WO2005093455A1 - Chaine d'approvisionnement et/ou authentification d'un article, systeme, procede et dispositif de tracage, d'identification et de surveillance - Google Patents

Chaine d'approvisionnement et/ou authentification d'un article, systeme, procede et dispositif de tracage, d'identification et de surveillance Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005093455A1
WO2005093455A1 PCT/AU2005/000417 AU2005000417W WO2005093455A1 WO 2005093455 A1 WO2005093455 A1 WO 2005093455A1 AU 2005000417 W AU2005000417 W AU 2005000417W WO 2005093455 A1 WO2005093455 A1 WO 2005093455A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tag
tags
article
articles
interrogation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2005/000417
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch
Stuart Colin Littlechild
Raymond Timothy Frost
Original Assignee
Magellan Technology Pty Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2004901683A external-priority patent/AU2004901683A0/en
Application filed by Magellan Technology Pty Ltd. filed Critical Magellan Technology Pty Ltd.
Publication of WO2005093455A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005093455A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07749—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
    • G06K19/07796—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card arrangements on the record carrier to allow stacking of a plurality of similar record carriers, e.g. to avoid interference between the non-contact communication of the plurality of record carriers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K17/00—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
    • G06K17/0022—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations arrangements or provisious for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device
    • G06K17/0029—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations arrangements or provisious for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device the arrangement being specially adapted for wireless interrogation of grouped or bundled articles tagged with wireless record carriers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/0008—General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10009—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
    • G06K7/10019—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves resolving collision on the communication channels between simultaneously or concurrently interrogated record carriers.

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to authentication and identification of articles.
  • the- present invention relates to the tracking in the supply chain of an article.
  • the present invention relates to the authentication of an article.
  • the invention has been developed for meat and other food products and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application.
  • the invention is not limited to that use only, and is also suitable for use other products, whether including organic or non-organic material, such as packaged human and animal blood products, food products other than meat products, wine and other beverages, organic products other than food products, medical devices, and the like.
  • organic or non-organic material such as packaged human and animal blood products, food products other than meat products, wine and other beverages, organic products other than food products, medical devices, and the like.
  • the tags typically include a substrate, chipset disposed on the substrate, and an antenna that extends across the substrate and which is connected to the chipset.
  • the tags When a tag is placed within an appropriate interrogating field - that is generated by as separate interrogator - the signal received by the antenna is fed to the chipset for processing.
  • the chipset In response, the chipset generates an identification signal that is radiated by the antenna and detected by th e interrogator.
  • the identification signal includes data indicative of a sufficiently unique identity to allow the tag to be distinguished from other tags of that type.
  • the chipset typically includes a processo r, memory for use by the processor, and power supply circuitry.
  • Both active and passive RFID tags are available. Active tags include an onboard energy storage source - such as a battery - that, once exhausted, renders the tag inoperable.
  • Passive tags while also including energy storage devices such as capacitors - obtain and store enough energy from the interrogating field to allow the desire tag operations to be performed.
  • Single axis readers such as Panel readers can only read tags when the tags are presented to the panel reader in the same orientation as the reader itself. Single axis readers are not considered reliable readers of tags, • Cartons of meat travel on conveyor belts at speed from 1- 2m and up to 5m a second. The carton of meat is Inside the reader for only a second at best,
  • An object of the present invention is to an improved method, system and/or device for authentication, monitoring, tagging, tracking, interrogating and/or identification of articles.
  • a further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the prior art.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides, in one aspect, in an article management system, a method, device and/or system of enabling at least two tags to be read within relatively close proximity of each other, the method including the step of configuring each tag in accordance with any one or a combination of the following criteria:
  • the tag between active and in-active states.
  • the antenna current is reduced by at least 50%.
  • the invention has been found useful in un-tu ⁇ ed antennas, but may also be applied to tuned antennas.
  • the proximity is less than 20 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, and more preferably less than 1 mm.
  • the tags are tags as disclosed in PCT/AU03/01072.
  • the present invention further provides, in a second aspect of invention, a radio frequency identification (RFID) system and method for a plurality of articles, the system including: at least one interrogator for providing an interrogation field; and a plurality of RFID tags that are associated with respective articles and which are selectively responsive, when disposed within the field, for providing respective identification signals indicative of one or more characteristics of the respective articles, each tag including memory for selectively storing control data derived from the interrogation field.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the present invention further provides, in a third aspect of invention, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag adapted to be associated with an article having at least one organic component, the tag including: a substrate that is mounted to the article and which is substantially impermeable to the organic component, the substrate having a first face that is opposed to the article and a second face that is opposite the first face; a processor circuit that is mounted to second face and which is responsive to an external wireless interrogation signal for providing a wireless identification signal indicative of one or more characteristics of the article.
  • the article is a piece or package of meat.
  • the present invention further provides, in a fourth aspect of invention, a package for an article, the package including a plurality of interconnected sidewalls for collectively defining a cavity in which the article is, in use, disposed, wherein at least part of one of the sidewalls includes a wireless tag that is responsive to an interrogation field for providing an identification signal.
  • the article may have a frozen exterior layer.
  • the present Invention further provides, in an fifth aspect of invention, a storage unit having a storage volume for containing a plurality of articles each having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the storage unit including: a base; at least one support structure that is mounted to the base for defining the storage volume and supporting the articles within that volume; and a radiating element that is mounted to one or more of the base and the at least one support structure for generating an interrogating field within the storage volume and for receiving, in response, one or more identification signals from the tags.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the present invention is based on the realisation that the use of closely stackable RFID tags, in association with various interrogator apparatus and tracking software and/or article management software and systems, can provide not only an improved method, system and/or device -for identification of articles which has many advantages over the prior art but a substantially complete solution in terms of authentication, reporting, m onitoring, tagging, tracking, interrogating and or identification . of articles.
  • the inventors have realised that there is a manageable relationship between tag separation (distance), the number of turns of an antenna on a tag, and current drawn.
  • the RFID tags and relat-ed devices include those as disclosed in PCT/AU 03/01072, Australian Provisional patent application number 2002950973, filed 22 nd August 2002, Australian Provisional patent application number 2004901683, filed 29 March 2004 and Australian Provisional patent application number 2004903107, filed 9 June 2004, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the tags use 'stackable technology', such as an un-tuned antenna design ( in one em odiment only) with antenna current management which has been found to reduce interference effects, and thus has been found to be suitable in a document management system where documents are likely to be relatively closely stacked or held.
  • RFIO Radio Frequency IDentification
  • RFID labels are accepted into the food supply chain downstream of the actual farm or paddock, then there will ba new pressures and business reasons to also standardize (upstream) on the same RFID system for ear tags.
  • systems are designed to read and/or write to a population of multiple dynamic tags on, for example, a conveyor belt.
  • the new standard ISO 18000-3 Mode 2 is a brand new ISO communication protocol and is due for publication early in 2004.
  • the present technology is adapted to meet this new protocol.
  • the protocol uses frequency hopping technology to handle the anti collision requirement.
  • the term for this is Frequency and Time Division Multiple Access (FTDMA).
  • FTDMA Time Division Multiple Access
  • the present technology uses untuned (or tuned) antennae on its RFID labels together with unique and proprietary power control circuitry.
  • the present technology preferably uses a command data rate of 424 kbit/s and a reply data rate of 106 kbit/s.
  • the reply data rate is transmitted on each of 8. different channels. This means that the effective reply data rate can be as high as 848 kbit s. This is in contrast to all other RFID technologies which are limited to 40 kbit s in the best of circumstances and can be as low as 1.6 kb ⁇ t s in Europe due to regulatory issues.
  • the chosen operating frequency is adapted to convey relatively safely enough energy to permit RFID labels to operate reliably even when immersed in water or embedded in slabs of ice.
  • the frequency of choice is 13.56 MHz. It has been found that this frequency has advantages in being in an ISM band and therefore useable worldwide; of being able to be used with a relatively thin low cost foil antenna; and of being able to penetrate into blocks of ice relatively safely and without the need for unacceptable radiated power levels.
  • the present technology may be used throughout the meat food supply chain from the farm to the supermarket.
  • tags may be provided, 1) a Tag which is used on farm animals because the requirement is for a longer range, and 2) a tag which is operational in relatively close proximity to other tags because of the requirement to read stacked meat products.
  • the present invention has been found to result in a number of advantages, such as: • Enabling the labelling or tagging and the remote identification of closely stacked articles by the use of tags within a management and tracking and tracing system,
  • the tag acts as a distributed data base thus avoiding the need for constant access to look up tables and the consequent communication cost and time penalties, • Closely stacked articles can be read from and written to,
  • the article and tag information may be linked, joined and/or interfaced with a knowledge management system, accounting system, office management system, and/or be available at various locations via Internet, Intranet and/or server, •
  • the article can be tracked and traced by a series of 'in' and 'out' trays, all linked together on a LAN such that the present location of any article is made available or is visible to aW persons connected to the LAN,
  • the invention uses 'stackable tag' technology, and as part of a complete system of tags, readers and the associated local and wide area networks, it can provide 'visibility' over any or all articles in the system at the various reading points in the system, and •
  • the invention can function with tags that are either closely stacked or spaced ' some distance apart.
