Method by means of which an end device can retrieve from a EPC Network pieces of information associated to EPC Codes.

The present invention relates to a method with which a terminal device information which is associated with an EPC code, from can bring an EPC network.

Methods are already known for the so-called basis of a RFID element (or tags) to obtain information about a product. Here some tags have a memory area, the contactless can be read with an RFID reader, and in which the desired information is stored. As the price of tags strong the size of the memory depends, are such tags especially used when little information is required; For example, the product date of manufacture, serial number, etc.

Other methods are known in which the desired Information from an external database is brought, in which multiple tags relevant information is stored. In this case, a code which is located in the tag is read and as Search criterion in the external database used from which the desired information is retrieved. Here is the link between a product and the record in the database and static permanent; one labeled with a tag product always gives access to the same information.

The information content offered is usually only the class of the object (the product type) dependent. However, it is also A method known, in which all of the individual objects by a are marked individual code in the RFID tag (for example, a serial number). This individual code can for each single product a product-specific information (for example, Expiration date or the duration of the warranty) from an external database be collected.

The EPC Global System (Electronic Product Code Global System) proposed with EPC codes with which among other RFID tags to replace or supplement the common barcodes. EPC codes are numbers that contain a header and three sets of data. On Set of data identifying a product manufacturer, a second set of the exact type of product and a third set is a serial number, the each individual product individually marked. There were EPC codes with 64 and 96 bits proposed; there could be more possible.

EPCs codes are stored in RFID tags. EPC-compatible RFID tags contactlessly communicate, via a local wireless interface, and according to an open standard, with RFID readers.

An EPC-capable RFID tag contains a single EPC code and each EPC code is associated with a single RFID tag. Each EPC RFID tag is thus unique; reading an EPC RFID tags allows the To get reader information which is different from the information which may be fetched from another EPC RFID tag. Each with an EPC code labeled product is thus with an individual, possibly associated unique information.

EPC readers use a software technology which Savant is, the information that is associated with an EPC-day, from to pick a server in an EPC network. For this purpose, sends the RFID reader, a message with the read EPC code over the EPC telecommunication network an object name server ONS. The object Name server responds with the address of the desired PML page on which the data content that is associated with the EPC RFID tag in PML format is stored. The PML format (Product Marking Language) is also supported by EPC Global. The terminal may then use this Address to access the content of the notified PML page.

One limitation of the EPC system is that the system only adapted to fetch information about products, the EPC-compatible with a RFID Tag are marked. However, many products are with marked tags that are not EPC-compatible, or they are not marked. In addition, certain products are not labeled, for example, because they are too small or because they are made of metal and therefore hardly allow data transmission via a radio interface. In addition to intangibles, such as computer files, including data and software, or services, not with a RFID tag will be marked.

Another limitation is that the access to data associated with associated a product is only possible if you have a suitable EPC-compliant RFID reader features. Such readers are However, not always available.

Moreover, often require different users in different Situations different information about the same Product. A product manufacturer wants to know, for example, when the product was prepared, during which an end user might more for the expiration date is interested. The language of the requested Information is user-dependent.

Often a single comprehensive information content is offered, is to meet all different needs. Such a Content can only slow and expensive through the telecommunications network transmitted and is complicated to read.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, a new providing method with which these problems are solved.

These objects are achieved in particular by a method with which a terminal information associated with an EPC code are associated, can fetch from an EPC network,    wherein the designated EPC code is a virtual code.

It is thus possible, the whole infrastructure of the EPC network to use and to bring data and information from this network, being obliged to produce without EPC-compatible RFID tag. Instead, Virtual EPC codes are used. Virtual EPC codes have a standardized format for EPC numbers and at least one of following features:<ul><li>They are not permanently, or never, with an RFID tag associated.</li><li>They are not, or never embedded in an RFID tag.</li><li>They can be used to provide information from a bring EPC network without previously from an RFID tag to be read.</li><li>They are generated independently of RFID tags</li><li>Virtual EPC codes can in storage areas stored outside of EPC-compliant RFID tags be or is generated dynamically.</li></ul>

In this way, information from the EPC network, eg PML pages goods, which are not marked with an RFID tag, be associated, including with intangibles like Computer files, computer program, services, etc.

