WO2009034229A1 - Method for transmitting measurement data in a system using remote identifiers and a corresponding system - Google Patents

Method for transmitting measurement data in a system using remote identifiers and a corresponding system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009034229A1
WO2009034229A1 PCT/FI2008/050502 FI2008050502W WO2009034229A1 WO 2009034229 A1 WO2009034229 A1 WO 2009034229A1 FI 2008050502 W FI2008050502 W FI 2008050502W WO 2009034229 A1 WO2009034229 A1 WO 2009034229A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
measurement
identifier
remote
unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI2008/050502
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Pekka Pursula
Original Assignee
Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
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
Application filed by Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus filed Critical Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
Publication of WO2009034229A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009034229A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C17/00—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
    • G08C17/02—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q9/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/40—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight
    • G01G19/413—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means
    • G01G19/414—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
    • G01G19/415—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only combined with recording means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G23/00—Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
    • G01G23/18—Indicating devices, e.g. for remote indication; Recording devices; Scales, e.g. graduated
    • G01G23/36—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells
    • G01G23/37—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting
    • G01G23/3728—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting with wireless means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G23/00—Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
    • G01G23/18—Indicating devices, e.g. for remote indication; Recording devices; Scales, e.g. graduated
    • G01G23/38—Recording and/or coding devices specially adapted for weighing apparatus
    • G01G23/42—Recording and/or coding devices specially adapted for weighing apparatus electrically operated

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for transmitting measurement data in a system using remote identifiers and a corresponding system, in which the units being measured are equipped with remote identifiers, comprising at least the identifier data of the unit, which is read using a remote reader, and in which the measurement data of the unit is at- tached to the identifier data of the unit during the measure ⁇ ment, in a logistically defined measurement stage, in which the measurement data is produced electronically.
  • the invention also relates to a system implementing the method.
  • remote identifier often refers to a UHF-range passive identifier equipped with an RFID chip, but other applications too may be considered. Such remote identifiers operate using the so-called backscatter technique.
  • Patent application publication US2004/0005754 Al discloses one kind of ⁇ smart sticker' construction and a method for manufac- turing it.
  • the question is of an inductively connected remote identifier, but the same kind of construction can also be applied to identifiers operating on a radio frequency, the range of which is substantially greater than the former.
  • the materials of the base fabric are given as polycarbonate, polyolefin, polyes- ter, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), and acrylonitrile/butadiene-styrene co-polymer.
  • the identifier system most used, a barcode, does not permit the information content to be altered.
  • scales data is transferred always in some other way than identifying of the unit. It is true that the information is often linked through the background system, but the verification of the recording and bringing acknowledgement to the person performing the weighing are problematic. Manual recording is also quite usual. The scales data are read by eye and entered manually in the information system. The same problem affects other measurement in a logistical system.
  • the invention is intended to create an improved method and system, by means of which the aforementioned deficiencies in known systems can be avoided.
  • the characteristic features of the method according to the invention are stated in the accompanying Claim 1 while the characteristic features of the corresponding system are stated in Claim 7.
  • the invention provides substantial added value in a logistics system, in which weighing, or generally any measurements whatever are performed in a logistics system, such as a production line, goods handling, or a storage control.
  • data transfer from the measuring device to its remote identifier is wired, i.e. the measurement value is entered directly in the memory of the remote identifier (generally an RFID tag) .
  • the operating current of the remote identifier is also obtained directly form the measuring device, which also generally increases the reading distance.
  • a -passive remote identifier in which the scales data is written using the same technology as that used by the remote readers/writers.
  • Figures Ia and Ib show the stages of weighing in the system according to the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a block tag according to a first embodiment
  • Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a block tag according to a second embodiment.
  • the reference number 10 is used to mark the pallet being weighed and the reference number 11 its RFID tag (remote identifier) .
  • Reference number 12 marks the scales and reference number 12.1 their weighing platform, as well as 12.2 the electronic calculator unit of the scales.
  • the scales includes a special scales tag 13, the construction of which is explained later.
  • the pallet 10 is detected by the remote reader 15, when the identifier data contained in the RFID tag 11 is read wirelessly to the memory of the remote reader 15.
  • the electronic calculator unit 12.2 of the scales sends the weight data to the scales tag 13.
  • the weight data is read from the scales tag 13 using the same remote reader 15, in which case the weight data is obtained in connection with the identifier data of the pallet.
  • the software of the remote reader is preferably arranged to record the data together.
  • the data are downloaded from the remote reader in a known manner to the background system (not shown) .
  • the information on the weight of the pallet can also be entered in the memory of the remote identifier.
  • the scale tag 13 is a variation of a conventional passive RFID tag. It includes an antenna 20, a modulator 21, a detector 22, and a processor and memory 23.
  • the calculator unit 12.2 of the scales is connected directly to the processor. For example, it can write directly to the memory of the scales tag 13, or transfer the data directly to the modulator. In this arrangement, the operating voltage is drawn from the scales.
  • a conventional passive RFID tag 13 which comprises, in a known manner, an antenna 20, a modulator 21, a detector 22, and a processor 23.
  • the arrangement comprises a reader/writer unit 26 and connected to it an antenna 27, which transmits the scales data received from the calculator unit 12.2 wirelessly to the memory of the passive RFID tag.
  • the reading of the weighing data takes place in the same way as above.
  • a check bit which is advantageously used to check that the scales reading has stabilized. By means of this, the validity of the reading in other ways too can be demonstrated to the bit. Reading the memory requires good synchronization between the scales and the reader.
  • a two-stage reading procedure is used. The first command is used for the scales tag to perform the reading of the scales data to its memory and only the second command transfers the reading to the remote reader.
  • the processor has direct digital input (series or parallel bus) for digital messages from the scales unit.
  • the scales RFID includes an A/D convertor connected to the processor.
  • the scales unit gives an analog signal, which is taken to the A/D convertor.
  • the scales there can be some other wirelessly read measuring device.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for transmitting measurement data in a system using remote identifiers (11). The units (10) being measured are equipped with remote identifiers (11), comprising at least the identifying data of the unit (10), which is read using a remote reader (15). The measurement data of the unit (10) is attached to the identifier data of the unit in connection with the measurement, in a logistically defined measurement stage. The measurement data is transferred to a special measurement remote identifier (13), which is read using the same remote reader (15) in connection with the reading of the identifier data of the unit (10) and is recorded in connection with it.