  • reference to an 'article' includes reference to one or more articles.
  • reference to an article may include reference to one 'article' residing in or being associated with another 'article'.
  • An 'article' may refer to meat and other food products, whether including organic or non- organic material, such as packaged human and animal blood products, food products other than meat products, wine and other beverages, organic products other, than food products, medical devices, and the like.
  • An 'article' may also include any other item that can be identified, traced or tracked, such a postal or courier items, parcels, or any other product or good whatsoever.
  • reference to an nterrogator' or 'interrogated' includes reference to a read only or read and write device or actuator that may power a tag, communicate with a tag, receive information from a tag, read a tag, transmit information to a tag and/or signal to and/or from a tag.
  • This includes for example an RFID enabled regions, stores and/or containers adapted to communicate with tags stored or moved therein.
  • reference to a 'tag' includes reference to one or more RFID tags and/or reference to a tag(s) as disclosed in the incorporated disclosures noted above.
  • a tag is defined as a label or adhesive note or other method of affixing identity to an article or thing in any form, such as a device comprising an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) "chip” attached to an antenna or having an antenna attached to it, or where an antenna forms past of the chip assembly itself and where the chip and the antenna structure, including optionally a capacitor or capacitors and which device functions as an inductively powered passive transponder or a battery powered electronic transponder or is a transponder powered by some other means.
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • the present invention is adapted to operate with tags that are relatively closely stacked such as mm between tags which overlap exactly and where the tags can also be actually touching.
  • the invention is also adapted to operate with tags that are spaced much wider apart such as 5 cm or more. Furthermore, the invention is adapted to operate with tags and interrogators which can also have varying orientations. That, is the invention in certain interrogator implementations is relatively insensitive to the orientation of the tag or how the tag is presented to the interrogator. Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view one embodiment of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system according to the invention
  • FIG 2 is a schematic top view of an RFID tag used in the system of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 is a schematic top view of an alternative RFID tag to that shown in Figure 2
  • Figure 4 is a front view of a package for a quantity of human blood
  • Figure 5 is a system according to the invention for allowing the identification of the packages of Figure 4
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of an interrogator of an alternative embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 7 is a top view of a package for use with the interrogator of Figure
  • Each tag may be switched deliberately and/or randomly, so that there is a relatively low probably of having two tags 'active' and adjacent to each •other at any one time,
  • the tag is configured with any one or a combination of the following criteria:
  • FIG. 1 there is illustrated generally a radio frequency identification (RFID) system 1 for a plurality of articles in the form of meat products.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the articles in system 1 take on a plurality of forms, which will be described in more detail below, as the meat product is progressively processed from a live animal to specific cuts of meat presented to the point of sale at a retail outlet.
  • the meat products are progressively processed through only a subset of the steps referred to in this embodiment.
  • processing other than that which is described below is also performed on the meat products.
  • the meat product takes the form of live animals 2.
  • the live animal is in the form of beef cattle.
  • use is made of other livestock intended for slaughter and consumption.
  • livestock include goats, poultry, pigs, and sheep, whether domesticated or otherwise, and game such as kangaroo, deer and venison.
  • Animals 2 are located at a feedlot 3 where they are tended to ensure they are in the optimal condition for subsequent slaughter.
  • the feedlot is a farm or ranch where open grazing is used.
  • each animal has been marked by one or more of branding of the skin, a plastic ear tag or a microchip to allow those tending the animals to discriminate between individual animals or groups of individual animals.
  • each of the cattle has been provided with a plastic ear tag (not shown) that has a substantially planar sheet having two opposite faces, and an attachment device for fixedly securing the sheet to the ear of the animal.
  • a first of the faces bears a two or three figure number for assisting with the identification of the group to which the respective cattle belong. Typically this first face is disposed, in use, substantially transversely such that one viewing the cattle head- on will also be viewing the number.
  • the other face of the sheet provides a mounting surface for a RFID tag 5, such as that illustrated in Figure 2.
  • Tag 5 includes a circular flexible laminar plastics substrate 6, an antenna 7 that is formed on the substrate for receiving an interrogating signal.
  • a processor 8 is surface mounted to substrate 6 and electrically connected with antenna 7 by copper contacts 9 and 10 for receiving the interrogating signal, or a signal derived from the interrogating signal.
  • Processor 8 also includes memory (not shown) for storing data, and in particular, for s o ⁇ ng control data that is indicative of one or more characteristics of the article - which, at this stage in this embodiment, is the animal - to which tag 5 is mounted, or intended to be mounted.
  • Processor 8 is selectively responsive to the interrogating signal for doing one or more of:
  • processor 8 is responsive to the interrogation signal for determining whether it will assume an active or a standby mode. In the active mode, processor 8 Is further responsive to the interrogation signal for providing an identification signal and/or writing data to memory. However, in the standby mode, processor 8 does not further process the interrogation signal. This individual control of . the tags is achieved through including addressing information within the interrogation signal.
  • the interrogator is able to selectively and sequentially provide instructions to the tags through included appropriate information within the interrogation signal.
  • the memory included with tag 5 is EEPROM, although in other embodiments use is made of other non-volatile memory.
  • FRAM Fetheral RAM
  • the memory includes a capacity of 1 kbyte, which equates to about 1 ,000 ASCII characters. In other embodiments, use is made of more or less memory capacity.
  • the article bearing the tag is a high margin product - in that the cost of the tag is a lesser consideration - the tag have a many Mb of memory capacity.
  • the memory is programmable to allow once only write functionality.
  • Substrate 6 is a formed from a single continuous 0.1 mm thick layer of PET and includes a top face to which is mounted antenna 7 and processor 8. Substrate 6 also includes a bottom face (not shown) that is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The diameter of substrate 6 is about 30 mm. However, in other embodiments, alternative diameters are used, Antenna 7 is comprised of an effectively continuous copper track having five spiral wound turns 11 , 12, 13, 14 and 15 that are successively larger in diameter.
  • the track and the contacts are formed by depositing a copper layer directly on the top surface of substrate 6, and then selectively etching the copper layer.
  • the non-etched portions of the copper layer - that is, that which defines the track and contacts - are shown with crosshatching.
  • each turn of the track is about 0.5 mm wide, while the pitch between each turn is about 1 mm. That is, the spacing between the centres of adjacent turns is about 1 mm.
  • Antenna 7 also includes a conductive bridge 16 that overlies and which is electrically insulated from the intermediate turns for allowing the outer end i 7 of the outermost turn to be connected back to an inner end 18 of the centre or innermost turn that is adjacent to contact 10.
  • the track runs continuously from contact 9, in a clockwise direction. As the track passed under bridge 16, it progresses outwardly to the next turn 12, and so on, until the track reaches end 17.
  • alternative antennas are used with other numbers of turns, for example.
  • Other alternatives include half dipole antennas, conductive tracks of material other than copper, and turns formed in other than generally circular of spiral windings. In some embodiments, use is made of different track widths and pitches.
  • the primary function of the antenna is to receive the interrogation signal and to transmit the identification signal. Accordingly, while it will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that there are many advantages to the multiple turn antenna shown in Figure 2, that other embodiments are able to make use of other antennas and antenna configurations to provide the desired functionality.
  • a plurality of like tags 5 are for uniquely identifying respective articles which, as referred to above, are respective cattle.
  • the tags are interrogated by an interrogator 21 that Is disposed at feedlot 3 and which provides an interrogating field.
  • tags 5 are un-tuned and, as such, are all simultaneously disposed within the field.
  • Tags of this general type are disclosed within PCT application PCT/AU03/01072. If use is made of tuned tags, it is typically necessary to individually dispose the tags within the field.
  • the respective processors are selectively responsive to the interrogating signal for writing control data to memory. In this embodiment, the memory to which the control data is written is "read only" once that writing has occurred.
  • the control data once written, leaves a relatively secure and permanent record of the control data.
  • the control data is indicative of one or more of: • The breed of cattle 2. • A time and date stamp for the interrogation. The location of cattle 2 at the date of the interrogation, A brand or trade mark under which cattle 2 are marketed. The physical condition of the respective cattle. The estimated weight or financial value of cattle 2. The lineage of individual cattle. The age of the cattle at the time of the interrogation. The intended destination of the cattle. In other embodiments, however, the control data is indicative of other characteristics of the cattle. Once interrogated, and with the control data appropriately written to the respective memories, the tags are applied to individual cattle.
  • control data is indicative of: • Text or an image of a trademark that is applied by the owner of feedlot 3.
  • tags 5 are mounted to the respective ear tags of cattle 2 shortly after they are born so that the tag data represents a continuous record from birth for each animal.
  • tags 5 may be mounted to the respective ear tags of cattle 2 immediately prior to having those cattle transported to an abattoir 25 for slaughter. Accordingly, the first interrogation of tags 5 configures the tags with data that is able to be accessed subsequently to determine when the cattle left the care of the party originally tending for them and the branding associated that party.
