MXPA00008630A - Electronic tag - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic tag (10) is provided which includes magnetic sensing means (18) which is operable to sense a change in a magnetic field in order to programme the tag (10). Typically, the tag (10) includes microprocessor based circuitry (14) including storage means (20), the microprocessor based circuitry (14) being programmable in response to activation of the magnetic sensing means (18). The tag (10) further includes transmitter means (12) connected to the microprocessor based circuitry (14) and operable selectively to transmit data sourced from the microprocessor based circuitry (14). Accordingly, the microprocessor based circuitry (14) may include a microcontroller which has one of its input ports connected to the contact of the magnetic sensing means (18), typically a reed switch or the like, for feeding data into the microcontroller. In response to activation of the reed switch, the microcontroller may enter into a programming mode, a monitoring mode, or the like.

Description

or - i - ELECTRONIC LABEL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an identification device. It relates in particular to an electronic tag and a method for feeding data into an electronic tag. It is also related to an installation ^ that programs an electronic tag. 10 Electronic tags, for example including conveyor devices and the like, are commonly available in the market. In order to feed or program information on such labels, wired connections are typically used. In other devices, for example DE-A-41 38 131 (PROVERA GES FUER PROJEKTIERUNG) complex capacitive / optical, capacitive / inductive or ' { similar circuit to enter data within the credit card type label. In US 4 952 913 A (PAULEY JAMES D et al) a label is described for monitor the movement of an individual. A reed switch is provided only to switch the label in a different operation mode. In US-A-5 430 441 (BICKLEY ROBERT H et al) an inductive feedback coil is provided to program a response code within the tag. HE considers that such configurations are not highly efficient in terms of energy and therefore are generally not included in active labels. In addition, detection circuitry is required to detect the activation of the inductive uptake so that the energy consumption and the component count are further increased. Similarly, EP-A-0 525 642 (NTT DATA TSUSHIN KK) discloses an IC card with a coil 11. In this device, the count component is further increased by a uniformer rectifier and a receiver. It is an object of this invention to provide a relatively simple electronic tag which provides improved flexibility in the way in which data can be fed into the tag. According to the invention, an electronic tag is provided which includes a magnetic detection means which is operable to detect a change in the magnetic field in order to program the tag. Typically, the electronic tag includes: microprocessor-based circuitry that includes a storage medium, the microprocessor-based circuitry is programmable in response to activation of the magnetic detection means; and a transmitting means connected to the microprocessor-based circuit and selectively operable to transmit data transmitted from the microprocessor-based circuitry. The microprocessor-based circuitry may include a microcontroller which has one of its input terminals connected to a contact of the magnetic detection means for feeding data inside the microcontroller. The microcontroller is typically programmed to monitor the detection means and, depending on the nature of activation or switching of the detection means, enters into at least one different mode of operation, for example a programming mode, data entry mode, or similar. The microcontroller may be programmed to detect a predetermined number of times that the detector means is activated and is entered into the different operation mode in response thereto. In certain embodiments, the microcontroller monitors a duration of time between successive activation of the detection means and, depending on the duration of time, enters into at least one different mode of operation. The microcontroller can selectively enter a programming mode in which dinary data are defined in the microcontroller depending on the nature of activation of the detection means. For example, once the microcontroller chip is switched in its programming mode, it can be arranged to enter a data entry mode in which data is entered into the storage medium via the detector means. The microcontroller may be configured so that the data for a plurality of data fields are defined by activation of the detection means. The microcontroller can be arranged so that, when a predetermined time delay has occurred in the activation of the detection means, a subsequent data field is subsequently directed. The microcontroller can, by activating the detection means in a predetermined manner, enter a monitoring operation mode in which the tag performs a monitoring function. The detection means in this way can be multi-purpose insofar as it can switch the microprocessor-based circuitry into a program mode and also operate in a data entry mode. Once the tag has been programmed, the detector means can perform a monitoring function, for example monitoring the opening and closing of a door in response to the displacement of a permanent magnet that is in the vicinity, functioning as a magnetic counter or Similary.

In other embodiments, the label is programmed with unique identification data identifying the object or person to which it is attached in use, for example in the name of a person, the contents of a container and so on. The transmitting means may be a radio frequency transmitter arranged to intermittently transmit encoded digital data, for example, in a conventional manner, to a reading device. In certain embodiments, the magnetic detection means is a reed switch which commutates selectively by an external magnetic field. The microcontroller can be a conventional integrated circuit, with an input terminal connected to the reed switch. The other contact of the reed switch can be activated by a resistor. The resistor typically has a high value in order to reduce the flow of current through the reed switch and thereby increase the power consumption efficiency of the label. Instead, the magnetic detection means may be a device designed to operate on the Hall effect. The electronic tag may include an encapsulation of a resinous material.

