Transponder designed for use on a metal structure
2 claims: 2 independent, 0 dependent
- 1A method of manufacturing a transponder (14) intended to be assembled to an electrically conductive structure distinct from the transponder (14), and of assembling the transponder (14) to the electrically conductive structure; wherein the transponder (14) is required to operate, when the transponder (14) is assembled to the electrically conductive structure, at a nominal frequency (F1); the method comprising:• manufacturing the transponder (14) to operate, when the transponder (14) is not assembled to the electrically conductive structure, at a shifted frequency (F1+FS) which is shifted from the nominal frequency (F1) of a frequency shift (FS) which depends on a stray capacitance between the electrically conductive structure and the transponder (14), when the transponder (14) is assembled to the electrically conductive structure, whereby, when the transponder (14) is assembled to the electrically conductive structure, the transponder (14) operates at the required nominal frequency (F1);• making an incision on the electrically conductive structure where the transponder (14) is intended to be applied;and• assembling the transponder (14) to the electrically conductive structure, on the incision;wherein the transponder (14) comprises an antenna (35) and a resonant circuit (47) coupled to the antenna (35);and wherein manufacturing the transponder (47) comprises: • manufacturing the resonant circuit (47) to resonate, when the transponder (14) is not assembled to the electrically conductive structure, at the shifted frequency (F1+FS);wherein the antenna (35) has a number of electrically conductive, substantially complete, turns which are wound parallel to an antenna plane;and wherein assembling the transponder (14) to the electrically conductive structure comprises: • assembling the transponder (14) to a wall of the electrically conductive structure such that the antenna plane is normally parallel to the wall;characterized in that said incision is cross-shaped. Ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Transponders (14), der dafür vorgesehen ist, an einer elektrisch leitenden Struktur angebracht zu werden, die von dem Transponder (14) getrennt vorliegt, und zum Anbringen des Transponders (14) an die elektrisch leitende Struktur;wobei erforderlich ist, dass der Transponder (14) arbeitet, wenn der Transponder (14) an die elektrisch leitende Struktur angebracht wird, und zwar auf einer nominalen Frequenz (F1);wobei das Verfahren Folgendes aufweist: Herstellen des Transponders (14), so dass er, wenn der Transponder (14) nicht an die elektrisch leitende Struktur angebracht ist, auf einer verschobenen Frequenz (F1 +FS) arbeitet, die gegenüber der nominalen Frequenz (F1) um eine Frequenzverschiebung (FS) verschoben ist, welche von einer Streukapazität zwischen der elektrisch leitenden Struktur und dem Transponder (14) abhängt, wenn der Transponder (14) an der elektrisch leitenden Struktur angebracht ist, wodurch, wenn der Transponder (14) an der elektrisch leitenden Struktur angebracht ist, der Transponder (14) mit der erforderlichen nominalen Frequenz (F1) arbeitet;Ausführen eines Einschnittes auf der elektrisch leitenden Struktur, wo der Transponder (14) angelegt bzw. angebracht werden soll;undAnbringen des Transponders (14) an der elektrisch leitenden Struktur an dem Einschnitt;wobei der Transponder (14) eine Antenne (35) und eine Resonanzschaltung (47) aufweist, die an die Antenne (35) gekoppelt ist, und wobei das Herstellen des Transponders (47) Folgendes aufweist: H erstellen der Resonanzschaltung (47), so dass diese wenn der Transponder (14) nicht an die elektrisch leitende Struktur angebracht ist, mit der verschobenen Frequenz (F1+FS) schwingt;wobei die Antenne (35) eine Anzahl von elektrisch leitenden, im Wesentlichen vollständigen Windungen hat, die parallel zu einer Antennenebene gewickelt sind;und wobei das Anbringen des Transponders (14) an die elektrisch leitende Struktur Folgendes aufweist: Anbringen des Transponders (14) an eine Wand der elektrisch leitenden Struktur, so dass die Antennenebene normalerweise parallel zu der Wand ist;dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Einschnitt eine Kreuzform hat. Procédé de fabrication d'un transpondeur (14) conçu pour être assemblé avec une structure électriquement conductrice distincte du transpondeur (14), et d'assemblage du transpondeur (14) avec la structure électriquement conductrice ;dans lequel le transpondeur (14) doit fonctionner, lorsque le transpondeur (14) est assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice, à une fréquence nominale (F1);le procédé comprenant : • la fabrication du transpondeur (14) de façon à fonctionner, lorsque le transpondeur (14) n'est pas assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice, à une fréquence décalée (F1 + FS) qui est décalée, par rapport à la fréquence nominale (F1), d'un décalage de fréquence (FS) qui dépend d'une capacité parasite entre la structure électriquement conductrice et le transpondeur (14), lorsque le transpondeur (14) est assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice, grâce à quoi, lorsque le transpondeur (14) est assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice, le transpondeur (14) fonctionne à la fréquence nominale requise (F1) ;• la réalisation d'une incision sur la structure électriquement conductrice là où il est prévu que le transpondeur (14) soit appliqué ;et• l'assemblage du transpondeur (14) avec la structure électriquement conductrice, sur l'incision ;dans lequel le transpondeur (14) comprend une antenne (35) et un circuit résonnant (47) couplé à l'antenne (35) ;et dans lequel la fabrication du transpondeur (14) comprend : • la fabrication du circuit résonnant (47) de façon à résonner, lorsque le transpondeur (14) n'est pas assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice, à la fréquence décalée (F1 + FS) ;dans lequel l'antenne (35) comporte un certain nombre de spires électriquement conductrices sensiblement complètes qui sont enroulées parallèlement à un plan d'antenne ;et dans lequel l'assemblage du transpondeur (14) avec la structure électriquement conductrice comprend : • l'assemblage du transpondeur (14) à une paroi de la structure électriquement conductrice de telle sorte que le plan d'antenne soit normalement parallèle à la paroi ;caractérisé en ce que ladite incision est en forme de croix.
