WO2020002548A1

WO2020002548A1 - Logistics tag for logistics systems

Info

Publication number: WO2020002548A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/067242
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dominik BUCHINGER; Wolfgang Vogl
Original assignee: Blackbox Solutions Gmbh
Priority date: 2018-06-29
Filing date: 2019-06-27
Publication date: 2020-01-02
Also published as: EP3814993A1; DE102018127259A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a logistics tag (1) and a method for operating the logistics tag, more particularly a tag and/or beacon, for logistics systems, comprising a short-range radio interface (2) for short-range communication, a long-range radio interface (3) for long-range communication, and a control unit (4) for controlling the logistics tag (1). According to the invention, the control unit (4) is configured such that an event for switching between the short-range radio interface (2) and the long-range radio interface (3) can be recognised by said unit, and that, if a corresponding event occurs, the control unit (4) can switch between communication by means of the short-range radio interface (2) and communication by means of the long-range radio interface (3), such that communication occurs via the short-range radio interface (2), or via the long-range radio interface (3). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for selecting a leader from a local group of logistic tags (1), in which the leader of the local group is determined from the local group of logistics tags (1). According to the invention, the logistics tags (1) exchange data packets via a short-range radio interface (2) for short-range communication, on the basis of which data packets the leader is selected. Moreover, at least one logistics tag (1) transmits the selected leader to a network via a long-range radio interface (3) for long-range communication.

Description

Loqistic Taq for logistics systems

The present invention relates to a logistics tag for logistics systems with a local radio interface for short-range communication, with a remote radio interface for long-range communication and with a control unit for controlling the logistics tag. The invention further relates to a method for selecting a leader of a local group from the logistics day. Furthermore, the invention relates to a logistics system.

An electronic device for marking pallets is known from WO 2017/179985. Information about goods arranged on the pallet can be stored on the device and can be read wirelessly. The device can also be used to track a position in a warehouse or a factory.

The object of the present invention is therefore to improve the prior art. The task is solved by the logistics day, procedures for operating the logistics day and a logistics system with the features of the independent patent claims.

A logistics day for logistics systems is proposed. The logistics tag can be used to monitor, locate and / or track the transport of goods or flows of goods. The logistics tag can, for example, be arranged on a product in order to monitor, locate and / or track this product. Additionally or alternatively, the logistics tag can also be arranged on a goods carrier in which goods can be arranged. Additionally or alternatively, the logistics tag can also be arranged in a storage space provided for this purpose in goods carriers. The logistics tag can thus be fixed or detachably arranged on the goods carrier. be nice. This enables the goods carrier to be monitored, located and / or tracked.

The logistics tag can be an electronic label, badge, badge, tag or sign. The logistics tag can be an electronic device. The logistics tag can also have the shape, shape and / or size of a check card, for example, and can be stuck to the goods, for example, in order to locate and / or track them.

Information about the goods or the goods carrier can be stored on the logistics tag. The information can be, for example, the type, the quantity, the origin and / or the destination of the goods or the goods. The logistics tag can therefore have a memory. With the logistics tag, which is arranged on the goods or on the goods carrier, the goods can thus be identified, tracked, checked and / or located. Through the logistics tag, for example, it is always known at which location and / or at which logistics step the goods or the goods are located.

The logistics tag has a local radio interface for short-range communication. The range of short-range communication can be, for example, a few meters. However, this can be sufficient, for example, to identify the goods when the goods are reloaded from one goods carrier to another, with the logistics tag being arranged on the goods.

The logistics tag has a radio interface for long-range communication. The range of long-range communication can be, for example, a few hundred meters. The range of long-range communication can also go beyond this, so that it can also be a few kilometers. In particular, the long long-range communication has a higher range than short-range communication.

The short-range communication can have a low energy consumption in comparison to the long-range communication, since the energy consumption can depend on the range of the communication. Furthermore, the short-range communication can be used to locate the logistics tag more precisely than the long-range communication, so that, for example, the logistics tag and thus the flow of goods can be monitored more precisely in a warehouse. On the other hand, with the help of long-range communication, the flow of goods between two warehouses or locations can be monitored, which is not possible with short-range communication. Tracking goods using long-range communication can have a lower spatial resolution compared to short-range communication, but this can be sufficient if the flow of goods is tracked on roads, for example.

Furthermore, the local radio interface can have a higher transmission speed for data than the remote radio interface parts. For example, the transmission speed of the local radio interface can be in the range from a few kbit / s to a few Mbit / s, whereas the transmission speed of the remote radio interface can be in the range from a few bit / s to a few 10 kbit / s.

The logistics tag has a control unit for controlling the logistics tag. The control unit can comprise a storage unit for storing data. The control unit can control the logistics tag, for example, with the aid of an operating system. The control unit can, for example, control the local radio interface and / or the remote radio interface.

According to the invention, the control unit is designed such that it is an event for a change between the local radio interface and the remote can recognize radio interface parts and, if an event is detected, switches between short-range communication via the local radio interface and long-range communication via the remote radio interface. Communication can take place via the local radio interface or via the remote radio interface. It can therefore be communicated either only via the local radio interface or via the remote radio interface. It can only be communicated via one of the two interfaces. For example, it is not communicated simultaneously via both interfaces.

In this way, for example, the energy consumption of the logistics tag can be reduced. The event can make it possible, for example, to change communication using the local radio interface and the remote radio interface, because it is better, for example, to establish communication over one interface than over the other. The event can also make the change necessary if, for example, communication via one of the two interfaces is no longer possible.

If, for example, an event is determined which permits a change from the long-range communication with the remote radio interface to the short-range communication with the local radio interface, the control unit can initiate the change from communication with the remote radio interface to communication with the local radio interface. Since the local radio interface parts can have a shorter range, which requires less transmission power, the change can save energy. As a result, the service life of the logistics tag can be increased if the logistics tag has an internal energy store, for example a battery. Furthermore, the spatial resolution by means of the short-range communication can be higher than with the long-range communication, so that when the communication changes, the logistics tag and thus the goods can be located and tracked more precisely.

According to the invention, the control unit is designed such that an event for a change between the local radio interface and the Remote radio interface can be determined. The event can make it possible, for example, to change the communication using the local radio interface and the remote radio interface, because it is better, for example, to establish communication over one interface than over the other. The event can also make the change necessary if, for example, communication via one of the two interfaces is no longer possible.

Furthermore, the control unit can switch between communication via the local radio interface and the remote radio interface in the event of a corresponding event. Communication can take place via the local radio interface or via the remote radio interface parts. It can therefore be communicated either only via the local radio interface or via the remote radio interface. Communication can only take place via one of the two interfaces. This can, for example, reduce the energy consumption of the logistics day. If, for example, an event is determined which permits a change from the long-range communication with the remote radio interface to the short-range communication with the local radio interface, the control program can initiate the change from communication with the remote radio interface to communication with the local radio interface. Since the local radio interface can have a shorter range, which requires less transmission power, the change can save energy. The lifespan of the logistics tag can thus be increased if the logistics tag has an internal energy store, for example a battery. Furthermore, the spatial resolution by means of short-range communication can be higher than with long-range communication, so that when the communication changes, the logistics tag and thus the goods can be located and tracked more precisely.

In addition, for example, an event can also be determined which allows a change from the short-range communication with the local radio interface to the long-range communication with the remote radio interface, so that the control unit changes from the communication with the Local radio interface can cause communication with the remote radio interface.

The change between the short-range communication with the local radio interface and the long-range communication with the remote radio interface can be carried out at a high frequency. For example, the change can be carried out at a frequency of 0.1 Flz to 1 kFIz, so that communication always takes place alternately and in particular not at the same time via the local radio interface and the remote radio interface, but the communication is perceived as such, as if communicating through both interfaces at the same time. The control unit can switch between the two communications accordingly quickly. The change can range from milliseconds to 10 or 20 seconds.

It is advantageous if the control unit has a control program by means of which the event for the change between the local radio interface and the remote radio interface can be recognized. Furthermore, the control program can be used to switch between communication via the local radio interface and the remote radio interface. The control program can, for example, be stored in the control unit and control the control unit.

