U.S. patent application number 12/419176 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-15 for container for receiving articles.
Invention is credited to Dieter Kilian.
Application Number | 20090256680 12/419176 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39722589 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090256680 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kilian; Dieter |
October 15, 2009 |
CONTAINER FOR RECEIVING ARTICLES
Abstract
The invention provides a container (10) comprising a, a
receiving compartment (18) for receiving articles (12) each
provided with an RFID transponder (14), a shielding (16) for
shielding of the receiving compartment (18), and an RFID antenna
device (20) located in the receiving compartment (18) for
communication with the transponders (14). Reliable identification
of articles (12) located in the container (10) can thus be
simplified considerably.
Inventors: |
Kilian; Dieter; (Olching,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKINSON WRIGHT PLLC
1875 Eye Street, NW, Suite 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
39722589 |
Appl. No.: |
12/419176 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/10.1 ;
206/719 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 7/10178 20130101;
G06K 7/0008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/10.1 ;
206/719 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 5/22 20060101
H04Q005/22; B65D 85/86 20060101 B65D085/86 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 9, 2008 |
EP |
08007049 |
Claims
1. A container (10) comprising a mechanical container structure, a
receiving compartment (18) for receiving articles (12) each
provided with an RFID transponder (14), a shielding (16) for
radiation shielding of the receiving compartment (18), and an RFID
antenna device comprising at least one antenna (20) for
communication with the transponders (14), which is located in the
receiving compartment (18) and which can be connected to an RFID
reader (26), wherein the antenna (20) is formed by an element of
the mechanical container structure.
2. The container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the shielding
(16) is achieved by means of at least one electrically conducting
housing structure of the container.
3. The container (10) according to claim 1, further comprising an
externally accessible electrical connection device (32, 34, 38,
40).
4. The container (10) according to claim 1, further comprising
retaining means for retaining the article (12) accommodated
therein.
5. The container (10) according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one RFID transponder (22, 24).
6. The container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the articles
(12) to be received are electrical or electronic appliances.
7. The container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the antenna
(20) is formed by a supporting element of the mechanical container
structure and/or is formed as a container wall or part thereof.
8. The container (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a
sensor device (46).
9. The RFID system (1) comprising at least one container (10)
according to claim 1 and at least one reader (26) for identifying
the transponders (14) located in the container (10) using the RFID
antenna device (20) located in the radiation-shielded receiving
compartment (20).
10. The RFID system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the reader
(26) is connected to a multiplex device (28) for connection of a
plurality of RFID antennae (20).
11. The RFID system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the container
(10) is a mechanical structure, in particular a chassis of a
vehicle (48) and the articles (12) to be accommodated therein are
vehicle components installed in the vehicle (48).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a container for receiving
articles such as, for example, a shopping cart for receiving goods,
a sea freight container for transporting goods, a roll container
which can be used in passenger aircraft for holding food and drink,
a "rack" (e.g. IT server rack) for installing electrical and
electronic devices etc.
[0003] In many areas of application it is desirable to be able to
detect and identify articles actually accommodated in a container
as simply and rapidly as possible.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] RFID ("radio frequency identification" is a known technique
for wireless identification of objects which has been used for some
time in the area of so-called auto-ID, i.e. the automatic supply of
information to persons, animals, goods, and articles.
[0006] Each auto-ID system is based on using artificial
identification features to allow machine identification. The
barcode labels still widely used today, which revolutionized the
auto-ID area many years ago, are now becoming increasingly
irrelevant to the cases of application which are gaining in
importance today. One disadvantage of barcodes is frequently the
low memory capacity for information, which also cannot be amended
subsequently. In addition, the readout or readoff ("scanning") of
data is relatively inconvenient and time-consuming (visual contact
is required).
[0007] These disadvantages can be eliminated with RFID. A large
variety of RFID systems and methods are known per se. Merely as an
example, reference may be made on this matter to the "RFID
Handbook", 3.sup.rd edition, Klaus Finkenzeller, Carl Hanser
Verlag, Munich, Vienna 2002.
[0008] An RFID system consists of at least one reader for reading
out data which are stored in a transponder, wherein the data
transmission between transponder and reader takes place by means of
electromagnetic waves. At lower frequencies, this takes place
inductively via the near field, at higher frequencies via the
electromagnetic far field. The reader, like the transponder, also
can function as a transmitter and as a receiver for electromagnetic
radiation. Inductively coupled systems possess a comparatively
small range. Typical representatives of this variant are, for
example, contactless chip cards and automatic access systems. On
the other hand, systems with electromagnetic far-field coupling
have a comparatively large range. Common frequencies of RFID
systems with far field coupling lie in the order of magnitude of
several hundred MHz. Frequently, quite specific frequency ranges
are legally prescribed such as, for example, 865-869.5 MHz or 2.45
GHz.
[0009] In practice, many problems arise with the RFID systems and
methods used at the present time, which make it difficult if not
impossible to use RFID technology in many areas of application.
[0010] A first series of problems relates to the reliability of the
technology. In this respect, there is a desire to identify all the
transponders located in a detection zone of the respective reader
and to read out data stored in these transponders free from error
(and optionally to modify this free from error). In practice,
however, this is prevented by, for example, interference of a
plurality of RFID readers among one another, interference due to
spontaneous radio emissions in the environment, interference due to
other radio equipment and sometimes due to sabotage by interfering
transmitters.
[0011] Another range of problems is data security. In this respect,
for example, there is the risk of listening in to the data
communication and the risk of spoofing information. Communication
between an RFID reader and transponders is substantially comparable
to a normal radio link between a transmitter and a receiver. An
external eavesdropper can listen in on, falsify, simulate
individual bit patterns or make the receiver unserviceable by
overloading information in a manner similar to a denial-of-service
(DoS) attack.
[0012] Known RFID systems have so far frequently failed because of
the problems described above, particularly for identifying articles
located in a container. Merely as an example, mention may be made
of the hitherto previously unsuccessful experiments to detect the
contents of shopping carts pushed past a checkout desk in a
supermarket by means of an RFID system, that is, to identify
separately and reliably the transponders integrated on or in the
goods for each shopping cart. In this case of application, data
transmission between transponder and reader is impaired, for
example, by metal structures of the articles (e.g. tin cans) and
also of the container (e.g. metal shopping carts).
OUTLINE OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to simplify
reliable identification of articles located in a container. This
object is substantially achieved according to the invention by a
shielding of the container. The dependent claims relate to
advantageous further developments of the invention. These further
developments can be provided individually or in an arbitrary
combination. The container can, for example, comprise a component
of an RFID system.
[0014] The invention in particular provides a container for
receiving articles each provided with at least one RFID
transponder, comprising an RFID antenna device for communication
with the transponders, which is located in a shielded region of the
container.
[0015] This makes particularly simple and reliable communication
possible between a reader and the individual RFID transponders
which, together with the RFID antenna device, are located in a
shielded receiving compartment of the container. In particular, the
invention simplifies unique assignment of the data exchanged
between reader and RFID transponders to the individual physical
objects. This is particularly important in many cases of
application.