- 2An assembly comprising:• an electrically conductive structure;and• a transponder (14) assembled to electrically conductive structure and required to operate, when the transponder (14) is assembled to the electrically conductive structure, at a nominal frequency (F1);wherein • the electrically conductive structure comprises an incision;• the transponder (14) is assembled to the electrically conductive structure, on the incision;and• the transponder (14) is manufactured to operate, when the transponder (14) is not assembled to the electrically conductive structure, at a shifted frequency (F1+FS) which is shifted from the nominal frequency (F1) of a frequency shift (FS) which depends on a stray capacitance between the electrically conductive structure and the transponder (14), when the transponder (14) is assembled to the electrically conductive structure, whereby, when the transponder (14) is assembled to the electrically conductive structure, the transponder (14) operates at the required nominal frequency (F1);wherein the transponder (14) comprises an antenna (35) and a resonant circuit (47) coupled to the antenna (35) and manufactured to resonate, when the transponder (14) is not assembled to the electrically conductive structure, at a frequency equal to the nominal frequency (F1) plus the frequency shift (FS);wherein the antenna (35) has a number of electrically conductive, substantially complete, turns which are wound parallel to an antenna plane;and wherein the transponder (14) is assembled to a wall of the electrically conductive structure such that the antenna plane is normally parallel to the wall;characterized in that the incision is cross-shaped. Eine Anordnung, die Folgendes aufweist: eine elektrisch leitende Struktur;undeinen Transponder (14), der an eine elektrisch leitende Struktur angebracht ist und von dem erforderlich ist, dass er arbeitet, wenn der Transponder (14) an die elektrisch leitende Struktur angebracht wird, und zwar mit einer nominalen Frequenz (F1): wobei die elektrisch leitende Struktur einen Einschnitt aufweist;der Transponder (14) an der elektrisch leitenden Struktur an dem Einschnitt angebracht wird;undder Transponder (14) so hergestellt ist, dass er, wenn der Transponder (14) nicht an der elektrisch leitenden Struktur angebracht ist, auf einer verschobenen Frequenz (F1+FS), die gegenüber der nominalen Frequenz (F1) um eine Frequenzverschiebung (FS) verschoben ist, welche von einer Streukapazität zwischen der elektrisch leitenden Struktur und dem Transponder (14) abhängt, arbeitet, wenn der Transponder (14) an der elektrisch leitenden Struktur angebracht ist, wodurch, wenn der Transponder (14) an der elektrisch leitenden Struktur angebracht ist, der Transponder (14) mit der erforderlichen nominalen Frequenz (F1) arbeitet;wobei der Transponder (14) eine Antenne (35) und eine Resonanzschaltung (47) aufweist, die an die Antenne (35) gekoppelt ist, und hergestellt ist, so dass sie, wenn der Transponder (14) nicht an die elektrisch leitende Struktur angebracht ist, auf einer Frequenz schwingt, die gleich der nominalen Frequenz (F1) plus der Frequenzverschiebung (FS) ist;wobei die Antenne (35) eine Anzahl von elektrisch leitenden, im Wesentlichen vollständigen Windungen hat, die parallel zu einer Antennenebene gewickelt sind;und wobei der Transponder (14) an einer Wand der elektrisch leitenden Struktur angebracht wird, so dass die Antennenebene normalerweise parallel zur Wand ist;dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Einschnitt eine Kreuzform hat. Ensemble, comprenant : • une structure électriquement conductrice ;et• un transpondeur (14) assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice et devant fonctionner, lorsque le transpondeur (14) est assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice, à une fréquence nominale (F1) ;dans lequel : • la structure électriquement conductrice comprend une incision ;• le transpondeur (14) est assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice, sur l'incision ;et• le transpondeur (14) est fabriqué de façon à fonctionner, lorsque le transpondeur (14) n'est pas assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice, à une fréquence décalée (F1 + FS) qui est décalée, par rapport à la fréquence nominale (F1), d'un décalage de fréquence (FS) qui dépend d'une capacité parasite entre la structure électriquement conductrice et le transpondeur (14), lorsque le transpondeur (14) est assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice, grâce à quoi, lorsque le transpondeur (14) est assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice, le transpondeur (14) fonctionne à la fréquence nominale requise (F1) ;dans lequel le transpondeur (14) comprend une antenne (35) et un circuit résonnant (47) couplé à l'antenne (35) et fabriqué de façon à résonner, lorsque le transpondeur (14) n'est pas assemblé avec la structure électriquement conductrice, à une fréquence égale à la fréquence nominale (F1) plus le décalage de fréquence (FS) ;dans lequel l'antenne (35) comporte un certain nombre de spires électriquement conductrices sensiblement complètes qui sont enroulées parallèlement à un plan d'antenne ;et dans lequel le transpondeur (14) est assemblé à une paroi de la structure électriquement conductrice de telle sorte que le plan d'antenne soit normalement parallèle à la paroi ;caractérisé en ce que l'incision est en forme de croix.