It is advantageous if the control program can recognize a change of environment as an event. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can also recognize the change of environment. For example, the change of environment can be a change between a local radio area and a long-distance radio area. The local radio area can be arranged in the warehouse, for example. The radio area can, for example, be arranged between the warehouses or between the locations. For example, if the logistics tag, which is arranged on a product, leaves the warehouse, it also leaves the local radio area and enters the radio rich over. The control program and / or the control unit can recognize this and switch from short-range communication using the local radio interface parts to long-range communication using the remote radio interface parts. In order to be able to track the logistics day and thus the goods outside the warehouse or a location, communication is carried out via the radio interface when leaving the local radio area and when entering the radio area. For example, the change of environment can be recognized by the logistics tag crossing a radio gate and / or a radio zone, for example an RFID gate and / or a WLAN gate. The radio gate can be arranged, for example, at an entrance gate and / or an exit gate of a warehouse. If the logistics tag crosses the radio gate and / or the radio zone, this can be recognized and the communication can be changed.

Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if the logistics tag, in particular the control unit and / or the control program, can recognize its own position in an area in the near radio area and / or in the long-distance radio area. The location can be identified by the logistics tag. For example, there may be several different areas in the warehouse in which the logistics day has to be located more frequently and / or less frequently, for example. After detection, the control unit and / or the control program can control the logistics tag accordingly. Additionally or alternatively, the logistics tag, for example a sensor unit of the logistics tag, can be read out more often. In the various areas, for example, it is possible to communicate more or less frequently via the local radio or remote radio interface.

It is advantageous if the logistics tag, when it has switched to short-range communication, increases a locating frequency so that it detects its position at a higher frequency. Since short-range communication is developed as a local radio area in a warehouse, for example, there is a more accurate and more frequent location of the logistics tag more advantageous. Thanks to the long-range communication, which is established between warehouses, for example, a more precise and frequent location is less important.

The logistics tag can thus increase the location frequency when switching to short-range communication.

If the logistics tag and thus the goods reach their destination, for example another warehouse, it can enter the short-range area from the long-distance radio area. The control program and / or the control unit can recognize this and switch from the long-range communication by means of the remote radio interface parts to the short-range communication by means of the local radio interface parts. This enables the logistics day to be located and tracked more precisely, for example. This is also advantageous because short-range communication uses less energy than long-range communication, so that an energy storage device, such as a battery, can be spared on the logistics day. The remote radio area and the local radio area can be separated from each other by the radio gate.

It is also advantageous if the control unit and / or the control program can recognize other logistics tags by means of the local radio interface. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit and / or the control program can recognize the other logistics tags by means of the remote radio interface.

For example, a plurality of goods can be arranged on a goods carrier, each of which has a logistics tag, so that several logistics tags are arranged on the goods carrier at a relatively short distance. For example, if the goods carrier is a pallet, the distance between the logistics tags is in the range of 1-2 meters. The goods carrier can also be a sea container or an interchangeable container, for example, so that the distance between the logistics tags can also be 10 - 20 meters.

It is advantageous if the control unit and / or the control program can switch to communication by means of the local radio interface when the other logistics tags are recognized. If the control unit and / or the control program detects the presence of other logistics tags, this can mean, for example, that the goods have arrived in the warehouse. Then it is advantageous to switch to short-range communication, since this saves energy and the location of the logistics tag can be located more precisely.

It is advantageous if the logistics tag has a sensor unit, the control unit and / or the control program being able to recognize the event for the change between the local radio interface and the remote radio interface on the basis of measured values of the sensor unit. In this way, for example, a change between the local radio area and the long-distance radio area can be determined. The measured values of the sensor unit can also be transmitted to a network via the local radio interface and / or the remote radio interface. In this way, for example, influences on the logistics tag can be evaluated.

It is advantageous if a measuring frequency of the sensor unit is increased when changing to the local radio area and decreased when changing to the remote radio area. More short-range communication can transmit more measured values than long-range communication, so that, for example, the goods to which the logistics tag is attached are monitored more frequently.

Additionally or alternatively, the logistics tag can also receive a command via short-range communication to determine measured values more frequently. In addition or as an alternative, the logistics tag can then be measured values more frequently determine when a certain parameter, for example when a temperature is above a limit for a certain period of time, has been reached.

It is advantageous if the control unit and / or the control program are designed in such a way that a locating frequency of the logistics tag and / or the triggering of a locating of the logistics tag is controlled depending on the short-range and / or long-range communication , For example, if the logistics tag can communicate via short-range communication because it is in the short-range range, for example, it can increase the locating frequency. If the logistics tag communicates via long-range communication, for example, because it is located in a truck on the road between two warehouses, for example, the locating frequency can be increased or decreased. The location frequency can be reduced, for example, because it is known that the logistics tag and thus the goods are in the truck. The location is then less important.

It is advantageous if the control unit and / or the control program are designed such that a measuring frequency by means of the sensor unit of the logistics tag and / or triggering of a measurement by means of the sensor unit as a function of the short-range and / or long-range Communication is controlled. For example, if the logistics tag communicates via long-range communication because it is located in a truck on the road between two warehouses, for example, the measuring frequency can be increased or decreased by means of the sensor unit. For example, the temperature or the acceleration is measured more often, for example in order to monitor compliance with temperature specifications or acceleration values.

Additionally or alternatively, the acceleration can be measured in the short-range radio area, ie in the short-range range, and transmitted via the short-range radio interface. This allows the goods to be monitored more closely. From A certain acceleration can damage the goods, for example, so that the goods can be tracked more precisely. Additionally or alternatively, the acceleration can be measured less often in the radio area and transmitted via the radio interface. In the radio area, the goods and the logistics tag are in a truck, for example, so that accelerations are generally limited from the outset.

The activation of the sensor unit and / or the location of the logistics tag can also take place depending on whether the logistics tag is in the local radio area or in the radio area. If the logistics tag is in the local radio area, accelerations can be measured, for example, if a limit value for the acceleration is exceeded. After the acceleration limit value has been exceeded, a measurement frequency can be increased or decreased, for example. This can be advantageous, for example, if the goods are fragile, so that it can be tracked and / or monitored whether and how long the acceleration was above the limit value. If the value falls below the limit again, the measurement frequency for the acceleration can be reduced again. The same applies to the radio area, although the limit can be different.

After switching between short-range communication and long-range communication, the logistics day can be operated more or less frequently. For example, the change to short-range communication, the location frequency and / or the measurement frequency of the sensor unit can be increased, because this change can be an indicator that the logistics tag is in a warehouse and a more precise and frequent location is required there ,

The short-range communication can also be used to inform the logistics day that it will switch off for two days, for example since it has reached a local radio area in which the goods to which the logistics tag is attached are stored for a long time or not moved.

It is advantageous if the sensor unit comprises an acceleration sensor, orientation sensor, position sensor, an air pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a brightness sensor and / or RFID transponder. For example, the control program and / or the control unit can use the acceleration sensor to determine whether the logistics tag and thus the goods or the goods are in motion. If the logistics tag is in motion, the control program can determine from this that the logistics tag is located, for example, on a street between the warehouses or the locations. As a result, the control program and / or the control program can control the control unit in such a way that it changes to long-range communication. The RFID transponder can also serve as a sensor since, for example, a local radio area that is designed for the RFID transponder can be identified with the aid of the RFID transponder. With the help of the RFID transponder, for example, entry and exit from a local radio area can be recognized as an event. You can then switch between communication with the local radio interface and the remote radio interface.

In contrast, the acceleration sensor can also detect, for example, that the logistics tag is at rest and thus the goods or the goods are also at rest. From this, the control program and / or the control unit can conclude that the logistics tag is in the warehouse and there, for example, on a warehouse shelf. The control program and / or the control unit can switch to short-range communication, so that, for example, the logistics tag and thus the goods or the goods can be located with greater precision. An amount and / or a direction of the acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor can also be processed by the control program. It is advantageous if the logistics tag can receive information from another logistics tag via the local radio interface that it should communicate more often via the remote radio interface. The logistics tags can thus be controlled, in particular via short-range communication, in such a way that data are transmitted more often via long-range communication.

It is also advantageous if the logistics tag has a time unit, whereby the control unit and / or the control program can switch to long-range communication after a time that is contactless with other logistics tags. If the logistics tag is no longer in contact with other logistics tags for a certain period of time, the control program and / or the control unit can determine that the logistics tag has moved away from other logistics tags in a warehouse or a storage rack, for example.

If the logistics tag is no longer in contact with other logistics tags for a certain period of time, this can mean that the logistics tag is alone between the warehouses or the locations. The control program and / or the control unit can then switch to long-range communication by means of the remote radio interface.

It is advantageous if the remote radio interface LPWAN, NB-loT, a mobile radio interface and / or GSM comprises. Additionally or alternatively, the local radio interface can include UWB, Zigbee, active RFID, Bluetooth and / or WiFi. The local radio interface can also have a frequency range which is in the subGHz range. The local radio interface can use a local, existing and / or proprietary sub-GHz protocol. This means that an existing local radio area can be used.

