System for controlling and monitoring article distribution

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Industrial application field]

The present invention transmits and receives data to and from a first unit that possesses a programmable storage that indicates the type, destination and other item-specific data of the item and is fixedly connected to the item or its shipping container. It relates to a system that manages and monitors the distribution of goods and products, including a second unit that has a storage circuit and communicates with the first unit, and an evaluation unit that evaluates transmitted / received data.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Numerous systems are known that semi-automatically or fully automatically monitor the transportation, storage or preparation of goods, for example in the distribution of goods, at least in temporary storage. This work is performed, for example, on the shipping container of the product, using a data carrier with a target address, and when the shipping container passes, the target address is read and the transportation route is adjusted so as to finally reach the target address. This is done in the case of an internal drive transfer facility that loads and unloads products at a data station (see Western German Patent No. 30 10 637).

【0003】

According to West German Patent No. 25 08 201, a device for receiving and delivering a transport container without contact is known. These devices are connected to transmitters and receivers, each with a programmable data storage. The transmitter / receiver is externally energized by high frequency power transmission, queried, and sends data to an external data receiver, such as product-specific data, product type, and information about the owner or buyer. The received data is inventoried by the central evaluation unit.

【0004】

Finally, passive identification cards with integrated circuits that store the cardholder's unique data, similar in shape and appearance to the Eurosec card, are known (see West German Patent No. 3143 915). Access to and modification of these data can be made using a calling device and answering device via a fixed position external computer, and if the identification card is known, data communication is performed wirelessly. Further, for the identification card, the transmitting / receiving unit is equipped with a microwave transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. Such an identification card is used, for example, as a balance sheet, a certificate of a company having traffic control, an insurance certificate, or the like.

【0005】

Both of these systems take into account the partial situation of goods distribution. However, the transportation or packaging of goods and goods in containers should be continuously monitored and managed from the manufacturer of the product to the consumer of the product, especially with respect to product liability and risk liability, and in the sense of the goods transportation system of the national economy. Request. Since the transportation system of goods and products has been carried out in the so-called open system, which is often impossible to document seamlessly from the manufacturer to the consumer in the normal market, regarding the management and technical transportation process. In particular, it is desirable to seamlessly prove the danger of the ring. Semi-automatic or fully automatic driving guidance systems are also known in rail traffic in a partial manner with respect to target locations, virtually only for internal transport equipment. Other than that, shipping documents are mostly used for business proof. In this case, unreliable intervention in the transportation of goods is possible and cannot be virtually eliminated by the available systems.

【0006】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

The object of the present invention is to further develop a system for managing and monitoring the distribution of goods and products of the type mentioned at the beginning, which enables seamless control of the distribution of goods and makes unreliable intervention difficult with this distribution. It is in.

【0007】

[Means for solving problems]

In the case of a system that manages and monitors the distribution of goods and products belonging to the types mentioned at the beginning by the present invention, the above problem has the following configuration. a) The first unit (1) detects, stores, and displays the instantaneous state of the computer (11), sensor (13) and distribution process and / or goods as a management / monitoring unit (14). Own and b) The second unit (2) is formed as an active and programmable storage card (2) of an integrated circuit (31-34) having data and a program storage (33), and the integrated circuit sends and receives data. Connect to the management / monitoring unit (1) via the interface (31) c) The solution is to provide the evaluation unit (3) with the interface (42,52,62,72) of the storage card (2).

【0008】

[Action]

Therefore, the first unit as a management / monitoring unit is fixed to the goods to be distributed or the container to be transported. In this unit, a sensor and an effector are further arranged in addition to the computer. Using these members, the instantaneous state of the distribution process is displayed, stored, and in some cases notified.

【0009】

Access to this management / monitoring unit is only possible using an active programmable storage card as the second unit. In this case, the corresponding code confirms that only authorized persons can access the data of all units.

【0010】

The evaluation unit as the third unit is equipped with a storage card reading circuit that is stored in it, communicates with the data continued by the management / monitoring unit, is read, and is summarized in the protocol of the distribution process. ..

【0011】

The entire system, and especially the management / monitoring unit, can be incorporated as the smallest structural unit according to the structural mode of the microsystem.

