U.S. patent application number 13/813015 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for method of and apparatus for processing an object.
This patent application is currently assigned to DATACARD CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is Benoit Berthe, Frederic Beulet, Ulrich Bielesch, Thorsten Habel, Dominique Perdoux. Invention is credited to Benoit Berthe, Frederic Beulet, Ulrich Bielesch, Thorsten Habel, Dominique Perdoux.
Application Number | 20130125383 13/813015 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43844623 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130125383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bielesch; Ulrich ; et
al. |
May 23, 2013 |
METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING AN OBJECT
Abstract
An object processing machine for processing a plurality of
objects, the machine comprising: a plurality of processing modules,
each processing module having a modular structure co-operable with
the modular structure of another processing module to form a
modular assembly constituting the object processing machine; each
processing module being operable to perform a corresponding
processing operation on an object and being provided with at least
one transfer unit located at a respective port of the processing
module; each transfer unit being arranged to transfer an object to
or from the corresponding processing module and/or to or from a
transfer unit of another processing module of the modular assembly;
the transfer units being arranged to co-operate with one another
and/or with another processing unit such that objects can be guided
from an input of the machine to an output of the machine via a
plurality of different transport pathways through the machine,
wherein the transport pathway taken by a said object being
processed corresponds to the pre-determined processing operations
to be performed on the said object. A method of processing a
plurality of objects using such a machine is also described.
Inventors: |
Bielesch; Ulrich; (Frucht,
DE) ; Perdoux; Dominique; (Mardie, FR) ;
Beulet; Frederic; (Meung Sur Loire, FR) ; Habel;
Thorsten; (Hanau, DE) ; Berthe; Benoit;
(Orleans, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bielesch; Ulrich
Perdoux; Dominique
Beulet; Frederic
Habel; Thorsten
Berthe; Benoit |
Frucht
Mardie
Meung Sur Loire
Hanau
Orleans |
|
DE
FR
FR
DE
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
DATACARD CORPORATION
Minnetonka
MN
|
Family ID: |
43844623 |
Appl. No.: |
13/813015 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
July 29, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2010/002567 |
371 Date: |
January 29, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/592 ;
29/650 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2513/51 20130101;
G06K 19/07716 20130101; B65H 2511/415 20130101; B65H 2301/447
20130101; B65H 15/00 20130101; B65H 7/00 20130101; B65H 29/60
20130101; B65H 2402/10 20130101; B65H 2301/445 20130101; B65H
2513/42 20130101; B65H 2301/333 20130101; B65H 5/26 20130101; B65H
2701/1914 20130101; B65H 2557/13 20130101; Y10T 29/49 20150115;
Y10T 29/52 20150115; B65H 2301/4482 20130101; B65H 2513/51
20130101; B65H 2220/01 20130101; B65H 2511/415 20130101; B65H
2220/01 20130101; B65H 2513/42 20130101; B65H 2220/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/592 ;
29/650 |
International
Class: |
B23Q 7/14 20060101
B23Q007/14 |
Claims
1. An object processing machine for processing a plurality of
objects, the machine comprising: a plurality of processing modules,
each processing module having a modular structure co-operable with
the modular structure of another processing module of the plurality
of processing modules to form a modular assembly constituting the
object processing machine; each processing module being operable to
perform a corresponding processing operation on an object and being
provided with at least one transfer unit located at a respective
port of the processing module; each transfer unit being arranged to
transfer an object to and/or from the corresponding processing
module, and/or to and/or from a transfer unit of another processing
module of the modular assembly; the transfer units being arranged
to co-operate with one another and/or with another processing unit
such that objects can be guided from an input of the machine to an
output of the machine via a plurality of different transport
pathways through the machine, wherein the transport pathway
selected from the plurality of different transport pathways for a
said object being processed corresponds to the processing
operations to be performed on the said object.
2. An object processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the
plurality of transport pathways through the machine includes a
transport pathway by which a said object to be processed passes
through all of the processing modules constituting the said object
processing machine, and another transport pathway by which the said
object to be processed passes through a subset of the processing
modules constituting the said object processing machine.
3. An object processing machine according to claim 1, claim 1,
wherein the transport pathway for a said object depends on the
actual operational status of the object processing machine.
4. An object processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the
transfer units are arranged to co-operate with one another such
that an object can by pass a said processing module via the
corresponding transfer unit of the said processing module without
being transferred into the said processing module, the object being
processed being transferred from one processing module to another
processing module of the modular assembly by means of the transfer
units according to a predefined set of rules corresponding to the
object being processed.
5. An object processing machine according to claim 1, wherein at
least one port of each processing module can act interchangeably as
an input port or an output port, such that an object can be moved
bi-directionally through the object processing machine.
6. An object processing machine according to claim 1, wherein each
processing module is interchangeable within the modular structure
with another processing module.
7. An object processing machine according to claim 1, wherein each
processing module can be removed and replaced independently of the
other processing modules.
