WO2009149494A1 - Procédé d'enregistrement d'informations associées à un produit et à la fabrication d'un produit - Google Patents

Procédé d'enregistrement d'informations associées à un produit et à la fabrication d'un produit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009149494A1
WO2009149494A1 PCT/AU2009/000721 AU2009000721W WO2009149494A1 WO 2009149494 A1 WO2009149494 A1 WO 2009149494A1 AU 2009000721 W AU2009000721 W AU 2009000721W WO 2009149494 A1 WO2009149494 A1 WO 2009149494A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
package
product
products
information
identifier
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2009/000721
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Moore
Original Assignee
Global Tracking Solutions 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 AU2008902977A external-priority patent/AU2008902977A0/en
Application filed by Global Tracking Solutions Pty Ltd filed Critical Global Tracking Solutions Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2009149494A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009149494A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06V—IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING
    • G06V30/00—Character recognition; Recognising digital ink; Document-oriented image-based pattern recognition
    • G06V30/10—Character recognition
    • G06V30/22—Character recognition characterised by the type of writing
    • G06V30/224—Character recognition characterised by the type of writing of printed characters having additional code marks or containing code marks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to manufacturing products and recording information about the manufactured products.
  • a method of recording information about a manufactured product comprising: recording information about manufacture of a product in association with an identifying reference of an identifier applied to the product in a data storage medium.
  • the method further comprises applying the identifier to the product.
  • the data storage medium is located on the product.
  • the data storage medium is remote from the product. In an embodiment the data storage medium is a first data storage medium located remotely from the product and the method further comprises recording at least some of the information about the product in a second data storage medium located on the product.
  • information about the product comprises components used to manufacture the product.
  • information about the product includes an identifying reference to a person or identifying references to persons involved in manufacture of the product.
  • the information about the product is recorded at the time of manufacture of the product.
  • the product is one of a group of products and the method further comprises recording information about packaging of the group of products in an association with a unique identifying reference to a package containing the group of products.
  • the information about the group of products comprises an identifying reference to a person or identifying references to persons involved in packing the group of products.
  • the method further comprises recording information about all of the products in the package when the group of products is packaged.
  • the method further comprises applying an identifier to the package which comprises the identifying reference to the package.
  • the method further comprises recording an association between the information about the group of products and the identifying reference of the package in one or more of the first data storage medium, a respective second data storage medium on each product, or a third data storage medium located on the package.
  • the method further comprises recording an association between the information about the package and the identifying reference of the package in one or more of the first data storage medium, a respective second data storage medium on each product, or a third data storage medium located on the package.
  • the method further comprises recording an association between the information about the group of products, information about the package and the identifying reference of the package in one or more of the first data storage medium, a respective second data storage medium on each product, or a third data storage medium located on the package.
  • a method of recording information about a group of manufactured products comprising: recording information about a group of products in a package in association with an identifying reference to an identifier applied to the package in a data storage medium.
  • a method of recording information about a package of manufactured products comprising: recording information about a package holding a group of products in association with an identifying reference to an identifier applied to the package in a data storage medium.
  • the data storage medium is located on the package.
  • the identifier comprises the data storage medium.
  • information about the package includes an identifying reference to a person or identifying references to persons involved in packing of the package.
  • information about the package comprises a list of products in the package.
  • the list of products comprises a list of unique identifying references to each of the products in the package.
  • the information about the package comprises the date of packaging.
  • the information may also include the time of packaging.
  • the information about the package further comprises the number of units of product in the package.
  • the information about the package further comprises the weight of the package.
  • the information about the package further comprises one or more of the following: a form of packaging; and a batch number.
  • information about the group of products comprises the date of manufacture of each product and the time of day of manufacture of each product.
  • the information about the group of products may include the weight of each product.
  • the method further comprises conducting a risk analysis and raising an alarm in the event that a high level of risk is found in the risk analysis.
  • the risk analysis comprises one or more of the following: determining whether a worker is permitted to perform a particular task for manufacture of packaging of the product; determining whether a component used is appropriate to the manufacture of the product; determining whether a combination of components used to manufacture the product is appropriate; determining whether the weight of the product is appropriate; determining whether the weight of the package is appropriate.
  • the method further comprises producing a report of the products manufactured in relation to identifying references of a group of products.
  • the method further comprises producing a report of the packaging of the products in relation to identifying references of the packages.
  • the method further comprises producing a report of the packaging of the products in relation to identifying references of the products.
  • the method further comprises producing a report of the products in relation to identifying references of a group of packages.
  • the report further comprises other information.
  • the other information may include the date, time of manufacture or packaging, the identity of workers involved in manufacturing or packaging the products.
  • the method further comprises tracking the location of the product.
  • the method further comprises tracking the location of the package.
  • the identifying reference of the product is recorded in association with dispatch details when the product is despatched from the manufacturing facility. In an embodiment the identifying reference of the package is recorded in association with dispatch details when the package is despatched from the manufacturing facility.
  • the dispatch details comprise one or more of the following: the time of dispatch, the date of dispatch, details of the transport, details of the destination and identification details of the transporter.
  • the details include the identifying reference of the package and preferably identifying references of the products.
