating at least one data item contained in this transponder or in other transponders in the set. The allocation table can also contain the size of said at least one item. The allocation table may also contain a name corresponding to said at least one item. Furthermore, the or one of the transponders may contain formatting data for displaying said at least one item. Preferably, said display formatting data fully define the manner of displaying said at least one item on a screen. Said display formatting data can be contained in said at least one data item. The invention also provides a reader comprising a screen and intended to read said allocation table contained in at least one of the transponders of this set according to the invention, the reader being further provided for:

- read said data item in the transponders of said set in response to a selection of said indication by the user.

Independently of the preceding aspects, the invention also aims to reconstruct the display of the data independently of the system initially writing the data in the transponders. For this, the invention provides an assembly comprising at least one transponder - preferably of the passive type - having memory and which can be interrogated remotely and in which at least one data item is contained in the transponder, and data from display formatting of said at least one item are contained in the transponder. Advantageously, said formatting data fully define the manner of displaying said at least one item on a screen. Furthermore, said formatting data can be contained in said at least one data item. The invention also provides a reader comprising a screen and designed to read from said at least one transponder from said set said at least one data item and said formatting data, as well as to display said screen data item of the defined by formatting data.

In general, the use of transponders is very advantageous since they are insensitive to variations in temperature, humidity, dust or dirt. In addition, they do not require any source of energy when they are of the passive type. The readers according to the invention are preferably of the portable type in order to be able to go with them to the site where the device is located. They can advantageously be provided with an autonomous power supply such as a rechargeable battery.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which usage, maintenance or other data is stored in several transponders.

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred example of organization of the data in the transponders and the organization of an allocation table in a reader.

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically an implementation of the method according to the invention for checking the consistency of the different sub-assemblies of an apparatus using transponders. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate advantageous ways of adding transponders to a device.

FIGS. 6a to 6d each show a top view and a front view of the transponders encapsulated in pellets. Figures 7a and 7b illustrate a way of associating transponders with device nameplates.

FIG. 7c is a detailed view of the zone Z referenced in FIG. 7b. FIG. 8 illustrates the display by a reader of a form stored in transponders according to one aspect of the invention. FIG. 9 illustrates the organization of a form in the memory of one or more transponders.

FIG. 10 illustrates in more detail an example of organization of the data of a form in two transponders.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a device A provided with three transponders 1, 2, 3, a device B provided with two transponders 4, 5 and a reader 10 capable of reading the content of the memory of the transponders 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Usage, maintenance or other data relating to device A are distributed in the memory of the transponders 1,2,3 while usage, maintenance or other data relating to device B are distributed in the memory of the transponders 4, 5. The transponders 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and the reader 10 can be of the existing type. They are preferably of the passive type, which allows them to be used without any maintenance, in particular they do not require replacement of a power supply battery.

When an operator needs to consult the usage, maintenance or other data of device A or B, he only needs to read the content of the memory of transponders 1, 2, 3 or transponders 4, 5 to using the reader 10. The communication protocol between the reader 10 and the transponders 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 can be of any suitable type, in particular those of the prior art. In particular, the anti-collision management of the signals of the various transponders transmitted in response to the request from the reader 10 can also be treated in a known manner.

The number of transponders with which a given device is provided can obviously be adapted as a function of the quantity of usage, maintenance or other data that it is desired to store there. In addition, this data can be supplemented at any time by writing it to the part of memory still available in the transponders already installed on the device. If the available memory is insufficient, it is enough to add to the machine additional transponders providing the additional memory allowing to store additional data. Thus, the system of the invention is modular and allows unlimited extension as required.

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred example of organization of the data in the transponders of apparatuses A and B and the organization of an allocation table in the reader 10. Ml, M2, M3 designate the memory of the transponders respectively 1, 2 , 3 while

M4, M5 designate the memory of the transponders 4 and 5 respectively. Each transponder 1 to 5 is identified by a unique reference such as a serial number - designated respectively NSI to NS5 - which is written in its memory respectively Ml to M5. In addition, each transponder 1 to 5 includes in its memory a reference to the device to which they are attached. Thus, the memories M1, M2, M3 contain the same reference IDA indicating that the transponders 1, 2, 3 are associated with the device A and the memories M4, M5 contain the same reference IDB indicating that the transponders 4, 5 are associated to device B.