Description

METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING MEASUREMENT DATA IN A SYSTEM USING REMOTE IDENTIFIERS AND A CORRESPONDING SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting measurement data in a system using remote identifiers and a corresponding system, in which the units being measured are equipped with remote identifiers, comprising at least the identifier data of the unit, which is read using a remote reader, and in which the measurement data of the unit is at- tached to the identifier data of the unit during the measure¬ ment, in a logistically defined measurement stage, in which the measurement data is produced electronically. The invention also relates to a system implementing the method.
It is extremely important to know the weight of loads of goods, such as pallets and generally the units being handled, being moved in logistics. The measurement of weight using various kinds of scales is a quite normal stage in a logistical han¬ dling chain.
The identification of loads of goods and other units being handled, using RFID technology, i.e. generally by utilizing remote identifiers, is rapidly become widespread. Typically, the weight of a unit is attached by hand to a remotely read identifier, or the identifier is entered separately into the system in connection with the weight value obtained.
The term remote identifier often refers to a UHF-range passive identifier equipped with an RFID chip, but other applications too may be considered. Such remote identifiers operate using the so-called backscatter technique.
Patent application publication US2004/0005754 Al discloses one kind of Λsmart sticker' construction and a method for manufac- turing it. In the example of the publication, the question is of an inductively connected remote identifier, but the same kind of construction can also be applied to identifiers operating on a radio frequency, the range of which is substantially greater than the former. In the publication, the materials of the base fabric are given as polycarbonate, polyolefin, polyes- ter, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), and acrylonitrile/butadiene-styrene co-polymer.
The identifier system most used, a barcode, does not permit the information content to be altered. In known systems, scales data is transferred always in some other way than identifying of the unit. It is true that the information is often linked through the background system, but the verification of the recording and bringing acknowledgement to the person performing the weighing are problematic. Manual recording is also quite usual. The scales data are read by eye and entered manually in the information system. The same problem affects other measurement in a logistical system.
The invention is intended to create an improved method and system, by means of which the aforementioned deficiencies in known systems can be avoided. The characteristic features of the method according to the invention are stated in the accompanying Claim 1 while the characteristic features of the corresponding system are stated in Claim 7. The invention provides substantial added value in a logistics system, in which weighing, or generally any measurements whatever are performed in a logistics system, such as a production line, goods handling, or a storage control.
In one embodiment, data transfer from the measuring device to its remote identifier is wired, i.e. the measurement value is entered directly in the memory of the remote identifier (generally an RFID tag) . In that case, the operating current of the remote identifier is also obtained directly form the measuring device, which also generally increases the reading distance. Alternatively, a -passive remote identifier, in which the scales data is written using the same technology as that used by the remote readers/writers.
In the following, the invention is described with the aid of the accompanying drawings, which show some embodiments of the invention.
Figures Ia and Ib show the stages of weighing in the system according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a block tag according to a first embodiment, and
Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a block tag according to a second embodiment.
In Figures Ia and Ib, the reference number 10 is used to mark the pallet being weighed and the reference number 11 its RFID tag (remote identifier) . Reference number 12 marks the scales and reference number 12.1 their weighing platform, as well as 12.2 the electronic calculator unit of the scales. According to the invention, the scales includes a special scales tag 13, the construction of which is explained later.
According to Figure Ia, the pallet 10 is detected by the remote reader 15, when the identifier data contained in the RFID tag 11 is read wirelessly to the memory of the remote reader 15. During weighing, the electronic calculator unit 12.2 of the scales sends the weight data to the scales tag 13.
In order to ensure the correctness of the scales data it is possible to reserve a portion of the memory, in which information on the completion of the weighing is written. This avoids the weighing result from being read before the scales data has stabilized. According to Figure Ib, the weight data is read from the scales tag 13 using the same remote reader 15, in which case the weight data is obtained in connection with the identifier data of the pallet. The software of the remote reader is preferably arranged to record the data together.
The data are downloaded from the remote reader in a known manner to the background system (not shown) . The information on the weight of the pallet can also be entered in the memory of the remote identifier.
