WO2008066492A1

WO2008066492A1 - Device and method for identifying objects

Info

Publication number: WO2008066492A1
Application number: PCT/SG2007/000390
Authority: WO
Inventors: Swee Jeen Chin
Original assignee: Gaishan Technology Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2006-11-30
Filing date: 2007-11-13
Publication date: 2008-06-05
Also published as: WO2008066492A8; SG143096A1

Abstract

The present invention discloses a device for identifying an object, said object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein said RFID tag includes an identity code, the device comprising means for a user to input information relating to said object; storage means for storing said user-inputted information, and for storing said identity code relating to said RFID tag associated with said object; transmission means for transmitting a signal to said RFID tag; receiving means for receiving a return signal from said RFID tag, said return signal representing said identity code for said RFID tag; processing means for retrieving said user-inputted information associated with said return signal from said storage means; and means for outputting said stored information. A method and a computer program are also disclosed. The invention provides an all-in-one device that can be programmed by the user in accordance with their requirements, and thus can be used by in a domestic environment, and by individuals, in everyday life.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING OBJECTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and method for identifying objects, and in particular, a device and method for identifying objects that utilises RFID technology. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Identification of objects has in the past been performed using barcode technology. This technology requires an encoded set of lines and spaces of different widths (a barcode) to be placed on an object, and the barcode then scanned and interpreted into numbers to identify an object.

There are disadvantages however in using barcode technology, for example to read the barcode there must be a line-of-sight between the barcode and the scanner. This factor requires the barcode to be placed in a visible and accessible position, as the scanner must be specifically and especially directed towards the barcode. Further disadvantages of barcode technology include the barcode being read-only, and only having limited capacity to carry information. Furthermore, as the barcode must be placed in a visible and conspicuous position on the object, the barcode can easily be damaged, making it difficult or impossible for the barcode to be read by the scanner.

More recently, identification of objects has been performed using radio frequency identification (RFID) rather than barcode technology. With RFID, the electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the RF portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is used to transmit signals. An RFID system consists of an antenna and a transceiver, which read the radio frequency and transfer the information to a processing device, and a transponder, or tag situated on the object, which is an integrated circuit containing the RF circuitry and information to be transmitted. RFID eliminates the need for line-of-sight reading that was necessary with barcode technology, providing freedom to place the RFID tag in various places on an object. Also, RFID scanning can be done at greater distances than barcode scanning. RFID technology further allows for read-write exchange of information, and has a larger capacity for data storage than the existing barcode technology. The advantages of RFID technology have resulted in the ability to use the technology for a variety of applications. For example, RFID technology is used in security tags for retail outlets and in hospitals to track patient movement. However prior RFID systems tend to be used for large scale or commercial applications. The systems tend to be impractical however for domestic or individual uses, due to the amount of and size of the hardware required to operate such systems that can store sufficient desired information. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a broad form, the present invention provides a device and method for easy identification of objects having RFID tags, using an RF reader and customised software, to allow information to be stored about an object on the device or tag, and that information to be retrieved at a desired time.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for identifying an object, said object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein said RFID tag includes an identity code, the device comprising: means for a user to input information relating to said object; storage means for storing said user-inputted information, and for storing said identity code relating to said RFID tag associated with said object; transmission means for transmitting a signal to said RFID tag; receiving means for receiving a return signal from said RFID tag, said return signal representing said identity code for said RFID tag; processing means for retrieving said user-inputted information associated with said return signal from said storage means; means for outputting said stored information.

In a second aspect, the invention provides for an MP3 player incorporating the above device. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for identifying an object, said object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein said RFID tag includes an identity code, the method comprising the steps of: a user inputting information relating to said object in a device; storing said user- inputted information, and said identity code relating to said RFID tag associated with said object; transmitting a signal to said RFID tag; receiving a return signal from said RFID tag, said return signal representing said identity code for said RFID tag; retrieving said user-inputted information associated with said return signal from said storage means; outputting said stored information. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program for identifying an object, said object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein said RFID tag includes an identity code, the program comprising execution means for performing the above method. In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program for loading on to a portable, handheld device for identifying an object, said object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein said RFID tag includes an identity code, the program comprising execution means for performing the above method. By the term Radio Frequency (RF), it is meant the frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum that are used for radio communications. By the term Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, it is meant a device which can respond to an interrogating RF signal with a simple identity code. The RFID technology used in the present invention may include Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

The present invention therefore provides a user-customised device for identifying objects, where the user can him/herself input information into the device relating to said objects, and retrieve that information from the device when the device is located within a suitable distance from an RFID tag associated with that object. The invention provides an all-in-one device that can be programmed by the user in accordance with their requirements, and thus can be used by in a domestic environment, and by individuals, in everyday life.