In addition, the memory of each transponder contains a block number indicating in which order it is necessary to assemble the data of the memories of the different transponders assigned to the same device. In our example, the memories M1, M2, M3 respectively contain the first block B1, the second block B2 and the third block B3 of data relating to the device A while the memories M4 and M5 respectively contain the first block B1 and the second block B2 of the data concerning the device B. The remaining part MN, ML of the memories Ml, M2, M3 makes it possible to store the data relating to the use, maintenance or others of the device A while the remaining part MN , ML of memories M4, M5 makes it possible to store the data relating to the use, maintenance or others of the device B.

Apart from the transponder reference number which is written in the memory of the transponder by the manufacturer, all other data can be written in these memories before or after the transponders have been placed in or on the associated device.

When an operator wishes to consult the stored data relating for example to the device A, he approaches a reader 10 of the device A so that it is located in the area of spatial coverage of the reader 10. The reader 10 is provided for read the transponders and also write there if the operator must be able to modify or supplement the data stored in the transponders. The reader 10 preferably comprises a processor and memory, a display screen which can be tactile and possibly a keyboard or buttons for interacting with the operator. The reader 10 can in particular be of an existing type in the prior art. It then requests the transponders 1, 2, 3 for example by pressing a button on the reader 10 provided for this purpose. In return, the transponders 1, 2, 3 send it all of the data contained in the memories M1, M2, M3. The reader 10 is provided with a display screen and displays the data thus collected thereon. Of course, the same method also makes it possible to read the content of memories M4 and M5 to access the data relating to device B.

In the case where several devices are in its spatial coverage area, for example the devices A and B, the reader 10 simultaneously requests all of the transponders in the coverage area and receives in return all of the data contained in the memories of these transponders. The reader 10 stores in its memory the data returned by the transponders. It creates an allocation table TA10 associating with each transponder reference - NSI -5 - the device reference IDA, corresponding IDB, the block number Bl, B2, B3, etc ... as well as the address of its memory AD MEM 1-5 where it stored the data received from this transponder. The reader 10 then displays a menu listing the references of devices IDA, IDB for which it has read and stored the data in the transponders 1-5. The operator selects, for example using the keyboard of the reader 10, the menu item corresponding to the device for which he wants to consult the usage, maintenance or other data. The reader 10 then displays the data corresponding to the selected device by reading it in its memory at the addresses entered in the allocation table. The reader 10 connects the different data blocks in the correct order using the block numbers Bl, B2, B3, etc., recorded in the allocation table TA10.

The reader 10 also makes it possible to modify the data recorded in the memories of the transponders, either by overwriting the previous data, or by writing following the data already present.

When there is insufficient memory available in the transponders assigned to a given device, it is possible to add one or more additional transponders to the device. The initialization of the additional transponders can be carried out as follows. As an example, suppose that the operator wants to add an additional transponder to device A. The operator first adjoins the additional transponder to device A or brings it closer so that the transponders 1 , 2, 3 and the additional transponder is in the area of spatial coverage of the reader 10. At this stage, the memory of the additional transponder can be empty, except for its unique identification reference entered by the manufacturer. The operator requests all of the transponders of the device A by means of the reader 10 in the manner already described. The reader 10 receives in return all of the data contained in the transponders 1, 2, 3 as well as in the additional transponder. The latter returns its unique identification reference, but does not return the reference of the device to which it is assigned since it is not yet registered there. Optionally, the additional transponder can return a default value instead of a reference to a device. In response, the reader 10 sends to the additional transponder the reference to the device which it has read in the other transponders 1, 2, 3, namely IDA, as well as a block number which is the following with respect to the number of the largest read block - in the occurrence B3 - in these other transponders. The additional transponder then writes in its memory the reference to the device and this block number. The initialization is thus completed and the additional transponder can be read or written with data concerning the device A as already described. Of course, the reader can be provided to simultaneously initialize a plurality of additional transponders by assigning successive block numbers to each. Of course, in the case where several devices provided with transponders are in its field of spatial coverage during the initialization of one or more additional transponders, the reader 10 displays the list of devices detected so that the operator selects the one to which each transponder must be assigned.