It is also advantageous if the logistics tag can be configured from a network via the remote radio interface. Additionally or alternatively, the logistics tag can also be configurable via the local radio interface. Further For example, the control unit can be configurable. This can be advantageous, for example, to change the settings of the logistics tag.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the logistics tag has an antenna unit, the local radio interface and the remote radio interface being formed by means of the antenna unit. This means that the short-range and long-range communication can both be carried out by means of the, in particular the same, antenna unit. The antenna unit is thus designed in such a way that it can carry out or develop the short-range and long-range communication. The short-range and long-range communication can be carried out, for example, via a single antenna unit if the frequency ranges of the short-range and long-range communication are the same or if the frequency ranges are almost the same. For example, a single antenna unit can be used for both communications if the short-range and long-range communications have frequencies in the sub-GFIz range, for example in the range around 900 MFIz. The short-range and long-range communication can also have frequencies in the GFIz range, for example 2.4 GFIz or 5 GFIz, so that both communications can also be carried out via an antenna unit. If both communications take place via a single communication standard, a single antenna unit can also be sufficient.

If the short-range and long-range communication use different frequencies, for example around 900 MFIz for long-range communication and 5 GHz for short-range communication, the logistics tag can also have at least two antenna units.

The antenna unit can also be designed, for example, such that it can cover the frequency ranges for both communications. The logistics tag can thus have only a single antenna unit, via which the short-range and long-range communication can be carried out or developed. Manufacturing costs of the logistics tag can thereby be saved and the logistics tag can be designed to save space.

Additionally or alternatively, the logistics tag has a control chip which can control the short-range communication via the local radio interface and the long-range communication via the remote radio interface, in particular by means of the antenna unit. The control chip can, for example, be connected to the antenna unit. The control chip can be designed in such a way that it operates the antenna unit in such a way that the short-range and long-range communication can be carried out with it. If the logistics tag has several antenna units, the control chip can also be connected to the several antenna units. The control chip can supply the at least one antenna unit with the corresponding energy that is necessary for the local radio interface and the remote interface. The control chip can also change and / or control a data flow to the antenna unit in accordance with the communication via the local radio interface and the remote interface using short-range communication, the control chip can adapt the outgoing data accordingly. The control chip can perform all functions for communication via the local radio interface and the remote interface. The control chip can control the transmission protocols. The logistics day comprises in particular a single antenna unit and a single control chip in order to carry out the communication via the local radio interface and the remote interface. The control chip can also switch between communication via the local radio interface and the remote interface if it is required. In particular the control chip can switch so quickly that the impression is created that communication is taking place via both interfaces at the same time.

Additionally or alternatively, the logistics tag can have a storage unit or a memory for storing data. The storage unit can be used to temporarily store data that is generated on the way between two warehouses. Between the warehouses, however, the logistics tag is usually located in the radio area, so that the transmission of data to a higher-level network consumes a lot of energy and takes a long time due to the low transmission speed. If the data is temporarily stored, it can be waited until, for example, a local radio area is reached, so that short-range communication is possible. In the local radio area, the temporarily stored data can be transmitted to the higher-level network at a higher transmission speed, for example. The temporarily stored data can be measured values of the sensor unit, for example. The temporarily stored data can be temperature data, for example, in order, for example, to be able to control a cold chain of perishable goods.

Additionally or alternatively, an operating system, the control program and / or evaluation program can be stored on the storage unit.

It is also advantageous if the logistics tag has a display unit. The display unit can, for example, emit visual and / or acoustic signals. For example, the display unit comprises a display and / or a lamp, for example an LED, with which a light signal can be emitted. Additionally or alternatively, the display unit can also comprise a loudspeaker, for example a MEMS loudspeaker and / or a beeper, by means of which a sound signal can be generated. The display unit can be used, for example, to display status information of the logistics tag. With the help of the sound signal and / or The logistics tag can also be located using a light signal, for example in a warehouse. For this purpose, the logistics tag can be addressed, for example, with an external device via the local radio interface and / or the remote radio interface, so that it emits the sound signal and / or the light signal.

A method for operating a logistics tag for logistics systems is also proposed. Furthermore, the logistics tag can have at least one feature of the preceding and / or following description.

In the method, short-range communication can be formed using a local radio interface. The short-range communication can have a range of a few meters to a few tens of meters, for example.

In the method, long-range communication can be established by means of a radio interface. Long-range communication has a higher range than short-range communication. The range can be, for example, a few hundred meters to a few kilometers. A connection to a satellite can also be established using long-range communication.

In the process, the logistics tag is also controlled with a control unit. The logistics day includes the control unit. The control unit can, for example, control the local radio interface and / or the remote radio interface during the method.

According to the invention, the control unit recognizes an event for a change between the local radio interface and the remote radio interface during the method. An event can, for example, be a change in the environment of the logistics tag. The change of environment can be, for example, the change between a local radio area and a long-distance radio area. Furthermore, in the method, the control unit changes according to the event between communication by means of the local radio interface and the remote radio interface. In this way, energy can be saved, for example, if, for example, there is a change from communication via the radio communication interface to communication via the local radio interface, since the local radio interface consumes less energy due to the shorter range. Furthermore, a change from communication via the local radio interface to communication via the remote radio interface can also be advantageous. If, for example, the logistics tag leaves the local radio area, which may be located at a storage location, for example, and enters the remote radio area, the logistics tag can still be located and / or tracked.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for selecting a leader from a local group from logistics tags. The logistics tag can have at least one characteristic of the previous and / or subsequent description. In the process, the leader of the local group is determined from the local group from logistics tags.

In the process, the logistics tags exchange data packets with each other via a local radio interface for short-range communication. The guide is selected based on the exchanged data packets. The data packets can be used to decide, for example, which logistics day is best suited for the driver.

In the method, at least one logistics day transmits the selected guide to a network via a radio interface for long-range communication. The network can be the Internet, for example. Alternatively, the network can also be an intranet of a logistics company or the logistics system. The network knows the guide through the transmission of the guide. For example, the choice of the leader leads to lower energy consumption by the local group from logistics tags. The logistics tags of the local group can be deactivated for a certain period of time so that their energy consumption is reduced. The guide continues to communicate with the network and / or with the other logistics tags on behalf of the local group. The leader can thus be a representative for the local group. If, for example, the local group is arranged on a pallet, it is not necessary to locate all the logistics tags of the pallet to locate the pallet. It is sufficient if the guide can be located to locate and / or track the pallet.

The logistics tag advantageously has a control unit for controlling the logistics tag. Additionally or alternatively, the logistics tag can also have an evaluation program, which can control the control unit, for example. The driver is determined by means of the control unit and / or the evaluation program. The control unit and / or the evaluation program can determine the driver using the data packets, for example. To do this, they can compare the data packets from different logistics tags and determine the logistics tag that is best suited for the driver.

It is advantageous if all logistics tags transmit the guide to the network via the radio interface. This tells the network which logistics day has which leader.

It is advantageous if the data packets contain a device number, a driver number and / or a code number, the driver being determined on the basis of the code number, the device number and / or the driver number. The device number can be a unique identification number of the logistics tags. The logistics tag can be clearly identified based on the device number. With the help of the driver number, the logistics tags can be informed which driver has chosen the logistics tag that sent the data packet.

The code number can be used to decide which logistics day is chosen as the guide. The code number can, for example, encode how well the logistics tag is suitable for the driver. A charge state of an energy store of the logistics tag can be contained in the code number, for example. As a result, the state of charge of the energy store can be used to determine the suitability of the logistics tag as a guide.

For example, each logistics day can select the logistics day for the driver whose code number, device number and / or driver number in the data package has the highest or the lowest value. For example, the charge status of the energy unit can be contained in the code number. Then the logistics day can be chosen as the driver, whose code number and thus the state of charge of the energy unit is the highest. This enables the guide to operate over a long period of time.

It is advantageous if the logistics tags of the local group of logistics tags arranged in the range of the local radio interface receive the respective data packets. As a result, each logistics tag receives the data packets of the surrounding logistics tags.

It is advantageous if the control unit and / or the evaluation program of the logistics tag changes the driver number, the code number and / or the device number when choosing the driver. For example, the driver number for a logistics day can change during the choice of the driver because another logistics day is selected for the driver. Another leader can be chosen, for example, if it turns out during the procedure that another logistics day is more suitable. The guide number can also be changed if the previous guide no longer belongs to the local group and / or comes out of the range of the local radio interface.

Additionally or alternatively, the control unit and / or the evaluation program can save the selected guide, the device number of the guide and / or the identification number of the guide in a storage unit of the logistics tag.