  • the details of the arrival of the package are compared to the stored dispatch details.
  • the identifying reference of the product is ascertained and the associated information is retrieved.
  • a system for recoding information related to manufacture of a product comprising: a first identifier for identifying a product, the first identifier capable of being applied to the product; means for recording information about the product in association with a reference to the first identifier of the product.
  • system further comprises a data storage medium located on the product and the means for recording information records the information in the data storage medium.
  • the means for recording information records the information remote to the product.
  • the means for recording information comprises a data storage medium.
  • the means for recording information comprises a transmitter for transmitting the information to a data storage medium.
  • system further comprises a collector of information about components used to manufacture the product.
  • system further comprises a collector of an identifier of a person or identifiers of persons involved in manufacture of the product.
  • system further comprises a collector of the time of manufacture of the product.
  • the product is one of a group of products and the system further comprises means for recording information about packaging of a group of the products.
  • a system for recording information about a group of manufactured products comprising: an identifier for identifying a package and for applying to the package; means for recording information about products in the package in association with a reference to the identifier of the package.
  • a system for recording information about a package of manufactured products comprising: an identifier for identifying a package and for applying to the package; means for recording information about the package in association with a reference to the identifier of the package.
  • system further comprises a second identifier for identifying a package, the second identifier capable of being applied to the package.
  • system further comprises means for recording information about the package in association with a reference to the second identifier.
  • the means for recording the information comprises one or more of a data storage medium located on the package, and a data storage medium remote from the package.
  • system further comprises means for recording an association between the recorded information about the products and a reference to the second identifier of the package.
  • system further comprises a means for recording information about the products comprises one or more of a data storage medium located on the package and a data storage medium remote from the package.
  • system further comprises means for recording an association between the recorded information about the package and a reference to the second identifier of the package.
  • system further comprises means for recording at least some of the information about the products in a data storage medium located on the package. In an embodiment the system further comprises means for recording at least some of the information about the package in a data storage medium located on the package.
  • system further comprises a collector of an identifier of a person or identifiers of persons involved in packing the group of products and a means for storing the collected identity or identities in association with the reference to the second identifier.
  • system further comprises a collector of a list of products in the package and a means for storing the collected list in association with the reference to the second identifier.
  • the means for recording information is configured to record collected information in association with the reference to the identifier.
  • system further comprises a means for conducting a risk analysis and raising an alarm in the event that a high level of risk is found in the risk analysis.
  • a system for recording information related to manufacture of a product comprising: a first identifier for applying to the product; a first storage device; and a processor configured to store in the storage device information about the product in association with an identifying reference to the first identifier applied to the product.
  • the first identifier comprises the first data storage device.
  • system further comprises: a second identifier for applying to a package holding a group of products, wherein the processor is configured to store in a second storage device information about the package and/or products in the package in association with an identifying reference to the second identifier.
  • the second identifier comprises the second storage device.
  • the identifier comprises a data storage medium for recording at least some of the information about the product.
  • the identifier is in the form of a label for attaching to the product.
  • the fist identifier forms part of the product.
  • the identifier comprises a transmitter of a representative identification of the product and the data storage medium.
  • the processor is configured to store in the storage device information about components used to manufacture the product.
  • system comprises a transmitter for writing information to the second data storage device.
  • processor is configured to control the transmitter to write an identifying reference of a person or identifying references of persons involved in manufacture of the product to the second data storage device.
  • the processor is configured to control the transmitter to write the time of manufacture of the product to the storage medium.
  • the processor is configured to collect information about packaging of a group of the products and to store in the storage device the collected information in association with respective references to the first and respective other identifiers.
  • the system further comprises: a second identifier for applying to a package holding a group of products, wherein the processor is configured to store in the storage device information about the package and/or products in the package in association with an identifying reference to the second identifier.
  • the processor is configured to collect an identifier of a person or identifiers of persons involved in packaging the group of products and to store the identifier(s) of the person(s) in association with the reference to the second identifier.
  • the second identifier comprises a data storage medium and the second identifier is configured to recording at least some of the information about the package in the data storage medium.
  • the second identifier is in the form of a label for attaching to the package. In an alternative embodiment the second identifier forms part of the package.
  • the processor is configured to store in the storage means an association between the recorded information about the products and the reference to the second identifier of the package.
  • the processor is configured to store in the storage means an association between the recorded information about the package and the reference to the second identifier of the package.
  • system comprises a receiver for reading information from the first or the second storage device.
  • system further comprises a receiver and the processor is configured to control the receiver to read information stored in the data storage medium of the first identifier. In an embodiment the processor is configured to control the receiver to read information stored in the second identifier.
  • a system for recording information about a group of manufactured products comprising: a second identifier for applying to the package; a storage device; a processor configured to store in the storage device information about the products in association with an identifying reference to the second identifier of the package.
  • a system for recording information about a package of manufactured products comprising: an second identifier for applying to the package; a storage device; a processor configured to store in the storage device information about the package in association with an identifying reference to the second identifier of the package.
  • the second identifier comprises a data storage medium and the processor is configured to record at least some of the information about the products in the storage medium of the second identifier.