[0016] In the transponders which can be used, which can be
attached, for example, in the form of labels ("RFID tags") or the
like on or in goods or articles, or which can be integrated in
their packaging, different types can be distinguished: active
transponders have their own power supply e.g. in the form of a
battery. Passive transponders on the other hand use the radiation
energy of an RFID transponder (which, for example, can be
integrated in the reader) for transmitting their own information to
the reader. The invention can be used in particular very
advantageously for this type of transponder. So-called semi-passive
transponders represent a mixed form which, for example are merely
equipped with a weak support battery which is used for transmitting
their own information as soon as the transponder has been "woken
from sleep" by the RFID system (e.g. by the reader).
[0017] Surprisingly, the very disadvantageous effects of a
shielding in the prior art are transformed into a series of serious
advantages in the invention. A first advantage, for example,
consists in that the antenna device (comprising one or more
antennae) is located in the immediate vicinity of the articles (and
therefore transponders) without interposed shielding, which
simplifies communication. A further advantage consists in avoiding
interferences between identification processes which are carried
out on different containers which are, however, located in spatial
proximity to one another. A further advantage consists in that the
communication is not impaired by spontaneous radio emissions in the
surroundings or other external noise sources. Finally, another
advantage consists in that unauthorized listening-in to the
communication is considerably simplified.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the shielding surrounds the
receiving compartment used to receive the articles for the most
part, in particular substantially completely.
[0019] In one embodiment, the shielding is configured in such a
manner that this absorbs at least 50%, in particular at least 60%
of the radiation power of the RFID antenna device.
[0020] In most countries, RFID systems as radio engineering
installations are subject to very restrictive legal regulations.
These regulations can relate, for example, to the frequencies of
the electromagnetic radiation used and/or the power at which the
transmitter or transmitters of the system are operated. In this
regard, a surprising advantage of the invention is that depending
on the design, the RFID antenna device can be operated almost
independently of such legal regulations. The RFID system can
advantageously be implemented throughout the world, at any
location, at any time and with any radio wavelength and power.
[0021] In one embodiment it is provided that a radiation wavelength
of the RFID antenna device lies in a range of 0.8 to 8 GHz.
[0022] In one embodiment it is provided that a radiation wavelength
of the RFID antenna device lies in a range which is legally
prohibited for the operation of radio engineering
installations.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, a radiation power of the RFID
antenna device is so high that the operation of the RFID system
would be legally prohibited without the shielding. This radiation
power can, for example, be at least a factor of 2, in particular at
least a factor of 5 higher than the permissible radiation power
(without shielding).
[0024] In one embodiment it is provided that the transmission power
of the RFID antenna device is at least 5 W, in particular at least
10 W.
[0025] In addition to an increased transmission power beyond the
relevant standard (for better RFID read results), the possibility
is advantageously also considered to provide RFID transmitters and
readers more simply, cheaply and more robustly with regard to their
HF structure.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the shielding
is achieved by means of at least one electrically conducting
housing structure of the container.
[0027] In a manner known per se, a flat extensive, electrically
conductive material layer, e.g. a metal sheet or a metal film is
considered as shielding (alternatively, for example, conducting
plastic or conducting composite materials). For most of the cases
of application or radiation wavelengths of particular interest
here, however, the principle of the Faraday cage can be
advantageously used within the scope of the invention and the
shielding formed from an electrically conductive grid or network
structure.
[0028] Such a grid or network structure can advantageously be
achieved with comparatively simple, in particular even commercially
available materials. In one embodiment, the structure, for example,
comprises metal rods and/or perforated metal sheet and/or wire mesh
and/or wire netting. For example, individual elements spanned with
wire mesh (e.g. metal frame) can be prefabricated in variable size
to for a shielding module.
[0029] In particular, shielding walls or entire shielding cages of
different size can be composed from the prefabricated components in
a modular fashion using the aforesaid shielding components.
[0030] When using a shielding component which is not extensively
continuously electrically conductive but a mesh or network
structure, a characteristic structural spacing (e.g. the mutual
spacing of metal rods, the mesh width of a wire mesh, or a hole
diameter of a perforated metal) is preferably at least a factor of
2, in particular at least a factor of 5 smaller than the wavelength
of electromagnetic radiation of the system. For a frequency of
about 870 MHz corresponding to a wavelength of about 30 cm, for
example, a characteristic spacing (e.g. mesh width) of about 15 cm
or less (e.g. 3 cm) is thus obtained.
[0031] In one embodiment it is provided that the shielding
comprises a plurality of successively disposed shielding layers,
e.g. two or three grid or network structures of the aforesaid type.
Such a multilayer shielding structure makes it possible, for
example, to achieve increased absorption of radiation power in the
shielding material. The plurality of shielding layers can in this
case be provided to be of the same type or of different type (e.g.
with different characteristic spacing such as, for example, mesh
width).
[0032] Within the scope of the present invention, a multilayer
structure of the shielding or individual shielding components also
has a completely different essential importance; if the mutual
spacing of successively arranged shielding layers is approximately
of the order of magnitude of the relevant radiation wavelength,
which can easily be accomplished in the cases of application of
particular interest here, the shielding effect can be drastically
varied in a specific manner by selecting a specified mutual
spacing. Depending on the specific dimensioning of this mutual
spacing, electromagnetic waves reflected at the various shielding
layers can interfere, for example, destructively or constructively.
In the first case, a minimal reflection and maximal absorption is
achieved whereas in the second case the shielding effect includes a
maximum reflection component. The damping i.e. the reduction in the
radiation power due to passage through the shielding remains
unaffected thereby.
[0033] Maximum reflection can be appropriate, for example, when no
"dead angle" is desired from the radio engineering viewpoint within
a detection zone in the container interior delimited by the
shielding.
[0034] The term "identification" (of transponders) is to be
understood very broadly in the sense of the present invention and
should comprise all types of information and/or data transmission
from the transponder to the reader. In the simplest case, this
comprises, for example, "1 bit information" (transponder in the
container or not). Of greater practical importance, however, are
more complex data which are stored in the area of the transponder
and are at least partially read out (e.g. so-called EAN code of an
article or "tracking code" of a production in the production
material flow). In this case, it is in no way excluded and
frequently even preferred that during the "identification process",
an information or data transmission takes place in the reverse
direction.
[0035] In contrast to this, there can be cases, for example when
the radiation power of a reader is to be matched or tuned exactly
to the antenna of the transponder, in which highest possible
absorption of transmission power in the shielding is expedient.
[0036] In one embodiment it is provided that at least part of the
shielding is configured as a gate which in an open position allows
the insertion and removal of articles provided with transponders
and which shields in a closed position.
[0037] The term "gate" is to be understood very widely here and for
example, comprises plate-shaped or door-shaped movable shielding
components such as, for example, flaps, pivotable doors, sliding
doors, and swing doors.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided
that the container further comprises an externally accessible
connection device. Such a connection device can fulfill various
purposes. Initially, the actual RFID reader can thus be arranged
externally and connected via the electrical connection device to
the RFID antenna device located in the receiving compartment of the
container. An application example for this is, for example, a
shopping cart to which the checkout operator in a supermarket
connects a cable which connects the antenna located in the shopping
cart to a reader located in the checkout area.