Preferably, the device is a portable, handheld device, providing ease of use and applicability for users. In one form, the device comprises means for a user to input an audio recording, and preferably, for the user to input a live audio recording. In alternate forms, the device comprises means for a user to input a video or multimedia recording, and preferably, for the user to input a live video or multimedia recording. In one form, the information is stored as a digital file, preferably, an MP3 or MP4 file. More preferably, the device comprises an MP3 music player. In one form, the information is outputted by a speaker, or alternatively or in addition, by a visual display. Preferably, the information is outputted in a format suitable for visually impaired users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An illustrative embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention will also become apparent from the accompanying description.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the system components according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a flow chart of the recording cycle of the embodiment of figure 1, that allows the information to be recorded and stored as and when demanded;

Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the playing cycle of the embodiment of figure 1 , that allows the information to be displayed as and when demanded;

Figure 4 shows a flowchart of the Abook playing cycle according to the embodiment of figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows the design framework for the system and device according to the embodiment of figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is not specific to any particular hardware or software implementation, and is at a conceptual level above specifics of implementation. The following is provided to assist in understanding the practical implementation of an embodiment of the invention. The preferred embodiment of the invention discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings is described in the context of identifying objects suitable for use by a visually impaired person. It will be understood that the invention is equally applicable in numerous other circumstances and contexts such as, for example, locating a particular file or folder within an office environment.

A visually impaired person may wish to know the identity of or information about certain objects around their home without the need to seek help from a sighted person or a caregiver, or the need to feel for the shape of those objects for example. In the kitchen, a visually impaired person may wish to identify and differentiate a can of coke from a can of beer, or to select a particular shirt for the day's function. The present invention enables a user to select and access required information as and when required, where it is required and in the sequence that it is required.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the system 100 used in the present embodiment. At the front-end, an RFID subsystem 110 includes an RFID tag 112, an antenna 114 for transmitting a signal to the RFID tag 112, and for receiving a return signal from the RFID tag 112, and a reader 116 for processing the return signal. The software 120 associated with the RFID subsystem includes file management software 122, data storage and access software 124, random file access software 126, and power management software 128. The software 120 is used to communicate with both the front-end RFID subsystem 110 and the back-end device hardware 130, to process the identity code obtained from the RFID subsystem 110, and to retrieve the associated user-inputted information. At the back-end, the device hardware 130 includes a storage device 132 for storing information relating to the identity of the object in a database, an audio system 134 for displaying the stored information for the user, a voice recorder 136 for recording the information relating to the identity of the object, and external controls 138 to operate the device hardware.

The RFID subsystem 110 includes the tag 112, the antenna 114, and the reader 116. The tag 112 is affixed to the object to be identified. For example, individual tags may be affixed to the chair, table, and television remote control. The tag 112 may be affixed to the objects during their manufacture, wherein a unique identity coding is built in to the tag 112 during manufacture. Alternatively, the tag 112 may be affixed to the object during their manufacture, however the unique identity coding is programmed into the tag by the user at a later time. Alternatively, the tag 112 may be affixed to the object by the user, wherein the tag 112 carries a user defined code that the user has programmed into the tag 112. It is based upon this unique identity coding associated with each tag 112 which allows the object to be uniquely identified, and the stored information to be retrieved. The tag 112 may be a standard RFID tag known to persons skilled in the art, comprising an RFID chip which consists of small integrated circuits connected to an antenna, which communicates with the reader. The tag 112 may be a passive or an active tag. The reader 116 is a part of the portable, handheld device where all the hardware, control buttons, memory and software resides. The reader 116 includes a standard RFID reader or scanner, wherein an RF signal is transmitted via the antenna 114, and the reader 116 communicates with the tag 112 once situated in the requisite range. The antenna 114 will receive a return signal from the tag 112, and the reader 116 will process the identity code associated the received signal and hence the tag 112. The reader 114 and tag 112 will require to be tuned into the same operational frequency. Any standard frequency may be used, for example LF 125-134KHz, HF 13.56MHz, UHF 900MHz and microwave 2.54GHz. On one end, the reader 116 is connected to the antenna 114 to send and receive the signals to and from the tag 112, while on the other end, it is interfaced to the back-end system 130. The antenna 114 may be either permanently fixed to the reader 116, ie internal, or placed outside the reader 116, ie external. In the preferred embodiment, the scanning range of the reader is very short to avoid numerous tags communicating with the device at the same time. The scanning range is preferably less than 2cm. The RFID technology may include Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

The device hardware 130 at the back-end includes the storage device 132, the audio system 134, the voice recorder 136, and the external controls 138 to operate the device. The back-end comprises a processor or controller chip, audio codec, the memory, power management and the audio circuitry for recording and playback. The processor chip, audio codec and the embedded firmware preferably are comprised of a single chip, (for example from SigmaTel), although discrete components may be used. The memory used is NAND flash memory. Communication between the back-end and the RFID subsystem at the front-end is achieved via I2C interface protocol.