  • the carcasses (not shown), which still include the respective tags, are passed through an interrogator 26 that provides an interrogation signal having control data that is added to the respective memory on tags 5.
  • the tags now include not only data indicative of the source of cattle 2, but also of the source of the subsequent processing of those cattle.
  • the progressive accumulation of data is able to be used by parties further down to the process chain to verify that certain steps have or have not occurred, when they occurred, and which party was responsible for carrying them out. This is of particular importance not only to wholesalers and retailers of the end products, but also to the ultimate consumer.
  • the information stored on the tags allows for both a verification of the history of the article, and also an assurance - by way of the branding information - of the quality of the processing.
  • Abattoir 25 also includes a processing station 27 where the carcasses are cleaned, skinned and then dissected into separate meat products (not shown), whether those meat products be sides of beef, a particular cut of beef, or otherwise.
  • each carcass is converted from a single article - the carcass - to a plurality of articles - the meat products.
  • the individual meat products are then also associated with further tags 5.
  • the further tags are adhered directly to the respective meat products as the adhesive is selected to minimise contamination of the meat product.
  • substrate 6 is selected to act as a barrier to the passage of any fluids from the meat product to the processor 8 and any associated electronic circuitry including the memory.
  • the meat products are first placed in respective packages, and the tags are either adhered to or placed within the packages.
  • the tag associated with a carcass is then passed through an interrogator 28.
  • This interrogator provides an interrogation signal to which the tag is responsive to provide an identification signal.
  • the identification signal includes data not only indicative of a unique identifier for the tag, but also of the read only data that has been previously stored in the memory on that tag.
  • the interrogator includes within the interrogation signal control data that is indicative of: • The accumulated data gathered from the earlier interrogation. • A cross-reference to the identifier of the tag associated with the carcass. • A time and date stamp for the interrogation by interrogator 28.
  • the interrogation signal also includes instructions to the further tags to store that control data in read only addresses within memory.
  • the control data is also indicative of another characteristics of the meat product. For example, the approximate weight of the meat product, the cut of the meat product, the suggeste "use by date" for the meat product, or the like.
  • the meat products from the other carcasses are similarly passed through interrogator 28. The end result being a plurality of separate meat products whose individual origins are able to be determined, if required.
  • tags 5 are un-tuned, it is possible to simultaneously disposed multiple tags within the same interrogating field and still achieve accuracy not only of identification of the tags, but also accuracy of writing the desired control data to the desired tags. This becomes significant for articles such as meat products, where they are stacked or piled upon each other during the interrogation.
  • each of the meat products is individual tagged - that is, each meat product has a separate uniquely coded tag mounted or associated with it - in other embodiments, a plurality of meat products are grouped together and use is made of a single tag for that group.
  • a plurality of meat products say like cuts from a single carcass, are grouped together and placed within a single package.
  • the package includes an RFID tag that, once interrogated, stores data indicative of one or more characteristics of the plurality of articles.
  • both the package and the meat products within the package include respective RFID tags.
  • each individual meat product is separately packaged, and then a plurality of such packaged meat products are then included within a larger package.
  • that larger package also includes an RFID tag.
  • a plurality of like meat products - in the form of a plurality of specific cuts of meat from a given carcass - are placed upon one or more cardboard or foam trays.
  • the trays are then grouped and stacked together with other trays in a plurality of cardboard cartons, which in turn are grouped and stacked together on a plurality of pallets.
  • the trays, the cartons and pallets are all articles of the kind contemplated in the embodiments, and all include respective RFID tags to their identification, and the identification of one or more characteristics of the respective articles.
  • the characteristics includes some verification or historical data for the article, or the meat product included as part of that article.
  • the meat products - together with any associated packaging - are placed in cold storage area 29 where the temperature is maintained below 0 °C.
  • area 29 is maintained at greater than 0 °C.
  • the meat products are able to be stored in groups of like cuts of meat - that is, with like cuts from different carcasses being stored together - or in groups of meat products from the same carcass. It will be appreciated from the teaching herein, that other groups are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the groups are based upon anticipated demand for meat products from a given customer of those products.
  • one of the customers includes a retailer having a plurality of retail outlets that are periodically supplied with selected ones of the meat products. Based upon historical data - be that for a given week, month, season, or other timeframe - the meat products are group together in anticipation of. the future ordering requirements of the respective outlets in a corresponding timeframe.
  • area 29 the meat products eventually freeze and, due to atmospheric moisture, become progressively covered in a layer of ice or icy material. It is also usual for this layer to include dust particles and other detritus.
  • the meat products are to be transported to another site for wholesaling or retailing.
  • the selected one or more of the meat products are passed through an interrogator 30.
  • This interrogator includes with the interrogation signal control data that is indicative of:
  • abattoir 25 includes a database server 31 that is responsive to interrogator 28 and interrogator 30 for maintaining a database of records that provides a correlation between the tags that have been interrogated by interrogator 28, but not by interrogator 30.
  • area 29 is collectively comprised of a number of separate and distinct cold storage areas
  • the database includes records indicative of the area in which the respective meat product is to be stored.
  • the location of the individual meat products is able to be ascertained as the tag for the article will include cross-reference information to the individual tags in that article.
  • interrogator is also linked to server 31. This allows similar functionalities to be achieved for the articles having tags as they progress between interrogator 26 and 28. Regard is also had to the overall progress between interrogators 26 and 30. That is, server 31, and the database that is maintained, provides a central control and monitoring of the processing within abattoir 25 as a whole, or between any two interrogators.
  • the tags are interrogated more often then the three occasions described above.
  • an interrogator includes a radiating device for generating the interrogating field, a controller that is responsive to predetermined inputs for controlling the field, a receiver that is responsive to identification signals generated within the field, and a power circuit for supplying power to the radiating device, the controller and the receiver.
  • the controllers used in the interrogators in abattoir 25 are programmable, and able to be configured for providing the control data to the tags that are interrogated that is relevant to the processing of the article that has just occurred, or which is about to occur.
  • Interrogator 30 is responsive to server 31 when interrogating the meat products to be transported from area 29.
  • the database maintained by server 31 includes records having a variety of flags for alerting an operator of interrogator 30 that one, some or all of the meat products within a package are not to be transported. For example, if a test result has led to a recommendation that the meat products are not fit for the intended purpose, the operator is alerted by an alarm or message, and the relevant meat products are handled accordingly.
  • abattoir 25 is shown as a single site, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the process steps described above are able to be carried out progressively at more than one site.
  • the meat products that are transported are, in this embodiment, conveyed to a retail outlet 35.
  • a retail outlet 35 As the meat products - or packages containing a plurality of meat products - are unloaded from the transportation device, they are passed through an interrogator 36. While this provides the retailer with an opportunity to verify the quantity of the meat products being delivered, it also allows the retailer to communicate control data in the interrogation signal such that the data pn the respective tags is indicative of a time and date stamp for the most recent interrogation.
  • the retailer also provides the retailer to configure the control data such that the data contained on the tag is also indicative of a brand of the retailer - for example, the trade mark used by that retailer to distinguish itself from its competitors.
  • the data now on the tags is, in some embodiments, provided also to the party charged with the responsibility for transporting the meat products between abattoir 25 and outlet 35. In that way, that party is able to gather information about the quantum of articles being transported, and the time taken to affect that transportation. For perishable goods such as the meat products under particular consideration in this embodiment, timeliness of delivery is paramount. However, this information is also useful for all goods, be they durable manufactures or readily perishable foodstuffs.
  • the meat products are stacked or otherwise arranged in shelves or cabinets 37 for display to customers at outlet 35.
  • the meat products are alternatively provided to an internal butchery within outlet 35 for further dissection or processing prior to display. It will be appreciated from the teaching herein that it is possible to include an additional interrogation following that further processing to monitor the progress of the meat products and to allow verification of one or more characteristics of the ultimate product displayed for sale.
  • that interrogation is delivered either by a number of respective dedicated interrogators, or by a lesser number of interrogators that are appropriately programmed to provide the desire control data for the relevant processing that has occurred prior to that interrogation, or which is to occur following that interrogation.
  • a customer selects one or more of those meat products, they are placed in a shopping trolley 38, and progressed to a point of sale station 39.
  • station 39 is a point of sale register (not shown), where the customer manually transfers the selected meat products to a conveyor or counter for subsequent manual processing by a point of sale operator.
  • This operator enters into the register the relevant information about the meat products so that the customer is presented with a total change for payment in consideration for the transfer of ownership of the meat products from the retailer to the customer.
  • the customer makes the payment by cash, cheque, debit or credit - or any other means - and is able to leave outlet 35 with the products.
  • the customer is also provided with a printed receipt or docket that includes a details of the date of the transaction, and a list of: one or more characteristics of the purchased meat products; the individual cost of the products; the total cost of the products; the type and quantity of funds tendered by the customer; and any change given to the customer.