  • the processor is configured to record at least some of the information about the package in the data storage medium of the second identifier.
  • the processor is configured to collect an identifier of a person or persons involved in packing of the package and to store in the storage device the identifier(s) in association with the reference to the second identifier. In an embodiment the processor is configured to collect a list of products in the package and store the list in the storage device.
  • the processor is configured to conduct a risk analysis and raise an alarm in the event that a high level of risk is found in the risk analysis.
  • system further comprises a weighing scale for measuring the weight of the package.
  • weight of the package is recorded in the storage means in association with the reference to the second identifier.
  • the weight forms part of the information about the package that is stored in the data storage medium of the second identifier.
  • the processor is configured to retrieve information stored in the data storage medium of the second identifier.
  • the electronic device of the first identifier is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the electronic device of the second identifier is a RFID tag.
  • an identifier is associated with a plurality of workers in the manufacturing facility.
  • system further comprises a sensor at each work station for reading the identifier associated with the respective worker.
  • a computer readable storage medium comprising instructions for controlling a processor of a computer to perform one of the methods described above.
  • radio frequency identification tag fixed to a product comprising a data storage in which is recorded information related to the manufacture of the product.
  • a radio frequency identification tag fixed to a package containing one or more products the tag comprising a data storage in which is recorded information related to the manufacture of one or more of the products.
  • radio frequency identification tag fixed to a package containing one or more products, the tag comprising a data storage in which is recorded information related to packaging of one or more of the products in the package.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system for manufacturing a product according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method of recording information related to the manufacture of products according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a data storage protocol for storing information related to explosives on a RFID tag attached to an explosives product or package;
  • Figure 4 is an schematic flow diagram of an example embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic flow diagram of an example embodiment of the present invention.
  • a method and system of recording information about a manufactured product there is a method and system of recording information about a manufactured product.
  • An identifier is applied to the product.
  • the identifier comprises an identifying reference unique to the product.
  • the identifier is, for example, an RFID chip.
  • Information about manufacture of a product is recorded in association with the identifying reference of the product in a data storage medium.
  • the data storage medium may be in the RFID chip, in an external device, or both.
  • a group of products is packaged.
  • the package has another identifier applied to it.
  • the other identifier comprises an identifying reference unique to the package.
  • Information about packaging of the group of products in the package is recorded in association with the identifying reference of the package in the same and/or another data storage medium.
  • a means such as a processor, for controlling recording of the information about products in the package in association with the reference to the identifier of the package.
  • a means such as a processor, for controlling recording of the information about the package in association with the reference to the identifier of the package.
  • the means may each be a module of a data processing device or network of devices.
  • the system 10 comprises a processor and a storage device 14.
  • the processor is part of a computer server 12.
  • the storage device 14 may also form part of the computer server 12, and may be in the form of a hard disk drive, solid state storage device, or it may be a networked drive, which is assessable by a computer terminal 16.
  • the computer server 12 comprises a memory, such as RAM, for holding instructions of a computer program.
  • the computer program configures the processor to operate as described below.
  • the computer program is typically stored in the storage device and loaded in chunks into the memory as required by the processor.
  • the computer program may be stored in another storage medium, such as a CD, ROM, DVD, flash memory etc.
  • the computer server 12 and/or the computer terminal 16 may comprise a display for presenting information to a user, one or more input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse and/or touch screen, and an Input/Output for interfacing to other devices described below.
  • the product is manufactured from three components, each of which comes from component storages 20, 22 and 24 respectively. In other embodiments the product may be manufactured from a different number of components.
  • the product is manufactured by workers 30, 32 and 34 at respective work stations 40, 42 and 44. It is noted that workers 30, 32 and 34 could be the same worker who moves from one workstation to the other.
  • the product is packaged it is packaged, typically with a number of other like products by worker 36 at station 46.
  • the package is a box, although it will be appreciated that other forms of packaging may be used.
  • the packages are further packaged, such as for example the boxed loaded onto a crate or into a container. It is also noted that workers 30, 32, 34 and/or 36 could be replaced with machinery where the process of manufacturing the product is automated or partly automated.
  • the system 10 comprises a weighing scale at a weighing station 48, which measures the weight of the package.
  • the weighing scale is arranged to provide the weight of the package to the processor.
  • an identifier 50 is attached to the product or forms part of the product.
  • the identifier 50 is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • identifiers may be attached to one or more of the components.
  • an identifier 52 is attached to the package or forms part of the package.
  • the identifier may be attached to the package before it is packed.
  • the identifier 52 is a RFID tag.
  • An identifier could be a barcode, characters of print, or other suitable devices or insignia that enable the product/package to the uniquely identified.
  • each worker 30, 32, 34, 36 has an identifier associated therewith.
  • the identifier is a RFID tag, which is for example, in a wrist band worn by the worker.
  • Each station 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 has a sensor 60, 62, 64 and 66, respectively, for reading the RFID tag worn by the worker 30, 32, 34, 36.
  • the sensors 60, 62, 64 and 66 are arranged to provide the RFID tag reading to the processor.
  • An alternative method of identifying the worker is to use a biometric reading and/or a personal identification number (PIN).