The software is the master controller of all the signals, hardware and functions. The software allows the integration of the front-end and the back-end, that is, the integration of the RFID subsystem with the hardware device, allowing the identification, retrieval, and storage of information relating to the object to occur. The software allows users to generate and retrieve desired relevant information as and when and where it is demanded. In the present embodiment, the software has two main functions - to allow the storage of information of the information as and when demanded (which in the present embodiment, is via audio means), and to allow the retrieving and play of the stored information as and when demanded.

Figure 2 shows a flow chart of the recording cycle 200 that allows the information to be recorded and stored as and when demanded. In this embodiment for visually impaired users, the information is recorded and stored as an audio content file. As shown in figure 2, the "record" feature 210 is activated on the device. To assist a hearing impaired user, an audio prompt is played 212 which alerts the user that they have pressed the "record" button on the device. The audio prompt is programmed into the device, and may be chosen not to be played for non-visually impaired users. The reader then becomes active 214, and determines whether any unique identity coding (uid) signals are received 220 from an RFID tag. If no signals are received, an audio prompt alerts the user to a "scan failure" 222, and the cycle begins once again 224.

If a signal is received 220, the reader determines whether the decoded signal is present in the storage means (or database/file list) 230. If the decoded signal is found to be present in the database, an audio prompt asks the user whether they wish for the listing to be altered (ie re-cycled) 232. If the user does not wish for the listing to be altered, the device alerts the user that the process has been "cancelled" 234, and the cycle begins again 236.

If the user does wish for the listing to be altered, or if a corresponding audio content file is not listed in the database, the user is able to record a new entry for storage in the database. An audio prompt requests the user to "record after tone" 238. The user then makes an audio recording of the information about the object via a voice recorder/microphone in, or connected to, the device. Once the user has completed the recording, the file is stored in the database 240 and the audio prompt alerts the user that the voice recording has been "saved" 242. As an alternative to voice recording the information, the user can also download an audio content file from another source, for example downloading from a PC via USB interface from a PC, Bluetooth or WIFI for example. The ability for the user to customise the device for their own usage is advantageous in many areas. A visually impaired person is able to tailor their own voice recording for a specific object, and record as detailed or as little information as required. The user can also record their information and link this information to a particular tag, which can then be affixed to the corresponding object. The entire recording system being performed on the device itself means there is no need for other hardware or software components to be used, which allows a user to customise the device and record the information as and where desired.

Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the playing cycle 300 that allows the information to be displayed as and when demanded. The "play" button 310 is activated on the device, and an audio prompt is sounded 312 to alert the user that the play function has been activated. The RF signal is sent out by the reader 320, and if a return signal corresponding to a uid code is received 330, the processor checks whether the decoded signal has a corresponding audio content file stored in the database 340. If a corresponding audio content file is located, the file is extracted from the database 342, and the audio content file is played for the user 344. The audio content file may be played through headphones connected to the device, or through a speaker internally or externally connected to the device. If the decoded signal has no corresponding audio content file stored in the database 340, the user will be prompted with the audio prompt "blank label", indicating that it is an "unused" tag, with no audio content files or information associated with it stored in the database.

As the coded signal received by the reader is used by the processor to retrieve the audio content file that has been uniquely linked to the code by the user, the file playback is user-controlled. The process is simple with the only requirement being for the reading of the tag, after which the processor locates and plays the file. In the preferred embodiment, the RFID subsystem is integrated to an MP3 platform, similar to those used in commercial MP3 players. The MP3 platform provides many of the audio codec features, allows the stored information to be saved as compressed MP3 files to allow maximum data corresponding to a multitude of objects to be stored, and also allows standard MP3 player functions to be utilised, such as an MP3 music player and radio receiver, and voice recording, for examples, as well as allowing the information being stored as digital files. It also allows a user to download audio books (Abook) into the device. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of the Abook playing cycle 400, where the user can play the entire Abook automatically, ie allowing each segment of the Abook to play sequentially without the need for any further manual involvement 410, or alternatively the user can play each segment manually 420.

Figure 5 shows the design framework 500 for the system according to the present embodiment. The RFID tags 510 communicate with the RFID reader 512 on the hardware device. The reader 512 communicates with the microcontroller 514 via an I2C interface 516. The microcontroller 514 communicates with the memory 518 and 520 to carry out the required functions of the device, and to retrieve the audio content files. The microcontroller 514 then communicates the audio content files by means of a Voice Quality Audio Codec 522, and through activation of external speakers and microphones 524. The Voice Quality Audio Codec 522 communicates with the microcontroller 514 via general purpose I/Os (GPIOs) 526.

A portable memory device, such as a flash card or SD card for example, could be used to supplement the memory in the device itself. In this case, an SD slot or flash card slot would be incorporated into the device. The database contained in the memory may be stored on the tag itself rather than on the reader device.

