System for the supervision and surveillance of the distribution of goods

The invention relates to a system for controlling and monitoring the distribution of goods and articles according to the preamble of the Claim 1.

A variety of systems are known in which the distribution of Goods, eg. As the transport, storage and supply of goods half at least in some aspects or monitored fully automatically. This is done for. Example, in an in-house transport system for Picking of goods by means of data carriers to Transport containers are attached to the goods and destination addresses wear, as well as terminals that at this destination read passing the transport container and the transport so Setting that eventually the destination address is reached; see. DE-PS 30 10 637th

From DE-PS 25 08 201 is a device for contactless Input and output control of transport containers known are each connected to a transmitter / receiver that a comprises programmable data memory. The transmitter / receiver is of externally supplied with the aid of a high-frequency power transmitter with energy and interrogated, and then sends to an external data receiver were specific data, such as information on the nature of the goods, the The owner or the buyer. The received data are in a central evaluation prepared for the purposes of an inventory.

Finally, passive identity cards are known, and in the form of Appearance of a Euro check card similar to an integrated circuit have, are stored in the specific data of the cardholder; see. for example DE-OS 31 43 915. Access to and also a change the data are on a stationary outer computer with a query and responder possible, in the known identity card Datenkummunikation takes place wirelessly, including one on the identity card Transmitter / receiver unit with a microwave antenna and a transmitter Receiving antenna are provided. Such identity card is z. B. as account card, company ID card with access control, insurance certificate etc. are used.

All of these systems incorporate some aspect of Distribution of goods. Container transport or packaged goods and However goods require continuous monitoring and Control of goods producer to the final consumer goods, particularly with regard to the product and risk of liability and in terms of economic Cargo transport system. After the transport system of goods and goods commercially usually in a so-called. open system carried out, in which a complete documentation from the manufacturer to the consumer is often not possible, a gapless Evidence on the economic and technical Transportation process, especially with regard to the Environmental hazards, desirable. Semi-automatic or Fully automatic operation control systems are essentially only for internal conveyor systems, in some aspects with regard to the Target systems known in rail transport. Otherwise almost exclusively shipping documents for a economic argumentation used. Here are undue interference in the transport of goods and possible because of a page using system practically not excluded.

In the article by W. Bode from the magazine "German Lifting and handling equipment ", 1986, H. 12, S. 19-26, the distribution is of goods by means of fork-lift trucks in production and Storage investigated. The problem raised here concerns the different transportation needs at different points, z. B. a warehouse, a site or a factory. The communication between the vehicles and a central The control center with wireless data transmission technologies, said to the vehicles on-board computer as compound are drivers available. Thus, for. Example, weighing results on the keyboard of the onboard computer or a stitch code short term the higher-level computer systems available be provided.

In this system, the control of distribution exhausted the goods only in a local inspection of vehicles and the Goods, in which case the case data collected by means of a optimizing strategy to a rapid distribution of goods be used. This is not a comprehensive monitoring of the goods or its transport container.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a control of the goods and also its transport container and the respective state the goods or the transport container for the entire to enable transport.

This object is according to the invention by the characterizing part of claim 1 stated features dissolved.

Accordingly, the first unit as a control and monitoring unit fixedly connected to the to be distributed well and the transport container and accompany the goods all the way of the distribution process. they has next to a computer in addition to sensors and effectors, with where the current state of the distribution process is recorded, is stored and may be displayed.

Access to this control and monitoring unit is purely for an active programmable memory card as a second unit possible is being ensured by appropriate codes that only authorized persons have access to the data of all units.

The evaluation unit as a third unit comprises a read circuit for Memory card on which the saved in this and Communication with the control and monitoring unit continued viewing Data reads and about a protocol of the distribution process summarizes.

The entire system and in particular the control and Monitoring unit in the manner of a small construction Microsystem structure be built.

The control and monitoring unit is z. B. a compact lead-sealed Box, which via a standardized step point for data communication has with the memory card and depending on the application with different sensors and effectors is equipped as well as for Different functions can be programmed. The monitoring and Monitoring unit are designed possible manipulation prevented be and are mounted approximately in the strut of a container, So that is not visible and not easily accessible. This applies especially for the elements of the control and monitoring unit, the essential data for the goods or commodities and / or the carry or handle distribution process, such. as the computer. Of course, the interface remains in the active Memory card can be inserted, freely accessible. The memory card is corresponding to the above-mentioned active programmable cards educated. It is used not only for data access to the control and Monitoring unit, but is also a substitute for the previous delivery and transport documents, thus serving as an electronic Waybill and can as such also stored and activated. With their z. B. can pick-up or delivery of the Transport and responsibility Patrols are acknowledged, any of the control and Monitoring unit displayed momentary states of Transport process, eg. As an alarm condition, acknowledged or condition the goods are documented within the area of ​​responsibility. For the sender or recipient of the to be distributed over the good can documented memory map of the entire route of the distribution process be so z. B. the transfer of goods from a lorry on Rail transport, while at the same date, persons involved, etc. be specified. Similarly, the data stored in the memory card Readings on the previous current states of goods and good the distribution process to the respective owners of the memory card with Support the evaluation are displayed, such. As possible Alarms or exceeding limit. The memory card thus not only replaces the delivery documents, but also gives the Possibilities of more information and more control.