  • PIN personal identification number
  • Transceivers 68 and 70 are arranged to write information to the RFID tags 50 and 52, respectively. Transceivers 68 and 70 are connected to the processor. The processor controls the information written to the RFID tags 50 and 52.
  • worker 30 attends workstation 40.
  • the presence of worker 30 at workstation 40 is detected by sensor 60 reading a signal 100 from the RFID tag in the wrist band of worker 30.
  • One or more components A are taken from storage 20.
  • a dispenser 80 will provide the components A to the workstation 40.
  • Worker 30 will perform the required assembly task of workstation 40.
  • Sensor 60 may be arranged to identify component A, such as be reading a RFID tag associated with component A 1 or by reading a bar code etc.
  • component A is conveyed to workstation 42, such as by use of a belt conveyor 82.
  • Worker 32 attends workstation 42.
  • the presence of worker 32 at workstation 42 is detected by sensor 62 reading a signal 102 from the RFID tag in the wrist band of worker 32.
  • One or more components B are taken from storage 22 by for example dispenser 84 to workstation 42.
  • Worker 32 will perform the required assembly of components A and B at workstation 42.
  • Sensor 62 may be arranged to identify component B.
  • components A and B are conveyed to workstation 44, such as by use of a belt conveyor 86.
  • Worker 34 attends workstation 44.
  • the presence of worker 34 at workstation 44 is detected by sensor 64 reading a signal 104 from the RFID tag in the wrist band of worker 34.
  • One or more components C are taken from storage 24 by for example dispenser 88 to workstation 44.
  • Worker 34 will perform the required assembly of partly assembled components A and B with component C at workstation 44.
  • Sensor 64 may be arranged to identify component C.
  • Identifier 50 receives signal 108 from transceiver 68 and stores data from the signal 108.
  • Identifier 50 is dispensed by dispenser 90 and is then attached to the product.
  • the completed product is then conveyed to packing station 46, such as by use of a belt conveyor 92.
  • packing station 46 such as by use of a belt conveyor 92.
  • the product already comprises one or more RFID tags then these may have information about the product recorded to them.
  • any of the components or partly assembled product may also have another identifier attached at any of the stations 40, 42, 44 so that the other identifier is internal to the assembled product.
  • Sensors 60, 62, 64 may be able to write information to a storage medium (such as a RFID tag) on component A, B or C.
  • Worker 36 attends packing station 46. The presence of worker 36 at station 46 is detected by sensor 66 reading a signal 106 from the RFID tag in the wrist band of worker 36.
  • Each completed product from conveyor 92 is placed in a package by worker 36. When the packing of each package is completed the package is typically closed and sealed.
  • Identifier 52 receives signal 110 from transceiver 70 and stores data from the signal 110.
  • Identifier 52 is dispensed by dispenser 94 and is then attached to the package. Alternatively the package may already have an RFID tag attached to it.
  • the identified package is then conveyed to weighing station 48, such as by use of a belt conveyor 96.
  • the package is weighed by a scale of weighing station 48.
  • the weighed package is then dispatched for transport or to storage, such as by conveyor 98.
  • the scale of the weighing station 48 is able to report the weight of the package to the processor.
  • Information is able to be provided to and from each station 40, 42 and 46, and the data storage 14 by link 120.
  • specifications relating to the manufacture of the product may be stored in the data storage 14 and displayed on a display to the respective worker 30, 32 or 34 of the relevant station 40, 42 or 44.
  • Data may also be obtained from each station, such as a weight of the components or partly assembled product. This data may be sent to the processor and/or stored in the data storage 14.
  • Audio/visual indicators may be used to indicate to the workers that a RFID tag has been successfully read, or if the reading /write was not successful. Also indicators may also be used to indicate successful weighing of the product/package.
  • Computer terminal 16 may be located in an administrative office and allows administrative actions. Alternatively computer terminal 16 may be located in the manufacturing facility and allows a supervisory worker to control or monitor the manufacture/packaging/dispatch process. More than one terminal 16 may be provided.
  • the identifier 52 may be able to receive signal 110 after it is attached to the package and located on the weighing station 48.
  • the server may be programmed to operate as one or more modules, where each module performs one or more of the steps of the method 200.
  • the method 200 comprises receiving 202 an order to manufacture a batch of a product. Based on the specified product in the order, the storage 14 is accessed to look up 204 which components are using in the manufacture of the product. The list of components in the product is used to set up a database which is stored in the storage 14. The database is used to hold information gathered in the manufacturing process. Each product is manufactured 206 from the components, for example as described above.
  • information on the components used are recorded 208 in the database and the identification of the worker manufacturing each stage is recorded 210 in the database.
  • the information recorded is one or more of the following: the type and specifications of the product; a list of the components used to manufacture the product; an identifying reference to a person or identifying references to persons involved in manufacture of the product; the time of manufacture of the product; an identifying reference to the package that the product is placed in; a list of products in the package; the time and/or date of packaging the product; the weight of the product; the number of units of product in the package; the weight of the package; the form of packaging; and a batch number.
  • an identifier in the form of an RFID tag 50 is attached 212 to the product.