It is advantageous if the logistics tag transmits the guide to the network via the radio interface if the guide for the logistics tag is the same for a period of time. The period can be, for example, five seconds. However, the time period can also be determined on the basis of electoral steps for the choice of the leader. For example, if the leader no longer changes for a logistics day for five seconds or four electoral steps, it can be assumed that this is the leader of the local group.

It is advantageous if the network combines all logistics tags into a local group that have the same guide. This enables the network to cluster the logistics tags. As a result, the network performs the clustering so that energy of the logistics tags can be saved.

It is advantageous if the selection of the driver is carried out again when the device number, the driver number and / or the code number of the current driver has disappeared from the data packets. Since each logistics tag has saved the device number of the current driver, for example, the logistics tag can always compare whether the device number of the current driver is available in the data packets. If this is no longer the case, the logistics tag that was the guide may have come out of range of the local radio interface, for example. A logistics day is proposed, in particular a day and / or beacon for logistics systems. The logistics tag can have at least one feature of the preceding and / or following description.

The logistics tag has a local radio interface for short-range communication and a long-distance radio interface for long-range communication.

The logistics tag also has a control unit for controlling the logistics tag.

According to the invention, the control unit can use the local radio interface to exchange data packets with a local group of logistics tags, can use the data packets to determine a leader of the local group from logistics tags and can send the determined leader to a network via the remote radio interface.

A base station for logistics systems is also proposed. The base station comprises at least one radio interface, by means of which the base station can establish a radio connection. The base station can use the radio interface to establish a radio connection with logistics tags and additionally or alternatively to laptops, PCs or other mobile devices, for example smartphones.

In addition, the base station comprises a station controller, by means of which the base station can be controlled. The station controller can, for example, control a data flow to the logistics tags and / or a data flow from the logistics tags. Additionally or alternatively, the station controller can process data so that it can be forwarded.

The base station can also be connected to a network of the logistics system in order to be able to exchange data with it. The base station can furthermore have at least two radio interfaces, at least one first radio interface being designed in order to be able to establish a remote radio connection. The at least one second radio interface is designed to be able to establish a local radio connection. The base station can also have a plurality of first and / or second radio interfaces in order to be able to set up a plurality of, in particular parallel, long-distance radio connections and / or local radio connections. The short-range radio link has a smaller radio range than the long-range radio link. For example, the local radio link has a radio range of up to 100 m. The radio link, on the other hand, has a radio range of over 100m and can range up to 10km or even 50km.

The radio interface can, for example, be based on LPWAN, NB-loT and / or GSM and / or comprise a mobile radio interface in order to form the remote radio connection. Additionally or alternatively, the radio interface for forming the local radio connection can include, for example, UWB, Zigbee, Bluetooth, active RFID and / or WiFi. Additionally or alternatively, the local radio link can be in the SubGFIz range or be designed in this way. Additionally or alternatively, the local radio connection can also be a WLAN.

It is advantageous if the base station can form the same radio connections, that is to say long-distance radio connection and / or local radio connection, as the logistics tag described in the preceding and / or the following description, so that the logistics tags and the base station can communicate with one another.

Additionally or alternatively, the radio interface can be designed such that it can establish the long-distance radio connection and the local radio connection. For example, the radio interface can have an antenna, which is designed such that it can form the long-distance radio link and the local radio link. For example, the antenna is designed for frequencies of both connections. The base station can of course also have several antennas.

Furthermore, the station controller can be designed in such a way that it can recognize an event for a change in a logistics tag between the radio link and the local radio link and can switch between the remote radio link and the local radio link if an event is detected. The event is, for example, a transition of the logistics tag from a radio area of the base station to a radio area of the base station. The event is, for example, such that at the beginning only the radio link can be formed between the logistics tag and the base station because the logistics tag is too far away from the base station. If the logistics tag then approaches the base station, the logistics tag reaches the radio range for the local radio link at a certain distance. This can be recognized and the base station changes from communication via the radio link to communication via the local radio link. If, on the other hand, the logistics tag moves away from the base station, communication over the local radio link is no longer possible from a certain distance, so that this can be recognized and a switch is then made to communication over the remote radio link. The change from the radio link to the local radio link has the advantage that higher data rates are possible via the local radio link. Using the local radio link, data rates of up to a few Mbit / s can be achieved, for example. As a result, larger amounts of data can be transmitted over the local radio link. In this way, for example, the behavior of logistics tags or other connection participants can be controlled, updates can be transferred, measured values can be exchanged and / or other data can be exchanged. The radio link, on the other hand, has a higher radio range, but the data rate of the radio link is lower than that of the local radio link. Nevertheless, the switch from the local radio link to the long-distance radio link has advantages. As a result, communication can still be formed. A data rate of the radio link can range from bit / s to kbit / s. For example, only a few bytes can be transmitted via the radio link, but this may be sufficient for simple control commands or for localization.

Furthermore, only a certain number, for example 140, of messages per day can be transmitted via the radio link.

It is advantageous if the radio link is based on the so-called ISM band, for example Sigfox and / or LORA. Organizations that regulate data traffic over the radio link are, for example, ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) for Europe or FCC for the USA.

It is advantageous if the station controller has a station control program which can recognize the event for a change between the radio link and the local radio link.

The station controller can also control the radio interface in such a way that it only establishes the long-distance radio connection and / or the local radio connection, for example to a logistics tag, when data is being transmitted. That is, the long-distance radio connection and / or the short-range radio connection is ended again after the data have been transmitted. This means that if no data is transmitted, no long-distance radio link and / or local radio link is established on the logistics day. As a result, energy can be saved. The base station and / or the logistics tag can thus be operated autonomously by means of, for example, a battery and / or an accumulator. Furthermore, the advantages of the radio link and / or the local radio connection and the change between these connections can be analogous to the advantages of the change between the local radio interface and the remote radio sections of the logistics tag. Advantage of the preceding and / or following description of the change between the communication via the local radio interface and the communication via the remote radio interfaces with regard to the logistics tag can also be transmitted to the base station and the change between the remote radio connection and the local radio connection.

It is advantageous if the base station includes a mobile radio interface, for example a 4G and / or 5G interface, in addition to the radio interface. This enables a connection to the Internet to be established, so that, in particular, larger amounts of data can be transmitted via the Internet to a cloud or a server, for example a company.

It is advantageous if the base station comprises a storage unit in order to be able to temporarily store data. This can, for example, bridge a temporary internet outage. When the Internet is available again, the data can be transferred later. Of course, other failures of data transmission paths or data reception locations can also be bridged, for example by storing the data on a company server.

Additionally or alternatively, data which are important for operation can also be stored on the storage unit. For example, an operating system can be stored on the storage unit. In addition or as an alternative, location data can be stored. A location resolution, for example of the logistics tag, can be carried out using the location data. This location data therefore does not have to be obtained via the Internet. This enables the logistics tag to recognize where it is, even if the base station is not connected to the Internet. AI location data can include, for example, a local WiFi SSID of an operator and / or their assignment to the location / room name of the operator. In this way, for example, goods can be booked even if the base station is not connected to the Internet or a network.

It is advantageous if the base station has a network interface by means of which the base station can be coupled to a network, for example a company network. The network interface can, for example, include a wired interface, for example a LAN interface, an interface for network cables and / or for fiber optics, and / or a wireless interface, for example a WLAN interface.

A logistics system with logistics tags that can be arranged on goods is also proposed. The logistics system can be used, for example, to monitor and track goods flows, goods trading, goods movements and / or to locate goods. The logistics tags can be electronic devices that are arranged on the goods. For example, the logistics tags can be arranged in the space provided for the goods carriers. The logistics tags can be fixed and / or detachable. The logistics tags are a kind of electronic label on which, for example, data about the goods, such as place of origin, destination, type of goods, quantity of goods, and an expiry date of the goods, for example if it is food or medicine, are stored can. The logistics tags can have the size of a check card, for example, and can be glued, for example, to the goods or a packaging of the goods. The logistics tags can of course also be arranged on a pallet on which the goods are arranged. This can be advantageous if there is only one type of goods on the pallet, so that a logistics tag has data on the goods on the pallet. The logistics system also has a network that can exchange data with the logistics tags. The network can be a cloud, for example. The network can include, for example, at least one server. The data of the goods, the place of origin of the goods, the destination of the goods can be stored in the network. The network has, for example, an administration program that can exchange and / or communicate data with the logistics tags.