The organization of the data in the transponders as well as the management of the data by the reader are susceptible of numerous variants. By way of example, the block number B1-3 in each transponder can be replaced by the unique identification reference of the transponder containing the next block. In this case, the transponder containing the last block may contain a particular indication used to indicate to the reader that it contains the last block. According to another example, it is possible to create the allocation table TA10 in the reader 10 for example by manual input of the data and to keep the allocation table in the memory of the reader permanently. In this case, it is not useful to write in the transponder memory the reference to the device with which they are associated, nor the data block number.

In another variant, the allocation table is written to the memory of one or more transponders assigned to a device. This allocation table is then preferably specific to this device. Thus, the allocation table contains the information from the TA10 table only for the transponders assigned to this device. In other words, each device corresponds to a respective allocation table stored in one or more transponders with which the device is provided. In this case, upon interrogation, the reader reads all of the data from the transponders of the device or devices located in its area of spatial coverage, including the allocation table or tables that they contain. The reader then uses the allocation table or tables to chain the data blocks in the correct order. The reader can advantageously be provided for updating the allocation table in the transponder or transponders containing it, in particular in the case of assignment of additional transponders to the device.

Any kind of data relating to the use, maintenance or other of the device can be stored in the transponders associated with a device. The data may for example concern: - the manufacturer of the device: name of the manufacturer, contact details, settings of the device or its components, instructions, list of spare parts, commissioning dates, warranty given, technical documentation , plans, etc ... - the user of the device: user identification, specific settings, nature, dates and data of maintenance work, etc.

- the owner of the device: identification of the owner, information concerning the maintenance contract, identification of the operating and maintenance networks, etc.

Of course, any other data relating to the device can be stored in the transponders associated with it. More generally still, it is possible to store and manage in the same way all kinds of other data unrelated to the device itself. Furthermore, memory areas - designated by MN in FIG. 2 - transponders can be locked in writing, thus preventing modification of the data written therein using the reader. This guarantees the integrity of this data over the lifetime of the device. These can in particular be memory areas containing the data of the manufacturer of the device. The modifiable memory areas of the transponders are referenced ML in FIG. 2.

Furthermore, it is advantageous for the reader 10 to be of the portable type. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an implementation of the method according to the invention for checking the consistency of the different sub-assemblies of a device C using several transponders. In our example, the apparatus A comprises several subsets 11, 12, 13, 14. The apparatus C is provided with at least one TC transponder while each of the subsets 11-14 is provided with at least a respective transponder Tl, T2, T3, T4.

Each TC, T1-T4 transponder has a unique transponder identification reference in memory. In addition, the TC transponder contains in memory an indication indicating to the reader L that it is the one containing the list of the characteristics which the sub-assemblies of the apparatus C must present.

Each subset transponder T1-T4 contains in memory characteristics of the associated subset 11-14. The transponder of the TC device contains in memory a list of characteristics that must be present in the subassemblies 1-4 to ensure their consistency and allow the correct operation of the device C. An operator can automatically check the consistency of the sub -Tl sets-

T4 using a reader L. The reader L is intended to read the transponders and also to write there if the operator must have the possibility of modifying or supplementing the data memorized in the transponders. The reader L preferably comprises a processor and memory, a display screen which can be tactile and possibly a keyboard or buttons for interacting with the operator. The reader L can in particular be of an existing type in the prior art. To perform the consistency check, the reader L requests the transponders, for example on the operator pressing a button on reader 1 provided for this purpose. In response, the transponder TC sends to the reader L the list of the characteristics which the sub-assemblies of the apparatus C must present while the transponders T1-T4 send the characteristics relating to the associated sub-assembly. The reader L then compares the list of characteristics supplied by the transponder TC with the characteristics of the sub-assemblies supplied by the transponders T1-T4. The reader L then displays the result of the comparison on the screen. The reader L can thus confirm the consistency of the device C or report any deviation from the consistency requirements. In a simple implementation, the list of characteristics stored in the transponder C and the characteristics of the subsets stored in the transponders of the subsets can simply consist of reference codes identifying the subsets. However, these characteristics can also include other data relating to the subsets such as version numbers of the subset and parameter settings of the subsets.