  • the RFID tag 50 may be formed in the product.
  • information about the product is recorded 214 on the RFID tag 50.
  • the information is one or more of the following: the type of product; the weight of the product; a time and or date of manufacture of the product; an identifier of the manufacturer of the product; an identifying reference to a person or identifying references to persons involved in manufacture of the product.
  • the products are packaged 216.
  • Packages may be grouped and further packaged. For example individual products may be grouped in to a box and a number of boxes may be grouped on a crate or pallet.
  • the package is weighed 218 and the weight recorded in the database.
  • the identification of the worker may be recorded 220 in the database.
  • time of manufacture comprises the date of manufacture of the product and the time of day of manufacture of the product.
  • information product may include the weight of each product.
  • An identifier 52 such as a RFID tag, is attached to each package 222, either before, after or during packing.
  • information about the products in the package is recorded 224 on the identification tag 52.
  • the information is one or more of the following: a list of products in the package; an identifying reference to a person or identifying references to persons involved in manufacture of each product; the type of product; the nominal weight of each product; a batch number the products.
  • Information about the package is recorded 226 on the identification tag 52.
  • the information is one or more of the following: an identifying reference to a person or identifying references to persons involved in packing the group of products; the date of packaging; the time of packaging; the number of units of product in the package; the weight of the package; the form of packaging; a batch number.
  • the products are then dispatched 228 in the packages.
  • the information recoded in the database can be used to conduct a risk analysis.
  • An alarm may be raised in the event that a high level of risk is found in the risk analysis.
  • the risk assessment is typically conducted by providing a set of rules and testing a set of circumstances against the rules. If the conditions specified in a rule are met then a risk level is present that causes the generation of an alarm.
  • the alarm may be categorised. The alarm may cause a warning to be displayed/sounded and a report on the cause of the raising of the alarm to issue.
  • the risk analysis comprises one or more of the following: determining whether a worker is permitted to perform a particular task; determining whether a component used is appropriate to the manufacture of the product; determining whether a combination of components used to manufacture the product is appropriate; determining whether the weight of the product is appropriate; determining whether the weight of the package is appropriate.
  • the information recorded in the database can be used to produce a report of the products manufactured.
  • the report can include one or more of the following: the products manufactured and the associated identifying references to the products; the packaging of the products and the associated identifying references to the packages; the packaging of the products and the identifying references to the products in the package; the date, time of manufacture or packaging; the identity of workers involved in manufacturing or packaging the products.
  • the method further comprises tracking the location of the product. In an embodiment the method further comprises tracking the location of the package.
  • the identifying reference of the product is recorded in association with dispatch details when the product is despatched from the manufacturing facility.
  • the identifying reference of the package is recorded in association with dispatch details when the package is despatched from the manufacturing facility.
  • dispatch details comprise one or more of the following: the time of dispatch, the date of dispatch, details of the transport, details of the destination and identification details of the transporter.
  • details of arrival of transported packages of goods are recorded.
  • the details include the identifying reference of the package and preferably identifying references of the products.
  • the details of the arrival of the package are compared to the stored dispatch details.
  • the identifying reference of the product is ascertained and the associated information is retrieved from the storage device.
  • the present invention has particular application in the manufacture of dangerous goods such as explosives and similar combustibles and energetic substances such as propellants and pyrotechnics, although it can be used for other products.
  • the identifier in the product/package can be used to hold technical data on the product and/or support data, such as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
  • MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
  • the present invention may be used in the manufacture of explosives. It is preferred that components are shipped to an explosives manufacturing facility with RFID tags fitted. It is more preferred that the RFID tags will be formatted to a standard, such as the inventor's "RFID - Explosives Tracking Code (ETC) protocol".
  • the RFID - ETC protocol 1102 defines how sections of the data space in the RFID chip are used and is described in relation to Figure 3.
  • the first section includes information about the RFID chip supplier 1104, this will include an 8 byte unique identification number (UID) 1106 as well as control and write access information.
  • UID 8 byte unique identification number
  • data corresponding to the letters "EXPL" are recorded 1108, which indicate that the RFID chip is attached to an explosives device.
  • the second section includes information about the manufactured explosive 1110.
  • the unit identification 1130 can then be broken down into the date of manufacture 1132, a packaging type 1134, a product type that went into the packaging 1136, and a label/manufacturing identification number 1138.
  • the packaging type will be coded for 'box', as the explosives are typically in a box type of package.
  • Other types of package could include unit, roll, palette, bag, container, bin, package, coil, bundle, bottle or tank.
  • Product types could be coded by for example: Ammonium Nitrate based product types that are bagged, boosters, cartridges, detonators, exploding cord, other explosives, products not having RFID tags on individual units, or military explosives.
  • the third section has free data space 1140.
  • the fourth section is for an electronic signature 1144.
  • Reading this data block of the RFID chip can reveal the identity of the person that last authorised person to handle the explosive during the manufacturing/packing process or the person that received the dispatch of the manufactured explosive, provided that the identity is written to this data block as part of a handling process.
  • Certain parts of the data space are locked on manufacture of the RFID chip in the RFID tag, such as the UID. The control and write assess information is used for this purpose.