The network can also form short-range communication for the logistics day by means of at least one local radio base station. The network can have, for example, the local radio base station. The short-range communication can have a range of a few meters to a few tens of meters, for example. The short-range communication has a relatively high data transmission speed. For example, the data transfer rate is 1 Mbit / s to a few 10 Mbit / s. Furthermore, the short-range communication enables the logistics day to be located relatively precisely. For example, the short-range communication means that the logistics day can be located with a precision of a few ten centimeters to a few meters.

The at least one local radio base station can be arranged, for example, at a storage location, for example a warehouse. In this way, for example, the logistics day can be located, tracked and / or monitored at the storage location. The local radio base station can comprise, for example, a WLAN router or a beacon. Additionally or alternatively, the local radio base station can also include an RFID transceiver. The local radio base station and / or the beacon can use frequencies in the sub-GHz range.

Furthermore, the network can use at least one radio base station to establish long-range communication for the logistics day. The network may include the radio base station, for example. The long-range Communication has a greater range than short-range communication. The range can range, for example, from a few tens of meters to a few hundred meters or even up to a few kilometers. Furthermore, the long-range communication can have a lower data transmission speed compared to the short-range communication. This can be, for example, a few kbit / s. With the help of long-range communication, the logistics day can also be located with a precision of a few tens to a hundred meters.

The radio base station can comprise, for example, a cell tower. The radio base station can, however, also be arranged on building roofs, if this is possible. Long-range communication can be used, for example, to track, monitor and / or locate the logistics tag on the way between two storage locations.

The logistics day can also be configured via long-range and / or short-range communication.

According to the invention, the logistics tag is designed in accordance with one or more features of the preceding and / or following description. For example, the logistics tag can switch between long-range and short-range communication in the event of an event.

Additionally or alternatively, the logistics tag can also be operated according to one or more process features of the preceding and / or following description.

Additionally or alternatively, the logistics system can also have a base station according to one or more features of the preceding and / or following description. A base station of this type can be used, for example, to establish a radio link and / or a local radio link. This base station can, for example, Develop extensive and / or short-range communication, for example for the logistics day. The local radio base station and / or the remote radio base station of the logistics system can be formed by this base station.

Further advantages of the invention are described in the exemplary embodiments below. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a logistics tag,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a logistics system with logistics tags, with a local radio area and a long-distance radio area,

FIG. 3 shows a pallet with goods and logistics tags,

Figure 4a - c is a schematic representation of a method for choosing a leader of a local group from logistics tags and

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a base station, the one

Can establish radio connection and a local radio connection.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a logistics day 1. The logistics day 1 can be used for logistics systems, for example in order to be able to locate, control and / or track flows of goods. Logistics tag 1 can, for example, be arranged on a product and / or a product carrier in order to be able to locate and / or track the corresponding product or product carrier. The logistics tag 1 can have the shape, shape and / or size of a check card and can be glued to the goods and / or the goods carrier. The logistics tag 1 can be of such a size that the size of the goods is only slightly increased. The Logistics day 1 can be an electronic logistics day 1. The logistics tags 1 can additionally or alternatively also be permanently connected to the goods. Additionally or alternatively, the logistics tags 1 can also be permanently connected to the goods carriers and / or pallets.

Logistics day 1 has a local radio interface 2 for short-range communication. The short-range communication can have a range of a few meters to a few tens of meters, for example. The local radio interface 2 can comprise, for example, a Bluetooth, WiFi and / or an RFID interface. The local radio interface 2 can, however, also have at least one interface capable in the sub-GFIz radio range.

Logistics day 1 also has a radio interface 3 for long-range communication. The long-range communication can, for example, have a range of a few tens of meters to a few hundred meters. The long-range communication can also have a range of a few kilometers. The long-range communication can, however, additionally or alternatively also form the communication to a satellite in order to locate the logistics day 1 by means of GPS, for example, so that the logistics day 1 can determine its own position by means of GPS. The remote radio interface 3 can comprise, for example, an LPWAN module, such as Sigfox, LoRa, GSM or NB-Iot.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the local radio interface 2 and the remote radio interface 3 have an antenna unit 15 for communication, so that the logistics tag 1 can communicate wirelessly. Furthermore, the logistics tag 1 has a control chip 16 for forming long-range and short-range communication. The control chip 16 can control the short-range and long-range communication. The local radio interface 2 and the remote radio interface 3 are connected to the control chip 16. The local radio interface 2 and the remote radio interface 3 are connected to the antenna unit 15 via the control chip 16. The long-range and short-range communication can thus be carried out by means of a single antenna unit 15. Furthermore, the local radio interface 2 and the remote radio interface 3 use a single control chip 16. The antenna unit 15 can have several antennas according to the different radio methods.

The antenna unit 15 is designed such that it can carry out long-range and short-range communication. The local radio interface parts 2 and the remote radio interface 3 can thus be formed by means of the antenna unit 15 and / or the control chip 16.

Furthermore, for example, data is exchanged, for example between logistics day 1 and a network, via long-range communication or via short-range communication. In this case, the data for the data exchange are transmitted either via the local radio interface parts 2 or via the remote radio interface 3.

Furthermore, the control chip 16 can, for example, switch back and forth between long-range and short-range communication. If the change or the change of communication takes place for example with a frequency of 0.1 Flz to 1 kFIz, the data can be transmitted via both interfaces in a relatively short time.

The logistics tag can receive and send data via the local radio interface 2 and the remote radio interface 3. The local radio interface 2 and the remote radio interface 3 are wireless interfaces.

Position data of logistics tag 1, for example, can be exchanged with the network, for example, via the local radio interface 2 and via the remote radio interface 3. Furthermore, the logistics tag 1 has a control unit 4, by means of which the logistics tag 1 can be controlled. Furthermore, the logistics tag 1 can have a storage unit, not shown here, on which data for operating the logistics tag 1 can be stored.

Furthermore, the logistics tag 1 can have a sensor unit 5 in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment. The sensor unit 5 can comprise, for example, an acceleration sensor, an orientation sensor, a position sensor, an air pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a fluffiness sensor and / or RFID transponder. The RFID transponder can, for example, recognize the entry and exit from a local radio area.

The control unit 4 can be designed in such a way that an event for a change between the local radio interface 2 and the remote radio interface 3 can be identified. The control unit 4 can also include a control program which can recognize the change between the local radio interface 2 and the remote radio interface 3. In addition, the control unit 4 can switch between communication by means of the local radio interface 2 and the remote radio interface 3 in the event of a corresponding event. The control unit 4 can switch between the local radio interface 2 and the remote radio interface 3 if a corresponding communication via the local radio interface 2 or the remote radio interface 3 is more advantageous.

In this way, for example, the energy consumption of logistics tag 1 can be reduced. Likewise, the location or tracking of the logistics tag can be improved, for example, if this is more advantageous with the local radio interface 2 or the remote radio interface 3.

Furthermore, the logistics tag 1 has a storage unit 17. The measured values of the sensor unit 5 can be stored in the memory unit 17, for example, at a later time and in particular to be transmitted to a network via the local radio interface 2.

Additionally or alternatively, the logistics tag 1 has a display unit 18. The display unit 18 can comprise, for example, an LED and / or a loudspeaker. The display unit 18 can be used, for example, to display a status of the goods. In addition, the logistics unit 1 can be located with the aid of the display unit 18 if, for example, it emits an acoustic signal for the location.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a logistics system with logistics tags 1 a - 1 f, with a local radio area 8 and a long-distance radio area 9.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, several logistics tags 1 a - 1f are shown, which in the present exemplary embodiment are arranged on pallets 6a - 6f. However, the logistics tags 1 a - 1 f can also be arranged on individual goods not shown here. Instead of pallets 6a - 6f, the logistics tags 1 a - 1f can also be arranged on any goods carrier, such as for example sea or swap containers.

The pallets 6d, 6e are not arranged on vehicles. These pallets 6d, 6e can, for example, be arranged in a storage rack.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the pallets 6a-6c, 6f are arranged in vehicles 7a-7d or are transported by them. The vehicles 7a-7d are shown here as trucks, although forklifts, trains, ships or the like are of course also conceivable.

With the help of the vehicles 7a-7d, the goods can be transported on the pallets 6a-6f, for example, between two locations. The goods can, for example, be transferred between warehouses or storage locations 12. be ported. However, the goods can also be delivered from a storage location 12 to a customer.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the storage location 12 can comprise a local radio area 8, which is identified by the frame in the present figure. A local radio base station 10 can be arranged in the local radio area 8 and can form communication in the local radio area 8 with the logistics tags 1 a - 1 e. The local radio base station 10 can also be connected, for example, to the Internet or an intranet, for example to the logistics system. The local radio base station 10 can also be connected to a higher-level network. The logistics tags 1 a - 1 e can communicate in the local radio area 8 with the local radio base station 10 via the local radio interface 2 (see FIG. 1). The logistics tags 1 a - 1 e can transmit goods information to the local radio base station 10, for example, so that the goods information can be processed further. In the present exemplary embodiment, only a single local radio base station 10 is shown. Of course, several local radio base stations 10 can also be arranged at the storage location 12 in order to cover the local radio area 8 over a large area. Furthermore, with the aid of several local radio base stations 10, it is possible to determine the position of the logistics tags 1 a - 1 e and thus of the goods on the pallets 6a - 6e.