[0039] Even if the RFID reader is integrated on or in the
container, an externally accessible electrical connecting device
can be of practical benefit, i.e. for example, to supply the reader
with electrical energy and/or to accomplish a cable-bound data
communication with an external device. Furthermore, such an
electrical connecting device can also be provided to connect the
articles contained in the container to an external device, for
example, if the articles are electrical or electronic appliances.
In this case, a power supply and/or communication with the
appliances can be accomplished via the connection device and an
external cabling. Finally, an electrical connecting device can also
be provided or supplying and/or for communication with devices
which, according to further developments of the invention, can be
integrated on or in the container. An example of this is a sensor
device explained in further detail below.
[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the electrical connection
device of the container at the same time serves a plurality of the
aforesaid purposes.
[0041] The electrical connection device can be provided in
particular as a plug connection device (plug or socket).
[0042] If an RFID system is operated with a plurality of containers
according to the invention, respective electrical connection
devices can also be used to construct a "bus system". For example,
individual readers integrated on or in the containers can be
controlled by means of such a bus system or their detection data
transmitted to a central device which is also connected to the bus
system.
[0043] In one embodiment, the container is configured as a
retaining device with retaining means for accommodated articles. An
example of this is a container (so-called "rack") specially
provided for accommodating electrical or electronic appliances.
Another example of this is the roll container, already mentioned
initially, which can be used in an aircraft for receiving food
and/or drinks in predefined receiving positions for the individual
articles. In particular, for containers having predefined receiving
positions for the individual articles, it can be provided for the
relevant RFID system that not only the articles located in the
container but also their positions are identified.
[0044] In one embodiment it is provided that the container itself
is provided with an RFID transponder so that the individual
containers can also be identified in an RFID container operated for
several containers.
[0045] If such a transponder assigned to the container is located
inside the shielded receiving compartment, the antenna device
likewise provided in the shielded region can advantageously be used
for communication with this transponder. It is however also
possible to provide the transponder of the container outside the
shielded region and use an external RFID antenna device for
identification of the container. Finally, the transponder of the
container can also be arranged so that its identification can be
made both with an external antenna device located inside the shield
receiving compartment and also an external antenna device. This is
achieved, for example, with an arrangement of the transponder in a
"recessed area" of an otherwise flat extensive shielding.
[0046] Alternatively or additionally to a transponder which
characterizes the container itself, the container can be provided
with a plurality of transponders distributed in the receiving
compartment. This particularly offers advantages in connection with
a container configuration in which the articles are accommodated in
predefined receiving positions in the container. Transponders
arranged in individual receiving positions according to such a
division of the receiving compartment can be used, for example, to
detect the occupancy of the individual receiving positions. Then,
with such an RFID system, in addition to identifying the
accommodated article, the position in the accommodating compartment
can also be detected for that identified article. According to one
variant of this concept, it is provided that for each predefined
receiving position, a transponder is provided in the accommodating
compartment which in the case of an accommodated article in the
relevant position is shielded by this article from the radio
engineering point of view.
[0047] In one embodiment the articles to be received are electrical
or electronic appliances.
[0048] Such appliances can be connected electrically to one
another, for example, inside the container (e.g. for power supply
and/or for data exchange).
[0049] The articles to be accommodated can, for example, be IT
(information technology) appliances, for example, network
components such as so-called blades, switches, routers, patch
panels etc. or telecommunications equipment or electrical
components for building installation (e.g. controllers,
transformers, fuses, consumption meters, distribution panels, solar
power plant components etc.)
[0050] Such devices for use in information technology,
telecommunications technology and/or electrical installation
engineering for buildings are usually accommodated and wired in
special racks or receiving cabinets (e.g. switchgear cabinets for
electrical installation engineering). Racks and cabinets can be
achieved according to the invention by means of a rather slight and
therefore simple modification. Thus, for example, an inventory
relating to the appliances provided in an organization can be taken
in an advantageously simple and reliable manner.
[0051] In one embodiment, at least a part of the RFID antenna
device is simultaneously formed, for example, by a supporting
element of a mechanical container structure. For example, an
elongate strut or a flat extended side part (e.g. side wall or
bottom wall or top wall) can be formed and used as an RFID
antenna.
[0052] The antenna device can, for example, comprise a rod antenna
or a flat extended antenna ("patch antenna").
[0053] In the case of a substantially rectangular container,
lateral, upper and lower wall sections of a mechanical container
structure can advantageously be used as patch antennae.
[0054] Coil windings integrated in (let into) a container wall can
also function as antenna (for an inductive coupling to the
transponder).
[0055] In one embodiment, the RFID antenna device comprises a
plurality of antennae. Such a plurality of antennae can be operated
simultaneously or, for example, operated simultaneously or
sequentially via a suitable multiplex device.
[0056] In one embodiment it is provided that the container and/or
an article further comprises a sensor device.
[0057] The sensor device can in particular comprise a sensor for
detecting at least one physical quantity in the receiving
compartment. An air humidity, a temperature, a gas concentration
etc. can be considered, for example, as physical quantities. Such
quantities including their time evolution can be of major
importance particularly when the container is used for storage
and/or for transporting the articles contained therein. The
specific type of appropriate sensors is deduced ultimately from the
type of articles concerned.
[0058] Within the scope of the invention, detection results of the
sensor device can be transmitted, for example, via the electrical
connection device already mentioned above to an external device. In
this case, for example, a plug connection can be provided via which
both the antenna device is operated and the sensor data
transmitted.
[0059] In the case of a transport container (e.g. sea freight
container), for example, an "electronic seal" can be provided as
such an external device to which sensor data are transmitted. The
latter can be provided, for example, primarily to detect and store
any opening and closing or corresponding times for this. Within the
scope of the invention, however, an additional storage of sensor
data (e.g. temperature, shock, vibration etc) is particularly
interesting. Within the scope of the invention, such an electronic
seal can additionally have the function of the "RFID reader".
[0060] It is also feasible that the articles to be accommodated
themselves or their transponders have a sensor device for detecting
physical quantities. In this case, the sensor data can be detected
simultaneously with the identification of the individual
transponders by the RFID reader.
[0061] A particularly preferred use of the RFID system or method
according to the invention is the automatic identification of goods
or articles, in particular, for example, in the field of
procurement and distribution logistics, in trade, in production
operations or other material flow systems.
[0062] The invention can advantageously be integrated in conveying
technology in the field of production and/or logistics and can be
used in specially adapted variants (e.g. also in transport).
[0063] A further particularly preferred use of the invention is
obtained in the field of automotive engineering. In the RFID system
according to the invention, the container can, for example, be a
mechanical structure, in particular a chassis of a vehicle, wherein
the articles to be accommodated therein are formed by vehicle
components which are installed in the vehicle. For example, with an
RFID system of this type, it is possible to detect components in
the engine compartment of an automobile (e.g. brake shoes,
alternator, hydraulic pump, air filter, hoses etc.).