The present invention will hereinafter with reference to the described figures. Show it:<sl><li>1 shows a block diagram of a system with a mobile device, an RFID reading device, a conventional RFID tag and a Remote server.</li><li>2 is a block diagram of a system with a remote server and a terminal in which an application is running, the one virtual EPC code used. </li><li>3 shows a block diagram of a system with a terminal, in which a virtual EPC code is stored, and a remote server.</li><li>Figure 4 is a block diagram of a system with a terminal, an RFID reader and an RFID code generator, the virtual EPC codes generated.</li><li>Figure 5 shows the structure of a message with a code according to the Invention.</li></sl>

1 shows the system by a user (for example, a mobile subscriber) is used to provide information (Including services) to order a product. The system and method of Figure 1 are novel in many respects, but use a known RFID tag 10 in the EPC format.

A terminal, in this case comprising a portable mobile device 3 an RFID reading part 2, or is connected to such a reading part (For example via a USB, Firewire, PCCard, CompactFlash, proprietary, etc. connection or via a Bluetooth or WLAN contactless Connection). The terminal 3 includes an identification module (for Example, a SIM card 30) to identify the device through the network. 4 One or more software applications from an Processor run in the terminal. 3

The reading part 2 includes a microcontroller and at least an antenna or coil, contactless data with RFID components (Tags) exchange in a product 1 in the immediate vicinity. The Data transmission takes place preferably in the frequency range 13.56 MHz, 900MHz and / or 860-930MHz. The reading part can preferably optionally in various frequency ranges and with different RFIDs work. The range for reading the RFIDs is preferably 2-10 meters - depending on the orientation of the reading portion and the Tags. The connection is preferably in half-duplex mode with a ASK backscatter modulation.

A product 1 comprises one or more tags. Every day 10 comprises at least a chip and an antenna. Each chip contains 10 a permanent storage area, in which during the production or during the personalization of the tag code 100 in the EPC format is stored.

The EPC code uniquely identifies each particular day 1; each Day has another EPC code 100. The EPC code is preferably unverfälschbar.

The EPC code 100 preferably comprises 64, 96 or more bits and is organized hierarchically. The answer in 1000 the day 10 to a Request the reading portion 2 preferably includes a header 1001, redundant Test data in 1002 and then the code 100 (Fig. 5).

Several EPC codes in a product in the vicinity of the reader 2 can be read simultaneously or preferably sequentially. The inquiry by the reader 2, 3 can specify a range of numbers and Every day 10 decides on the basis of this number range with which or which codes it will answer this inquiry.

Other data can be stored in the memory area of ​​the chip 10 and are read by the reading part second

The chip 10 is preferably a read-only chip, low and can be manufactured in small size; two read-only chips are often cheaper than a single rewritable chip. Rewritable however, chips may also be used within the scope of the invention.

EPC codes 100 are preferably common of a Authority to different product manufacturers, mobile network suppliers and Value-added service providers distributed; a part of the EPC code, the identity Dealers on the product. 1 The product provider reserves a series codes in the common authority and stores part of this EPC codes that are then distributed to the products in tags 10th On Product can by several organizations with different tags be provided.

At least one application is provided in the terminal 3 to EPC codes 100 to read in neighboring tags over the reader part 2 to to order further information or services, as explained later.

Reading an EPC code is preferably the terminal 3 initiated; possible, for example, that the terminal always or periodically by adjacent tags searches and EPC codes in found tags and reads processes or forwards. In another, low-power variant the reading by the user of the terminal 3 is initiated, the corresponding one Application starts or enters a command if he one day wants to read. The reading of the tags to the terminal 3 or with another Apparatus may also from an external device (for example, a Sales office, or a vending machine) via an interface in Short range (eg Bluetooth or WLAN) over the cellular network 4, or initiated via a link on a visited Web or WAP page will.

The read in Day 1 EPC code is from an application 31 in an order message (for example in a short message or preferably packaged in a GPRS or UMTS packet) and to a server 5 sent to fetch further information from a PML server 7, as described later.