With the help of the local radio interface 2, the logistics tags 1 a - 1 e can also communicate with one another. For example, the logistics tags 1 a - 1 e can determine via the local radio interface 2 whether there are other logistics tags 1 a - 1 e in their vicinity.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 7d is located in a remote radio area 9. The remote radio area 9 can, for example, be arranged outside the storage location 12. The radio area 9 can be arranged, for example, between two storage locations 12. The radio area 9 can also have a radio base station 1 1, which for example wise can be a transmission tower. The radio radio base station 11 can also be formed by means of satellites.

The control unit 4 of the logistics tags 1 a - 1 f shown in FIG. 1 can recognize the event for a change between the local radio interface 2 and the remote radio interface 3. The event can be a change of environment, for example. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the change of environment can be the change between the local radio area 8 and the remote radio area 9. If, for example, a vehicle 7a-7c leaves the storage location 12, the logistics tag 1a-1c arranged thereon also leaves the local radio area 8. This event can be recognized by the control unit 4 and by the short-range communication with the local radio interface 2 switch to long-range communication with the radio interface 3. The control unit 4 can for example recognize the local radio base station 10 and thus the local radio area 8. This is advantageous since, outside of the storage location 12, short-range communication with the local radio interface 2 is no longer possible. With the help of long-range communication via the radio radio interface 3, the logistics day 1 a - 1 c and thus the pallet 6a - 6c can still be located and / or tracked. A location at a few tens to hundreds of meters can be sufficient.

In a further example, the vehicle 7d, which in the present exemplary embodiment is located outside the storage location 12, for example between two storage locations 12, can enter the local radio area 8. If the vehicle 7d reaches the storage location 12, for example, it can pass from the remote radio area 9 into the local radio area 8, which the control unit 4 can determine as an event. For example, a functor, in particular an RFID gate, can be arranged at an entrance gate. If the logistics tag crosses the functor, this can be recognized and communication can be changed. The functor can of course also be arranged at an exit gate in order to switch between the communications. The control unit 4 can use the long-range communication Switch remote radio interface 3 for short-range communication via the local radio interface 2. The short-range communication via the local radio interface 2 has, for example, the advantage that it has low energy consumption in comparison to the long-range communication via the local radio interface 3, so that the logistics day 1 a

- 1f can be operated longer with an internal energy unit. In addition, with the help of short-range communication, logistics day 1 a

- 1f be located and / or tracked more precisely. The short-range communication can also be designed such that the location and / or tracking of the logistics tag 1 a - 1f is improved. Using short-range communication, logistics day 1a - 1f can be located and / or tracked, for example, to within a few meters.

The change in environment, such as from the radio area 9 to the local area 8, can be determined, for example, with the aid of the sensor unit 5. The sensor unit 5 can, for example, have a position sensor, for example a GPS module, by means of which the change in environment can be determined. The change in environment can be recognized, for example, by the said functor.

The control unit 4 can also receive a signal from the local radio base station 10 as an event. The control unit 4 can then switch from long-range communication to short-range communication. If the logistics tag 1 a - 1 f no longer receives a signal from the local radio base station 10, the control unit 4 can recognize this event and switch from short-range communication to long-range communication

The sensor unit 5 can also have an acceleration sensor, for example, by means of which accelerations of the logistics tag 1 a - 1 f can be determined. For example, the movement of the vehicle 7d between two storage locations 12 or locations can thereby be recognized. from that it can be determined that the vehicle 7d and thus the logistics tag 1f is in the radio area 9. When the vehicle 7d reaches the storage location 12, the vehicle 7d is parked, so that the acceleration sensor consequently does not measure any accelerations. The event is the decrease in accelerations. From this, the control unit 4 can determine that the logistics tag 1f has reached the storage location 12 and is in the short-range area 8. The control unit 4 can also measure the time for which the logistics day 1 f has been idle, in order, for example, to be able to distinguish whether the vehicle 7 d is only at a traffic light.

Another example of an event for a change between the short-range communication and the long-range communication can be the recognition of other logistics tags 1 a - 1f. If, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the logistics tag 1f reaches the storage location 12 on the vehicle 7d, the control unit 4 of the logistics tag 1f can recognize the other logistics tags 1 a - 1 e via short-range and / or long-range communication. The detection advantageously takes place via the short-range communication between the logistics tags 1 a - 1 f, so that it can be assumed that the logistics tags 1 a - 1 f are, for example, within a radius of 50 meters.

If the logistics tag 1 a - 1 f receives, for example over a certain period of time, no signal from other logistics tags 1 a - 1f, the control unit 4 can recognize this as an event and switch from short-range communication to long-range communication , The time period can be, for example, a few minutes.

FIG. 3 shows a pallet 6 with goods 13a-13d and in each case one logistics tag 1 a-1 d. According to the present exemplary embodiment, each goods 13a-13d is assigned a logistics day 1a-1d. The logistics tags 1 a - 1 d can, for example, be arranged on the goods or a packaging of the goods. The goods 13a-13d can, for example, have been arranged on the pallet 6 at a storage location 12 in order to send the goods 13a-13d to another storage location 12 or to a customer. The pallet 6 is merely an example of a general product carrier. The goods 13a-13d can, for example, also be stored in a container or directly in a receiving space of a vehicle 7. The goods 13a-13d are combined to four goods 13a-13d here. The logistics tags 1 a - 1 d of the exemplary embodiment shown here thus form a local group. The local group can also be referred to as a cluster of logistics tags 1 a - 1 d. As a local group of logistics tags 1 a - 1 d, the goods 13 a - 13 d can be described as a single unit.

A guide can be selected from the local group from logistics tags 1 a - 1 d, which carries out the communication to a network, not shown here, in particular a higher-level network. This saves energy, for example, since not all logistics tags 1a - 1d have to communicate with the network. For example, it is sufficient if the leader sends the status via the department 13a-13d. The network can be the Internet, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the network can also be an intranet with which the goods 13 at the storage location 12 can be managed.

The network can be a cloud.

The choice of the leader of the local group shown in this exemplary embodiment from logistics tags 1 a - 1 d can be carried out by the logistics tags 1 a - 1 d one below the other. For this purpose, the logistics tags 1 a - 1 d communicate with one another via their local radio interface 2. The logistics tags 1a - 1d choose their leader of the local group via the short-range communication via the local radio interface 2. At least one logistics day 1 a - 1d sends an identification of the leader to the network, so that the network knows which logistics day 1 a - 1d is the leader. In order to select the leader from the local group of logistics tags 1 a - 1d, the logistics tags 1 a - 1d can send data packets via short-range communication and send and receive each other. The control unit 4 of the logistics tags 1 a - 1 d and / or an evaluation program, the control unit 4 preferably having the evaluation program, can evaluate the data packets and determine the driver from them. The logistics tags 1 a - 1 d can only form one-way communication with one another. This means that the logistics tags 1 a - 1d send the data packets and, in a separate step, receive the data packets from the other logistics tags 1a - 1d. For example, no confirmation is sent that the data packet has been received.

FIG. 4a shows four schematic logistics tags 1a-1d, each with a code number K1-K4, a device number G1-G4 and a driver number F1-F4. The four logistics tags 1a-1d shown in FIG. 4a form a local group. The four logistics tags 1 a - 1 d can be the logistics tags 1 a - 1 d of FIG. 3.

The device number G1 - G4 is a unique identification number of the logistics tag 1 a - 1d. The device number G1 - G4 can be, for example, a serial number of the logistics tag 1 a - 1d.

The code number K1-K4 can comprise a value on the basis of which the leader is selected. The code number K1-K4 can be formed, for example, from a state of charge of an energy store of the logistics tag 1 a - 1 d. The code number K1 - K4 can be higher, for example, the higher the state of charge of the energy store of the logistics tag 1 a - 1 d. Logistics day 1a - 1d can be selected as the driver, which has the highest code number K1 - K4 and thus, for example, the highest charge level of the energy store. This allows communication between the local group and the network by the leader to be maintained as long as possible. The driver number F1 - F4 can be the driver's identification number. The driver number F1 - F4 can be, for example, the device number G1 - G4, since the device number G1 - G4 can be uniquely assigned to a logistics tag 1 a - 1d.