According to Figure 2, the scale tag 13 is a variation of a conventional passive RFID tag. It includes an antenna 20, a modulator 21, a detector 22, and a processor and memory 23. A special feature is that the calculator unit 12.2 of the scales is connected directly to the processor. For example, it can write directly to the memory of the scales tag 13, or transfer the data directly to the modulator. In this arrangement, the operating voltage is drawn from the scales.
In the variation of the scales tag of Figure 3, a conventional passive RFID tag 13 is used, which comprises, in a known manner, an antenna 20, a modulator 21, a detector 22, and a processor 23. In addition to this, the arrangement comprises a reader/writer unit 26 and connected to it an antenna 27, which transmits the scales data received from the calculator unit 12.2 wirelessly to the memory of the passive RFID tag.
The reading of the weighing data takes place in the same way as above.
In one embodiment, in the memory location of the measurement memory there is a check bit, which is advantageously used to check that the scales reading has stabilized. By means of this, the validity of the reading in other ways too can be demonstrated to the bit. Reading the memory requires good synchronization between the scales and the reader. In one preferred embodiment, a two-stage reading procedure is used. The first command is used for the scales tag to perform the reading of the scales data to its memory and only the second command transfers the reading to the remote reader.
In Figure 2, there is an arrow from the scales unit to the processor. In a more accurate implementation, there are two possibilities in this. According to the first alternative, the processor has direct digital input (series or parallel bus) for digital messages from the scales unit. In the second alternative, the scales RFID includes an A/D convertor connected to the processor. The scales unit gives an analog signal, which is taken to the A/D convertor. Naturally, instead of the scales there can be some other wirelessly read measuring device.
It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the invention can be varied in many ways. In particular, the invention can be adapted to any electronically made measurement whatever.

Claims

Claims
1. Method for transmitting measurement data in a system using remote identifiers (11), in which the units (10) being measured are equipped with remote identifiers (11), comprising at least the identifying data of the unit (10), which is read using a remote reader (15), and in which the measurement data of the unit (10) is attached to the identifier data of the unit in connection with the measurement, in a logistically defined measurement stage, in which the measurement data is produced electronically, characterized in that the measurement data is transferred to a special measurement remote identifier (13), which is read using the same remote reader (15) in connection with the reading of the identifier data of the unit (10) and is recorded in connection with it.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the measurement takes place in a fixed location, through which the units (10) are conveyed for performing the measurement.
3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the measurement is weighing on scales and the measurement data is thus the weight of the unit.
4. Method according to any of Claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the transfer of the measurement data to the measurement remote identifier (13) takes place using wired data transfer.
5. Method according to any of Claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the transfer of the measurement data to the measurement remote identifier (13) takes place using wireless data transfer.
6. Method according to any of Claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the transfer of the measurement data to the measurement remote identifier (13) takes place using the same protocol as the transfer protocol of the identifier data of the unit.
7. System for transmitting measurement data in a system using remote identifiers, which includes
- an electronic measuring device (12) for producing measurement data to memory media, and
- a logistical system for using the units (10) being measured, at the measuring device, and - a remote-identifier reader (15) , and
- a remote identifier (11) in each unit (10) being measured in order to read each identifier data, and
- measurement-data input means for attaching the measurement data in connection with the identifier data, characterized in that the measurement device (12) includes a local remote identifier (13), which has a data-transfer connection to the said measurement data memory media, so that by means of which said remote- identifier reader (15) the measurement data is arranged to be read from the local remoter identifier (13) and attached in connection with the measurement data.
8. System according to Claim 7, characterized in that the measurement device is scales (12) and the measurement data is thus the weight of the unit.
9. System according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the said data-transfer connection between the measurement remote identifier (13) and the memory media is wired.
10. System according to Claim 7 or 8 , characterized in that the said data-trans fer connection between the measurement remote identifier ( 13 ) and the memory media is wireless .
11. System according to Claim 10, characterized in that the said data-transfer connection is adapted to the same protocol as the transfer protocol of the identifier data of the unit.
PCT/FI2008/050502 2007-09-11 2008-09-10 Method for transmitting measurement data in a system using remote identifiers and a corresponding system WO2009034229A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI20075633A FI119532B (en) 2007-09-11 2007-09-11 Procedure for disseminating measurement data in a system using RFID transponders and the corresponding system
FI20075633 2007-09-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009034229A1 true WO2009034229A1 (en) 2009-03-19