[0064] In a further development it is provided that the reader for
identifying the vehicle components installed in the vehicle
constitutes part of vehicle electronics provided in any case (data
readout e.g. by workshop staff).
[0065] An RFID system according to the invention comprises at least
one container of the type explained previously and at least one
reader for identifying the transponder located in the container. In
a further development of the RFID system this is incorporated in a
network of a data processing device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0066] The invention is further explained hereinafter by means of
exemplary embodiments with reference to the appended drawings. In
each case, in the schematic figures:
[0067] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a server rack according to a
first exemplary embodiment,
[0068] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the server rack,
[0069] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a server rack according to a
further exemplary embodiment,
[0070] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the server rack,
[0071] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a server rack according to a
further exemplary embodiment,
[0072] FIG. 6 shows a front view of the server rack,
[0073] FIG. 7 shows a connecting configuration for connection of a
plurality of containers to a common RFID reader,
[0074] FIG. 8 shows a connecting configuration for connection of
containers provided with a plurality of antennae to an RFID
reader,
[0075] FIG. 9 shows an RFID system for continuous detector of an
inventory of a computer department in a company,
[0076] FIG. 10 shows a container wall modified to form a patch
antenna,
[0077] FIG. 11 shows a container wall modified to form a plurality
of patch antennae,
[0078] FIG. 12 shows an RFID system for stacked containers,
[0079] FIG. 13 shows a vehicle fitted with an RFID system according
to one exemplary embodiment,
[0080] FIG. 14 shows a vehicle according to a further exemplary
embodiment and
[0081] FIG. 15 shows a vehicle according to a further exemplary
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0082] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a plan view of a front view of a
container 10 in the form of a so-called "server rack" for
accommodating articles 12-1 to 12-13 in the form of IT components
(e.g. patch panels, blades, switches etc.).
[0083] The reference numerals of multiply provided components but
having a similar effect such as, for example, the articles which
can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 are continuously numbered (in each
case supplemented by a hyphen and a continuous number). Reference
is made hereinafter to individual such components or to the
entirety of such component by means of the non-supplemented
reference numeral.
[0084] The articles 12 are in each case provided with an RFID
transponder 14 ("RFID tag") in which article-specific data such as,
for example, the type of article, a serial number, an inventory
number etc. are stored and can be read out by means of RFID (and
optionally also modified).
[0085] The container 10 has a mechanical container structure
consisting of an outer housing structure and an inner supporting
structure.
[0086] In the example shown, the housing structure substantially
consists of metal walls 16-1 to 16-6 which define a receiving
compartment 18 for accommodating the articles 12 (in the example
shown, completely enclose them). The front wall 16-4 is configured
as a swing-open door to create access to the receiving compartment
18. For the sake of clarity of the diagram in FIG. 1 an upper-side
wall 16-6 is omitted and in FIG. 2 the front wall (door) 16-4 is
omitted.
[0087] After opening the door or wall 16-4, articles 12 can be
placed into or removed from the container 10.
[0088] For simplicity of the diagram, the inner supporting
structure of the container 10 is not shown in detail. It is used
for mechanical stabilization of the entire structure and possesses
retaining means or forms such retaining means which allow secure
fastening of the articles 12 accommodated in the container 10 (e.g.
by means of a screw connection).
[0089] If the articles 12 are electrical or electronic appliances,
as is the case in the example shown, the inner supporting structure
of the container 10 can advantageously also provide electrical
conducting and/or contact means which simplify a power supply
and/or electrical connection of the appliances to one another.
[0090] In FIG. 2 four areas of the receiving compartment 18 not
currently in use are indicated by the dashed lines as an
example.
[0091] Containers such as the server rack 10 show are used in many
computer departments of companies. As a result of more or less
frequent changes in the computer structure, the content of each
container is subject to continuous change. Many organizations and
companies therefore rapidly lose the overview relating to the
presence and actual use (installation site) of their computer
components. This gives rise to high costs for the rapid provision
of components currently required and/or an increased expenditure on
staff for regular stocktaking and updating inventory listings.
[0092] Although the RFID technique known as such in principle
allows automatic data acquisition of articles provided with
transponders, the use of this technique for identifying articles
provided with RFID transponders and accommodated in containers of
the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 failed hitherto because of the
shielding effect of the metal container construction in which the
articles to be detected together with transponders are located.
[0093] In the container 10 shown, however, this problem is
eliminated in a simple manner so that the transponder 14 located in
the container can be reliably identified by means of the RFID
technique.
[0094] An essential feature of the container 10 for this purpose is
that an RFID antenna 20 for communication with the transponders 14
is located in the receiving area 18. The antenna 20 is connected in
a suitable manner (not shown) to an RFID reader which can be
located inside the container 10 or also (preferably) outside the
container 10.
[0095] As a result of the arrangement of the antenna 20 inside the
metal housing structure, this structure does not impair the radio
engineering communication between antenna 20 and transponders
14.
[0096] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the disadvantageous
shielding effect of a metal housing structure in the prior art is
transformed into a number of major advantages. In particular, this
shielding reduces the risk of impairments of the communication by
external interference sources. In addition, the shielding makes it
possible to operate an RFID system with several containers 10
parallel and in the spatial vicinity without the communications
taking place in the individual containers having a mutual adverse
effect. A unique allocation of the detected objects is therefore
possible, which had not been possible in the case of general
three-dimensional detection as practiced hitherto in the prior art.
This therefore solves a basic problem of RFID compared to the
barcode, for example, where a "visual contact" with an individual
object exists at the time of data acquisition, whereas in the case
of an RFID "radio detection", as in public radio communications,
all subscribers (tags) listen in and can "answer without being
addressed". In the prior art this presents major problems for the
unique assignment of objects in reality.
[0097] As a result of the relative short distance between the
antenna 20 and the transponders 14, all the components of the RFID
system can be configured to be simpler than was hitherto usual (for
long-range detection). The antenna 20 shown, for example, comprises
a rod antenna by which means very simple short-range data
acquisition is achieved.
[0098] In a preferred embodiment, an antenna is formed by an
element of the mechanical container structure otherwise provided.
This optionally requires a slight modification of the element
concerned such as, for example, electrical insulation from other
metallic container sections. The antenna 20 shown in FIG. 2 can,
for example, at the same time form a reinforcing strut of the
internal supporting structure of the container 10. In other words,
such a reinforcing strut, optionally after slight modification, can
be used as an antenna. It is therefore not absolutely essential
that an antenna is manufactured separately as an "additional
component" and installed subsequently in the container in order to
achieve the RFID method described.
[0099] Similarly to the article 12, the container 10 itself is also
provided with am RFID transponder 22. The transponder 22 holds
RFID-readable data relating to the container 10 in readiness (e.g.
container type, receiving compartment capacity, inventory number
etc.) and is located inside the shielded receiving compartment 18
in the exemplary embodiment shown. Thus, the data stored in the
transponder 22 can be read or written by means of a communication
using the antenna 20. Alternatively, the transponder 22 could, for
example, be integrated in one of the walls 16 in such a manner that
communication is possible both with the internal antenna 20 and
also with an external antenna (not shown).