A mobile device 3 (for example a mobile telephone or a PDA with an interface for a cellular mobile radio network) can Newsflash (For example SMS and USSD) and data (for example IP packets) received from a mobile network 4 and send to this network. The mobile network 4 is for example a GSM, GPRS, HSCSD, EDGE, UMTS or CDMA network over which data are received and can.

Simple filters and processing means can be used as part of an application be provided in the terminal 3 and / or the reading portion 2 to To edit a read EPC code. The application can edit for example, only certain areas of the EPC code and hand off. Redundancy checks may also be provided to implausible and erroneous codes to delete. Previously used Codes are preferably in a database in the terminal 3 in order future control, statistical evaluations and backups stored.

In one embodiment, the password of a part the EPC code 100 or can with a function of this EPC code be determined. The password can be for example of a with a public key testable signature of EPC codes result. In this case, the password from the EPC code only determined be if the unauthorized third parties the corresponding function or the private signing key knows. This embodiment has the Advantage that the application of the validity of the password alone basis the EPC code can check.

In another embodiment, the validity of the password is based a table in the SIM card 30 in the mobile device 3 or in a foreign server tested.

In yet another variant of the password in the tag 10 is stored and verified by the tag. However, this variant requires expensive tags, can store, receive and compare the passwords also.

The system and method of Figure 1, for a mobile device 3 uses the processing and forwarding of the EPC code, has already many advantages over known systems and methods EPC, comprises However, all aforementioned disadvantages of the RFID tag. We are now reference to the figures 2 to 4 several embodiments of the method and system according to the invention avoid these disadvantages, describe. Other so far in connection with FIG 1 Process described and system features that are not directly the RFID tag 10 concern, may also in the invention and in used connection with the embodiments of Figures 2 to 4 will.

The illustrated with the figure 2 system has all the features of System of Figure 1 to, except that the EPC code 100 in a Identification module 30, for example in a SIM card or in a User identification module is stored in the terminal. 3 The Terminal 3, for example, a mobile phone, a PDA or a set-top Box may be and to the designated storage area in Identification module 30 to access to read the EPC code 100th

The EPC code in the identification module 30 may be permanently or are stored semi-permanently, for example, in the EEPROM of the module, generated dynamically or loaded via the cellular network 4 will. The code 100 can for example be used to Processes, software, parts of the program, data, files or operations identifying module 30 and clearly made to an associated content a remote server Get 7 to.

An application 31 in the mobile device 3 and / or Identification module 30 sends the from the identification module 30 read or generated by the identification module EPC code over the Mobile Network 4 to a server 5 to a known address, preferably a server within the infrastructure 40 of the mobile network 4. The Service ordering message is optional by the mobile device 3 or by the SIM card 30 signed and / or provided with a time stamp.

The server 5 administers order messages with codes and parameters, and from several or possibly all terminals 3 are received by conventional RFID readers. Other, more complex Filters can be provided in the server 5 to codes different areas differently or not treated.

A password can also be requested from the server 5, so that the received EPC code is ever treated; This password can be derived from the code itself or checked against a table. The password is, for example, together with the EPC code 100 in a transmitted message to the server 5, or separately as part of an Dialogue.

The server 5 may also be the user of the mobile device identity 3 check. This is more reliable, when the Server 5 from Mobile operator is managed 5. In this case, the identity of the user, for example, based on the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) or another mobile subscriber identity be reliably determined in the SIM card. Access to certain information and services are only certain users, provided (for example, mobile subscribers, the corresponding a Subscription feature that a sufficient balance on a show money account or profiles that the provision of the service allowed).

If the password is incorrect, or if the desired information or service for some other reason not provided can be, preferably, a message is sent to the user (For example via SMS, USSD or Internet). After several failed attempts can definitely or for safety reasons further attempts be temporarily locked. In this way it can be prevented that valid EPC codes be guessed by trial.

The server 5 is connected via Internet or an intranet with an object name server 6 is connected, in which each of EPC code 100 with the corresponding electronic address of an electronic hypertext page connected is. It is thus for each individual product to access a different address.

A request 50 with the currently received code is 100 passed from the server 5 to the object name server 6, which corresponding to the electronic address 60 responds. The electronic Address consists for example of a URL or other address on a TCP-IP network.