The device number G1 - G4, the driver number F1 - F4 and the code number K1 - K4 are sent out with the data packets by the logistics tags 1a - 1d and received by the respective other logistics tags 1a - 1d. The logistics tags 1 a - 1d send the data packets without knowing whether a logistics tag 1 a - 1d can receive the data packets. Logistics tags 1 a - 1d send the data packets as beacons, so to speak.

The logistics tags 1 a - 1d can of course only receive the data packets if they are within range of the short-range communication for the sending logistics tag 1 a - 1d. According to the present figure, a dashed circle is drawn around the logistics tags 1 a - 1 d, which corresponds to half the range 14 of the short-range communication. If the two circles of two logistics tags 1a-1d overlap, one logistics tag 1a-1d can receive the data packets of the other logistics tags 1a-1d.

The choice of the leader begins with FIG. 4a. As an example, the driver should be chosen who has the highest charge level of his energy unit. The code numbers K1 - K4 can thus include, for example, a percentage that describes the state of charge of the energy unit. For example, the energy unit of logistics tag 1 a has a state of charge of 20%, so that the code K1 is 20%. The code numbers K2 - K4 can be formed in the same way. In one example, the code K2 can be 75%, the code K3 40% and the code K4 90%. So it is K4>K2>K3> K1. At the beginning, each logistics day 1 a - 1d is its own driver, so that driver number F1 - F4 corresponds to device number G1 - G4 equivalent. F1 means that the logistics tag with device number G1 is the leader. For example, it is F1 = G1.

In the first step, each logistics tag 1 a - 1 d sends out the data packets, for example the data packet of logistics tag 1 d can only be received by logistics tag 1 c. The data packet of logistics day 1b can, for example, only be received by logistics day 1a and 1c.

After the logistics tags 1 a - 1 d have received the data packets of the logistics tags 1 a - 1 d within range, the control unit and / or an evaluation program can use the code numbers K1 - K4, the driver numbers F1 - F4 and the device numbers G1 - Evaluate G4. In this step, each logistics day 1a - 1d compares its own code number K1 - K4 with the code number or codes K1 - K4 received. For example, logistics day 1d only receives the code number K3 from logistics day 1c. Logistics day 1d can therefore only compare its own code number K4 with code number K3 from logistics day 1c. The evaluation program is designed, for example, in such a way that it selects logistics day 1a-1d as the driver, which has the highest code number K1-K4. The control unit and / or the evaluation program of the logistics tag 1d will choose itself as the leader, since K4 = 90%> K3 = 40%. Logistics tag 1d thus stores its own device number G4 as driver number F4. For logistics tag 1d, the logistics tag with device number G4 (which it is itself) is the leader.

The logistics tag 1 c receives the code numbers K1, K2 and K4 from the logistics tags 1 a, 1 b and 1d and itself has the code number K3. The control unit and / or the evaluation program selects the highest from these four code numbers K1-K4, which is the code number K4 from logistics day 1d. The logistics tag 1 c thus stores the logistics tag with the code number K4, which is the logistics tag with the device number G4. Logistics day 1 c thus sets F3 = G4, which means that for logistics day 1 c, the logistics tag with device number G4 is the leader. Logistics tag 1 b receives the data packets of logistics tags 1 a and 1 c. The control unit and / or the evaluation program compares its own code number K2 with the code numbers K1 and K3. Since the code number K2 is the highest, logistics day 1b selects itself as the driver and thus gives itself the device number G2 as driver number F2.

Logistics tag 1 a receives the data packets of logistics tags 1 b and 1 c. The control unit and / or the evaluation program compares its own code number K1 with code numbers K2 and K3. The code number K2 is the highest, so that logistics day 1 a selects the logistics day with device number G2 as the leader. The logistics tag sets device number G2 as driver number F1.

FIG. 4b shows the choice of the leader after the first election round or the first election step. The device numbers are now entered in the fields of the logistics tags 1 a - 1 d, in which the driver numbers F1 - F4 are shown in FIG. 4a. For example, for logistics tags 1 a and 1 b, the driver numbers are G2, since for these two logistics tags 1 a and 1 b, the logistics tag, which is logistics tag 1 b, with device number G2 is the leader , The two logistics tags 1 c and 1 d have the device number G4 as the driver number, so that for these two logistics tags 1 c and 1 d the logistics tag with the device number G4 is the leader.

In this step, the logistics tags 1 a - 1 d again send out the data packets, these being received by the logistics tags n 1 a - 1 d that are within range.

Logistics day 1 d only receives the data packets from logistics day 1 c. The logistics day 1 d receives its driver number F3 = G4 as well as the code number K4 of the driver, which the logistics day 1 c has chosen. Logistics day 1 d compares the code number K4 received with the and notes that logistics day 1d itself is already a leader and can remain so.

Logistics tag 1 b receives the data packets from logistics tags 1 a and 1 c. Logistics tag 1 b compares the code number K2 of its selected leader G2 with the code numbers of the selected leader of logistics tags 1 a and 1 c. Logistics day 1 b thus compares code number K2 with code number K2 from logistics day 1 a, since it has the driver with device number G2, and code number K4 from logistics day 1 c, since it contains the driver with the device number G4. Logistics tag 1 b recognizes that the code number K4 is the highest and sets the logistics tag with device number G4 as its leader. In the same way, the logistics day 1 a will make the logistics tag with device number G4 the leader.

Figure 4c shows the method after the choice of the leader. All four logistics tags 1 a - 1d have the logistics tag with the device number G4 as the leader, which in the present exemplary embodiment is the logistics tag 1d. This has the highest state of charge of the energy unit, so that logistics day 1d can be operated the longest.

In this way, the guide for the local group is selected in a few steps from the logistics tags 1 a - 1 d shown in FIGS. 4a-4c. Furthermore, this method has the advantage that the driver can also be selected if, as shown in FIGS. 4a-4c, the logistics tag 1d is outside the range of the logistics tags 1 a and 1 b. In addition, this method is energy-saving since the data packets are exchanged only by means of short-range communication via the local radio interface 2. In addition, short-range communication is one-way when choosing a guide. This means that the logistics tags 1a - 1d only send out the data packets and evaluate the received data packets. After the evaluation, the logistics tags 1a - 1d send out data packets and evaluate the received. A connection between the logistics tags 1 a - 1d is not established. Each logistics tag 1 a - 1d has no knowledge of how many logistics tags 1 a - 1d belong to the local group.

After the leader has been selected, at least one logistics day 1 a - 1 d can send the leader to the network (not shown here). All logistics tags 1 a - 1d can also send their chosen guide to the network. This transmission of the guide to the network takes place via the long-range communication via the remote radio interface 3. The network thus receives the chosen guide from each logistics day 1 a - 1 d. The network can thus combine all logistics tags 1 a - 1 d into a local group that have the same leader. As a result, the network can form a cluster of logistics tags 1 a - 1 d. The network can thereby determine, for example, which goods 13a-13d are arranged together on a pallet 6 according to FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a base station 19, which can establish a long-distance radio link 20 and a local radio link 21. For the sake of simplicity, features that have already been described in the previous figures are not explained again. Furthermore, the same reference symbols are used for features which have already been described for the previous figures. In particular, the logistics tags 1 a, b shown here can have at least one feature of the preceding description. Furthermore, features can only be described here for the sake of clarity. For example, the local radio base station 10 and / or remote radio base station 11 of FIG. 2 can be a base station 19, which is described in FIG. 5. The base station 19 can advantageously combine the local radio base station 10 and the remote radio base station 11 of FIG. 2. A range 27 of the local radio link 21 is also shown schematically here. If a logistics tag 1 a, b is within range 27, the local radio link 21 and the radio link 20 can be formed between the base station 19 and the logistics tag 1 a, b. If the logistics tag 1 a, b is outside the range 27, only the radio link 20 can be formed.

The base station 19 has a radio interface 22, by means of which the base station 19 can set up the long-distance radio connection 20 and the local radio connection 21. It is advantageous if the radio interface 22 can set up a number of remote radio connections 20 and the local radio connections 21. For example, several thousand logistics tags 1 can simultaneously establish a corresponding connection 20, 21 with the base station 19. The radio interface 22 can, for example, have an antenna, by means of which the remote radio connection 20 and the local radio connection 21 can be established. The antenna can for example be designed such that it can communicate in a frequency range of the radio link 20 and the local radio link 21.