  • the "EXPL" data is locked when the RFID tag is allocated for use with explosives. Other parts can be locked for left rewritable according to the needs of the manufacturer. It will be common for details relating to the nature of the product/package to be locked after manufacture/packaging. Other details related to the handling of the product/package may be left unlocked.
  • Radio Frequency Identification Device RFID tags which use a 13.56MHz frequency can be used with electric detonators. Other frequencies of RFID tags can be used. If a detonator is used as an example, writing data to the RFID tag could be done in one of two ways:
  • a small manufacturer may just add the data straight into computer system and allow the computer server to store and handle all the data.
  • the process of this example has data from each component assigned to the RFID tag to allow unit tracking. This allows a unit to be identified and allows a unit to be tracked back to it components. If required this could be further traced back to the supplier and his own quality assurance records/process etc.
  • the computer server operates as a data manager which is designed to do a large number of tasks without major input from the manufacturer while providing a built in safety system.
  • the system provides the building blocks to allow data to be transferred electronically.
  • the system of this embodiment comprises a computer operating as a control unit having an input, a display and a personnel identifier.
  • the input may be in the form of a keyboard, a mouse and/or a touch screen over the display.
  • the computer is interfaced to an RFID tag transceiver which may be in the form of a label printer with RFID tag read/write capability.
  • the control unit may be installed into a cabinet for convenient assess which requires a personnel identifier and verification to gain access/ allow use.
  • the personnel verifier preferably comprises a biometric reader.
  • the computer may require entry of a PIN to allow access to the system.
  • Authorised personnel can be given limited access rights which allow certain levels of functionality depending on the level of access granted by management.
  • Personnel with appropriate access authorisation can upload data to an inventory/accounting system, such as Pronto or SAP.
  • the computer may or may not be linked to support servers like SAP / Pronto operated by the explosives manufacturers and suppliers. It will also be linked to other RFID readers, data cradles, hot spots, read/write systems and printers throughout the manufacturing facility.
  • the computer can also export data to a data management system that receives data on each RFID tag at any point in the manufacturing process.
  • the computer is configured to operate as a data manager that allows a manufacturer to input key information into a set up screen.
  • the set-up screen is for entry of information about the type of product being manufactured. Certain information fields can be automatically filled from associated information stored in a manufacturing specification database.
  • the data manager uses the RFID - ETC protocols to place the required data onto a RFID tag both in the correct format and the specific location.
  • the UID in combination with the date of manufacture provides a unique identification of the product/package when the RFID label is attached to the product/package. This unique identification is written to the RFID tag by the transmitter in the RFID label printer. A number or code can be assigned to each printer in the individual manufacturing section or by product type.
  • Example codes used in the RFID-ETC protocol are:
  • the labels will also have data written on them to meet the manufacturer's requirements and some other requirements, eg: colour boards, company name, the gross weight of the packaging, number of units in the box, date of manufacture (DOM), length, delay, if it is coiled or sleeve, the number of layers.
  • colour boards e.g: company name, the gross weight of the packaging, number of units in the box, date of manufacture (DOM), length, delay, if it is coiled or sleeve, the number of layers.
  • DOM date of manufacture
  • the computer is configured to provide data to or act as a data repository.
  • a data repository may be external to the manufacturer and may be provided by a third party.
  • the data repository can be queried to generate reports from the data.
  • Some example reports are as follows: a. Tag printed by unit, batch, date, time, ID numbers, NEQ, number of units etc b. The operator using RFID tag printer and date/time c. The data sent to the data repository with date/time d. Amount of tags printed off compared to the number tags being recorded against product e. The number of tag against product type of size/length/weight f. The time taken to load a box g. The batch number e.g. of explosives, plastic units or boxes used h. RFID tag numbers i.
  • Each employee is given an employment number when they join the manufacturer. This number can be used as the identifying reference to the worker.
  • the number can be installed on the RFID tag associated with the worker, such as in a wrist band.
  • the personalised RFID tag can used for both access and process control.
  • the computer can store data listing which areas each person is allowed into and at what time.
  • the RFID tag would also have the person's own private access ID number that may be required when logging onto a system or equipment. This could result in the manufacturer being able to identify which person put what product in a box, used which weighing scale and at what time, as part of the QA/QC process.
  • An approved supervising operator uses a biometric reading to access a set up function in the computer cabinet for a production run.
  • the computer sends out a list of labels to be printed to a RFID printer, which could be beside the operator or in a factory in another location.
  • the process of setting up a label run requires the entry of key data. This can change between manufacturers. In the free space of the RFID-ETC protocol some manufacturers may want to place customer numbers or an order number etc.
  • Some data can therefore be automatically placed onto the RFID tag at uniform locations within the available data storage medium. For example the following can be entered manually or by a manufacturing system:
  • FIG. 3 a flow chart 300 of an example embodiment of a process of the present invention is shown. This process is used to manufacture an explosives product. Data generated/collected during the manufacturing process is sent to the computer server 12 via an interface 400.
  • Components (raw material) 302 used to manufacture the products can be for example chemicals, packing boxes, plastic film, plastic tubing, fittings detonator cord etc.