The electronic label can be an active label that includes its own energy source, for example a lithium battery of extended duration. In addition, according to the invention, it is provided a method for feeding data into an electronic tag that includes microprocessor-based circuitry connected to a magnetic detection means, the method includes: selectively providing a magnetic field in close proximity to the magnetic detection means; and automatically monitoring the magnetic detection means by means of microprocessor-based circuitry and programming the microprocessor-based circuitry of the electronic tag in response to changes in the field magnetic. The electronic tag can be manually programmed jfii by physically moving a permanent magnet in proximity to the magnetic detection means. However, in other modalities, the electronic label is programmed automatically by energizing an electromagnetic field activated selectively by a programming facility. In addition, according to the invention, an electronic label programming facility is provided for programming an electronic label that includes a magnetic detection means, the installation includes: a nearby magnetic field generating means with which it is placed in use at the electronic tag; a means of data entry to receive data which will be programmed on the label; and a control means responsive to the data entry means and which is connected to the magnetic field generating means to control the medium, to be selectively operable to activate the magnetic field generating means to activate a magnetic detection means of the label and in this way program the label. The control means can be defined by a personal computer. The invention is now described by way of example, with reference to the drawings of accompanying grammarians. In the drawings, Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an electronic tag according to the invention; and Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an electronic tag programming facility, also according to the invention. Referring now to the drawings, the reference numeral 10 generally indicates an electronic tag according to the invention. The label 10 includes a transmitter 12, a microcontroller chip 14, a long-life lithium battery 16 and a magnetic detector means in the form of a reed switch 18. As will be described in more detail in the following, switch reed performs multiple functions and can be used to switch the microcontroller chip 14 in a program mode as well as to input data into an implicit storage medium or memory 20. The battery 16 of lithium is connected by means of lines 22 to transmitter 12 and microcontroller chip 14. further, the battery 16 is connected via a resistor 24 to a contact of the switch 18 reed, the other contact of the switch 18 reed is connected via a line 26 to an input room of the microcontroller chip 14. The value of the resistor 24 is of a high magnitude so that it limits the current that flows selectively through the reed switch 18 and therefore improves the power consumption efficiency of the electronic tag. The microcontroller chip 14 is connected to the transmitter 12 via a bidirectional link 28. The microcontroller chip 14 is programmed to include a counter installation 30 for counting selectively each time the switch contacts 18 are closed. In order to selectively close the contacts of the reed switch 18, a permanent magnet 32, for example, moves intermittently in the direction of the arrow 34 so that, intermittently and selectively, it tilts the switch 18 reed. In response to the initial tilting of the switch 18 reed, the microcontroller chip 14 enters a program mode in which unique identification data associated with an object with which the tag is to be linked via electronic means are fed into the memory 20. . In order to facilitate the programming of the label 10, its present mode of operation and data included in the different programmable data fields are transmitted via the transmitter 12, and, as shown by the arrow 36, to the reading apparatus 38. which has an LCD screen 40 to display the information. The microcontroller chip 14 includes a preprogrammed routine software for monitoring the switching of the reed switch 18 and is arranged so that, depending on the number of times the switch 18 reed as well as the time duration between the subsequent switch scale. 18 reed, enters different modes as displayed by the LCD screen 40 of the reading apparatus 38. For example, if the preprogrammed software recognizes that the switch reed must be switched in such a way as to instruct it to advance in a program mode, subsequent tipping or switching then represent data to be fed into the chip 14 of the microcontroller. . By recognizing an additional predetermined code or switching sequence of the reed switch 18, the microcontroller chip 14 can exit the program mode. Once the selected information has been programmed into the label 10, the switch 18 can perform an operable monitoring function to monitor changes in the magnetic field and, in response to the same, increase the counter of the counter installation 30. . Accordingly, in certain applications of the invention, the tag 10 can be used to monitor the aperture and closing of doors, windows or similar. With particular reference to Fig. 2 of the drawings, the reference number 50 generally indicates an electronic tag programming facility for programming the electronic tag 10 as described in FIG. previous. The installation 50 includes a magnetic field generating means in the form of an electromagnet 52 and a data input means and a control means defined by a personal computer (PC) 54. The PC 54 is connected to an electromagnet 52 and an apparatus 58 reading via a link 56 bidirectional communication. In use, the data to be programmed within the electronic tag 10 is fed into the PCs 54 in which it then selectively energizes the electromagnet 52 so that it activates to switch the switch 18 reed of the tag in a selective manner and thus programs the label 10. In order to monitor the internal mode of the microcontroller chip 14, the label 10 intermittently transmits a digitally encoded data signal to the reading apparatus 58 and comprehensive details are displayed. subsequently on a PC screen 54. The inventor considers that the invention, as illustrated, provides a relatively simple electronic tag 10 which can be used in several different applications. The inventor believes that it is an advantage of the invention that the electronic tag 10 can be wirelessly programmed by switching the reed switch 18 so that the hardware requirements are simplified in order to program the electronic tag 10. Since the switch 18 is connected directly to the input / output terminal of the microcontroller chip 14, the power drawn by the detector means and therefore required by the label 10 is greatly reduced. The low component count of the detector means improves the battery life of the active label 10. Furthermore, unlike conventional labels, such as those described for example in EP-A-0 525 642 (NTT DATA TSUSHIN KK), by using the inventive arrangement of switch reed and microcontroller chip 14, complex input circuitry is required. Therefore, the label 10 according to the invention does not require a rectifying uniformer, a receiver circuitry or the like and a coil for introducing j _ data into the label 10. A further advantage of the label 10 according to the invention is considered. the invention, is that the means of detection in the form of switch 18 reed performs multiple functions. For example, it can function as a detector or monitor to monitor misuse in combination with a permanent magnet. Furthermore, it can function as a detector in response to which the microcontroller chip 14 can enter in a different operation mode, for example, a programmable mode. When the microcontroller chip 14 is in the programmable operation mode, the switch 18 reed is used to define binary data which are fed into the microcontroller chip 14. Therefore, it is considered that the label 10 provides greater operational flexibility with a relatively simple design.