[0100] In the following description of further exemplary
embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components
having the same action, in each case supplemented by a small letter
to distinguish the embodiment. In this case, substantially only the
differences from the exemplary embodiment or embodiments already
described are discussed and otherwise reference is herewith
expressly made to the description of previous exemplary
embodiments.
[0101] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a container 10a according to a
further exemplary embodiment.
[0102] The container 10a and its function within an RFID system
substantially correspond to the example from FIGS. 1 and 2
described above.
[0103] A particular feature of the container 10a, however, is that
the retaining means of the inner supporting structure provide
fixedly predefined receiving positions for the articles 12a to be
accommodated as desired in the receiving compartment 18a and that
respective further transponders 24a-1 to 24a-13 allocated to each
of these receiving positions are disposed in the receiving
compartment 18a. The transponders 24a are each disposed on the
inner side of the right-hand housing wall 16a-3 at a height
corresponding to the relevant receiving position. Since the antenna
20a is disposed adjacent to another housing wall (here: on the
opposite, i.e. left-hand housing wall 16a-1), any article 12a
accommodated in a specified receiving position impedes direct
communication between the antenna 20a and the transponder 24a
corresponding to the receiving position. This is because a metal
housing structure of the articles 12 provided here (as electronic
IT components) possesses a shielding effect for this communication.
With a suitable configuration of the shielding effect and the RFID
technique (in particular, for example, radiation power of the
antenna 20a and the transponder 24a), this effect can be used to
detect "empty receiving positions" inside the receiving compartment
18a.
[0104] In FIG. 4 four such unoccupied receiving positions are shown
as an example by the dashed lines. A particularly good
communications link can be set up between the transponders 24a-5,
24a-7, 24a-11 and 24a-12 assigned to these positions on the one
hand and the antenna 20a on the other hand, whereas the
communication between the other transponders 24a and the antenna
20a is substantially inferior or not possible at all. This
difference can easily be determined by means of the RFID reader
used and used to detect the unoccupied receiving positions and the
occupied receiving positions.
[0105] In the example shown it is not provided to detect the exact
positions of the articles 12a located in the receiving compartment
18a. This could however be achieved, for example, by using a
corresponding plurality of individual antennas (one for each
receiving position to be detected) instead of the rod antenna 20a
extending continuously over all receiving positions.
[0106] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate some possible modifications of the
server racks 10 and 10a described so far, i.e., with regard to the
specific arrangement of an RFID antenna device in the interior of
the container and the RFID transponder at the articles to be
accommodated.
[0107] In the container 10b shown the RFID antenna device comprises
two antennas 20b-1 and 20b-2 which, when viewed from above are
located in mutually opposite edge zones of the receiving
compartment 18b. In particular, for a relative short "reading
range" (e.g. a few cm), the reliability of the communication can be
improved by such an arrangement of a plurality of antennas.
Furthermore, a greater freedom of design is obtained in regard to
the arrangement of transponders 14b on the individual articles 12b.
Alternative positions for the transponders 14b assigned to the
articles 12b are indicated by the dashed lines in FIGS. 5 and
6.
[0108] Particularly when using a plurality of antennas such as, for
example, in the container 10b, the precise arrangement of the
transponders 22b is not critical. This arrangement of the
transponders 22b need not be fixedly predefined but can also vary
from one article to another (cf. transponder positions depicted by
the dashed lines).
[0109] In addition, in the container 10a an aforementioned
arrangement of the transponders 22b characterizing the container
10b itself is selected in such a manner that a connection can be
made to this transponder starting from an external RFID
antenna.
[0110] FIG. 7 illustrates a connecting configuration of an RFID
system 1c in which the content of a plurality of containers can be
identified with a reader 26c. One of these containers is depicted
in the figure and designated by 10c. This container can, for
example, be a container of the type which has already been
described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0111] For this purpose, the reader 26c is connected via a
conducting connection to a multiplex device 28c, which in turn is
connected electrically via a plurality of conducting connections to
the individual containers like the container 10c.
[0112] A time multiplex method, for example, can be accomplished
with the configuration shown, in which the antennas of the
containers connected thereto can be operated temporally
successively for RFID communication. In the configuration shown,
the data determined by the reader 26c relating to the content of
the individual containers and optionally relating to the containers
themselves are relayed to a computer bus system 30c (network) to
which the reader 26c is connected.
[0113] The reader 26c and the multiplex device 28c could also be
combined structurally to produce a reader which, in a multiplex
method, is capable of operating a plurality of RFID antennas
connected via a conducting connection.
[0114] The reference numeral 32c designates an electrical
connecting device (e.g. plug socket) which, passing through a wall
of the housing structure 16c, allows contact with the antenna 20c
disposed in the interior of the container 10c. This connecting
device 32c can comprise a "composite device" which not only serves
for connection of the RFID antenna(s) but also for electrical
contacting of any other components of the container 10c. If the
container 10c is, for example, provided for accommodating articles
in the form of electrical or electronic appliances, these
appliances can also be contacted via the connecting device 32c
(e.g. for connection to an electrical power supply network and/or
to a data transmission network).
[0115] FIG. 8 shows a modification of the configuration described
with reference to FIG. 7 in which a reader 26d with connection
facilities for a plurality of antennas is used.
[0116] Respectively one antenna can be connected to the individual
connections of the multiple reader 26d. In a container 10d depicted
in FIG. 8, four antennas 20d-1 to 20d-4 are provided in the
receiving compartment 18d, which however are not connected
individually to the reader 26d via a conducting line but are
connected to a multiplex device 28d which is integrated on or in
the container 10d. The multiplex device 28d is in turn connected to
the reader 26d.
[0117] An electrical connecting device 32d like the aforementioned
connecting device 32c (FIG. 7) is preferably configured as an
electrical plug connection device.
[0118] FIG. 9 illustrates an RFID system 1e for the automatic
detection of the IT inventory in computer rooms 2e-1, 2e-2, and
2e-3 of a company.
[0119] Each of the rooms 2e is provided with a transponder 3e-1,
3e-2 or 3e-3 characterizing the respective room. Furthermore, a
plurality of RFID antennas 4e-1 to 4e-4 are distributed over the
rooms 2e, which are connected in a manner not shown in detail to a
central RFID reader 26e and can communicate, for example, with the
said transponders 3e01 to 3e-3.
[0120] Distributed in the rooms is a plurality of computer cabinets
10e-1 to 10e-18, which accommodate the IT components of a larger
computer system. The individual containers 10e can, for example,
each be configured as already described above with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 8. In particular, in each case at least one RFID antenna
20e is disposed in a receiving compartment of each of the
containers 10e in order to communicate in the manner already
described above with those transponders which are attached on or in
the articles (IT components) located in the containers 10e.
[0121] For the sake of the simplicity of the diagram, the
connection between the individual antennas 20e-1 to 20e-18 and the
further antennas 4e-1 to 4e-4 on the one hand and the central
reader 26e on the other hand is not shown. Particularly against the
background of the previous description it is clear that there are
numerous possibilities for this in practice. For example, one or
more multiplex devices can be provided to connect the plurality of
antennas to the reader 26e, wherein these multiplex devices can be
located inside or outside the containers 10e. For example, it can
be provided that in each of the three rooms 2e-1 to 2e-3 one
separately located multiplex device is connected to the respective
antennas (in each case of one room) and this multiplex device is in
each case connected to the reader 26e via a fixed cabling system in
the building.