The third unit, the evaluation unit, z. B. may at any Disclosure of the cargo of the date for the transport Responsible to the date of disposal in the control and Monitoring unit to read out stored data and as evidence document its performance. The recipient of the goods, for its part Access to the stored data during the whole duration of the Distribution process and can thus determine whether, within this Distribution process have been exceeded and which persons responsible for the distribution process for the transported were. The third unit can additionally as portable Quick-look-unit for the quick control of goods and the Distribution process be present. Such portable unit may also get a printer, with the accompanying figures of the Distribution process, such as time, controls, monitoring events, Speed ​​of transport, etc. can be printed.

The memory in the control and monitoring device and within the memory cards can be programmed by a programming unit. This will include the necessary steps and Monitoring criteria within the distribution process and the Distribution route set. Here, too, are code-circuits provided to authorized persons only a programming allow having access only one original coding, which in Given the strict liability is urgent.

The system according to the invention can preferably be extended by modules will. z. B. by sensors, backup and position modules on Place the assortment of goods are installed and z. B. Monitoring and enabling signals for the transport or signals give regarding exceedances. If z. B. This Monitor signal pending, so be as by effectors appropriate alarms triggered. Likewise position modules are conceivable with the control and monitoring unit directly on to distributing Good or the transport container are arranged and constantly Send position coordinates of this container, so that the path of the to transporting goods can be continuously monitored. Such Safety and position modules can also be used to protect of personal property, such as containers, luggage, car u. ä. more. This position modules are as long-term functional modules in Closed circuit usable.

Further, z. B. are transmission modules with laser, infrared, acoustic, or optical transmitters and receivers involves that and in the control Monitoring unit are integrated. The transmitter modules are about Interfaces of the monitoring and control unit is programmed. Comes z. B. a lorry, the and a container with a control Monitoring unit transported, in the vicinity of an entrance gate, a Border crossing o. Like., Generally. In the vicinity of a so-called central Wait, so the container via the transmitter module can even identify, in case the centralized waiting appropriate having receiving circuits and possibly transmitting circuits.

Automatic positioning and security modules can also dangerous at be used, whereby the monitoring is also improved here.

It is also possible to use several control and Monitoring units via a micro-bus structure, eg. As a Lichtleiterbus, together. The data of several goods or Transport container can be read out via the common bus, it being possible for an addressing in the memory of the individual monitoring and control units for writing data. This is also a monitoring through effectors and display, For example, in the cab of a transport train, possible.

Further embodiments of the invention result from the Subclaims.

The invention is in one embodiment based on the drawing explained in more detail. In the drawing represents

<b>Fig.</b> 1 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring and Monitoring the distribution of goods according to the invention, in which the functional units are shown;

<b>Fig.</b> 2 is a schematic view of a transport container with the Arrangement of a control and monitoring unit of a system according to the invention;

<b>Fig.</b> 3 is an illustration of a family concept of the system according to the Invention when transporting a variety of goods, in this Case by means of a freight train;

<b>Fig.</b> 4 supporting the schematic of a plurality of transport containers Truck, also showing a Family concept of the system according to the invention,

<b>Fig.</b> 5 is a functional block diagram of a control and Monitoring unit.

A system to control and monitor the distribution of goods is according <b>Fig.</b> 1 of a first unit <b>1</b>, Namely a control and monitoring unit, a second unit <b>2</b>, Namely an active programmable memory card, a third unit <b>3</b>, Namely a Evaluation and a fourth peripheral unit <b>4</b>, Namely a Programming unit, which in turn an original coding <b>4</b>a is accessible. The control and monitoring unit<b>1</b> is firmly a transport container <b>5</b> a transportable Good <b>6</b>, Z. B. in Area connected by the feet of Transportbbehälters. The Control and monitoring unit includes a computer <b>11</b> with data and Program memories and a real time clock on which a Input / output unit <b>12</b> connected is. Further sensors<b>13</b>. effectors <b>14</b> and a decorative unit identif <b>15</b> provided.