The object name server 6 can be managed by the operator of the server 5 and / or by external entities (for example, by the Organization that the EPC code 100 distributed). Several object-name server may be joined together, so that the desired Address is wanted in another object-name server, if they not in the server. 6 This allows for example a mobile network operator, also EPC codes from other organizations to work. On local cache 6 of an external name service can also in the server 5 or are provided in the domain of the server. 5

The user of the terminal 1 can thus all codes 100 of all service providers always send them to the same target server 5, the name of the service server 6 or the network of name service servers 6, the address of the page is determined, based on which the desired information or service provided. The treatment the order message thus depends only on the EPC code. Same messages that several different servers 5 of access service providers can thus providing the cause exactly the same service or information.

The connection in the name service server 6 between a code 100 and an address can preferably by the provider of the desired to change information at any time (for example, through a dedicated Web form). This allows the electronic address of a page or without having to notify the end user to change a domain.

The address of the desired page can thus clearly only be based on the code which is stored in the tag 1, found; the Page, which are accessed is thus completely independent of the Address or phone number of the server. 5

The server 5 receives the response 60 from the object name server 6 with the desired page address and accesses the corresponding PML-page in the server 7 to or on a network with several local or remote servers (request 51 and response 70 in Figure 1). The hypertext page can be static; In a preferred embodiment, it is However, dynamically generated depending on the parameters passed.

The page in the server 7 to which the server 5 includes, possibly a hypertext content in a markup language. In a preferred variant the page a PML-content (Product Marking Language). The page can also SOAP protocol (Simple Object Access support Protocol), .NET Framework or other web services, with which the server 5 and finally the terminal 3 to services and Objects of the server 7 can access. In this case, the method comprises providing executable program code elements or SOAP and / or .NET services.

The server 5 downloads the desired page from the server 7, and / or access to the desired service (or the object at the specified Address) to the desired service or information provide the user of the terminal. 1 The user can the desired information, for example, with a normal browser reflect on his terminal. 3

The illustrated with the figure 3 system has all the features of System of Figures 1 and 2, except that the EPC code 100 from a Application 31 is determined in the terminal. 3 The terminal 3 can for example, be a mobile phone, a PDA or a set-top box and can perform the named application to the EPC code 100 read.

The EPC code in the terminal 3 can be permanently or semi-permanently are stored, is generated dynamically or via the Mobile Network 4 are loaded. The code 100 may, for example, are used to processes, software, program parts, data files to identify or operations in the terminal 3 and a clearly fetch associated content from a remote server. 7

In a variant not illustrated, the terminal device 3 determines the EPC code 100 of a magnetic, optical or magneto-optical Data carrier that is read by the terminal. In yet another Variant is the code from the terminal via a remote telecommunication network remote loading, for example, from a Web or WAP server. In yet a variant it is an e-mail, SMS, or received another type of short message from the terminal and to the EPC network forwarded. In yet another variant of the code on a personales Area Network (PAN) is read by the terminal, for example, another personal terminal or from a payment terminal in the immediate vicinity.

The illustrated with the figure 4 system has all the features of System of Figures 1 to 3, except that the EPC code 100 by a EPC code generator 8 is generated and via an interface to Terminal 3 is sent. The EPC-generator 8 may preferably have a generate many different EPC codes; is in a variant He programmable and can thus any EPC codes or any EPC codes generate in an area. In a variant, the EPC code Generator with an object name server 6 connected to check whether the EPC code is already assigned to a PML page. In yet another Variant may generate the EPC code of the EPC code generator, a desired PML page corresponds, by a corresponding query sends an object name server.

In a variant, the EPC code generator over a kontatlose, for example, a radio interface with the terminal 3, connected. The EPC code generator 3 uses preferably a Data transfer protocol used by EPC RFID readers for the reading of the RFID tag is used, so that generated EPC codes be read by normal EPC-compliant RFID readers 2 can; in this case simulates the EPC code generator a conventional Although he no fixed EPC code is associated with EPC RFID tag.

The generated by the generator 8 and determined by the terminal 3 EPC code is then routed to the object name server 8, and as in the treated methods described above to the content of the corresponding PML page to load into the terminal. 3