Independent claims2
65 paragraphs, as filed
<u>TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION</u>
The present invention relates to a transponder appropriately designed for use on a metal structure or, more in general, on an electrically conductive structure.
<u>STATE OF THE ART</u>
Setting up a technologically advanced installation, such as a ground system, a submarine, etc., represents an enormous investment on the part of the owner, who, to safeguard his investment, often requests that the manufacturer or installation firm also provide for high-level, long-term servicing of the installation. In fact, it is not unusual for a technologically advanced installation to continue operating well past its time, e.g. even 40 years after it is installed, thanks to continual technological updating of the original installation structure.
Servicing an installation normally comprises: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>repairs;</li><li>spare parts supply;</li><li>customized installation programming and updating;</li><li>running the installation;</li><li>training of installation technicians;</li><li>integration with the owner's existing equipment or servicing procedures.</li></ul>
Servicing involves working in collaboration with installation technicians, which means devising, in conjunction with installation technicians, appropriate processes to maximize efficiency and prompt service, and to keep track of the work carried out and the equipment installed, so that the exact configuration of the installation is known at all times. In other words, the manufacturer or installation firm must maintain full control over the servicing chain, in the sense of knowing exactly the configuration of the installation and the availability of spare parts and servicing material.
A computer network is a definite and indispensable aid to all aspects of servicing work, by constructing and maintaining a centralized data bank constituting an inventory of parts and elementary units (LRU - "Logic Replaceable Unit") of which the installation is composed. A centralized data bank, however, is only effective to the extent that the data in it is correct, updated and reliable.
The parts and elementary units of an installation are identified using various identification systems, one of the cheapest of which is based on the use of bar codes. More specifically, an unequivocal bar code is assigned to each part and each elementary unit in the installation, and is normally printed on a label applied to the respective installation part or elementary unit.
A bar code system, however, is not the best or most efficient solution to the above problems, for the following main reasons: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>the enormous number of references involved, and the complex, variable, and, very often, unique nature of the elementary units associated with the references; a bar code system therefore calls for continually producing and applying different labels, and for appropriate printers, thus increasing running costs (labels, ribbons, maintenance).</li><li>in non-industrial environments, reading bar code labels is intentional, and is therefore performed manually by the operator on a portable terminal;</li><li>remote bar code reading is only possible using highly complex systems (multiple or robotized readers);</li><li>bar codes are read sequentially (one at a time), so that inventories take longer;</li><li>a bar code has no memory, the only information being the code reading, which is decoded by access to the data bank; and</li><li>to be changed, a bar code label must be physically replaced.</li></ul>
The drawbacks of the bar code system can be eliminated using a known RFid ("Radio Frequency Identification") system, which is based on the use of radiofrequency tags known as "tag transponders" or, more simply, "transponders", which are applied to respective elementary units for identification.
As shown in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, a transponder 101 typically comprises a microchip 102 having an electronic memory (not shown); and a normally miniaturized antenna 103. In actual use, transponder 101 is excited, via antenna 103, by the electromagnetic field generated by an external (fixed or portable) RFid read/write device 104, with which it dialogues by radio, and to which it returns the identification code and/or any other information memorized in microchip 102. The external RFid read/write device 104 is normally connectable to a computer device 105 for collecting the identification code and/or any other memorized information.
Transponder 101 also comprises a capacitor (not shown), in which case, transponder 101 is passive, or a small battery (not shown), in which case, transponder 101 is active. Transponder 101 may also be rewritable, for remote programming with additional data, or for complete reprogramming with a new "identity".
<figref idref="f0001">Figure 2</figref> shows a few examples of transponders 101 of different sizes, which depend on performance requirements, and on the size of the elementary units to which they are applied.