【0012】

The management / monitoring unit can be freely equipped with a standardized interface for data communication with, for example, a storage card, equipped with various sensors and effectors according to usage, and is compactly sealed so that it can be programmed for various functions. It's a box. This management / monitoring unit should be designed to be as unobtrusive as possible and the container should be reinforced and installed. That is, it should be invisible and difficult to approach. This is especially true for the components of the management and monitoring unit. They retain or process important data about the product or goods. That is, for example, a computer. Of course, the interface that allows you to insert an active storage card is freely accessible. Memory cards can be formed to match the actively programmable cards mentioned above. This card is used not only for data access to the management and monitoring unit, but also as a replacement for traditional invoices and shipping documents. Therefore, it is used as an electronic shipping document and is used as such. This substitute can be used, for example, to answer or underwrite or express a transportation process, and to enter the instantaneous state of the transportation process displayed by the management / monitoring unit, for example, the alarm state, or within the jurisdiction. The state of the product can be documented. For the sender or recipient of the goods to be distributed, the pre-process of the distribution process can be documented via the recording card. That is, for example, goods are handed over from trucks to rail traffic. In this case, data, persons involved, etc. are given at the same time. Similarly, a reading of the product stored on the storage card and the previous instantaneous state of the distribution process is communicated to each owner of the storage card with the help of the evaluation unit. That is, for example, it conveys that the alarm state or the limit value has been exceeded in the unlikely event. Therefore, the storage card not only replaces the document of supply, but also gives more information and more management potential.

【0013】

A third unit, the evaluation unit, can be used, for example, to read the data stored in the management and monitoring units by the time the person responsible for transportation has delivered each time the goods to be transported are forwarded. , Can be documented as evidence of the burden. The recipient of the goods examines the data stored during the entire working time of the distribution process on his side, whether the limit is exceeded within this distribution process, and who transports it during the distribution process. You can check if you are responsible for the item. This third unit can be a portable quick-view unit for handling goods faster and managing the distribution process. Such a portable unit can also carry a printer. This printer can be used to print items associated with the distribution process, such as time, management, monitoring results, speed of transport, etc.

【0014】

The storage device in the management / monitoring unit and the storage device in the storage card are programmed by the program unit. This allows for the particularly necessary steps and disassembly processes and the monitoring criteria in the distribution aisle. Even in this case, a coding circuit is prepared because only the responsible person can program it. These individuals are only involved in the initial coding and are a top priority given that this is at risk.

【0015】

The system according to the invention can be extended, in particular by modules, such as sensors, safety modules or position modules that can be incorporated at the point of accumulation of goods, such as transport monitoring and release signals or signals relating to being above the limit. When these monitoring signals are output, the effector issues a corresponding alarm. Similarly, position modules are also conceivable. These modules are placed directly on the item or container to be distributed with the management / monitoring unit and always transmit the position coordinates of these containers. Therefore, the route of the goods to be transported can be continuously monitored. This type of safety module and location module can also be used to protect personal property such as containers, baggage, passenger cars, etc. This position module can be used as a long-time function module even in a closed circuit.

【0016】

Further, for example, a transmission module equipped with a laser, infrared, acoustic or optical transmitter / receiver is included. These modules are built into the management / monitoring unit. The transmission module is programmed through the interface of the management / monitoring unit. For example, when a truck transporting a container with a monitoring / monitoring unit comes near the entrance to a gate, near a boundary, or generally near a so-called central monitoring platform, the central monitoring platform will provide the corresponding receiving circuit and, in some cases, the transmitting circuit. As long as it has, the container can be identified via the transmit module itself.

【0017】

Automatic position units and safety units can also be used for dangerous items, again improving surveillance.

【0018】

Further, a large number of management / monitoring units can be connected to each other via a minibus structure, for example, a bus of optical conductors. Data for many items or containers can be read via a common bus. In that case, it is possible to write the data to the storage of each monitoring / management unit by specifying the address. This makes it possible to monitor by an effector or a display unit in the driver's cab of a transport train, for example.

【0019】

Other configurations of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims.

【0020】

[Example]

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

【0021】

The systems that manage and monitor the distribution of goods are, as shown in Figure 1, the first unit 1, the management and monitoring unit, the second unit 2, the actively programmable storage card, and the third unit 3, the evaluation. It is composed of a unit and a fourth peripheral unit, that is, a program unit that can be accessed via the initial code unit 4a. The management / monitoring unit 1 is fixed to the transport container 5 of the item 6 to be transported, for example, near the base of the transport container. This management / monitoring unit includes a computer 11 equipped with a data storage device, a program storage device, and a real-time clock. This computer is connected to the input / output unit 12. In addition, a sensor 13, an effector 14, and an identification unit 15 are also equipped.

【0022】

The sensor 13 can be applied to mechanical loads on the goods to be transported, such as acceleration or pressure, climatic loads such as temperature and humidity, chemical loads such as odors, steam, etc., and goods to be transported. Measure other important factors.

【0023】

The effector 14, which cooperates with the sensor 13, exhibits the functional characteristics of various components of the transport system, or acoustically when it exceeds a predetermined limit value, for example, a time limit or a limit value related to the mechanical load of the goods to be transported. Or issue an optical alarm.