The reader L can also be provided to make it possible for example to modify the aforementioned list of characteristics of the TC transponder for updating purposes. The invention thus provides a simple and reliable means of checking the coherence of the subassemblies constituting an apparatus. For example, the manufacturer of the sub-assembly provides it with its transponder by placing the characteristics of the sub-assembly in its memory while the manufacturer of the device supplies the device with its transponder by placing the list of required characteristics in it. for the constituent subsets. The invention makes it possible in particular to verify that the consistency of the device is respected after repairing the device by replacing one or more of its sub-assemblies. By way of example, the invention can be applied to a rail brake panel comprising sub-assemblies such as a distributor, a relay, a pressure switch, a tap and a solenoid valve. Preferably, the TC transponder is fixed on the device C, but not on one of its sub-assemblies 1-4 which is likely to be replaced if it is defective.

Of course, the different transponders assigned to the device and to the sub-assemblies may also contain usage, maintenance or other data relating to this device or to these sub-assemblies or any other kind of data as described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. In the various embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 1 to 3, the transponders can be fixed to the device or to their sub-assembly by any suitable means, for example by gluing, riveting , screwing or hanging by wire. A particularly advantageous way to add one or more transponders to a device or to one of its sub-assemblies is to place the tag in or on the nameplate of these, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Indeed, the devices or their constituent sub-assemblies are generally provided with such a plate on which are written or engraved identification information and characteristics of the apparatus or sub-assembly. So the invention offers a nameplate with a visual marking area and at least one transponder. The transponder can be fixed - for example by gluing - on the outside surface of the nameplate, preferably outside the visual marking area. The transponder can also be incorporated inside the nameplate produced by plastic overmolding. Such a nameplate can also replace the traditional nameplates fitted to old devices. FIG. 4 illustrates the case of a traditional nameplate 30 fixed by rivets 32, 33 which Ton replaces with a nameplate 31 provided with a transponder T according to the invention which is also fixed by rivets. As a variant, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the invention also provides a support S comprising at least one transponder T and having a plate-shaped part 35 intended to be superimposed on an appliance nameplate 30 having a marking zone visual, the part 35 in the form of a plate being transparent in the visual marking area of the nameplate 30. Due to the transparency of the part 35 in the form of a plate, it is possible for a person to see and therefore read the markings visuals of the nameplate 30. The transponder T can in particular be placed on or incorporated in a projection 36 at one end of the part 35 in the form of a plate. Of course, all of the support S can be transparent. The support can of course include several transponders. Such a support S can be made of transparent plastic. The support S can have fixing holes corresponding to those of the nameplate 30 to allow them to be fixed together on the device, for example with common rivets 32, 33.

Figures 6a-6d illustrate different possible encapsulations of transponders in pads. FIG. 6a shows a top view and a front view of a chip P in which a transponder T is incorporated. Advantageously, the two opposite faces of the chip P are parallel, which allows stacking of several of these chips when several transponders are used on the same device or subset of devices. To facilitate the fixing of the Tune pellets on the other, the two opposite faces are advantageously striated to favor the attachment of an adhesive. Of course, each tablet or stack of tablets can also be glued to the assignment device. This type of pellet P can be obtained by overmolding the transponder T with elastomer. Furthermore, several transponders can be incorporated in the same pad P. FIG. 6b illustrates the case where the transponders - in this case T1 and T2 - are superimposed inside the pad P. FIG. 6c illustrates the case where several transponders - in this case Tl - T4 - are arranged side by side inside the pad P. In the latter case, there may also be other transponders superimposed on the former inside the pad P. The pellet P may have a circular cross section as shown, but it could have any other section such as square, triangular, oval, etc. FIG. 6d illustrates a variant in which the pellet P has a cavity C closed by a plug B which can be screwed, fitted or any other form of removable mechanical assembly. The cavity C is designed to accommodate one or more transponders T. After placing the transponders T in the cavity C, the latter is closed with the plug B. The plug N being removable, it is possible to add or possibly remove transponders T in the cavity C as required. The cavity is then closed with the plug B.