  • Outlet 35 includes a central server 40 that is linked to both interrogator 36 and station 39 for allowing information to be gathered and analysed about the incoming and outgoing products.
  • Server 4O also stores pricing information for the products that is referenced when the products are presented to station 39. In other embodiments, however, the pricing information is included within the control data provided by interrogator 36 and subsequently stored on the tags. It will be appreciated that the meat products are typically presented to the operator together with other articles selected by the customer from the outlet 35. In some embodiments at least some of those other articles will also include RFID tags.
  • all the articles offered for sale in outlet 35 - including the meat products - include respective RFID tags.
  • station 39 includes an interrogator that generates an interrogating field in a predetermined volume.
  • Trolley 38 is located within that volume such that all the tags contained within the trolley are, for a predetermined period, simultaneously disposed in the field.
  • all the tags are interrogated such that the unique identifier for each tag is obtained.
  • These identifiers are used by station 39 to obtain from server 40 the relevant price information for the products wishing to be purchased by the customer. While in some embodiments each unique identifier Is separately transmitted to server 40, in other embodiments, a number of such identifiers are batched together.
  • station 39 includes a display (not shown) for providing selected, or desired, visual information to the customer.
  • This display preferentially displays to the customer not only a brief description of the meat product and the price of the meat product - rendered in an alphanumeric format - but also a graphical representation of one or more brands of the parties or parties wishing to provide the customer with an assurance of the quality control that has been provided during the production of the meat product.
  • the outlet 35 includes small interrogators (not shown) disposed at convenient locations spaced apart about the outlet for allowing customers to selectively interrogate the tag associated with one or more of the meat products or any other item or product having a suitable tag.
  • the small interrogators include a housing for accommodating a single meat product, or a small number of meat products.
  • the small interrogators also include a display for presenting indicia to the customer that is derived from the data held within the memory of a tag being interrogated. More preferably, the indicia are indicative of one or more of: the weight of the meat product; the price of the meat product; the unit price of the meat product; and the branding of the one or more of the parties who applied their respective brand during the formation or production of the meat product.
  • the branding displayed to the customer is that of the owner of feedlot 3, while in other embodiments it is that of the owner of abattoir 25.
  • the branding displayed is that of the retailer, or a combination of the above.
  • those interrogators are also preferentially linked to server 40 for allowing pricing and other data to be provided to the small interrogators.
  • the small interrogators are still preferentially linked to allow other additional functionalities. For example, in some outlets (not shown) the small interrogators provides the customer, once the tag for a particular meat product has been interrogated, with a list of competing or replacement meat products, the branding associated with those competing products, and where those products are able to be located by the customer within the retail outlet.
  • the interrogators used in the embodiments described above may include tunnel reader interrogators, in that they include a tubular, and typically prismatic, housing into which are progressed the articles to be interrogated.
  • the interrogators may also include an interrogator disclosed in US 5701121. While there are circumstances, such as with large articles, where the need to progress the articles into the housing can be less convenient, the advantages of these interrogators typically outweigh any such inconvenience. Particularly, these interrogators include three coils that are disposed within the housing, and which are driven to provide an interrogation field that has three orthogonal components. This provides greater certainty of accurate interrogation of the tags, as a more uniform interrogation field is established, and the field is less sensitive to the orientation of the tags. Where there is less need for such accuracy, then other interrogators - having only one coil, or two orthogonal coils - are used.
  • the small interrogators referred to above need only be single coil interrogators, as the customers are able to orientate the tags such that the desired interrogation occurs.
  • system 1 includes a plurality of interrogators, it will be appreciated that in broader terms embodiments of the identification system according to the invention need include at least one interrogator for providing an interrogation field.
  • the interrogator, or the interrogators interact with the plurality of RFID tags 5 that are associated with respective articles.
  • the articles take a variety of forms as cattle 2 are converted into individual meat products bearing respective tags.
  • the tags are applied to fully manufactured goods and are used only for the internal purposes of a manufacturer, such as warehouse location or other inventory control.
  • the tags are selectively responsive, when disposed within the field, for providing respective identificationfon signals indicative of one or more characteristics of the respective articles, where each tag includes memory for selectively storing control data derived from the interrogation field. That is, the interrogation of a tag allows the transmission to the tag of the control data. Where appropriate, that control data is stored by the tag in memory for subsequent use by the same party, or by other parties.
  • Tags 5 each include processor 8 that is responsive to the interrogation field for extracting the control data and determining whether or not to have the control data stored in the memory.
  • the control data itself includes commands indicative of whether or not the or part of the control data should be stored within the memory of a particular tag.
  • the initial step is for the interrogator to identify each of the tags.
  • the interrogator is able to provide control data to which only a specific tag, or a plurality of specific tags, are responsive. That is, the control data includes not only desired commands for the relevant processor 8 to run, or data to store within the memory of that tag, but also addressing information.
  • the memory for that tag includes existing data that provides an indication of the history of the tag - and the associated article - or some other characteristics of the tag and/or article.
  • control data is selectively progressively added to existing data as the tag is subsequently disposed in the or another interrogation field.
  • the or predetermined portions of the existing data are replaced by the control data.
  • the control data is indicative of one or more predetermined characteristics of thes respective article.
  • the control data is ind ⁇ cative of the date and geographic location of the article at the time of interrogation. In other embodiments, however, the control data is indicative of a process that has been applied to the article.
  • the control data is indicative of the date and location of the interrogation of the article as it enters a cold storage facility.
  • the control data includes the date and time of the more recent interrogation, together with an indication that that was the date and time of departure from the facility. Accordingly, the existing data now includes a selected history of the processing of the meat.
  • the use in system 1 of a plurality of spaced apart interrogators that generate respective interrogating fields allows the respective tags to accumulate progressively existing data to sig nify a respective process has or will be performed on or to the article.
  • a tag When a tag is interrogated it provides an identification signal.
  • the identification signal is indicative of a unique identifier for that tag.
  • the identification signal includes some or all of the existing data. While in some embodiments the existing data is included within the identification signal in response to predetermined control data, in other embodiments that occurs automatically.
  • the interrogator at station 39 includes a display that is responsive to the identification signal provided by the or each tag for providing the customer with a visual indication of the origin of the article.
  • the identification data includes branding information that had been applied to the tag as the associated article was undergoing production. Accordingly, the branding is included to indicate the quality of the article, or the one. or more of the processes that has been performed on the article during is production. In other embodiments, however, the branding is applied to indicate solely the source of origin of the article.
  • the tags used in the embodiments described above are intended for operation when simultaneously disposed within the field with other like tags. In some embodiments, more than 100 tags are simultaneously disposed within the field, while in larger embodiments, it is possible to dispose simultaneously within the field many hundreds of such tags. Even where use is made of many hundreds of such tags being disposed!
  • the tags remain selectively responsive to the field notwithstanding that any two or more tags are immediately adjacent. In some embodiments the tags remain selectively responsive to the interrogation field notwithstanding that any two or more tags are abutted together.
  • dosely adjacent is used to signify that there is less than 500 mm between the tags. In go e embodiments, however, the tags are closely adjacent if there is less than 200 mm between the tags. In a further embodiment, the tags are closely adjacent if there is less than 50 mm between the tags. In so far as this specification is concerned, and except where expressly stated otherwise, the term “immediately adjacent” signifies that there is less than 10 mm between the tags.
  • the tags are immediately adjacent if there is less than 5 mm between the tags. In another embodiment, however, the tags are closely adjacent in that there is less than 2 mm between the tags.
  • Figure 3 iflustrates an alternative tag 45, -where corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
  • substrate 6 is generally rectangular and has approximate length and width dimensions of about 75 mm and 39 mm respectively. Due to the physical area of the individual turns of antenna 7 being larger than those for tag 5, only three are required on tag 45. Otherwise the functionality of tag 45 is similar to tag 5 and, indeed, both are accommodated by system 1 .
  • tag shape and/or physical configuration is dependent upon factors such as cost, the size of the article or articles to which the tags are to be attached or otherwise mounted, the affect the article or articles have on the interrogating field, and the like.
  • the articles are primarily organic, there is only a small affect upon the interrogating field and, as such, it is possible, all else being equal, for the antenna to include turns that encompass a smaller area, or fewer turns.
  • the article is conductive or magnetically permea ble, this can distort and otherwise compromise the interrogating field. Having a T-arger area antenna, or a greater number of turns in that antenna has been -found to be a practical way of addressing this issue.
  • FIG. 4 where there is illustrated a package, in the form of a flexible plastic bladder 51 , for containing an organic substance which, in this embodiment, is a quantity of human blood.
  • Bladder 51 is formed from two opposed like plastic sheets that are abutted and heat welded about a continuous join line 52 that is spaced inwardly from the common peripheries 53 of the sheets.
  • Bladder 51 extends from a botto m end 55 to a top end 56, and defines between line 52 and peripheries 53 a continuous flexible skirt 57. The join line forms a sealed abutment between the sheets such that the latter defines a fluid retaining cavity.