RFid technology provides for solving almost all the drawbacks of bar codes, in that each transponder: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>identifies a respective part or elementary unit of the installation with an unequivocal code memorized in its microchip, and is capable of acquiring and memorizing additional data and making it available substantially in real time;</li><li>is of the desired shape and size, and can be covered with appropriate material for the type of operation involved;</li></ul><ul id="ul0004" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>can be reused, in production or logistics, to perform an infinite number of read/write operations;</li><li>unlike bar code labels, can be used in any environment, i.e. in the presence of dirt, water, detergents, paint, chemical solvents, and high temperature;</li><li>is readable even when concealed, in inaccessible conditions, free-handedly, and unattended;</li><li>is recommended when the respective installation part or component is "followed" by additional data, and so involves memorizing and/or reading data relating, for example, to work progress, maintenance work carried out, tracking, product tracing or authentication (imitation prevention : cannot be photocopied); and</li><li>prevents theft, with the provision of appropriate security thresholds.</li></ul>
Notwithstanding all this, inventory work is hampered, and inventory data made outdated, by a whole host of installation configuration changes that are difficult to trace. Outdated inventory data, in particular, can be attributed to the type of installation and the maintenance work carried out, for example: <ul id="ul0005" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>remote installation that cannot be moved for reasons of security or non-stop service;</li><li>emergency configuration repairs and changes;</li><li>configuration changes made by installation operatives without informing the Service Department;</li><li>inaccessible installation, e.g. stationed in military or reserved areas.</li></ul>
Moreover, the RFid identification system is affected by transponder read noise - particularly in the case of passive transponders - caused by numerous situations, in which the magnetic component of the electromagnetic field generated by the RFid read/write device is distorted or attenuated to the point of drastically reducing the energy absorbed by the transponder antenna. More specifically, transponder reading is disturbed by: <ul id="ul0006" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>reflection of the electromagnetic field on metal walls or walls made of electrically conducting material in the vicinity of the transponder ("echo" effect);</li><li>distortion of the electromagnetic field flux lines, caused by the presence of metal or electrically conducting material in the vicinity of the transponder;</li><li>the presence of pole fluids (such as distilled water) which absorb the magnetic component; and</li><li>parasitic capacitances introduced by metal walls of installation parts or elementary units, to which the transponder is fitted.</li></ul>
The presence of metal in the vicinity of the transponder, in particular, impairs the signal/noise S/N ratio of the transponder to the extent of making the transponder unsuitable for use close to electronic circuits, which greatly increase ambient electromagnetic noise.
<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US2004075616A1"><text>US 2004/075616 A1</text></patcit> discloses an antenna for RFID which can be mounted directly on the surface of a management object without using a spacer whatever material the surface of the object might be made of. This antenna for RFID is electrically connected with an IC chip or capacitor and mounted on an article. The antenna for RFID comprises a conductive member formed into a flat plate and mounted on the article at its back and a coil body fixed directly or with a predetermined spacing on a conductive member, spirally wound and having such a number of turns or a diameter that it has a predetermined characteristics value in the wound state.
<u>OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION</u>
It is an object of the present invention to provide a transponder appropriately manufactured for assembly to a metal or more in general electrically conductive structure in an installation, and which provides for eliminating the aforementioned drawbacks.
According to the present invention, a method of manufacturing a transponder intended to be assembled to an electrically conductive structure and of assembling the transponder to the electrically conductive structure, and an assembly comprising an electrically conductive structure and a transponder so manufactured, are provided as claimed in the appended claims.
<u>BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS</u>
A preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter by way of example with reference to the following accompanying drawings, in which: <ul id="ul0007" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> shows an RFid-technology identification system;</li><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 2</figref> shows examples of transponders of different sizes;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref> shows a schematic of grouping of elementary units in an installation;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Figure 4</figref> shows a configuration of an installation and of a relative remote acquisition system;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Figures 5 and 6</figref> show different parts of the configuration of the installation and of the relative part of the remote acquisition system shown in <figref idref="f0003">Figure 4</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0005">Figure 7</figref> shows a block diagram of a passive transponder manufactured in accordance with the present invention and which is part of the remote acquisition system shown in <figref idref="f0004">Figures 5 and 6</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">Figure 8</figref> shows a detail of the block diagram in <figref idref="f0005">Figure 7</figref>; and</li><li><figref idref="f0006">Figure 9</figref> shows an equivalent circuit representation of the detail in <figref idref="f0006">Figure 8</figref>.</li></ul>
<u>DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION</u>
The present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to an automatic remote acquisition system for determining the configuration of an installation, and the features of which that will be disclosed with reference to <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">Figures 1 to 6</figref> are not part of the invention and represent a background for understanding the invention.
The automatic remote acquisition system for determining the configuration of an installation - hereinafter referred to simply as STC system - observes the following guide lines: <ul id="ul0008" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>use of "open" technology to permit system scalability, maintenance, and incremental growth;</li><li>modular construction for smooth migration to future technology;</li><li>use of standard interface and connectivity solutions to permit integration in the installation of additional COTS ("Commercial Off The Shelf") equipment of different makes;</li><li>use of state-of-the-art COTS components; and</li><li>low running cost.</li></ul>
An installation 1 (<figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref>) normally comprises a number of different types of elementary units 2 (<figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref>), such as radars, display equipment, dedicated computers, work stations, etc., which may also differ as to version or degree of customization. Elementary units 2 are assigned respective identification codes, which are grouped into varying configurations defining subsystems incorporated in further, more complex higher-level, subsystems according to a specific multilevel hierarchical structure.