  • Each of these components and data 304 related to the components is entered into a component database of the computer.
  • the data can be imported from another system, such as from a SAP type system, or it can be manually entered.
  • the data can include the batch number, date of manufacture and other information about each component.
  • a component is used in the manufacture of the product its use can be logged against the identifying reference of the product. If the component has an associated identifying reference, such as on a RFID tag or a barcode this allows an identifier of the individual component to the recorded in relation to the individual product.
  • an RFID tag may be installed in the rubber seal used to manufacture a detonator. The identification of the seal is logged against the identification of the detonator.
  • each station may record worker RFID tags and construction times, along with components used. This could be sent to the computer via hard-wire, wireless, fibre optic or other method (data card/thumb drive at end of a run).
  • a tubing is assembled 308 for receiving the explosives product. Data related to the assembly of the tubing is sent to and stored by the computer in the storage device.
  • the prepared explosives product has data such as DOM 1 batch number, run number etc stored 310 in the storage device.
  • the explosives product is ready to be placed into a tube, film, container of some other type of vessel.
  • each station may record personnel RFID tags and construction time along with components used. This could be sent to the storage device of the computer either via hard-wire, wireless type, fibre optic or other method (data card at end of a run). The operator whilst making up the plastic tube could enter into their station the batch number of the plastic and other pieces needed to be used. As the cord is placed 312 into the tubing, the type, batch number production line position identification number, tubing RFID tag identifier detonator cord number with time and date and amount of cord used is recorded 322.
  • AN Ammonium Nitrate
  • the worker placing the detonating cord in the tubing is identified 314 by reading the RFID tag of the worker.
  • the worker identification is recorded 316 in the storage device of the computer server.
  • the core weight of explosives will determine the length of cord in each box. An example of this is IOgram cord comes in 350 meters per roll, whereas ⁇ .Ogram cord comes in 500 metres per roll.
  • a reader at the rolling location will pick up the workers RFID tag 340 and the RFID tag of the tube.
  • the data is recorded. In one embodiment all the collected data can be written to the RFID tag on the roll at this stage.
  • the worker makes up a package (box) 342.
  • One of the package RFID-tagged labels is placed in the box 344.
  • the box is weighted on the scales 346.
  • An indication is given that a reading has occurred 352.
  • the RFID tag in the label is read 348.
  • the location, the scale number, weight of the box, time, date, and operator ID and box ID are recorded 354.
  • the worker then places the box onto the production line ready to go and be filled.
  • a scanner/sensor reads the box data on the box, prior to coming on line, to both manage the number of boxes in the production cycle and to check that the correct tag has being placed on to the right production line. This would also allow the tag to be checked against the boxing protocols for placing the box onto the line.
  • the tubing is placed in the box 356.
  • the worker RFID tag is read again 358.
  • An audio visual indication is the reading is given 360.
  • the RFID tag on his wrist (or other approved location, eg hard hat) is read.
  • An audio and visual indicator will activate to let the worker know that the worker's tag has been read.
  • the product RFID tag is read and both readings are recorded into the computer along with other data e.g. scale number, time, operation, product RFID - ETC number.
  • the product RFID tag starts to talk 362 and receive data from the computer server. With the possibly that there could be more than one tag with the product it is possible that data is either added to these tags or that this data is cross referenced against the manufacturing data to confirm that the data recording 364 during manufacturing is correct.
  • the weight of the box is monitored 366 until it is full. If there are data issues or product related issues e.g. the product does not weigh enough or the RFID tag is not reading then an audio and visual indicator will activate along with a report generated with the computer outlining the issue.
  • the data is formatted according to the RFID-ETC protocol 370.
  • the operator can scan the RFID tag on the box and it is moved 372 to a pallet. Once the pallet of boxes is fully completed it is shrink-wrapped. The operator may take his scanner from a cradle or off his belt and read all the boxes on the pallet.
  • This data is sent back 374 to the computer and is cross referenced 376 against the manufacturing data from the production line and against the ID tag number assigned to this production run.
  • the operator will receive an audio/visual indicator that the data is correct or not, and a report can be generated for that pallet and printed off to be given to the dispatcher with key data e.g. the approved despatch name, time/date, from and to data including magazine number, the type of product and any special information relating to storage and handling.
  • key data e.g. the approved despatch name, time/date, from and to data including magazine number, the type of product and any special information relating to storage and handling.
  • the approved person may be given both a paper copy and a electronic copy of transportation and product information to the transporter (eg truck driver) and this will be kept with the product until it reaches the approved magazine or is handed over to another approved person.
  • a pallet RFID label may also be generated by the computer prior to dispatch once the cross checks are completed.
  • This RFID label may or may not comply with the ETC protocol and may only be used for the ease of movement of full pallets into and out of the manufacturers magazines.
  • the pallet can then be dispatched 387. Dispatch data is recorded 380.
  • the magazine keeper When a shipment of explosives arrives at a magazine, the magazine keeper would activate a magazine management system (such as that described in PCT/AU2009/000530), inspect the product and sight/read the paper work / data card or other data that was sent electronically from the manufacturing plant 382. The data would be reviewed before receipting 384 the products into the magazine management system and then storing the product in the approved magazine. Once stored, the magazine keeper would take both his hard copy and a data card or if the system allowed, the data would be sent 386 electronically back to the manufacturing office to be signed off and processed.