  • Bladder 51 includes a spout 58 that is integrally formed with the sheets, and which extends from a first end 59 that oper*s into the fluid retaining cavity, to a second end 60 that releaseably engages with a cap 61 .
  • cap 61 is engaged with end 60 in an interference -fit. In other embodiments, however, the cap is other wise releaseably engaged such as by a screw thread or a snap-fastener, or the like.
  • cap 61 is once only removable, or includes a frangible portion that is ruptured to access the blood or other fluid that is contained with the cavity.
  • Bladder 51 includes two eyelets 63 and 64 that are formed within skirt 57 adjacent to end 56 for receiving, in use, respective formations of equipment used to facilitate the dispensing of the blood to a patient.
  • bladder 51 include des a traditional generally rectangular printed label 65 that, in use, bears printed indicia to provide a viewer with key information about the blood packaged withir* the bladder. Examples of this information include the blood type and the age of the blood. Label 65 is often adhered directly to bladder 51 immediately following the quantity of blood being disposed within the fluid retaining cavity of the bladder.
  • label 65 is located centrally, although toward end 56.
  • bladder 51 also include-s an RFID tag 66 that is adhered directly to bladder 51 adjacent to end 55. Teg 66 is similar to tag 45 of Figure 3.
  • tag 66 is otherwise mounted to bladder 51 .
  • tag 66 is dispose d within the fluid retaining cavity during or closely following the welding of the sheets to define that cavity.
  • tag 66 is integrally mounted to one of the sheets. That is, the substrate for the tag is comprised of one of the sheets included in bladder 51.
  • a plurality of like bladders 51 are* manufactured, sterilised, appropriately packaged and made available for us e in a system 71 that is schematically illustrated in Figure 5.
  • the bladders are shipped to a blood donation and collection centre 72 where donors 73 donate and/or sell blood for use within the health system of a given society.
  • relevant details are ascertained from donors 73 concerning blood type, medical history and the like. This information is coll ectively referred to as "the donor data" and entered into a computer system TA together with any other relevant information ascertained.
  • the entering of the donor data is via an appropriate interface (not shown), from where it is stored within a database (not shown). Once the data has been entered, the respective donor is provided with a transaction number for use further along the donation process.
  • system 74 is shown as a single item, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, it includes a plurality of interlinked items, be those items disposed at the same or multiple sites.
  • system 74 is linked to an RFID interrogator 75, similar to interrogator 21 of the Figure 1 embodiment.
  • RFID interrogator 75 As the donor data for one or more donors is gathered and appropriate stored, a plurality of still empty bladders 51 are placed within the interrogating field provided by interrogator 75.
  • System 74 is responsive to the donor data for ensuring that the control data provided by interrogator 75 includes, for respective tags, selected portions of the donor data. That is, each of the tags - one being associated with each bladder 51 - is individually updated to include data for the respective donors.
  • Interrogator 75 includes a visual display (not shown) for displaying predetermined information. For example, when the relevant ' staff at centre 72 are allocated individual bladders sequentially, the first step in the process for those staff is to place the respective bladder within interrogator 75 - or a further similar interrogator - to display an identifier for the donor whose blood is to be placed within that bladder. This identifier is typically the transaction number referred to above. The staff member announces the transaction number, and the donor comes forward to donate the blood. During the interrogation to obtain the transaction number - either from the tag or system 74 - interrogator 75 provides control data to the tag including a time and date stamp.
  • bladder 51 is sealed through applying cap 61. Thereafter, the bladder is again disposed within the field provided by interrogator 75.
  • the interrogator is responsive to drivers from system 74 for ensuring the control data includes a time and date stamp, an indication of the location where the donation was made, and an indication of the identity of the staff member who took the donation.
  • a plurality of now blood-containing bladders 51 are placed into deep plastic storage trays (not shown) - in which the bladders are typically disposed sn two or more rows. While the orientation of the bladders is preferentially uniform, this is dependent upon the diligence and efforts of the personnel who are charged with the manual placement of the bladders within the trays and, as such, there is often considerably variation in orientation.
  • each tray also includes an RFID tag mounted to its base for facilitating identification of that tray.
  • an interrogator be that interrogator 75 or another interrogator. More particularly, the tray is placed wholly within the interrogating field such that all the tags, including the tag mounted to the tray, are simultaneously disposed vwithi ⁇ the field.
  • the interrogator is controlled - by computer system 74 in this embodiment - to first obtain an identification signal from each of the tags, and to selectively access data held on the tags mounted to the bladders, and to have that data included in the control data that is addressed to the tag that is mounted to the tray.
  • This control data is written into the memory of the tag mounted to the tray as a means for facilitating the later verification of the contents of the tray.
  • the control data is, in other embodiments, indicative of other characteristics, such as a time and date of the interrogation, an identifier for centre 72, an identifier for the intended destination of the tray, and others.
  • the tray, or trays, are then transported to a control environment: storage site 80.
  • the trays Upon arrival at site 80, the trays are placed upon a conveyor (neat shown) and passed through an interrogator 81 for allowing correlation of the information held on the tag mounted to the tray, and that included on the tags mounted to the respective bladders held by that tray. • In this way it is possible to .ascertain measures for the effectiveness and efficiency of the method of transport, and to otherwise maintain good records of movements of the bladders and the trays.
  • interrogator 81 Once having passed through interrogator 81 , some of the trays are progressed directly to a cold storage area 82. However, others of the trays are directed to an analysis area 83 for testing or other review. Once the relevant tests are conducted, the bladders that are not disposed of are passed through an interrogator 84.
  • This interrogator is configured to provide control data indicative of the nature of the testing, the results of the testing, and the date and time of the interrogation.
  • This control data is stored on the tag mounted to the bladder in respect of which the testing or analysis was conducted.
  • the new data so stored is stored in addition to any existing data held on that tag.
  • any data so stored is not able to be later modified, deleted or overwritten. That is, the data is protected, and maintained in read only format.
  • Area 82 is maintained at a temperature to ensure that the blood contained within the bladders is frozen. As the trays remain within area 82 for some time, there is a progressive build up of condensation and other material that forms a layer over the bladders and trays, and which makes it difficult to access individual bladders for visual identification.
  • the bladders As the contents of the bladders is initially a fluid, the bladders conform to adjacent surfaces and are awkward to remove from the tray once the contents are frozen. Collectively, these factors render the print information on labels 65 unusable. However, as the bladders, and for that matter, the trays, all include respective tags, it is still possible to easily and accurately identify the tray and bladders notwithstanding a lack of a clear visual identification.
  • the interrogators used in at site 80 generate the interrogating field at a frequency that allows good penetration through water and ice and other build up. That frequency is also selected to provide good penetration through the bladders and the contents of the bladders. In this embodiment, the interrogation frequency is 13.56 MHz.
  • interrogation frequencies are used.
  • a range of interrogation frequencies that are best suitable are between about 10 to 20 MHz, and more preferably between about 12 to 15 MHz.
  • control data to be written to the tags that are interrogated, where that control data is indicative of the date and time of the interrogation, the intended destination, and an identifier for the party undertaking the transportation.
  • control data is indicative of other characteristics.
  • all the interrogators at site 80 are centrally linked by a computer system 87.
  • system 87 is also linked to system 74 to allow additional inventory and quality control procedures to be implemented.
  • ail trays that are delivered to hospital 85 are placed initially in a storeroom 92.
  • the relevant tray is passed through an interrogator 93 to verify the tray and the bladders contained in that tray.
  • the desired bladder or bladders are selected by the relevant personnel and removed from the tray.
  • the tray, and any remaining bladders are then passed through interrogator 93 once again, before being returned to storeroom 92.
  • a comparison of the identification signals obtained from the first and second passes of the tray through interrogator 93 allows system 91 to determine which bladders were removed from storeroom 92, and when.
  • the tags identified are provided with control data indicative of the identity of the individual wishing to gain access to the tray and bladders.
  • that individual is deemed to be responsible for the entirety of the contents of the tray.
  • the individual is deemed responsible only for the bladders that have been assessed - from a reconciliation of the identification data from the two passes — to have been removed from the tray.
  • the individual is issued with a card (referred to as "the personnel card") or other device that includes an RFID tag containing a unique identifier for that individual.
  • the personnel card is placed within the field generated by interrogator 93 immediately prior to - or alternatively, simultaneously with or immediately after - both the first and the second passes.
  • the personnel card is only placed within the field immediately after the second pass.
  • Hospital 85 also uses the information collected by interrogators 90 and 93 to apportion and account for the cost of acquiring and administering the trays. While in some embodiments this information is for management reporting purposes only, in other embodiments, the information is used to pass on actual costs to patients as part of a "user pays" methodology. Where the latter occurs, this requires the relevant personnel to provide input at the time of at least the second pass through interrogator 93 of the client or the client account to which the cost should be levied.
  • the input is entered manually via a keypad, keyboard, touch-pad or other pressure sensitive device, while in other embodiments use is made of a scanner or other line of sight device that scans an image, bar code, or other identifier from a card or other printed media.