The sensors <b>13</b> measure z. B. the mechanical stresses of on transporting goods, such as acceleration or pressure, the climatic Stresses, such as temperature, humidity, chemical stress, such as Smell, fumes, etc., and further, for to be transported, important factors.

The effectors <b>14</b>That the sensors <b>13</b> Collaborate, point z. B. the functioning of various components of the transport system to solve or when exceeding specified limits, eg. B. with respect to time, or mechanical stresses to the transporting goods, audible or visual alarm.

The computer <b>11</b> to the data and program memories and the RTC is only for authorized personnel, such as the sender and Receiver accessible, which is effected by means of an access code. With this is the end of the program, ie the distribution process to start, stop or change. The individual coding for Person and to the transport is currently on the programming unit <b>4</b> and the original encoding <b>4</b>a programmed and can only by a third person authorized neutralized by an original coding or be re-entered. Here is also the input of Limit values ​​for the respective cargo, for monitoring the necessary is.

Task of the computer with its system components, it is, during the Duration of the transport goods all deemed essential parameters to log the date and time. These are, for. Example, the points in time at where a limit has been exceeded, the duration of this Out, the waiting time until a triggered alarm acknowledged or Fixed or business data, such as handover timings the liability of a carrier to another.

The input / output unit is constructed in three parts and has a Card interface <b>21</b>, A bus interface <b>22</b> and a Module interface <b>23</b> , whereby these last two interfaces to can be summarized a common interface. The Communication of Konroll- and monitoring unit to the outside world exclusively via standardized interfaces. For the Programming, coding, supervision and control of monitoring and monitoring unit <b>1</b> can all data using the memory card <b>2</b> on or read. The control and monitoring unit<b>1</b>. and in particular the data processing elements, ie particularly computers, are possible hiding place of Good or of the transport container arranged to receive a manipulation possible to prevent.

Several such control and monitoring units <b>1</b> z can. B. Then, if, as in the <b>Fig.</b> 3 and 4, several Transortbehälter <b>5</b> be transported on a vehicle or a train, on the bus interface <b>22</b> with a common data bus <b>24</b> interconnected and a central processing unit <b>25</b>, A so-called. Central control room, are summarized in the data of all control and collected monitoring units and possibly summarized. With Help this central control room <b>25</b> z can. B. passage controls the facilitates total transported goods in certain transit stations will. The data construction<b>24</b> z. B. a fiber optic bus. About this common data of individual control and monitoring units are z. B. to the central control room, the alarm or the alarm location in one of the transport container reported; Furthermore you will also find centrally the aforementioned sensor signals with regard to mechanical or climatic loads the transported goods are collected. The Energy supply of the central control room is preferably carried out over the Data itself; for this power supply as well as for those the control and monitoring units provided batteries be, which are provided in conventional manner with a battery buffer to prevent data erasure. Quiescent current circuits are in this case to to prefer. Regardless of whether a plurality of control and monitoring units <b>1</b> via a data bus <b>24</b> are connected or not, on each control and monitoring unit <b>1</b> with the help a memory card <b>2</b> be accessed.

The identification unit <b>15</b> carries the identification code of the assigned to the transport container and thus also the transported Good. The identification unit<b>15</b> is z. B. from a Identification sensor, z. B. with a bar code and a downstream intelligent electronics. The technical necessary envelope concept of a fast freight Identification code is in the online process to the control and Monitoring unit using the memory card <b>2</b> transfer. Of the Identification code includes type of product, destination, name The sender and recipient, etc., and is also an input signal in the Overall system in relation to loading and unloading of the transport container. The automatic identification unit is basically an effector with downstream signal transducers and thus a signal element to a for external logistics and the other for internal control and Monitoring of goods in transit goods. As in<b>Fig.</b> 1 indicated, it is also conceivable that the data of the Identifying unit not only on the active memory card <b>2</b> on and can be read; Rather is also a traffic with a external interrogation unit <b>16</b> possible, in turn, for in signal contact. B. with the evaluation unit <b>3</b> stands. Similarly, a transfer to a described below transportable Quick-look unit <b>51</b> of the evaluation <b>3</b> possible.

The memory card <b>2</b> is the access unit for control and monitoring unit <b>1</b> and is an active codable unit. they includes all necessary systems of an interdisciplinary Online system. The memory card<b>2</b> has, in addition to an interface <b>31</b> as input / output circuit includes a calculator <b>32</b>, Program and data storage <b>33</b> and an access code <b>34</b> on. In this Access coding is done encoding by users, whereby, inter alia, a unique assignment of the owner of the cargo is possible. The interface <b>31</b> the memory card <b>2</b> from the outside by means the programming unit <b>4</b> and the original encoding <b>4</b>a programmed will; this interface is also the insertion and removal of data in and out of the control and monitoring unit <b>1</b>, In addition, via this interface data to the evaluation unit <b>3</b> be replaced.