The <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref> example shows grouping of the identification codes, and therefore of the relative elementary units 2, in a four-level hierarchical structure organized by devices 3, cabinets 4, and control rooms 5. At the top of the hierarchical structure, control rooms 5 are connected to a central control device 6 comprising a central data bank 7, e.g. a SAP database, for storing and updating information concerning the configuration of installation 1.
<figref idref="f0003">Figure 4</figref> shows one configuration of installation 1 associated with a control room 5 (<figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref>), and which comprises a first number of four cabinets 4, each housing a number of devices forming part of a first main family of devices hereinafter referred to as standard devices 3a; and a second number of three containers 8, each housing a device forming part of a second family of devices hereinafter referred to as non-standard devices 3b.
Standard devices 3a are of standard shape and size, and comprise basic elementary units 2 typically organized by cabinets 4 and hereinafter indicated 2a. <figref idref="f0004">Figure 5</figref> shows an example of a cabinet 4 comprising a number of racks 9 for supporting respective standard devices 3a, each in turn comprising a respective number of elementary units 2a.
<figref idref="f0004">Figure 6</figref> shows a non-standard device 3b, which comprises heterogeneous elementary units 2 - such as displays, power supplies, junction-box plates, antennas, TWT devices, mass storage units, customized electronic boards, interfaces, COTS systems, etc. - housed in a relative container 8 normally difficult to access and inspect, and which are hereinafter indicated 2b.
It should be pointed out that no clear distinction exists between standard and non-standard devices 3a and 3b, which may alternate within the levels of the <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref> hierarchical structure.
With reference to <figref idref="f0003">Figure 4</figref>, number 10 indicates the STC system for control room 5. STC system 10 comprises an automatic identification system 11 based on RFid transponder technology to read and/or modify identification data - including the identification code mentioned previously - relative to elementary units 2a, 2b (<figref idref="f0004">Figures 5 and 6</figref>) of installation 1; a data gathering and management system 12 for gathering and organizing data read and/or modified by identification system 11; said central data bank 7 located remotely with respect to installation 1 and for memorizing and updating identification data of all elementary units 2a, 2b alongside configuration changes to installation 1; and a data transmission system 13 for data exchange between data gathering and management system 12 and central data bank 7.
Identification system 11, data gathering and management system 12, and data transmission system 13 substantially reflect the <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref> hierarchical structure, and are technologically interdependent, in the sense that technological choices for one affect the others.
In addition to all the identification data of elementary units 2a, 2b of installation 1, central data bank 7 also memorizes and updates information concerning the hierarchical grouping structure (<figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref>) of such identification data, so as to form a pool of information available for any servicing of installation 1.
With reference to <figref idref="f0004">Figures 5 and 6</figref>, identification system 11 comprises a number of passive transponders 14, each fitted to, and for memorizing the identification data of, a respective elementary unit 2a, 2b of installation 1.
Passive transponders 14 operate to ISO/IEC standard 15693, i.e. operate at a nominal radiofrequency F1 of 13.56 MHz, and have a memory capacity M1 of 1 Kbit to 2 Kbytes and a read range D1 of 10 to 120 cm.
As shown in <figref idref="f0004">Figure 5</figref>, for each rack 9 of cabinet 4, identification system 11 comprises a substantially straight antenna 15, which has an internal impedance of 50 ohms, is 19" long, has a respective antenna output 16, and is mounted longitudinally, by a Velcro fastener (not shown), to a side 17 of respective rack 9. Passive transponders 14 are mounted to walls 18 of respective elementary units 2a facing side 17 of rack 9, so as to facilitate electromagnetic coupling of antenna 15 and passive transponders 14, and so facilitate reading and writing of passive transponders 14.
As shown in <figref idref="f0004">Figure 5</figref>, identification system 11 also comprises a control unit 19 integrated in each cabinet 4, and for reading and/or modifying the identification data of elementary units 2a memorized in respective passive transponders 14 in cabinet 4, and for transferring said data between passive transponders 14 in cabinet 4 and data gathering and management system 12 (<figref idref="f0003">Figure 4</figref>).
More specifically, control unit 19 comprises an antenna multiplexer device 20 having a number of input ports 21, each connected to a respective antenna output 16 by a respective coaxial cable 22; an RFid read/write device 23, for passive transponders 14, output-connected to antenna multiplexer device 20 and for controlling antennas 15, via antenna multiplexer device 20, one at a time in rotation according to an interrogation cycle having a minimum switching time of 1 msec; and a microcontroller 24 output-connected to RFid read/write device 23 to transfer the identification data of elementary units 2a in cabinet 4 between respective passive transponders 14 and data gathering and management system 12 (<figref idref="f0003">Figure 4</figref>) at each interrogation cycle. Control unit 19 is connected to data gathering and management system 12 (<figref idref="f0003">Figure 4</figref>) over a respective coaxial output cable 25.