  • the input is provided by an RFID tag (referred to as 'the patient tag") that is issued to the patient upon admission to the hospital.
  • the patient card is disposed within the interrogation field provided by interrogator 93 simultaneously with the tray and the personnel card during both the first and second passes. As all the items disposed within the field during those passes are individually identified, it is possible to account for the allocation of the bladders to specific patients.
  • the relevant interrogator provides control data to the patient card that is indicative of the allocation. This control data is added to the memory of the card. Similar data is also held by system 91, and these two records are able to be compared and/or reconciled during subsequent interrogations.
  • the records accumulated on the patient card - and/or by system 91 - are, at some point in time, used to assist in the generation of an invoice for products and services rendered to the patient. While the Figure 5 embodiment has been described with reference to bladders containing blood or blood products, it will be appreciated that system 71 is also applicable to the distribution, storage, and inventory control of other articles whether in a hospital or other site.
  • one or more of bladders 51 includes more than one RFID tag.
  • a given bladder may support a stack of such tags.
  • the tags do not overlap, and are spaced apart on the bladder.
  • the data maintained in the memory of a particular tag is encrypted or otherwise protected - for example by a code or password - so that it is only able to be accessed and/or read by authorised parties. Reference has been made to passing articles "through" an interrogator.
  • the interrogators typically include a longitudinally extending base Wail, two sidewalls extending upwardly from the transverse edges of the base, and a top that extends parallel to the base and between the sidewalls.
  • This structure has two open ends collectively defined by the base, the sidewalls and the top.
  • the articles having the tags mounted to them are passed though one of the openings to dispose it within the interrogating field, and then progressed through the other opening once the interrogation is completed.
  • the article or articles are progressed through only one of the openings, albeit twice.
  • FIG. 6 A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 6, 7 and 8.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • System 101 for a plurality of articles in the form of packages 102 - one of which is illustrated in Figure 7 and Figure 8 - that each contain a single use hypodermic syringe 103 (which is schematically rendered in the drawings).
  • System 101 includes an interrogator in the form of a cabinet 104 for providing an interrogation field.
  • a plurality of RFID tags 105 are associated with respective packages 102 and are selectively responsive, when disposed within the field, for providing respective identification signals indicative of one or more characteristics of the respective syringes 103.
  • Each fag 105 includes memory for selectively storing control data derived from the interrogation field.
  • Cabinet 104 includes a base 110, two sidewalls 111 and 112 that are parallel with each other and which extend upwardly from base 110, and a top 113 that extends between the sidewalls.
  • the volume lying between the base, sidewalls and top is in which the interrogation field is established, and is referred to within this specification as "the predetermined volume", More particularly, the base, sidewalls and top include internal coils, power supply circuitry and control circuitry for providing the required field.
  • the base, sidewalls and top are lined with metal external to the coils to provide shielding to personnel from any stray field that may extend beyond the predetermined volume.
  • the base, sidewalls and top are made from materials other than metal.
  • such materials include one or more of plastics, wood, fibreglass or other no n -conductive material or materials.
  • the base, sidewall and top all include an outer conductive layer of metal - preferably, aluminium due t ⁇ cost and lightness - that provides the screening effect referred to above.
  • a low reluctance layer - preferably ferrite - Disposed immediately inwardly of the outer conductive layer is a low reluctance layer - preferably ferrite - to provide a low reluctance path for the magnetic field on the exterior side of the coils to assist with screening of coils from the outer layer. That is, the low reluctance path allows the outer conductive layer to be brought closer to the coils.
  • the outer conductive layer is no more than 50 mm beyond the coils.
  • Cabinet 104 includes three drawers 1 5, 1 16 and 117 that are selectively manually prpgressable between a closed configuration (as shown in Figure 6) and an open configuration (not shown) where access is provided to any contents within the respective drawer.
  • a closed configuration as shown in Figure 6
  • an open configuration not shown
  • Each drawer is resiliently biased to the closed configuration and provided with a handle 118 to assist the manual progression.
  • drawers 115, 116 and 117 will contain a plurality of articles having respective tags.
  • Cabinet 104 includes an electromechanical locking mechanism (not shown) that is disposed within sidewall 112 and which is normally in a locked state for preventing progression of the drawers from the closed to the open configuration.
  • the locking mechanism is able to be toggled to an unlocked state for allowing the progression of the drawers to the open configuration.
  • cabinet 104 includes an interrogator 120 that is mounted to top 113, and which includes a generally vertical rectangular front face 121 behind which is disposed a single interrogation coil (not shown).
  • Cabinet 104 is provided within a site, such as a hospital, where relevant and authorised individuals are issued with a card (not shown) or another physical device.
  • the card includes an RFID tag that contains a unique identifier for the individual.
  • the card is presented to face 121 and interrogated by interrogator 120. Due to interrogator 120 only having a single coil, the orientation of the card is important. In other embodiments where the cost of doing so in justified, interrogator 120 includes two or three orthogonal coils. The interrogation of the card will result in an identification signal being provided to interrogator 120. This signal is indicative of the unique identifier for the individual and allows for a determination of whether or not the locking mechanism should be progressed to the unlocked state.
  • cabinet 104 first generates the interrogating field in the predetermined volume and received the identification signals from each of the tags disposed with that volume. This allows the creation of an initial inventory of the identity of the tags - and hence the identity of the packages 102 - contained within the predetermined volume. Typically this interrogation and initial inventory creation takes less than five seconds, although that is somewhat dependent upon the mode of interrogation and the number of tags.
  • the predetermined volume includes approximate height, width and length dimensions of about ,200 mm x 600 mm x 600 mm. When 1 ,000 tags are disposed within that volume the inventory creation time is about 1 second. However, in other embodiments, the inventory creation time is greater than or less than 1 about second.
  • this time is contingent upon a number of factors including not only the number of tags within the volume, but also the hardware used in the interrogator (particularly the processor), the configuration and characteristics of the interrogator, the software used, amongst others. As many of these factors are design dependent - in that the intended cost of the interrogator will have considerable affect upon the end result - does mean there are different inventory creation times for different applications. In some applications a longer inventory creation time is acceptable, while in others it is not. In any event, in the preferred embodiments described herein, the inventory creation time is maintained below 3 seconds and, where cost considerations allow, below 1 second. In the embodiments described, the tags communicate with ISO 18000-3
  • a multi-hopping feature is provided in accordance with US5302954, and • the interrogator interrogates tags in accordance with PCT/AU98/01077
  • the locking mechanism is then progressed to the unlocked state to allow the individual to progress one of the drawers to the open configuration and select and remove one or more of packages 102 from the drawer, or to place additional packages 102 in the drawer, or both.
  • the locking mechanism automatically reverts to the locked state, and the cabinet immediately conducts a further interrogation.
  • the results of the further interrogation are compared with the initial inventory to provide a variance report that is indicative of the net inflow and/or optflow of packages 102.
  • cabinet 104 in addition to the individual being provided with a card, so too is the party or cost centre to whom the cost of removed packages 102 is to be allocated to.
  • the individual sequentially presents to interrogator 120 their card, and a RFID card containing a unique identifier for the patient requiring package 102.
  • cabinet 104 is, in this embodiment, linked to a computer system (not shown) to allow transfer of relevant data and commands.
  • cabinet 104 includes other than three drawers.
  • cabinet 104 includes a single hinged door.
  • Package 102 includes a flexible composite base layer 131 upon which the electronic components of tag 105 are mounted.
  • Layer 131 is formed from a non-conductive plastics film, at least where it abuts the electronic components.
  • Tag 105 is similar to tag 45 of Figure 3, and corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
  • the electronic components of the tag are overlaid with a protective layer
  • Layer 132 to sandwich the components between layers 131 and 132.
  • Layer 132 extends inwardly from the periphery of layer 131 and terminates in a continuous inner peripheral edge 133.
  • Layer 131 includes a central generally rectangular frangible region 134 that has an outer periphery defined by edge 133.
  • Region 134 is integrally formed with the remainder of layer 131 , and presents a zone of relative weakness in that layer.
  • region 134 is formed from a material other than that of which the remainder of layer 131 is formed.
  • region 134 is formed from aluminium foil, while the re ainder of layer 131 is formed from a sheet of PVC.
  • layers 131 and 132 are adhered together with a non-conductive adhesive.
  • Package 102 takes the form of a blister pack, and includes a deformable plastics former 135 having a peripheral edge 136 that is adhered to the underside of layer 131 .
  • Former 135 includes a sidewall 137 that extend outwardly and away from edge 136 to define a cavity 138 in which is disposed syringe 103.
  • syringe 103 When syringe 103 is required, one end of the syringe is manually progressed into piercing engagement with region 34 to rupture that region and thereby expose the syringe. While the above embodiment has been described with reference to packages for syringes, it will be appreciated that other packages, and other articles contained within packages, are also suitable for use with the invention.
  • packages similar to package 102 are used to house non-consumable medical products such as: pharrhaceuticals; conduits; caps; scalpels; other surgical tools; gloves; surgical face masks; and the like.