Furthermore, the patch P may include a circumferential groove G for fixing the patch P to a nameplate PS when visual marking is desired. Attaching the patch P to the nameplate PS can be carried out using a slip knot system, the thread or ribbon F of which takes place in the groove G as illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b. In this case, the pellet P preferably has a cylindrical or oval cross section. The nameplate PS includes an end in a concave arc in which the patch P is housed. The wire F forms a loop at the end of the plate PS. After placing the support S in the loop, it is enough to tighten the wire to tighten it in the groove G of the patch P. The nameplate PS is provided with a means of locking the wire F by friction or notches to maintain clamping the wire in the groove G of the patch P, which has the effect of rigidly holding the patch P and the plate PS together.

FIG. 7c is a detailed view of the zone Z referenced in FIG. 7b to show an example of locking means, the strip F being of the flat type and notched at least on one side. The notches of the ribbon F are used for locking the ribbon F by cooperating with a locking finger D projecting into a reduced passage R of the plate PS which is crossed by the ribbon F. The finger D allows the passage of the notches in the direction of tightening, but opposes the passage in the opposite direction of the ribbon F in a similar manner to the clamps of known type. The tape F is preferably made of plastic. The other end of the ribbon F is preferably fixed firmly - that is to say without the possibility of sliding - to the plate PS.

We will now describe a particularly advantageous way of organizing the data stored in one or more transponders, preferably of the passive type. This organization of the data in the memory of the transponders aims to rationalize the use of the memory. It also aims to allow the display of data in the form of one or more forms on the screen of a reader intended to read the content of the transponders, and possibly to enter data by this reader which it then records in transponders. An example of such a form displayed by a transponder reader is illustrated in FIG. 8. The display represents a first item 50 whose title can be indicated in the upper left tab. Other items not displayed may be displayed in replacement of the first by user selection - in a known way - of the corresponding tab in the upper display area: cf. for example the second tab referenced 60. Each item can include several superimposed sheets 51, 52, each being selectable by the user to be displayed. Each sheet can contain different fields 53, 54 such as text fields, input fields, drop-down menus, selectors or the like. The fields can be provided for data entry by the user or contain data which can be modified by the user, for example by means of a keyboard or a mouse. Fields can also contain fixed or frozen data, that is to say that cannot be modified by the user. Figure 9 illustrates the organization of data in the memory of a transponder - or more - containing such a form. A first part of the memory contains data such as a unique reference identifying the transponder (cf. “Serial number” in FIG. 9) which is locked as well as other data (cf. “Reserved blocks” on the Figure 9) specific to the manufacturer of the transponder and / or indications concerning the order of chaining of the memories of the different transponders in the case where several transponders are used. The memories of the transponders can in particular be chained according to any of the methods described in relation to FIG. 2.

Next, an allocation table for the headings 71 is placed at the start of the available memory of the transponder. This heading allocation table 71 defines the location of each heading in the transponder (s). The allocation table is followed by the data items 72, 73, etc.

When several transponders are used, the allocation table 71 is preferably placed in the first transponder according to the defined chaining order.

Cutting the form into a section allows you to optimize the times for reading and / or writing information in the transponder (s). Indeed, thanks to the allocation table 71, it is possible to read and / or write the desired item or items without having to read and / or write all of the data in the transponder or transponders. For this, the reader reads the beginning of the available memory of the transponder - or of the first transponder if there are several - in order to read the allocation table 71. the reader can then read and / or write each item independently using at its location read in the allocation table.

To define the location of an item, the allocation table 71 can simply include the memory address in the transponder at which the item starts. If several transponders are used, the allocation table 71 may also include an identification of the transponder containing the start of the item. For simplified management of the memory of the transponder (s), the memory can be divided into blocks of identical size, for example of 8 bytes each. In that case, the location of the items can be defined in the allocation table 71 by the block number at which each item begins.

The headings are placed after the allocation table 71 and in the other transponders if necessary. FIG. 10 illustrates in more detail an example of organization of the data in two transponders 80, 90.