[0122] In the configuration shown, it is expedient to attach
optionally provided transponders, which characterize the individual
containers 10e, to the individual containers 10e in such a manner
that these can be detected by the respective room antennas 4e. By
means of these antennas 4e it can thus be detected how many and
which containers are located in each of the rooms. The antennas 20e
located inside the containers 10e are used to detect the individual
contents of the containers 10e. In addition, the external antennas
4e-1 to 4e-2 can additionally be used to detect changes in location
of individual articles (IT components) and individual containers
during operation of the RFID system 1e.
[0123] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate as examples the integration of
flat extensive so-called patch antennas in side walls provided for
the construction of containers according to the invention.
[0124] FIG. 10 shows a side wall 16f with a patch antenna 20f
integrated in the middle region thereof.
[0125] FIG. 11 shows a wall 16g with patch antennas 20g-1 to 20g-4
integrated thereon or therein.
[0126] The antennas 20f or 20g-1 to 20g-4 shown are each connected
to an electrical connecting device 34f or 34g by means of an
electrical conducting arrangement likewise integrated in the wall
16f or 16g. This connecting device can be used, for example, for
further contacting (possibly to other container components) or for
external wiring of the container.
[0127] In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the antennas 20g-1 to
20g-4 are operated simultaneously. In contrast to this, it is also
possible to insert a multiplex device of the type already explained
above between the connecting device 34g on the one hand and the
four antennas 20g-1 to 20g-4 on the other hand, or to run a
separate line to the connecting device for each of the four
antennas.
[0128] The walls 16f and 16g shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 can be used,
for example, as replacement for a suitably sized wall of a
conventional container in order to modify this container according
to the present invention.
[0129] Exemplary embodiments of RFID containers and RFID systems
have been described hitherto which comprise one or more containers
of the type explained. Subsequently some examples are described
with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14 which are particularly dedicated
to the aspect of the RFID technique for identifying the contents of
a plurality of containers.
[0130] FIG. 12 illustrates essential components of an RFID system
1h comprising a plurality (here, for example, 3) of containers
10h-1, 10h-2 and 10h-3, the contents whereof are to be detected by
the system. As in the examples already described above, the
containers 10h are each provided for receiving articles as desired,
which are provided with suitable RFID transponders. To simplify the
diagram these articles and their transponders are not shown in FIG.
12.
[0131] A first particular feature of the containers 10h is that
these have an external mechanical housing structure 6h which allows
(vertical) stacking and/or a (horizontal) arrangement of a
plurality of several containers 10h. As an example, FIG. 12 shows a
stack of three containers of the same type 10h-1, 10h-2, and
10h-3.
[0132] Another particular feature of the containers 10h is that
electrical contacting of the containers with one another to form an
electrical conducting arrangement extending along the entire stack
or along the entire arrangement in rows is only effected by the
stacking and/or arrangement of the containers in rows.
[0133] In the example shown, this conducting arrangement consists
of conducting sections 36h-1, 36h-2 and 36h-e each running inside
the container 10h.
[0134] Since the three containers 10h are configured identically in
this example, only the lowest container 10h-3 in FIG. 12 is
described in detail subsequently.
[0135] The conducting section 36h-3 provided in the container 10h-3
runs, starting from a plug connection device 38h-3 on one side
(here: underside) of the container 10h-3 to a counter plug
connection device 40h-3 on the opposite side (here: upper side) of
the container 10h-3. The devices 38h-3 and 40h-3 are configured to
correspond to one another, possibly as an electrical plug and
matching socket. It is therefore clear that a continuous conducting
arrangement is formed in the stack direction by stacking a
plurality of such containers. The running direction of the
conducting section 36h corresponds in this case to the stack
direction provided (vertical). Unlike the example shown, the
conducting section could also run, for example, horizontally
corresponding to a horizontal arrangement in a row. Finally a
plurality of conducting sections running in different directions
(corresponding to a plurality of different possible stacking
directions) could also be provided in each of the containers
10h.
[0136] In the example shown, the conducting sections 36h form a
data transmission bus, for example, of a common standard in the
field of computer technology. For connection of this bus to a
computer or a computer network, a corresponding data transmission
cable (network cable) 42h is connected to one of the plug
connection devices and counter plug connection devices, which cable
is provided at its end with a suitable counter plug connection
device or plug connection device 44h. Since in the example shown,
the data transmission cable 38h-3 with the device 44h is contacted
on the underside of the container 10h-3 with the plug connection
device 38h-3, this device 44h must be configured in precisely the
same way as the counter plug connection devices 40h.
[0137] The RFID method for identifying the transponders located in
the containers 10h takes place, as already described above for the
other examples, with the aid of the RFID antennas 20h-1, 20h2 and
20h-3 located in the respective receiving compartments 18h-1, 18h-2
and 18h-3.
[0138] The antennas 20 are each connected to a RFID reader 26h-1,
26h-2 or 36h-3 located in the interior of the relevant container
10h, which accomplishes the communication between the antennas and
the transponders and is connected to the relevant conducting
section 36h of the data transmission bus in order to exchange read
data and optionally write data with the computer network.
[0139] Unlike the exemplary embodiment shown, a common reader
located externally from the stack can also be provided for joint
operation of all the antennas 20h. In this case, the conducting
sections 36h could be configured, for example, as HF conducting
sections. In practice, however, such a modification has the problem
that as a result of the unknown stack height or number of stacked
or successively arranged container 10h, the HF technical matching
of the individual antennas presents difficulties.
[0140] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 with readers integrated
in the containers 26h, the power supply to these readers is
preferably also provided with the aid of the electrical conducting
connection formed by stacking or successively arranging the
containers 10h which can have individual power supply lines for
this purpose in addition to the lines provided for the data
transmission.
[0141] Another particular feature, which can be advantageously used
in all the RFID containers described here will be explained by
reference to the example from FIG. 12. This comprises the
integration of a sensor device in the area of the container.
[0142] Each of the containers 10h is further provided with a sensor
device 46h located inside the receiving compartment 18h. The power
supply as well as the relaying of sensor data is accomplished as
for the readers 26h by connecting each of the sensor devices 46h to
the data transmission bus. Unlike the configuration symbolized in
FIG. 12, the sensor devices 46a could also be provided structurally
combined with the readers 26h.
[0143] The purpose of the sensor devices 46h is to detect physical
quantities of interest according to the case of application, in
particular quantities measured in the receiving compartment 18h
(e.g. temperature, air pressure, humidity, shaking, vibrations
etc.). For this purpose the sensor devices 46h can be fitted with
corresponding sensors or connected to such sensors.