  • non-consumable medical products such as: pharrhaceuticals; conduits; caps; scalpels; other surgical tools; gloves; surgical face masks; and the like.
  • the invention is particularly advantageously used with smaller articles that are contained in batches and which are regularly consumed.
  • the embodiments of the invention are also applicable for the identification of articles including metal or metal components, where article - or at least the component or components containing the metal — is contained within the inner cross-sectional area of antenna 7. This minimises any interference or cancellation of the article with the interrogating field and/or the identification signal.
  • the present invention has a number of inventive aspects, including, without limitation:
  • the present invention provides, in an article management system, a method, device and/or system of enabling at least two tags to be read within relatively close proximity of each other, the method including the step of configuring each tag in accordance with any one or a combination of the following criteria: • Periodically controlling tag antenna current to substantially reduce or eliminate current in the tag antenna, • Switching the tag between active and in-active states, and/or Preferably, if two tags are interrogated simultaneously and/or have interfered with each other, ignoring that interrogation event. Preferably, the antenna current is reduced by at least 50%.
  • the invention has been found useful in un-tuned antennas, but may also be applied to tuned antennas.
  • the proximity is less than 20 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, and more preferably less than 1 mm.
  • the tags are tags as disclosed in PCT/AU03/O1072.
  • the present invention also provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) system for a plurality of articles, the system including: at least one interrogator for providing an interrogation field; and a plurality of RFID tags that are associated with respective articles and which are selectively responsive, when disposed within the field, for providing respective identification signals indicative of one or more characteristics of the respective articles, each tag including memory for selectively storing control data derived from the interrogation field.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the tags each include a processor that is responsive to the interrogation field for extracting the control data and determining whether or not to have the control data stored in the memory.
  • the memory includes existing data and the control data is selectively progressively added to existing data as the tag is subsequently disposed in the or another interrogation field.
  • the, or predetermined portions of the, existing data are replaced by the control data.
  • the control data is indicative of one or more predetermined characteristics of the respective article.
  • the control data is indicative of the date and geographic location of the article at the time of interrogation. In other embodiments, however, the control data is indicative of a process that has been applied to the article.
  • the control data is indicative of the date and location of the interrogation of the artide as it enters a cold storage facility.
  • the control data includes the date and time of the more recent interrogation, together with an indication of the date and. time of departure from the facility.
  • the existing data now includes a selected history of the processing of the meat.
  • the system includes a plurality of spaced apart interrogators for generating respective interrogating fields through which the articles are selectively passed to signify a respective process has or will be performed on or to the article.
  • the identification signal includes some or all of the existing data.
  • some or all of the existing data is only i ⁇ duded within the identification signal in response to a predetermined interrogation field.
  • some or all of the existing data is automatically included in the identification signal.
  • at least one of the interrogators includes a display that is responsive to some or ail of the control data for providing a user with an indication of the origin of the article.
  • at least some of the control data is indicative of branding. More preferably, the branding provides an indication that the, or one of the, processes has been performed on the article.
  • the branding is applied - that is, included as the, or part of the, control data - to indicate the source of origin of the article.
  • more than one tag is simultaneously disposed within the field. In some embodiments, more than 100 tags are simultaneously - disposed within the field.
  • the present invention also provides a method for the radio frequency identification (RFID) of a plurality of articles, the method including: providing an interrogation field with an interrogator; and associating a plurality of RFID tags with respective articles, the tags being selectively responsive, when disposed within the field, for providing respective identification signals indicative of one or more characteristics of the respective articles, each tag including memory for selectively storing control data derived from the interrogation field.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the present invention also provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) system for a plurality of articles, the system including: an interrogator for providing an interrogation field; a plurality of RFID tags that are associated with respective articles and which are selectively responsive, when simultaneously disposed within the field, for providing respective identification signals indicative of one or more characteristics of the respective artides notwithstanding that an two tags are closely adjacent.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the tags are selectively responsive to the interrogation field notwithstanding that any two tags are immediately adjacent. Even more preferably, the tags are selectively responsive to the interrogation field notwithstanding that any two tags are abutted together.
  • the tags are closely adjacent in that there is less than
  • the tags are dosely adjacent in that there is less than 20 mm between the tags. In another embodiment, the tags are closely adjacent in that there is less than 5 mm between the tags. In other embodiments, the tags are immediately adjacent in that there is less than 2 mm between the tags. However, in other embodiments, the tags are immediately adjacent In that there is less than 0.5 mm between the tags. In another embodiment, the tags are closely adjacent in that there is less than 0.2 mm between the tags. In a preferred form, the tags are responsive to the interrogating field notwithstanding that any five tags are closely adjacent. More preferably, the tags are responsive to the interrogating field notwithstanding that any five tags are closely adjacent.
  • the tags are responsive to the interrogating field notwithstanding that any ten tags are closely adjacent. In some embodiments, the tags are responsive to the interrogating field notwithstanding there are more than one hundred tags that are closely adjacent, immediately adjacent, or abutting.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the present invention also provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for an article having at least one organic component, the tag including: a substrate that is mounted to the article and which is substantially impermeable to the organic component, the substrate having a first face that is opposed to the article and a second face that is opposite the first face; a processor circuit that is mounted to second face and which is responsive to an external wireless interrogation signal for providing a wireless identification signal indicative of one or more cha racteristics of the article.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the tag includes a barrier layer which is substantially impermeable to the organic component and which overlies the circuit. More preferably, the barrier layer seals against the substrate for preventing contact between the circuit and the article. More preferably, the barrier layer includes a first side and a second side that is opposite to the first side, wherein the first side of the barrier layer is opposed to the second side of the substrate. More preferably, the circuit is substantially planar, and the layers have common peripheries that continuously sealingly abut.
  • the housing is substantially inert.
  • the housing is made from PET, while in other embodiments, the housing is made from PVC. More preferably, the P ET is formed in a sheet having a thickness of about 0.1 mm.
  • the substrate is mounted directly to the article.
  • the article is disposed within a package, and the substrate is mounted to the package.
  • the one or more characteristics of the article are selected from the group including: the article; one or more physical dimensions of the article; the weight of the article; the date of packing of the article; the product use by date for the article; the trade source of the article; the method of processing of the article; the number of components constituting the article; and the function of the article.
  • the article is entirely organic.
  • the article is an item of animal meat.
  • the article is a blood product, jn other embodiments, however, the article is a fluid sample.
  • the interrogation signal emanates at between about 3 to 30 MHz. More preferably, the interrogation signal emanates at about 12 to 15 MHz. In the preferred embodiment, the interrogation signal emanates at about 13.56 MHz.
  • the tag is flexible and conforms substa ⁇ tively with the adjacent contour of the article to which it is mounted. More preferably, the first face includes an adhesive for facilitating the mounting of the tag to the article. In other embodiments, alternative forms of mounting are used.
  • the circuit responds to the interrogation signal at low temperatures. More preferably, the low temperatures include temperatures below about 0 °C. In some embodiments, however, the low temperature include temperatures below -20 °C.
  • the low temperature includes temperatures below -30 °C.
  • the circuits are design with an operating range of about -30 °C to 100 °C.
  • the processor circuit includes an antenna for receiving the interrogation signal and for transmitting the identification signal. More preferably, the antenna is an un-tuned antenna. Examples of such antennas are provided in International PCT application PCT/AU03/01072 in the name of the same applicant, the disclosure of that earlier application being incorporated herein by way of cross reference. It will also be appreciated that the processor circuit includes other electrical components such as memory, power regulation and supply circuitry, and the like.
  • the present invention also provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) system for a plurality of articles that are contained within a predetermined volume, the syste including: an interrogator for providing an interrogation field that extends into the predetermined volume such that at least two of the tags are simultaneously disposed within the field; and a plurality of tags, each being associated with a respective article and containing an identifier for that article, the tags being responsive to being disposed within the field for providing identification signals indicative of the respective identifiers.
  • the interrogation field extends into the predetermined volume such that all the tags are simultaneously disposed within the field.
  • the predetermined volume is defined by a container in which the articles are disposed.
  • the system includes a further like tag for the container. That is, not only are the individual articles independently identifiable, but so too is the container.
  • the tags provide the respective identification signals independently of their orientation within the field. More preferably, the tags provide the respective identification signals independently of their orientation with respect to any one or other tags that are simultaneously disposed within the field. Even more preferably, the tags provide the respective identification signals even when two or more tags are adjacent when simultaneously disposed within the field.
  • the interrogator includes a generator for establishing the field, and a controller that is connected with the generator for varying the field.
  • the interrogator includes a receiver for receiving the identification signals and for relaying those signals to the controller.
  • the field includes a base component and a variable component, wherein the variable component is provided by the controller.
  • the variable component includes an interrogation signal.
  • the interrogation signal includes commands for the one or more tags.
  • the container includes a plurality of walls, and an opening for allowing the articles to be progressed into and from. the container.