The evaluation <b>3</b> has, as a main component of a stationary evaluation <b>41</b> with an interface <b>42</b> for the memory card <b>2</b>. a computer interface <b>43</b> and a basic program module for a Basic software. This block can eg. As with a computer<b>45</b>, about be a personal computer connected. With this arrangement, all data from the memory card <b>2</b> read and processed will; It is also possible, via the computer<b>45</b> Programs in the memory card <b>2</b> enroll. In addition to this stationary evaluation unit<b>41</b> is still a portable unit <b>51</b> provided also a interface <b>52</b> for the memory card <b>2</b> and then a z. B. graphics printer <b>53</b> having. This portable unit can in Pocket format will be executed as a so-called. Quick-look-unit and shows each person operating current control data on the Distribution process on. This can eg. As after the yes / no principle done.

Furthermore, a further stationary read only unit <b>61</b> scheduled are, the z. B. the workplace of the aforementioned personal computer <b>45</b> is set up and therefore has the usual peripherals, as Monitor, keyboard, printer, plotter, etc. This unit has a Card interface <b>62</b>, A computer interface <b>63</b> and a software module <b>64</b> for a basic software for the documentation on. In this Unit can use the present and enterable programs stored data are processed application specific.

Finally, a BTX unit <b>71</b> with a card interface <b>72</b>, A BTX-interface and a software module <b>75</b> with regard to the be provided documentation, this unit with a BTX Terminal <b>75</b> connected is. With an appropriately modified Card interface, the data stored on the BTX Terminal <b>75</b> be represented and transmitted from there to other data stations.

As in <b>Fig.</b> 1 indicated, the individual control and monitoring units <b>1</b> even with expansion modules <b>81</b>, Z. B. for Be extended coupling of a tachograph, via the Module interface <b>22</b> or the combined interface <b>22, 23</b> be connected. The expansion modules can z. B. cartridges be. The central control room<b>25</b> and the expansion modules <b>81</b> enable a family concept for the entire control and monitoring system.

In <b>Fig.</b> 3, three freight cars <b>91</b> each with several transport containers <b>5</b> shown, with each of which a control and monitoring unit <b>1</b> connected is. All control and Monitoring units are connected via a bus <b>24</b> joined together and lead to a central control room <b>25</b>, Similarly, in<b>Fig.</b> 4 a Lorry <b>22</b> shown, a plurality of, in this case 3 transport container <b>5</b> carries each having a control and monitoring unit <b>1</b> wear, which in turn via a data bus <b>24</b> are connected to each other, the central control room at a <b>25</b> ends. part This central control room or in addition, may include the aforementioned expansion modules <b>81</b> be provided for. example, the above-mentioned Position and transmitter modules. In the central control room the data is all monitoring and control units, as necessary, combined. This example it is z. Possible that, as shown in<b>Fig.</b> 4 shown, through a gate <b>93</b> propelled trucks <b>92</b> oneself identified, except in the gate <b>93</b> also a central waiting <b>94</b> is provided which is programmed to the data to be received. If the truck other than the specified goods or Goods have not been loaded into the predetermined number, then by the central control room <b>93</b> Alarm can be triggered. can with the central control room connected secondary reactions, as well as the positions of transport containers and their actions are reported and detected. Likewise, if necessary with the central control room <b>93</b> the data from the expansion modules <b>81</b> With existing preset data are compared.

In <b>Fig.</b> 5 schematically the functional units of the monitoring and control unit <b>1</b> indicated. A basic unit<b>81</b> essentially comprises the computer, called the administration,. Housekeeping, accepts that Data and program memory, a real time clock, the reader unit and the slot for the memory card active, thus the elements <b>11, 12, 21, 22</b> and <b>23</b> the in <b>Fig.</b> 1 unit shown <b>1</b>, The sensors<b>13</b> have a mechanical sensor system <b>82</b>, A sensor system <b>83</b> regards climate and temperature, and a chemical sensor system <b>84</b> on. These sensors are the mass of the transported goods, any shocks to the good, vibrations, or the position of the to transporting goods or measured temperature, humidity and the barometric pressure or the smell, the formation of gases, Acids and alkalis. The sensor<b>13</b> once with the base unit <b>81</b> connected, but also links to the effector <b>14</b> are possible to trigger so directly z. B. an alarm. The identifying unit <b>15</b> is in turn connected to the base unit, and also with the Effektoreneinheit <b>14</b> connected, so that any data transporting goods such. as shown immediately above effectors. With the base unit communicates the active memory card <b>2</b>, the turn in the portable Quick-look unit <b>51</b> pushed may be in order as fast print data.