[0144] The detection of ambient conditions to which the articles
are exposed, which is made possible in parallel to the
identification of transponders and therefore the contents of
individual containers 10h is particularly advantageous in the area
of the storage and/or transport of goods. If the containers 10h are
used as freight containers, for example, as is usual for example in
international goods traffic, not only can the insertion, the
removal, and the current inventory of goods be selectively detected
or monitored for each individual container by means of the RFID
system but a continuous monitoring of the articles stored and/or
transported in the containers can also take place. Thus, not only
an automatic and operator-free and therefore simple inventory and
updating of inventory data is possible but also effective
monitoring with regard to harmful ambient conditions during storage
and/or transport.
[0145] In a further development it can be provided that the
containers 10h are each equipped with an electronic memory device
for the intermediate storage of RFID read or write data and/or
sensor data in order to bridge "time monitoring gaps" in the case
of a non-continuously conducted RFID method. In the example in FIG.
12, such a memory device could be disposed, for example, between
the line sections 36h on the one hand the readers 26h and sensor
devices 46h on the other hand or they can be provided integrated in
one or both of the latter devices.
[0146] FIG. 13 illustrates a use of RFID containers 10i as
transport containers which can be located in dedicated receiving
areas on board a vehicle. FIG. 13 illustrates this for the example
of a motor vehicle 48i having four loading bays provided in its
loading area for accommodating four containers 10i adapted with
regard to their external housing structure.
[0147] In FIG. 13 three such containers 10i-1, 10i-2 and 10i-3 are
actually accommodated in the loading area of the vehicle 48i.
Similarly to example in FIG. 12, automatic electrical contacting of
the relevant containers 10i is achieved through the arrangement of
each container 10i. For this purpose the containers are each
equipped at a provided point (in this case: on their underside)
with an electrical plug connection device 38i which makes an
electrical contact with a vehicle-side counter plug connection
device 40i in the disposed state of the container.
[0148] In the example shown, the connecting devices 38i and 40i are
used to make an HF connection between a jointly used RFID reader
26i and the RFID antennas 20i located in the respective receiving
compartment 18i of the containers 10i.
[0149] FIG. 14 shows a vehicle 48k, which is slightly modified
compared with the vehicle 48i described with reference to FIG.
13.
[0150] In the vehicle 48k a vehicle-side reader 26k provided for
RFID detection at containers 10k is connected to a multiplex device
28k, from which separate electrical connecting lines run to each
individual one of the counter plug connection devices 40k-1 to
40k-4.
[0151] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a motor vehicle 48m
having a bodywork 50m, of which front bodywork wall areas 16m (e.g.
fender, fan grill, engine hood etc.) more or less surround an
engine compartment 18m. A plurality of vehicle components are
fixedly installed in the engine compartment 18m in a manner known
per se, in particular an engine block 12m-1 shown schematically in
the figure and other engine components 12m-2 to 12m-5. These
components accommodated in the area 18m comprise, for example,
auxiliary equipment of the engine 12m-1 (e.g. coolant pump,
alternator etc.).
[0152] An RFID system is integrated in the vehicle 48m, of which an
RFID reader 26m and antennas 20m-1 and 20m-2 connected thereto via
lines are indicated in the figure. Thus, articles built into the
engine compartment 18m and each provided with an RFID transponder
22m can be simply and reliably identified. The RFID tags on or in
the individual vehicle components and other built-in components can
replace the barcode labels which are usual today. Unlike in the
case of components provided with a barcode, components each
provided with an RFID transponder can easily be detected in the
built-in state, checked (e.g. for production batch numbers, model
numbers, authenticity etc.) or an inventory taken.
[0153] As far as the configuration of the antennas 20m of the RFID
system shown in FIG. 15 is concerned, all the previously and
subsequently described structures can be used. In the exemplary
embodiment shown, for example, rod antennas or patch antennas could
be used, these being disposed, for example, on the inner side of
metal bodywork parts (e.g. fender etc.)
[0154] In a further development it is provided that the reader 26m
is connected to an on-board electronics system (e.g. comprising an
on-board computer) or is supplied by an electronics system provided
in any vehicle electronic component which is connected to a data
bus (e.g. CAN bus). The RFID read/write processes as such and/or
for example, the retrieval of (temporarily stored) read results can
be carried out, for example, by technical staff in a workshop.
[0155] In addition to a rapid and reliable detection of the
built-in components, the on-board RFID system shown is also of
interest with regard to protection from counterfeits (the
transponder or its function can each represent an authenticity
feature of the relevant components). The invention therefore also
provides an advantageous method for checking the authenticity of
articles.
[0156] Unlike the exemplary embodiment shown, the RFID system of
the vehicle 48m could also comprise an antenna device in the
passenger compartment and/or in the loading area (trunk space)
(alternatively or additionally to the antennas 20m-1, 20m-2 shown
in the engine compartment). Thus, a detection or identification of
interior components or loading area components (fixedly installed
or the load material itself) could also advantageously be made.
[0157] RFID antenna devices (e.g. specially provided antennas or
modified interior components) for checking the passenger
compartment could also be provided, e.g. laterally on the doors
and/or under the roof of the relevant vehicle. Thus, for example,
in a motor vehicle of the type shown in FIG. 15, in particular, for
example, seats, airbags etc, can be scanned and checked.
[0158] In the loading area or trunk space of a vehicle of the type
shown in FIG. 15, a check of the safety equipment, for example
(e.g. warning triangle, expiry date of first aid kit etc.) could
advantageously be made.
[0159] If monitoring of the loading area is provided, it is
advantageous if the RFID system can be operated by a user of the
vehicle. For this purpose, the RFID system can be integrated, for
example, in the vehicle electronics which is present in any
case.
[0160] Unlike the exemplary embodiment shown, the vehicle 48m could
also be a watercraft or aircraft, for example, A certain shielding
of the container structure (e.g. metal bodywork parts) is essential
for the function to achieve the advantages of the invention.
[0161] In summary, "RFID radio containers" for numerous
applications have been described with the above exemplary
embodiments. It is essential in this case to take into account a
shielding which is advantageously used in the invention.
[0162] In many areas, selective, locally exactly defined RFID
detection is necessary. Instead of expensive readers having
sophisticated filter mechanisms which can separate the "right" from
the "wrong" transponders, a "natural shielding effect" of
three-dimensional structures (e.g. metal containers) can be used in
the invention. Furthermore, antenna solutions and connection
possibilities are presented which do not interfere with the actual
usage purpose of the respective container. As a result RFID
detection and identification can be achieved very simply in
restricted space at very low costs.
[0163] The operating mode of the exemplary embodiments may be
briefly outlined as follows:
[0164] 1. Requirement: a container structure, i.e. a largely or
almost closed metal construction having electromagnetic shielding
properties in the frequency ranges relevant for the RFID system
concerned (e.g. passive RFID at 13.56 or 840-980 MHz).
[0165] 2. Purpose: objects located inside this container should be
able to be uniquely detected by means of RFID.
[0166] 3. Implementation: an RFID antenna device provided for
communication with transponders is located in the receiving
compartment of the container. For this purpose, for example, parts
of a metal structure forming the container can be modified such
that they act as RFID antennas without impairing the function of
the container. It is worth noting that complex, space-consuming
antennas or RFID readers need not be integrated in known containers
but parts of the containers can be modified such that they
themselves act as antennas. As a result, the container itself
becomes the antenna and therefore a component of the RFID
system.