With reference to <figref idref="f0003">Figure 4</figref>, identification system 11 comprises a number of active transponders 26, each fitted to container 8 of a respective non-standard device 3b, and for memorizing an inventory of elementary units 2b of non-standard device 3b. The inventory is constructed on the basis of the identification data of elementary units 2b memorized in respective passive transponders 14.
Active transponders 26 operate at a nominal radiofrequency F2 of 868 MHz, have a memory capacity M2 greater than memory capacity M1 - more specifically, of up to 64 Kbytes - and have a read range D2 greater than read range D1 - more specifically, of 6 to 100 m.
Identification system 11 also comprises at least one updating unit 27 (<figref idref="f0004">Figure 6</figref>) for updating the inventories of elementary units 2b of non-standard devices 3b, memorized in respective active transponders 26, with the identification data of all the elementary units 2b memorized in respective passive transponders 14. For which purpose, updating unit 27 has an RFid read/write device (not shown) for passive transponders 14, and an RFid read/write device (not shown) for active transponders 26.
In a further embodiment (not shown), updating unit 27 is portable, i.e. is incorporated, for example, in a portable computer (PDA).
As shown in <figref idref="f0003">Figure 4</figref>, identification system 11 also comprises an RFid read/write device 28, for active transponders 26, located in a fixed position at a distance from non-standard devices 3b of no more than maximum read range D2, to read and/or modify the inventory data of elementary units 2b of non-standard devices 3b memorized in respective active transponders 26.
With reference to <figref idref="f0003">Figure 4</figref>, data gathering and management system 12 comprises an Ethernet local communication network (LAN) 29 having a repeater device (LAN hub) 30 connected to output cables 25 of control units 19 integrated in cabinets 4; and a host 31 associated with control room 5 and loaded with a program for managing and automating acquisition of the identification data of elementary units 2a, 2b. Host 31 is connected to repeater device 30, to RFid read/write device 28, and to data transmission system 13, to transfer the identification data acquired by identification system 11 to data transmission system 13.
In another further embodiment (not shown), local communication network 29 is a wireless type (WiFi), i.e. operating to IEEE standard 802.11b/g. More specifically, control units 19 (<figref idref="f0004">Figure 5</figref>) integrated in cabinets 4 are provided, at the output, with respective WiFi transceivers for radio connection to a WiFi access device ("Access Point") connected to host 31. The access device thus defines a wireless access network with "hot spot" radio coverage.
Data transmission system 13 is bidirectional, in that data must flow to central data bank 7, but peripheral updating must also be possible of the identification data memorized in individual passive transponders 14.
As shown in <figref idref="f0003">Figure 4</figref>, data transmission system 13 comprises a fixed telecommunication network 32, e.g. a telephone network; a wide-band network, or any other type of fixed network, connected directly to host 31 over a modem or network board; a radio telecommunication network 33, such as a GPRS, UMTS, satellite network, etc., to which host 31 is connected by a GPRS, UMTS or satellite board; and a portable computer 34 connectable to host 31 and to central data bank 7 by standard communication ports, e.g. RS232, USB, etc., to carry the identification data when fixed telecommunication network 32 and radio telecommunication network 33 cannot be used.
<figref idref="f0005">Figure 7</figref> shows a block diagram of the passive transponder 14 used in STC system 10. Passive transponder 14 comprises an antenna 35 designed to guarantee read range D1; a memory 36 having an EEPROM microchip of memory capacity M1 to memorize the identification data of respective elementary unit 2; a digital control block 37 for controlling reading and writing of data in memory 36; and a radiofrequency analog block, hereinafter referred to simply as RF block 38, connected between antenna 35 and digital control block 37 to demodulate and modulate the radiofrequency signals received by and transmitted to antenna 35 respectively.
RF block 38 in turn comprises a demodulating unit 39; a modulating unit 40; a synchronizing unit 41 for generating a synchronous clock signal required for operation of digital control block 37; and a power unit 42 for converting part of the power of the radiofrequency signal received by antenna 35 into direct-voltage power for supply to all the active electronic circuits of passive transponder 14.
<figref idref="f0006">Figure 8</figref> shows a detail of RF block 38, and in particular a block diagram of power unit 42, which comprises a matching network 43 connected downstream from antenna 35; a voltage multiplier 44 cascade-connected to matching network 43; and a voltage regulator 45 cascade-connected to voltage multiplier 44 and having a direct-voltage power output 46.
With reference to <figref idref="f0006">Figure 9</figref>, matching network 43 comprises an LC circuit 47 connected directly to antenna 35 to form a resonant circuit with a resonance frequency equal, in operating conditions, to nominal radiofrequency F1. In <figref idref="f0006">Figure 9</figref>, in fact, antenna 35 is represented by an equivalent circuit 48 connected to LC circuit 47 to form an antenna resonant circuit.