The present embodiment has been described with reference to voice and audio media only. However, in alternative embodiments, the system and device can be designed to operate with video and multimedia format features to include photos and video files for example. An LCD or similar visual display interface will be implemented on the device, and the information relating to the objects may be stored as digital MP4 files. Recording devices for recording video and multimedia formats will also be implemented, for example a camera.

The present embodiment has been defined using RFID technology, which includes radio frequency communications technology such as Near Field Communication (NFC).

The present embodiment allows all the required functions for the implantation of the system to be performed on one portable, handheld device. This is practical for all users, and especially visually impaired users, who would find it difficult to use an RFID locating system with numerous hardware components necessary. The present embodiment also allows the user to easily record the information directly on the handheld device as and when desired. The present invention may be implemented on a mobile telephone handset rather than an MP3 player as described in the present embodiment.

It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art could implement the present invention in many different ways, and variations may be produced without departing from its spirit and scope.

Any discussion of documents, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for identifying an object, said object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein said RFID tag includes an identity code, the device comprising: - means for a user to input information relating to said object;

- storage means for storing said user-inputted information, and for storing said identity code relating to said RFID tag associated with said object;

- transmission means for transmitting a signal to said RFID tag;

- receiving means for receiving a return signal from said RFID tag, said return signal representing said identity code for said RFID tag;

- processing means for retrieving said user-inputted information associated with said return signal from said storage means;

- means for outputting said stored information.

2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the device is a portable, handheld device.

3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for a user to input information relating to said object comprises means for a user to input an audio recording.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said means for a user to input information relating to said object comprises means for a user to input a live audio recording.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said means comprises a audio recorder.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for a user to input information relating to said object comprises means for a user to input an visual recording.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein said means for a user to input information comprises means for said user to input a live visual recording.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein said means comprises a visual recorder.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said means for a user to input information relating to said object comprises means for a user to input a multimedia recording.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said information is stored as a digital file.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said information is stored as an MP3 or MP4 file.

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for outputting said stored information comprises a speaker.

13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for outputting said stored information comprises a visual display.

14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for outputting said stored information outputs said information in a format suitable for visually impaired users.

15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said storage means is adapted to store information relating to a multitude of objects.

16. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device is enabled to transfer said information to and from a separate medium by wireless data exchange.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein said device is enabled to transfer said information to and from a separate medium by Bluetooth.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein said device is enabled to transfer said information to and from a separate medium by WIFI.

19. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said device is enabled to transfer said information to and from a separate medium by a USB port.

20. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for reading a portable memory device.

21. An MP3 player incorporating the device according to any one of the preceding claims.

22. A method for identifying an object, said object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein said RFID tag includes an identity code, the method comprising the steps of:

- a user inputting information relating to said object in a device;

- storing said user-inputted information, and said identity code relating to said RFID tag associated with said object;

- transmitting a signal to said RFID tag;

- receiving a return signal from said RFID tag, said return signal representing said identity code for said RFID tag;

- retrieving said user-inputted information associated with said return signal from said storage means;

- outputting said stored information.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the step of a user inputting information relating to said object in a device comprises a user inputting information relating to said object in a portable, handheld device.

24. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the step of a user inputting information relating to said object in a device comprises a user inputting an audio recording.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the step of a user inputting information relating to said object in a device comprises a user inputting a live audio recording on said device.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the step of a user inputting information relating to said object in a device comprises a user inputting an visual recording.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the step of a user inputting information relating to said object in a device comprises a user inputting a live visual recording on said device.

28. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the step of a user inputting information relating to said object in a device comprises a user inputting a multimedia recording.

29. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the step of storing said user-inputted information comprises storing said information as a digital file.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the step of storing said user- inputted information comprises storing said information as an MP3 or MP4 file.

31. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the step of outputting said stored information comprises outputting said stored information via a speaker.

32. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 31 , wherein the step of outputting said stored information comprises outputting said stored information via a visual display.

33. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein the step of outputting said stored information comprises outputting said stored information in a format suitable for visually impaired users.

34. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 33, wherein the step of a user inputting information relating to said object in a device comprises said information to be inputted by wireless data exchange.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the step of a user inputting information relating to said object in a device comprises inputting said information via Bluetooth.

36. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 33, wherein the step of a user inputting information relating to said object in a device comprises inputting said information by a USB port.

37. The method according to claim 20 wherein all the steps of the method are performed on one portable, handheld device.

38. A computer program for identifying an object, said object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein said RFID tag includes an identity code, the program comprising execution means for performing the method of any one of claims 22 to 37.

39. A computer program for loading on to a portable, handheld device for identifying an object, said object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein said RFID tag includes an identity code, the program comprising execution means for performing the method of any one of claims 22 to 37.