Furthermore, the base station 19 of the present exemplary embodiment comprises a station controller 23. The station controller 23 can control, for example, a data flow from and / or to the logistics tags 1 a, b. In addition or as an alternative, the station controller 23 can also control the radio interface parts 22. The station controller 23 can control, for example, that communication takes place via the radio link 20 or via the local radio link 21.

Furthermore, the station controller 23 can be designed such that it can recognize an event for a change between the radio link 20 and the local radio link 21. The station controller 23 can then switch between the radio link 20 and the local radio link 21. For example, if a logistics day 1 reaches range 27, can be switched from the radio link 20 to the local radio link 21. This can be done in a manner analogous to that described in FIG. 1 for logistics day 1. In addition, this can have the same advantages as when logistics day 1 alternates between long-range and short-range communication. For example, the station controller 23 can have a station control program which can recognize the event for the change.

By means of the local radio link 21, higher data transmission rates can be achieved in comparison to the remote radio link 20. Logistics day 1b can be controlled, for example, by means of local radio link 21, an update can be transmitted and / or measured values can be transmitted from logistics day 1b to base station 19.

Via the local radio link 21, for example, the logistics day 1b can be informed that it should deactivate for 24h, for example, because the goods on which the logistics day 1b is arranged are stored for a long time. This saves energy of logistics day 1 b.

The logistics day 1b can also be informed via the local radio link 21 that it should carry out the location with a higher frequency. Since the local radio link 21 is formed, for example, in a warehouse and the logistics tags 1 are moved there very often, the higher location frequency can be advantageous. Additionally or alternatively, the logistics day 1b can also be informed via the local radio link 21 that it should measure more frequently by means of the sensor unit 5. It can also be communicated that it is to be used for measuring additionally or alternatively from a parameter, for example above a temperature.

The radio link 20 allows data to be transmitted at a lower data rate, but smaller amounts of data can also be transmitted sufficiently quickly. For example, a Message with a size of a few bytes are transmitted. Such messages can be used to transmit simpler commands to logistics day 1. Messages of a few bytes can also be sufficient to transmit position coordinates.

The radio link 20 can be designed, for example, according to an ETSI standard (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). For example, a message can be transmitted only 140 times per day via the radio link 20.

In contrast, 21 messages can be transmitted via the local radio link every second or even faster, for example every 10 ms. This enables logistics day 1 to be located more often and more precisely, for example.

The base station 19 also has a storage unit 24, by means of which data can be buffered. Wifi SSIDs and / or attachment locations of the base station can be stored on the storage unit 24, for example, so that they do not have to be obtained via the Internet and are no longer available in the event of a connection failure to the Internet. Log-in and / or log-out data of the logistics tags 1 can also be stored on the storage unit 24 when the logistics tags 1 establish and / or terminate a local radio link 21 and / or radio link 20 to the base station 19.

In addition, the base station 19 according to the present exemplary embodiment has a mobile radio interface 25. A connection to the Internet can be established, for example, by means of the mobile radio interface 25.

This can be done via 4G or 5G, for example. Via the mobile radio interface 25, for example, data of the logistics tags 1 can be transmitted via the Internet to a cloud and / or to a network 28. The network 28 can also be a company network of a logistics company, the base station 19 being arranged in the logistics company. If a connection is interrupted to the Internet, the data can advantageously be temporarily stored in the storage unit 24 until the connection to the Internet is available again. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the base station 19 has a network interface 26. A connection to the network 28 can additionally or alternatively be established via the network interface 26. This connection can be, for example, wired, for example by means of a network or fiber optic cable, or wireless, for example by means of WLAN.

The base station 19 can set up a radio link 20 to part of the logistics tags 1 and a local radio link 21 to another part of the logistics tags 1. In addition, the base station 19 can set up a connection in parallel via the mobile radio interface 25. In addition, the base station 19 can establish a connection via the network interface 26. The base station 19 can thus set up a number of parallel connections via the long-distance radio link 20, the local radio link 21, the mobile radio interface 25 and / or the network interface 26.

The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described. Modifications within the scope of the patent claims are possible as well as a combination of the features, even if these are shown and described in different exemplary embodiments. LIST OF REFERENCES

1 logistics day K code

2 Local radio interface G Device number 3 Remote radio interface F Driver number

4 control unit

5 sensor unit

6 pallets

7 vehicle

8 short range

9 Radio area

10 local radio base station

1 1 radio base station

12 storage location

13 goods

14 half range of short-range communication

15 antenna unit

16 control chip

17 storage unit

18 display unit

19 base station

20 radio link

21 Local radio connection

22 radio interface

23 Station control

24 storage unit

25 mobile radio interface

26 network interface

27 Range of the radio link

28 network

Claims

Patent claims

1st logistics day (1) for logistics systems

with a local radio interface (2) for short-range communication,

with a radio interface (3) for long-range communication and

with a control unit (4) for controlling the logistics tag (1), characterized in that

the control unit (4) is designed such

that this can recognize an event for a change between the local radio interface (2) and the remote radio interface (3) and, if an event is detected, between the short-range communication via the local radio interface (2) and the long-range communication via the remote radio interface (3 ) changes so that communication takes place via the local radio interface (2) or via the remote radio interface (3).

2. Logistics day according to the previous claim, thereby qekennzeich- net. that the control unit (4) has a control program by means of which the event for the change between the local radio interface (2) and the remote radio interface (3) can be identified and by means of which there is a change between communication via the local radio interface (2) and the remote radio interface (3) can be.

3. Logistics tag according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (4) and / or the control program as an event a change of environment of the logistics tag (1), in particular between a local radio area (8) and one Fernfunkbereich (9), can recognize.

4. Logistics tag according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (4) and / or the control program other logistics tags (1) by means of the local radio interface (2) and / or the remote radio interface (3) can recognize and / or

that the control unit (4) and / or the control program can, when the other logistics tags (1) are recognized, switch to communication by means of the local radio interface (2).

5. Logistics tag according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the logistics tag (1) has a sensor unit (5), and / or

that the control unit (4) and / or the control program can recognize the event for the change between the local radio interface (2) and the remote radio interface (3) on the basis of measured values of the sensor unit (5).

6. Logistics day according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (5) an acceleration sensor, an orientation sensor, a position sensor, an air pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, one Flelligkeitssensor and / or an RFID transponder comprises.

7. Logistics tag according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the logistics tag (1) has a time unit, the control unit (4) and / or the control program after a contactless time to other mobile devices (1) can switch to long-range communication.

8. Logistics day according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radio interface (3) LPWAN, NB-loT, GSM, and / or a mobile radio interface and / or that the local radio interface (2) includes UWB, Zigbee, Bluetooth, active RFID and / or WiFi and / or is trained in the SubGFIz area.

9. Logistics tag according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the logistics tag (1), in particular the control unit (4), can be configured via the local radio interface (2) and / or the remote radio interface (3) ,

10. Logistics tag according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (4) and / or the control program are designed such that a locating frequency of the logistics tag (1) and / or a measurement frequency by means of the transmitter sensor unit (5) of the logistics tag (1) and / or triggering a location of the logistics tag (1) and / or triggering a measurement by means of the sensor unit (5) of the logistics tag (1) in Dependence of the short-range and / or the long-range communication is controlled.

11. Logistics tag according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the logistics tag (1) has an antenna unit (15), the local radio interface (2) and the remote radio interface (3) by means of the antenna unit (15) are formed, and / or

that the logistics tag (1) has a control chip (16) which can control short-range communication via the local radio interface (2) and long-range communication via the remote radio interface (3), in particular by means of the antenna unit (15), and / or that the logistics tag (1) has a storage unit (17) for storing data and or

that the logistics tag (1) has a display unit (18).

12. A method for operating a logistics tag (1) for logistics systems, in particular for a logistics tag (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims,

in which short-range communication can be formed using a local radio interface (2),

in which a long-range by means of a radio interface (3)

Communication can be trained and

in which the logistics tag (1) is controlled with a control unit (4),

characterized in that

the control unit (4) detects an event for a change between the local radio interface (2) and the remote radio interface (3) and that the control unit (4) in the event of a corresponding event between communication by means of the local radio interface (2) and the remote radio interface (3) replaced.

13. Logistics system

with logistics tags (1) which can be arranged on goods and / or goods carriers (13), and

with a network that can exchange data with the logistics tags (1),

the network being able to establish short-range communication with the logistics day (1) by means of at least one local radio base station (10), and

the network being able to establish long-range communication with the logistics day (1) by means of at least one radio base station (11),

characterized.

that the logistics tag (1) according to at least one of the preceding gene claims, in particular according to one or more of claims 1-11, is formed and / or

can be operated according to at least one of the preceding method claims.