When passive transponder 14 is fitted to a wall of elementary unit 2a, 2b made of metal or electrically conducting material, a parasitic capacitance generates between the metal wall and passive transponder 14, which parasitic capacitance adds to the capacitance C of the LC circuit, and reduces the resonance frequency by an amount - hereinafter referred to as frequency shift FS - depending on the type of material. Capacitance C and inductance L values are designed to bring the freely operating resonance frequency, i.e. in the absence of the metal wall, to a value of : <maths id="math0001" num=""><math display="block"><mi mathvariant="normal">F</mi><mo></mo><mn>1</mn><mo>+</mo><mi mathvariant="normal">F</mi><mo></mo><mi mathvariant="normal">S</mi></math><img file="EP2242008B1_D0001.tif" /></maths> so that, in operating conditions, i.e. when fitted to the metal wall, passive transponder 14 can actually operate at a resonance frequency equal to nominal radiofrequency F1.
"Programmed" frequency shift FS and subsequent realignment, in operating conditions, with nominal value F1 improve the signal/noise S/N ratio of passive transponder 14, i.e. provide for a signal/noise S/N ratio of values typical of operation in high-immunity conditions to ambient electromagnetic noise. Which means passive transponders 14 may even be fitted to elementary units 2a, 2b comprising working electronic circuits, i.e. in the presence of severe electromagnetic noise.
By simply making, and applying passive transponder 14 to, a cross-shaped incision (not shown) on the metal wall of elementary unit 2a, 2b, tests have shown an increase in magnetic coupling between antenna 35 of passive transponder 14 and the antenna of an RFid read/write device 23 interrogating passive transponder 14. This is explained as follows.
Antenna 35 of passive transponder 14 typically comprises a number of metal, substantially complete turns of appropriate length and wound parallel to an antenna plane normally parallel to the metal wall to which passive transponder 14 is applied. The field lines magnetically coupling antenna 35 of passive transponder 14 and the antenna of RFid read/write device 23 (<figref idref="f0004">Figure 5</figref>) travel through the turns of antenna 15 perpendicularly to the antenna plane, and are therefore cut by the metal wall. This distortion in magnetic coupling reduces the radiofrequency energy transferred from RFid read/write device 23 to passive transponder 14. In other words, the metal wall amounts to a virtual turn closely coupled magnetically to antenna 35 of passive transponder 14, and antenna 35 and the metal wall combine to actually form a virtual transformer, the primary circuit of which is defined by antenna 35, and the secondary circuit of which is defined by the short-circuited virtual turn, on which most of the radiofrequency energy transmitted by RFid read/write device 23 is dissipated.
Making such a cross-shaped incision on the metal wall, at the point at which antenna 15 of passive transponder 14 is located, therefore opens the virtual turn, thus improving magnetic coupling between antenna 15 of passive transponder 14 and the RFid read/write device 23.
With reference to <figref idref="f0003">Figures 4</figref>, <figref idref="f0004">5 and 6</figref>, to update central data bank 7 with the data of all the elementary units 2 of installation 1, this is done as follows.
Data gathering and management system 12 activates host 31 to interrogate control units 19 in cabinets 4 and the RFid read/write device 28 associated with control room 5.
Control unit 19 in each cabinet 4 responds by performing an interrogation cycle - in particular, a read cycle - to read, over relative antennas 15, the identification data of all of elementary units 2a memorized in respective passive transponders 14 in cabinet 4.
RFid read/write device 28, on the other hand, reads the inventories of elementary units 2b of non-standard devices 3b directly from all the active transponders 26. The information in the inventories memorized in active transponders 26 is kept updated by updating unit 27 with the identification data of elementary units 2b memorized in respective passive transponders 14.
At this point, host 31 gathers the identification data read from passive transponders 14 in cabinets 4 and from active transponders 26, and organizes it for transfer over data transmission system 13 to central data bank 7, thus permitting remote, automatic acquisition of the configuration of installation 1.