  • the volume is prismatic, and the walls include: a base having a front edge, a rear edge spaced apart from the front edge, and two side edges that extend between the front edge and the rear edge; two spaced apart side walls extending upwardly from respective side edges and which terminate in respective top edges; a top that extends between the top edges and overlies the base, wherein the top, the base and the sidewalls collectively include a rear opening and a front opening; and a rear wall that extends across the rear opening.
  • the container includes a closure for selectively covering the front opening. Even more preferably, the closure is lockable.
  • the closure is a drawer having one or more compartments for containing the articles.
  • the container includes a plurality of closures.
  • the closures are independently lockable.
  • the drawer when unlocked, the drawer is able to be outwardly progressed from a nested configuration within the container, to an open configuration where one or more of the compartments are accessible.
  • the interrogator toggles between an interrogation mode and a passive mode where the interrogation field is and is not generated respectively.
  • the interrogator is in the interrogation mode and the passive mode when the drawer is in the nested configuration and the open configuration respectively. In other embodiments, the interrogator is in the interrogation mode only when the drawer is in the nested configuration.
  • the interrogator is in the interrogation mode immediately prior to the unlocking of the closure and immediately following the locking of the closure. That is, the interrogator is responsive to a person accessing the container for conducting an inventory check of the articles now contained.
  • the present invention also provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for an article including at least one piece of meat, the tag including: a substrate that is mounted to the article and which has a first face that is opposed to the article and a second face that is opposite the first face; a processor circuit that is mounted to second face and which is responsive to an external wireless interrogation signal for providing an identification signal indicative of one or more characteristics of the article.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the one or more characteristics of the article are selected from the group including: a unique identifier for the article; one or more physical dimensions of the article; the weight of the article; the date of packing of the article; the product use by date for the article; the trade source of the article; the method of processing of the article; the number of components constituting the article; and the function of the article.
  • the one or more characteristics of the article are selected from the group including: a unique identifier for the or each piece of meat; one or more physical dimensions of the or each of the pieces of meat; the weight of the or each of the pieces of meat; the date of packing of the or each of the pieces of meat; the use by date for the or each of the pieces of meat; the trade source of the or each of the pieces of meat; the method of processing of the or each of the pieces of meat; and the number of pieces of meat included within the article.
  • the article includes a plurality of pieces of meat, each of which includes a like tag. More preferably, the like tags are responsive to an external wireless interrogation signal for providing an identification signal indicative of one or more characteristics of the respective pieces of meat.
  • the identification signal provided by the tag is indicative of one or more characteristics other than that provided by the identification signals of the like tags.
  • the identification signals provided by the tag and the like tag include redundancy to facilitate verification of the contents of the article.
  • the present invention also provides a cabinet having a storage volume for containing a plurality of articles each having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the cabinet including: a base having at least one base conductive element; two spaced apart sidewalls extending upwardly from the base and terminating in respective top edges, wherein each sidewall includes at least one sidewall conductive element; a top that extends between the top edges and which has at least one top conductive element, wherein the base, the side walls and the top collectively define the storage volume there between, and the conductive elements collectively define a radiating element for generating an interrogating field within the storage volume; and at least one storage device disposed within the volume and being substantially transparent to the field, the device being mounted to one or more of the base, the top and the sidewalls and, in use, supporting the articles,
  • the cabinet includes a power source for providing an interrogation signal, and the radiating element is responsive to the interrogating signal when generating the interrogating field.
  • the storage device is at least on shelf up which the articles are supported.
  • the storage device includes a plurality of vertically spaced apart shelves.
  • the storage device includes one or more drawers. More preferably, the drawers are slidably mounted to one or more of the base, sidewalls and top for movement between a nested configuration where the drawers are respectively wholly disposed within the storage volume, and an open configuration where the drawers are disposed such as the articles within the respective drawers are accessible.
  • the cabinet includes an opening through which the drawers are progressed during movement between the open and nested configurations. More preferably, the cabinet indudes a closure for maintaining the drawers in the next configuration.
  • the closure is lockable for securely maintaining the drawers in the nested configuration.
  • the present invention also provides a package for ah article, the package including a plurality of interconnected sidewalls for collectively defining a cavity in which the article is, in use, disposed, wherein at least part of one of the sidewalls includes a wireless tag that is responsive to an interrogation field for providing an identification signal.
  • the tag includes memory for selectively storing data derived from the interrogation field. More preferably, the tag includes a processor that is responsive to the interrogation field for extracting the data and determining whether or not to have that data stored in the memory.
  • the data is selectively progressively added to as the tag is subsequently disposed in the or another interrogation field.
  • the data, once selectively stored in memory is converted to read only data. More preferably, some or all of the read only data is selectively included within the identification signal.
  • the wireless tag includes a substrate that is integral with the sidewall. In some embodiments, the substrate constitutes the sidewall. More preferably, the tag includes an antenna for detecting the interrogation field and for radiating the identification signal. More preferably, the antenna includes at least one loop of conductive material that extends about the periphery of the substrate. In the preferred embodiments, the antenna includes a plurality of loops to increase the antenna's sensitivity to the field.
  • the substrate is frangible within the area bounded by the loop or loops for allowing removal of the article for the package.
  • the substrate includes one or more lines of weakness within the area bounded by the bops, while in other embodiments the substrate includes a ruptureable membrane that is contained within the area bounded by the loops. While in some embodiments the ruptureable membrane is a plastics sheet, in other embodiments it is a conductive sheet such as an aluminium sheet.
  • the sidewall including the tag is releasably connected to the, or at least one of the other sidewalls. In one particular embodiment, the sidewall including the tag is releasably adhered to the other sidewalls along respective abutting peripheries.
  • the sidewall including the tag has a tab for facilitating its manual separation and removal from the adhering abutment with the other sidewalls.
  • the present invention also provides a package for at least one article that has a frozen exterior layer, the package including; a housing for containing the at least one article; a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag mounted to the housing and which is selectively responsive to an interrogation signal for providing an identification signal, wherein the identification signal is substantially unaffected by the frozen layer.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the tag is mounted directly to the housing. Wore preferably, the tag abuts the housing.
  • the tag includes a substrate that is adhered to the housing.
  • the tag is a passive tag.
  • the layer is a result of a progressive build up of condensate and debris,
  • the identification signal is transmitted at between about 3 to 30 MHz. More preferably, the identification signal is transmitted at about 12 to 15
  • the housing contains a plurality of articles being comprised of substantially organic material.
  • the present invention also provides a storage unit having a storage volume for containing a plurality of articles each having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the storage unit including: a base; at least one support structure that is mounted to the base for defining the storage volume and supporting the articles within that volume; and a radiating element that is mounted to one or more of the base and the at least one support structure for generating an interrogating field within the storage volume and for receiving, in response, one or more Identification signals from the tags.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the at least one support structure includes two spaced apart sidewalls extending upwardly from the base, a top extending be een the sidewall, and at least one storage shelf intermediate the base and the top. More preferably, the storage shelf is moveably mounted to one or more of the sidewalls and the base.
  • the radiating element is mounted within one or more of the base and the at least one support structure. More preferably, the radiating element is located wholly within one or more of the base and the at least one support structure. In one embodiment, the radiating element is located within the base and the at least one support structure. While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification ⁇ ).

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Abstract

L'invention concerne l'authentification et l'identification d'articles. Elle concerne également le traçage dans une chaîne d'approvisionnement d'un article ou l'authentification d'un article. Dans une application très spécifique, mais non contraignante, l'invention a été développée pour la viande et d'autres produits alimentaires. Cependant, l'invention n'est pas limitée uniquement à cette utilisation, et est également adaptée à une utilisation pour d'autres produits contenant du matériau organique ou non organique, tels que des produits sanguins humains ou animaux confectionnés, des produits alimentaires autres que des produits de viande, du vin et d'autres boissons, des produits organiques autres que des produits alimentaires, des dispositifs médicaux et similaires. Cette invention permet que des marques d'identification soient interrogées proches les unes des autres.
PCT/AU2005/000417 2004-03-29 2005-03-23 Chaine d'approvisionnement et/ou authentification d'un article, systeme, procede et dispositif de tracage, d'identification et de surveillance WO2005093455A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2004901683 2004-03-29
AU2004901683A AU2004901683A0 (en) 2004-03-29 A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and an RFID identification system
AU2004903694A AU2004903694A0 (en) 2004-07-05 An article supply chain and/or authentication, monitoring, tracking and identification system, method and device
AU2004903694 2004-07-07

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WO2005093455A1 true WO2005093455A1 (fr) 2005-10-06

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Cited By (2)

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EP1814072A1 (fr) * 2006-01-06 2007-08-01 Platex Composites Procédé permettant le suivi de plateaux de service soumis à des actions déterminées
WO2014197948A1 (fr) * 2013-06-11 2014-12-18 Healthrfid Pty Ltd Lecteur tunnel rfid

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WO2014197948A1 (fr) * 2013-06-11 2014-12-18 Healthrfid Pty Ltd Lecteur tunnel rfid

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