【0024】

A computer 11 equipped with a data storage device, a program storage device, and a real-time clock can handle only an authorized person such as a sender or a recipient. This can be done with the help of the handling code. This code can be used to start, stop and modify the progress of a program, the distribution process. Is the individual code to the person and to the transport route actually programmed via the program unit 4 and the initial coder 4a and erased through the initial coder only by an authorized third party? , Or a new input. Here, the limit value of each transported item required for monitoring is also input.

【0025】

The role of the computer with the components of the system is to describe all the parameters that are considered important during the operation of the transported goods, using data and time. This is, for example, when a certain limit is exceeded, how long it is exceeded, how long it takes to record or cancel an alert, or when responsibility is passed from one carrier to the other.

【0026】

The input / output unit is composed of three parts and has a card interface 21, a bus interface 22, and a module interface 23. In this case, the last two interfaces can be integrated into one common interface. Communication of the management / monitoring unit to the outside world is carried out exclusively through a standardized interface. The entire data can be written and read by the storage card 2 for programming, coding, monitoring and control of the management / monitoring unit 1. The management / monitoring unit 1 and here, in particular data processing members, in particular computers, in particular, are located at the insertion position of the transport container to avoid as much goods as possible or operations as much as possible.

【0027】

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, such a large number of management / monitoring units 1 are connected to a common bus 24 via the bus interface 22 when transporting a large number of transport containers 5 by vehicle or train. Collect in the central unit 25 of the so-called central monitoring unit. In this monitoring unit, the data of all management / monitoring units are collected and integrated in some cases. The central monitoring unit 25 can reduce the passage management of the entire transported goods of a certain transit station, for example. The data bus 24 is, for example, an optical conductor bus. Through this common data bus of the individual management / monitoring unit, for example, the central monitoring unit is notified of the alarm type or the alarm position of one of the transport containers. In addition, the above-mentioned sensor signals for the mechanical or climatic load of the consignment can also be centralized here. The power supply of the central monitoring unit is mainly performed via the data bus itself. For this power supply, a battery with a buffer battery is usually used in order to prevent data from being lost in the same way as for the power supply of the management / monitoring unit. In this case, the closed current circuit is excellent. A large number of management / monitoring units 1 can be approached to any management / monitoring unit 1 with the help of the storage card 2, regardless of whether or not they are commonly connected via one data bus 24.

【0028】

The identification unit 15 holds an attached shipping container and an identification code for the goods to be transported. The identification unit 15 is composed of, for example, an identification sensor including a barcode and a subsequent functional electronic circuit. The identification code required for the rapid transportation of goods due to the technical rotation concept is transferred online to the management / monitoring unit with the storage card 2. The identification code includes the product type, target location, sender and recipient names, etc., and at the same time is an input signal for the entire system regarding loading and unloading of shipping containers. Since the automatic identification unit is, in principle, an effector having a subsequent signal generator, it is, on the one hand, a signal stage for the external logic unit, and on the other hand, a signal stage for the internal management and monitoring of the product of the transportation route. As shown in FIG. 1, the data of the identification unit can not be simply written / read via the active storage card 2, but rather data communication between the evaluation unit 3 and the external calling unit 16 in signal contact is also possible. It is also possible that Similarly, the evaluation unit 3 described below can be transmitted to another portable quick-view unit 51.

【0029】

The storage card 2 is an access unit to the management / monitoring unit 1 and is an active coding unit. This card contains all the systems needed for an interbank online system. The storage card 2 has a computer 32, a program data storage 33, and an access code unit 34 in addition to the interface 31 as an input / output circuit. In this access coding unit, coding is performed for the user. This makes it possible to ensure a response, especially to the owners of the goods. The storage card 2 can be programmed from the outside through the interface 31 with the help of the program unit 4 and the initial code unit 4a. Data can also be input and output to the management / monitoring unit 1 via this interface. In addition, data can be exchanged for evaluation unit 3 through this interface.

【0030】

The evaluation unit 3 includes a fixed evaluation unit 41 having an interface 42 of the storage card 2 as a main component, a computer interface 43, and a basic program module of basic software. This block is connected to a computer 45 such as a personal computer. This device is used to read and process the entire data from storage card 2. Similarly, the program can be written to the storage card 2 via the computer 45. In addition to the fixed evaluation unit 41, there is also an interface 52 of the storage card 2 and a portable unit 51 connected to it, for example, which also has a graphic printer. This portable unit is formed in a pocket size as a so-called quick-view unit, and shows the actual management data to each person who handles it throughout the allocation process. This display is performed, for example, by a method of approval or disapproval.