STC system 10 has the following main advantages: <ul id="ul0009" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>it provides, in practically one read and/or write operation, for interrogating all the passive transponders 14 and active transponders 26 substantially simultaneously, thus permitting fast, automatic, remote, collision-free identification of all the elementary units 2a, 2b of installation 1;</li><li>it can be applied to any configuration of installation 1, in terms of combinations of active transponders 26 and passive transponders 14;</li><li>each transponder may contain the history of a given elementary unit 2a, 2b, e.g. specific authorization of divisions or individuals to work on the unit, material and organizational flow involved in producing, marketing and supplying the unit, etc.; and</li><li>technical documentation and spare parts catalogues, nowadays mostly available in electronic form, may be used to provide operatives and maintenance personnel of installation 1 with the exact configuration of installation 1 in terms of installed elementary units 2.</li></ul>
STC system 10 also has the following further advantages: <ul id="ul0010" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>it eliminates or at least reduces the effect of parasitic capacitances between passive transponder 14 and the metal walls of elementary units 2a, 2b of installation 1, to which passive transponder 14 is fitted;</li><li>it reduces the signal/noise S/N ratio of passive transponder 14 to values enabling passive transponder 14 to be applied to functioning electronic circuits; and</li><li>it improves magnetic coupling between antenna 35 of passive transponder 14 and the antenna of the interrogating RFid read/write device 23.</li></ul>
7 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7
9 priority claims, no other members on record
Priority claims9
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| TO20050350 | Italy | A | |
| TO20050350 | Italy | A | |
| TO20050350 | Italy | – | |
| 05778893 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A | |
| 05778893 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A | |
| 057788937 | – | – | – |
| EP20050778893 | – | – | – |
| IT2005TO00350 | – | – | – |
| TO20050350 | – | – | – |
78 legal events, as 10 offices reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | Office | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]GrantedPGFP | PGFP | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Announcement of lapse in spainLapsedFD2A | FD2A | ES | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal feeCeasedGBPC | GBPC | EP | |
| Application deemed withdrawn, or ip right lapsed, due to non-payment of renewal feeWithdrawnR119 | R119 | DE | |
| Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]GrantedPGFP | PGFP | EP | |
| Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]GrantedPGFP | PGFP | EP | |
| Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]GrantedPGFP | PGFP | EP | |
| Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]GrantedPGFP | PGFP | EP | |
| Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]GrantedPGFP | PGFP | EP | |
| Fee paymentPLFP | PLFP | FR | |
| Fee paymentPLFP | PLFP | FR | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Fee paymentPLFP | PLFP | FR | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Patent lapsedLapsedMM4A | MM4A | IE | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| No opposition filed against granted patent, or epo opposition proceedings concluded without decisionGrantedR097 | R097 | DE | |
| No opposition filedOpposition26N | 26N | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| No opposition filed within time limitOppositionORIGINAL CODE: 0009261PLBE | PLBE | EP | |
| Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patentGrantedSTATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMITSTAA | STAA | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| No opposition filed against granted patent, or epo opposition proceedings concluded without decisionGrantedR097 | R097 | DE | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Invalidated european patentMG4D | MG4D | LT | |
| Change of the address of the representativeNEW ADDRESS: HOLBEINSTRASSE 36-38, 4051 BASEL (CH)PCAR | PCAR | CH | |
| Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]LapsedPG25 | PG25 | EP | |
| Discontinued in the netherlands as no translation has been filedVDEP | VDEP | NL | |
| Deletion acc. to par. 5 (withdrawal of the translation of the ep patent)MK05 | MK05 | AT | |
| Definitive protectionFG2A | FG2A | ES | |
| New agentNV | NV | CH | |
| Dpma publication of mentioned ep patent grantGrantedR096 | R096 | DE | |
| European patents granted designating irelandGrantedFG4D | FG4D | IE | |
| Reference to at number (ep patent validated in austria)REF | REF | AT | |
| European patent takes effect as a national patent in ch/liEP | EP | CH | |
| Divisional application: reference to earlier applicationAC | AC | EP | |
| Designated contracting statesAK | AK | EP | |
| European patent grantedGrantedFG4D | FG4D | GB | |
| Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)RAP1 | RAP1 | EP | |
| (expected) grantORIGINAL CODE: 0009210GRAA | GRAA | EP | |
| Grant fee paidORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3GRAS | GRAS | EP | |
| Intention to grant announcedINTG | INTG | EP | |
| Information provided on ipc code assigned before grantRIC1 | RIC1 | EP | |
| Information provided on ipc code assigned before grantRIC1 | RIC1 | EP | |
| Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patentORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1GRAP | GRAP | EP | |
| Amendment of ipc main classPREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: G06K0019077000R079 | R079 | DE | |
| First examination report despatched17Q | 17Q | EP | |
| Request for examination filed17P | 17P | EP | |
| Designated contracting statesAK | AK | EP | |
| Information provided on ipc code assigned before grantRIC1 | RIC1 | EP | |
| Search report despatchedORIGINAL CODE: 0009013PUAL | PUAL | EP | |
| Divisional application: reference to earlier applicationAC | AC | EP | |
| Designated contracting statesAK | AK | EP | |
| Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phaseORIGINAL CODE: 0009012PUAI | PUAI | EP |
Numbers
- Publication
- 2242008
- Publication, DOCDB
- 2242008
- Publication, EPODOC
- EP2242008
- Application
- 101722437
- Application, DOCDB
- 10172243
- Application, EPODOC
- EP20100172243
Titles3
- German
- Zur Verwendung auf einer Metallstruktur konzipierter Transponder
- English
- Transponder designed for use on a metal structure
- French
- Transpondeur conçu pour une utilisation sur une structure métallique
Classification
- CPC, 8
- G06K19/07758
- G06K17/00
- G06K19/0723
- G06K19/0726
- G06K19/07749
- G06K19/0776
- G06K19/07771
- Y10T29/49016
- IPC, 2
- G06K19 07
- G06K19 077
Designated states31
- Contracting states, 31
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Switzerland
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Germany
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Spain
- Finland
- France
- United Kingdom
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Iceland
- Italy
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Latvia
- Monaco
- Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
and 7 moreShow fewer
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Sweden
- Slovenia
- Slovakia
- Türkiye