[0167] For example, antennas can be completely integrated in the
side walls or the structure of the respective container. In many
cases, individual or a plurality of walls or partitions can be
designed as antennas themselves. As a result, neither the function
nor the external form of the container is impaired. Integration of
the antennas which are inserted seamlessly into the basic
functionality of the individual container is preferably carried
out.
[0168] In particular if only the antennas of the RFID system are
integrated in various shielding containers (boxes, shelves,
cabinets etc.), the required electrical connections can be guided
externally by means of commercially available plug connectors (or
other electrical connecting means).
[0169] As a result, for example, various transport containers (e.g.
catering trolleys in aircraft, valuables containers etc.) can be
connected very simply. With the aid of a type of bus system a
plurality of antennas (containers) can be operated sequentially
without major modifications to the existing structure being
necessary.
[0170] If necessary, the RFID reader itself can be built into the
individual container. This has the advantage, for example, that the
respective container can be operated independently of external
readers.
[0171] When using HF cables, the required cable length or the HF
technical matching must be taken into account. In the simplest case
only the cables are required for the antennas since the reader
itself is located externally. It is also possible to operate a
larger number of antennas on a reader and wire accordingly by means
of so-called HF (UHF) multiplexers. By this means a plurality of
containers e.g. on board a vehicle (e.g. a truck) can be detected
with only one reader.
[0172] All antenna forms can be integrated directly in one of the
side walls or other boundaries of the container or installed
subsequently. It should be noted that usually an antenna solution
can be found whereby the enclosed volume can be completely
"illuminated" electromagnetically. Depending on the dimensions of
the container, resonant structures may be formed which very
positively influence the detection of the content. For example, at
a wavelength of about 33 cm in the UHF range, this can be achieved
with relatively small dimensions.
[0173] The following antenna forms may be used in particular:
[0174] 1. Rod Antennas
[0175] The classical trunk radio antenna is also suitable for RFID.
Struts, corner or edge reinforcements of a container can
expediently be configured as rod antennas.
[0176] 2. Dipole Antenna
[0177] The two-armed dipole antenna in different designs and
lengths can bridge large dimensions and completely illuminate a
corresponding metal structure. A plurality of antennas can be used
if selective detection is required.
[0178] 3. Surface Antenna (Patch Antenna)
[0179] This type of antenna is ideally suited to use entire side
walls or parts thereof as antennas. This facilitates installation
or modification and in no way interferes with the usage properties
of the container. Some examples for the arrangement of patch
antennas were described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10
shows a design in which substantially the entire side wall acts as
an individual antenna, whereas FIG. 11 uses an antenna cascade for
illuminating the entire container.
[0180] 4. Emitter
[0181] UHF emitters can be configured, for example as horn emitters
and used to feed high-power-density radiation into narrow
spaces.
[0182] 5. Induction Coils for the HF Range
[0183] Coils in the form of conductor (e.g. metal wire) windings
let into boundaries (e.g. walls of the container) which ensure
inductive coupling with the transponders can be used in particular
for the use of HF-RFID at 13.56 MHz.
[0184] The invention has a very wide spectrum of application. Some
examples will be explained again in detail hereinafter.
[0185] 1. IT Server Rack
[0186] Such an application has already been explained above with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. Some possible detailed aspects of this
application are given again hereinafter: [0187] A preferred usage
is obtained for example for "19 inch IT cabinets" (server racks).
[0188] Use of rod, dipole or surface antennas. A possible design of
an RFID-IT rack uses rod antennas which are built in subsequently
or configured as modified parts of an internal container structure.
The connections are inserted, for example, with the usual IT cables
together into the rack. [0189] Exchange of one or more side walls
by entire surface antennas. [0190] Connection of the antenna cable
by standard (click) plugs which can be attached very easily to the
rack. [0191] Introduction of different transponder types for
identification (a) of the cabinet itself, (b) the individual server
(content), and (c) the individual locations e.g. one transponder
per height unit (one height unit U corresponds to one inch. Large
racks have a height up to 42 U). [0192] If one of more height units
of a built-in server are occupied, the place tags can no longer be
read. The occupancy can be determined not only in terms of content
but also spatially exactly by means of simple subtraction.
[0193] 2. Telecommunications Rack
[0194] The telecommunications rack should be considered similarly
to the IT rack. However, some additional features can be provided.
[0195] The dimensions can vary substantially, from typical 19 inch
racks to small boxes for telephone equipment. [0196] Active
components (e.g. switches, routers) and passive components (e.g.
patch panels) are typically installed.
[0197] Conventional switchgear cabinets for electrical installation
technology in buildings can also be fitted with integrated antennas
for identification of the components container therein, e.g. fuses,
switches etc.
[0198] 3. Transport Containers
[0199] Primarily all container types known from the prior art as
such, particularly for sea and land transport, for example, come
into consideration. As a result of the typically considerable size
of such containers, cascaded patch antennas can be advantageous.
These can be integrated, for example, in the side walls. Stacked
containers can be networked as it were and therefore sequentially
read out by standard or special plug connections or the like.
Another possibility is to connect a reader from outside directly by
means of plugs. The "electronic seals" already in use today can
thus directly detect the content of the container and optionally
relay it (e.g. via satellite).
[0200] 4. Vehicles and Cases for Transporting Valuables
[0201] These include special containers, for example, for: [0202]
military security transport, [0203] transport of hazardous goods,
[0204] transport of medicaments or pathogens, [0205] transport of
money and jewelry etc.
[0206] Apparatus for receiving or holding containers is frequently
provided in known transport vehicles. If the antenna connections
are contacted via locking plug connectors, the content can be
detected as soon as the container is in its correct place. If it is
removed without authorization, an alarm can be triggered
immediately. A certain double function is thereby achieved.
[0207] 5. Containers, Receptacles, Cases for Art Objects
[0208] The facts described previously under 3. and 4. apply to
these transport containers. The following extensions can be
additionally introduced by integrating RFID antennas: [0209]
Reading out radio sensors attached to art objects, which can
typically also operate in the UHF range. As a result, vibrations,
humidity, temperature etc. during transport can be monitored for
each individual item. [0210] Seamless monitoring of the transport
sequence by correlating the individual readings with the
whereabouts. It is known, for example, whether the container is
connected straight to a reader in the vehicle, in the storage area,
or in the exhibition area. [0211] A completely transparent solution
is obtained in connection with an electronic seal.
[0212] 6. "Trolleys"
[0213] Roll containers with catering in aircraft are meant here,
for example, which can provide detailed information about the
loading using means within the scope of the invention. Furthermore,
the preparation cycle, e.g. cleaning, maintenance, filling etc. can
be displayed at any time for individual containers. Surface, dipole
or rod antennas can also be used here.
[0214] It has been shown how the RFID write-read process can be
exactly defined locally by using a shielding. Possibilities for
retrofitting containers already in use such that their usage is not
impaired have been described.
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