【0031】

In addition, there is another fixed read-only unit 61. Since this unit can be handled at the work location of the personal computer 45 already described, ordinary peripheral devices such as screens, keyboards, printers, plotters, etc. can be used. This unit has a card interface 62, a computer interface 63, and a software module 64 for basic software related to documents. These units can process data stored based on existing and inputtable programs as available.

【0032】

Finally, there is also a BTX unit 71 with a card interface 72, a BTX interface and a software module 75 for documents. In this case, this unit is connected to the BTX terminal 75. With the corresponding improved card interface, the stored data can be displayed on the BTX terminal 75 and transmitted from there to other data stations.

【0033】

As shown in FIG. 1, each management / monitoring unit 1 can be further expanded by using, for example, an expansion module 81 for inputting operation records. These modules are connected via module interface 22 or combination interfaces 22, 23. These expansion modules may be, for example, plug-in type modules. The central monitoring unit 25 and the expansion module 81 enable the idea of grouping the entire management / monitoring unit.

【0034】

FIG. 3 shows three item wagons 91, each with a large number of transport containers 5. Each of these wagons is connected to one management / monitoring unit 1. All management / monitoring units are connected to each other via a single bus 24 and lead to the central monitoring unit 25. Similarly, FIG. 4 shows a truck 22 carrying a large number (three in this case) of transport containers 5. Each of these containers has one management / monitoring unit 1 and is connected to each other again via the data bus 24, and this data bus ends at the central monitoring unit 25. A part of the central monitoring unit, or in addition to the expansion module 81 described above, for example, the position / transmission module described above may be provided. The central monitoring unit collects data from the entire management / monitoring unit as much as necessary. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, as long as the central monitoring unit 94, which is also programmed with the data to be received by the gate 93, is provided, the track 92 itself passing through the gate 93 can be identified. If the truck is loaded with items other than those specified in advance, or if the truck is not loaded with the number of items specified in advance, the central monitoring unit issues an alarm. These central monitoring units switch to the next task, reporting and detecting the location of the transport container and the task. Similarly, in some cases, the central monitoring unit 93 compares the data from the expansion module 81 with the existing setting data.

【0035】

Figure 5 schematically shows the functional units of the management / monitoring unit 1. The basic unit 81 has, in effect, a computer that undertakes management, so-called household management, a data program storage, a real-time clock, a reading unit and an active storage card insertion unit. Therefore, the elements 11, 12, 21, 22 and 23 of unit 1 shown in FIG. The sensor circuit 13 includes a mechanical sensor system 82, a climate and temperature sensor system 83, and a chemical sensor system 84. These sensors can also be used to measure the weight of the goods to be transported, any impact on the goods, vibrations or the position of the goods to be transported, or to detect temperature, humidity and barometric pressure, or foul odors, gas generation, acids and alkaline solutions. .. The sensor circuit 13 is once connected to the basic unit 81, but for example, since it issues an alarm directly, it can also be connected to the effector unit 14. Since the identification unit 15 is also connected to the basic unit and the effector unit 14 again, some data of the goods to be transported can be displayed, for example, directly via the effector. An active storage card 2 that can be inserted into a portable quick-view unit 51 communicates with this basic unit in order to print data quickly.

【0036】

[Effect of the invention]

The advantage obtained by the present invention is that a management / monitoring unit having a sensor that stores data specific to the item, detects the instantaneous state of the distribution process, and writes it to the corresponding storage device is attached to the item to be transported, and this management / monitoring is performed. Managing and monitoring the distribution of goods, especially manufacturing products, as access to the monitoring unit is provided through the usual interface with the help of an active storage card that can be connected to the evaluation unit to create an agreement on the distribution process. The point is that the product can be distributed consistently and seamlessly for transportation from the person to the consumer.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block circuit diagram of the system which manages and monitors the distribution of the goods by this invention which wrote the functional unit.

[Figure 2]

It is a schematic side view of the transport container with the arrangement of the management / monitoring unit of the system by this invention.

[Fig. 3]

In this case, it is a schematic perspective view showing the grouping idea of the system according to the present invention, in which a large number of goods are carried by a train of goods.

[Fig. 4]

Similarly, it is a schematic diagram of a truck carrying a large number of transport containers, which shows the grouping idea of the system according to the present invention.

[Fig. 5]

It is a functional block diagram of a management / monitoring unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Management / monitoring unit 2 Active programmable storage card 3 Evaluation unit 4 program unit 5 Transport container 6 Goods to be transported 11 computer 12 I / O unit 13 sensor 14 effector 15 Identification unit 24 data bus 25 Central monitoring department 81 Expansion module