  • a magazine management system such as that described in PCT/AU2009/000530
  • Data from the magazine management system would be up loaded into the computer and a number of cross references 388 can be run against data on that RFID tag out of the manufacturing plant and into the magazine management system to confirm all is in order.
  • a risk analysis is conducted 390 to check 392 if the products sent matches the products that arrive. If not 394 a report is sent to the computer server 402 to be raised with management. If the match is correct 396, then a report may be printed 398 at the magazine. Checks could include, RFID-ETC ID tag label printed, product loaded into tube X, product X into the box in this manufacturing run etc.
  • the data repository will also provide reports back to the manufacturer on data that it has being sent to allow cross checks of the manufacturing data against data received.
  • the manufacturing facility receives 500 a quantity of blank RFID tags for use in the process.
  • Each RFID tag has a unique identification number.
  • the unique number may be printed on the paper or film carrier that carries the RFID chip.
  • the RFID tag identification numbers are send 502 to a data repository. The printed unique number can be used if the RFID chip fails to transmit this number.
  • the manufacturer receives an order from a customer 504.
  • the order is from a mining project called JVM1 and is for 10 boxes of P Primers 506.
  • a supervisor activates the cabinet housing the computer terminal by providing 508 a biometric reading to authenticate the identity of the supervisor.
  • the computer in the cabinet establishes communication with the computer server 510 and 518.
  • the supervisor checks the RFID printer 512, and sets up the production run 514 by entering the number of boxes 516.
  • the type of product to be manufactured is entered 520.
  • Manufacturing details on the product can be extracted from an external system 522.
  • Various required data fields and data values can be established 524.
  • the cabinet displays 526 generated data. Based on the customer details manufacturing data is determined 528. This is displayed by the cabinet 530. Further manufacturing details are determined 532 and details are displayed 534. These details are formatted according to the RFID ETC protocol 558.
  • a RFID tag is scanned 536, which has a unique identification code 538. Data is written to the RFID tag and the label is printed to visually show (at least some of) the data in printed form. The information on the cabinet display is shown in 542. The RFID tag data is 560.
  • the data repository is provided and records 548 the location along with data stored on the RFID tag.
  • the cabinet displays information 546.
  • Other information 562 can be printed on the label, such as manufacturing company name, contact details of the manufacturer, information about the product, safety information (including the location of the manufacturer), handling instructions, purchase order number, name of the customer, location of the customer, date of manufacture, NEQ, product weight, box weight, UN number, government information, shipping information, Hazchem information, quantity, layers, packaging data etc.
  • the label can be printed in colour / with colour codes.
  • the operator prints 550 an end of run report. All the records are stored 552 prior to shut down of the cabinet.
  • the RFID tags are provided 556 to workers for placement in the boxes of the order.
  • the present invention has the advantage of tracking the manufacture and/or packaging of products.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Factory Administration (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un système d'enregistrement d'informations concernant un produit manufacturé, qui comprend l'enregistrement, dans un support de stockage de données, d'informations concernant la fabrication d'un produit en association avec une référence d'identification à un identifiant appliqué au produit.
PCT/AU2009/000721 2008-06-09 2009-06-09 Procédé d'enregistrement d'informations associées à un produit et à la fabrication d'un produit WO2009149494A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2008902977 2008-06-09
AU2008902977A AU2008902977A0 (en) 2008-06-09 A Method of Recordal of Information Related to a Product and the Manufacture of a Product

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WO2009149494A1 true WO2009149494A1 (fr) 2009-12-17

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012054977A1 (fr) * 2010-10-27 2012-05-03 Protrax Pty Ltd Système de suivi de produits
WO2018095958A1 (fr) * 2016-11-23 2018-05-31 Sig Technology Ag Système et procédé permettant de contrôler et de tracer des produits alimentaires

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006124909A2 (fr) * 2005-05-17 2006-11-23 Explo Track, Llc Systeme et procede pour la detection, le controle, le suivi et l'identification de matieres explosives
US20070008115A1 (en) * 2005-05-17 2007-01-11 Morhard Robert C System, method and devices for detecting, monitoring, tracking and identifying explosive materials using RFID tags

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006124909A2 (fr) * 2005-05-17 2006-11-23 Explo Track, Llc Systeme et procede pour la detection, le controle, le suivi et l'identification de matieres explosives
US20070008115A1 (en) * 2005-05-17 2007-01-11 Morhard Robert C System, method and devices for detecting, monitoring, tracking and identifying explosive materials using RFID tags

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012054977A1 (fr) * 2010-10-27 2012-05-03 Protrax Pty Ltd Système de suivi de produits
AU2011320023B2 (en) * 2010-10-27 2015-07-09 Protrax Pty Ltd System for tracking products
WO2018095958A1 (fr) * 2016-11-23 2018-05-31 Sig Technology Ag Système et procédé permettant de contrôler et de tracer des produits alimentaires

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