The first transponder 80 contains at the start of its memory an area 81 of fixed data containing the unique reference of the transponder. Then, another zone 82 contains a transponder number making it possible to determine the order of chaining of the content of the transponders. It can also contain an identification of the device or other object to which the transponder is assigned as described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. It can also contain the number of headings of the form stored in the transponders 80, 90 Thus, the reader can determine the size of the allocation table 71 in the case where each row of the table 71 containing the characteristics of an item has a predefined fixed size since the size of the table is equal to the number of item multiplied by the predefined fixed size of a line. Of course, other ways of defining the size of the table or the number of headings can be implemented.

Then, the first transponder 80 contains the allocation table for the headings 71.

For each item, it defines the location of the item in the transponders 80, 90 for example by containing the unique reference of the transponder containing the start of the item as well as the block number in this transponder. In our example, the first item 83 and the second item 84 are contained in the first transponder 80 and the third item 93 and the fourth item 94 are contained in the second transponder 90.

For each item, the table can also contain the name of the item. Thus, the reader can read the allocation table and display the names of the different headings without having to read the content of the headings themselves. Thus, the reader can allow the user to select the desired item to read and display the data corresponding to this item. In particular, the reader can display the name of the headings in the tabs 50, 60, etc. mentioned in relation to FIG. 8. For each heading, the table can also contain the size of the heading. This information allows the reader to determine the position of the last block of the section concerned and advantageously allows him to read the entire section without going beyond it. But other ways can be used to indicate to the reader the end of a section.

In the memory of the first transponder 80, the allocation table 71 is followed by item 1, then by item 2.

The second transponder 90 contains at the start of its memory an area 91 of fixed data containing the unique reference of the transponder. Then, another area 92 contains a transponder number used to determine the chaining order of the content of the transponders. As with the transponder 80, it can also contain an identification of the device or other object to which the transponder is assigned as described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. Next, it contains consecutively the third item 93 and the fourth item 94.

Each item 83, 84, 93, 94 contains the fixed data (for example headers or titles) and / or modifiable (for example names, dates, etc.) corresponding to this item. The reader reads and / or writes the data corresponding to a heading when it is selected by the user, and in particular displays it on his screen. Of course, a section can also be saved astride one or more transponders.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, each item contains not only the fixed or modifiable data which are useful for the user, but also the formatting data for displaying this data on the screen of the reader. Display formatting data can include all kinds of information such as shape properties (e.g. displaying data in a rectangular window of defined dimensions), positioning on the screen or parameters (e.g. l '' display in the form of drop-down lists with possibility of selecting an item from the list). It is particularly advantageous for each section to contain all the information enabling a reader to completely reconstruct the display of the section on its screen with its input properties and the like.

Thus, the form can for example be created initially using a computer, then transferred to the transponders by remote writing into their memory. Then, the form can be read and / or modified with any reader without any prior knowledge of the form. It suffices that the reader is able to understand the table for allocating the headings 71 as well as the language in which the contents of the headings are coded. This language can in particular be HTML or XML. In other words, the reader is universal and makes it possible to read and / or modify any form created according to the invention independently of the computer which generated the form at the start. A form can be entirely contained in a single transponder in case its memory is sufficient. In this case, the allocation table 71 does not need to identify the transponder containing the form for each item.

Although in the case of Figure 10, there are only two transponders, the form can be contained in a number of transponders greater than two. The indications of chaining of the transponders are not useful in particular in the case where no heading is contained straddling at least two transponders. In this case, the allocation table 71 providing the location of each item is sufficient. The organization of data in the form of a form in one or more transponders as described makes it possible in particular to add searchable and modifiable information to any type of object, products, animals, people or others. The fact that the reader is universal allows simple and rapid deployment of forms, in particular the creation of forms with generation software on a first site and consultation / modification of the forms recorded on the transponder (s) on another site with a reader universal, without connection to the first site A.

The applications are numerous. For example, it is possible to create access badges with an identity form and access rights, the badge being customizable with the reader, for example to change the identity and rights according to the needs of the user. 'user.