Family

ID=38572967

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FI2008/050502 WO2009034229A1 (en) 2007-09-11 2008-09-10 Method for transmitting measurement data in a system using remote identifiers and a corresponding system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
FI (1) FI119532B (en)
WO (1) WO2009034229A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020070862A1 (en) * 2000-12-12 2002-06-13 Francis Robert C. Object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification tags
US20040267621A1 (en) * 2003-06-27 2004-12-30 Schuller Robert J. Food product scale-based incentive system
US20060208893A1 (en) * 2005-02-28 2006-09-21 Anson Gary S Weight audit methods and systems utilizing data reader
US20060255951A1 (en) * 2005-05-13 2006-11-16 Ems Technologies, Inc., Systems and methods for order-picking
WO2006124763A2 (en) * 2005-05-13 2006-11-23 Ems Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods for order-picking

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020070862A1 (en) * 2000-12-12 2002-06-13 Francis Robert C. Object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification tags
US20040267621A1 (en) * 2003-06-27 2004-12-30 Schuller Robert J. Food product scale-based incentive system
US20060208893A1 (en) * 2005-02-28 2006-09-21 Anson Gary S Weight audit methods and systems utilizing data reader
US20060255951A1 (en) * 2005-05-13 2006-11-16 Ems Technologies, Inc., Systems and methods for order-picking
WO2006124763A2 (en) * 2005-05-13 2006-11-23 Ems Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods for order-picking

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FI20075633A0 (en) 2007-09-11
FI119532B (en) 2008-12-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN100373406C (en) A method and device for storing and distributing information in an rfid tag
US7360714B2 (en) Label and RFID tag issuing apparatus
CN103617515B (en) Vehicle handling goods control method in a kind of logistics business based on radio frequency identification
TW565802B (en) Object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification tags
US7164353B2 (en) Method and system for testing RFID devices
EP1818271B1 (en) Article load device
US7573386B2 (en) System and method for smart radio frequency identification tags
US20070222568A1 (en) System and method for vehicle tire usage information
US20090251294A1 (en) Article management system and article management method
CN201242758Y (en) Apparatus for managing non-contact type probe card
JP2006089163A (en) Physical distribution management apparatus, physical distribution management pallet and physical distribution management system
CN101655899A (en) Method and system for evaluating radio frequency identification electronic label
US8669846B2 (en) Wireless devices for process automation and verification
CN101249933B (en) Ground conveyor with a label
WO2009034229A1 (en) Method for transmitting measurement data in a system using remote identifiers and a corresponding system
CN206546586U (en) It is pasted on the logistic label on Turnover Box surface
JPWO2006070461A1 (en) Information reading apparatus and information reading program
CN201380986Y (en) Detecting system for quantity of products inside packaging case
JP5303436B2 (en) Measured value management system and measured value management method
CN106934582B (en) Panel transportation monitored control system based on RFID
CN101655900A (en) Method and system for evaluating radio frequency identification electronic label
US20220318724A1 (en) Methods and apparatus for linking pre-printed labels to product information
CN101655897A (en) Method and system for evaluating radio frequency identification electronic label
JP2006185391A (en) Reader/writer system and reader system
ES2344823B1 (en) EFFICIENT RECOVERY METHOD OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN AN RFID LABEL, WHEN SUCH RFID LABEL IS PROVIDED IN A STEEL COIL, AND DEVICES FOR CARRYING OUT SUCH METHOD.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 08805425

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

DPE1 Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 08805425

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1