Claims (17)

1. • 1. An electronic tag, characterized in that it includes: a magnetically activatable switch; a circuit

   5 based on a microprocessor that includes a storage medium and at least one data terminal, the data terminals are connected to a switch and the microprocessor-based circuitry is operable before the selective activation of the switch to introduce a mode of operation.

   10 programmable operation in which the microprocessor-based circuitry is configured to receive data defined by subsequent activation of the switch; and a transmitting means connected to the microprocessor-based circuit and selectively operable to transmit data transmitted from the

   15 circuitry based on microprocessor.
2. 2. An electronic tag, as described in claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor-based circuitry is a microcontroller programmed to detect a predetermined number of times that the switch 20 is activated and enters its programmable mode of operation in response to the same.
3. 3. An electronic tag, as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the microprocessor-based circuitry monitors a

   The length of time between the successive activation of the switch and, depending on the length of time, enters into at least one different mode of operation.
4. 4. An electronic tag, as described in claim 3, characterized in that the circuit based
5. 5 in microprocessor is configured in such a way that the data of a plurality of data fields are defined by activation of the switch, the microprocessor-based circuitry is arranged so that, after a lapse of time

   ^ 1 default delay in activating the switch, it is

   10 directs a subsequent data field. An electronic tag, as described in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the binary data is defined by selective activation of the switch when it is in the mode of operation

   15 programmable.
6. 6. An electronic tag, as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microprocessor-based circuitry, upon activating the switch in a predetermined manner, enters a monitoring operation mode in which the tag performs a monitoring function.
7. An electronic tag, as described in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitting means is a radio frequency transmitter arranged intermittently to transmit encoded digital data to a reading device.
8. 8. An electronic tag, as described in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is an active tag that includes its own energy source and is sealed encapsulated in a body of resinous material.
9. 9. A method for feeding data into an electronic tag that includes a microprocessor-based circuit connected to a magnetically activatable switch, the method is characterized in that it includes: selectively providing a magnetic field in proximity to the switch; and monitoring the activation of the switch by the microprocessor-based circuit and in response to the activation thereof, entering a programmable mode of operation in which the microprocessor-based circuit receives data defined by switch activation.
10. A method as described in claim 9, characterized in that the tag is operable to enter into the monitoring operation mode in which the tag performs a monitoring function.
11. 11. An electronic tag, characterized in that it includes: a means of detection; a microprocessor-based circuitry that includes a storage medium, the microprocessor-based circuitry is operable to monitor a time duration between the successive activation j i of the detection means and, depending on the duration time, enter into at least one different mode of operation.
12. 12. An electronic tag, as described in claim 11, characterized in that the microprocessor-based circuitry selectively enters a programmable mode of operation in which binary data are fed into the microprocessor-based circuitry depending on the nature of the microprocessor-based circuitry. Activation of the detection medium. An electronic tag, as described in claim 12, characterized in that the microprocessor-based circuitry is configured such that data for a plurality of data fields are defined by
13. By activating the detection means, the microprocessor-based circuitry is arranged so that, when a predetermined time delay has occurred in the activation of the detection means, a subsequent data field is addressed.
14. 14. An electronic tag, as described in any of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the microprocessor-based circuitry, upon activation of the detection means in a predetermined manner, enters a monitoring operation mode in the which the label performs a monitoring function.
15. 15. An electronic tag, as described in any of the preceding claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it includes a radiofrequency transmitting means arranged intermittently to transmit encoded digital data to a reading device.
16. 16. An electronic tag, as described in any of the preceding claims 11 to 15, characterized in that it is an active tag that includes its own energy source and is sealingly encapsulated in a body of resinous material.
17. 17. An electronic tag, as described in any of the preceding claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the detection means is a magnetically activatable switch.