Another example is the creation of a medical information form for monitoring patients in a hospital. The form data can be completed or modified with the reader according to the visit to each department of the hospital with the possibility of keeping a history. Reading / modification of the form is possible for example in another establishment through the universal reader during the patient's transfer.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples and to the embodiments described and shown, but it is susceptible of numerous variants accessible to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Device (A) provided with at least two transponders (1, 2, 3) each having memory and which can be interrogated remotely.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which at least one of the transponders contains an indication (B1, B2, B3) defining an order of chaining of data in memory in the transponders.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the transponders contains an allocation table (71) locating at least one data item (83; 84; 93; 94) contained in the transponders.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the allocation table (71) locates said at least one data item by a reference to one of the transponders which at least partially contains said data item.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which the allocation table (71) locates said at least one data item in addition by an indication of the location of said item in the memory of the referenced transponder.

6. Apparatus according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the allocation table (71) further contains the size of said at least one item.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the allocation table (71) further contains a name corresponding to said at least one item.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein at least one of the transponders contains display formatting data of said at least one item (83; 84; 93; 94).

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, in which at least one of the transponders contains display formatting data integrally defining the manner of displaying said at least one item (83; 84; 93; 94) on a screen.

The apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein said display formatting data is contained in said at least one data item (83; 84; 93; 94).

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, in which:

- at least one data item (83; 84; 93; 94) is contained in the transponders; and - display formatting data of said at least one item are contained in the transponders.

The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said formatting data fully defines how to display said at least one item on a screen.

13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said formatting data is contained in said at least one data item (83; 84; 93; 94).

14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the transponders is housed in a cavity (C) of a patch (P) closed by a plug

(B) removable, the patch (P) preferably having two parallel faces.

15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the transponders is incorporated in a patch (P) having two parallel faces, the patch (P) preferably being made of elastomer.

16. Apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein at least two transponders are incorporated in the patch (P).

17. Apparatus according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein at least one of the two faces of the patch (P) is striated.

18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein at least two pellets (P) are assembled one on the other.

19. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 18, provided with a nameplate (PS) and wherein the patch (P) has a circumferential groove (G), the patch (P) being fixed to one end of the nameplate (PS) using a wire or ribbon enclosing the groove (G) of the patch (P) against the end of the nameplate (PS).

20. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, provided with a nameplate (31) having a visual marking area, said nameplate (31) carrying or incorporating at least one of the transponders.

21. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, provided with:

- a nameplate (30) comprising a visual marking area, and

- a support (S) carrying or incorporating at least one of the transponders and having a part (35) in the form of a plate superimposed on said nameplate (30), said part (35) in the form of a plate being transparent in the visual marking area of the nameplate (30).

22. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the transponders are of the passive type.

23. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, comprising at least one sub-assembly (11-14) in which:

one of the transponders (T1-T4) is fixed to the sub-assembly (11-14) and contains characteristics presented by the sub-assembly (11-14), and

- the other transponder (TC) is not fixed to the sub-assembly (11-14) and contains characteristics to be presented by the sub-assembly (11-14).

24. Reader (10) capable of reading the data in the transponders (1, 2, 3) of an apparatus (A) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, adapted to display, process or print the data read in the transponders of the device in an order determined as a function either of indications (B1, B2, B3) read in at least one of the transponders (1, 2, 3) of the device (A), or of indications present in memory in the reader (10) before reading the data in the transponders (1, 2, 3) of the device (A).

25. Reader (L) capable of reading the data in the transponders (1, 2, 3) of an apparatus (C) according to claim 23, in which:

- the reader (L) reads the characteristics presented by the sub-assembly (11-14) in the transponder (T1-T4) fixed to the sub-assembly (11-14) and the characteristics to be presented by the sub-assembly (11 -14) in the transponder (TC) not attached to the sub-assembly (11-14); then

- the reader (L) compares the characteristics presented by the sub-assembly (11-14) with the characteristics to be presented by the sub-assembly (11-14) to indicate if necessary that the sub-assembly (11-14) does not have all the features to show.

26. Reader comprising a screen and designed to read said allocation table (71) contained in at least one of the transponders of an apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 10, the reader being further provided for :

- read said data item in the transponders of said device in response to a selection of said indication by the user.