8. An object processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the
processing modules are arranged side by side and on top of each
other in a two dimensional modular array.
9. An object processing machine according to claim 1, wherein each
processing module is provided with a corresponding control unit to
control the processing and transfer of a said object in the
corresponding module according to the said object.
10. An object processing machine according to claim 1, wherein each
processing module is further operable as a stand-alone machine
tool.
11. An object processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the
machine tool is provided with a power base for supplying power to
each of the processing modules, each processing module being
provided with an inter-cooperative power interface for co-operating
with the power base or another inter-cooperative power interface
for transferring the power supply from the power base to another
processing module.
12. A modular processing unit for use in the object processing
machine according to claim 1.
13. A method of processing a plurality of objects in an object
processing machine, the object processing machine comprising: a
plurality of processing modules arranged to form an assembly
constituting the object processing machine, each processing module
being provided with at least one transfer unit located at a
respective port of the processing module; the method comprising:
receiving an object to be processed; transferring the object to be
processed to a first processing module via a first transfer unit of
the first processing module; processing the object according to a
processing operation for the object; transferring the object from
the first processing module to a transfer unit of a second adjacent
processing module so that the object can be either processed by the
second adjacent processing module or transferred directly to the
transfer unit of a third processing module adjacent to the second
processing module; wherein each object of a series of objects is
transferred between transfer units of at least some of the
processing modules via one of a plurality of transport pathways
between an input and output of the machine, wherein the transport
pathway, from the plurality of transport pathways, for the
respective object is determined according to the processing
operations to be performed on the said object.
14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of
transport pathways through the machine includes one transport
pathway by which a said object to be processed passes through all
of the processing modules constituting the said object processing
machine and another transport pathway by which an object to be
processed passes through a subset of the processing modules
constituting the said object processing machine according to the
processes dedicated to the object.
15. A method according to claim 13, wherein an object being
processed can by pass a said processing module via the
corresponding transfer unit of the said processing module without
being transferred to the said processing module.
16. A method according to claim 13, wherein the transport pathway
for a said object depends on the actual operational status of the
object processing machine.
17. A method according to claim 13, wherein the object to be
processed can be moved in a first direction and in a second
opposite direction through a processing module.
18. A method according to claim 13, wherein the processing and
transfer of a said object is controlled by a respective control
unit of the corresponding processing module according to the said
object.
19. A method according to claim 13, wherein the object may be
transferred through the object processing machine via one transport
pathway selected from a plurality of different possible transport
pathways through the plurality of processing modules.
20. A method according to claim 13, wherein the processing
operation performed by a respective processing module comprises one
of graphically marking the object, transferring data to the object,
embossing the card and verifying the object
21. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable
instructions to enable a computer system to perform the method of
claim 13.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to a method and
apparatus for processing an object such as a card, work-piece or
the like. A potential application of an embodiment of the invention
is in the treatment of a card like object, for example a smart card
equipped with a chip.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Object processing systems for carrying out a number of
various processing procedures on objects or work-pieces, such as
cards or the like are known. For example processing systems for
personalising portable objects such as smart cards including SIM
cards, credit cards or telephone cards, as well as electronic
purses and the like are known. In a card personalisation system
several personalisation operations can be carried out to customise
the card to the user. The personalisation operations may include
processes for graphical personalisation of the card by relief
marking by embossing or stamping, or printing on one or both
surfaces of the card as well as processes for electronic
personalisation of the card by transferring data to and from the
memory of the card. A personalisation operation for graphically
marking cards typically uses a marking device such as a laser
marking machine to mark graphical data on the card. The graphical
data may for example include text such as the name of the bearer of
the card, a serial number or code, a bar code, a photograph or
drawings or other patterns or codes on the cards. A laser marking
machine, for example, generally includes a marking element such as
a laser engraver, a marking location for placing a card to be
marked opposite to the marking element, a transfer path to supply
the card to be marked to the marking location and to remove the
cards already marked from the marking location. A personalisation
operation for electronic customisation of a card provided with a
programmable smart object such as a chip typically involves
transferring electronic data from a database to a smart object
which is accessible via one or both sides of the card.
[0003] Some personalisation processes may include a step for
verifying the cards at the end of the personalisation process.
Typically the personalisation processes are carried out
sequentially on a series of cards which are fed to a
personalisation machine.
[0004] Such machines typically include a number of processing units
arranged one after the other in a line so that an object can be
processed in one unit and then conveyed to the next unit in line
for another processing procedure. For example a card
personalisation machine may include a unit for graphical marking
the card, followed by a unit for electronically processing the card
followed by a unit for verifying the graphical and electronic
personalisation processes, the said units being arranged
sequentially one after the other.
[0005] Desktop systems for processing cards are typically small
machines dedicated to perform only a few processes. While such
desktop systems have advantages in terms of footprint, power
consumption and price, they are limited in terms of the rate of
processing throughput and versatility. One desktop system is
dedicated to one main application.
[0006] In addition to desktop systems there are the so called
Central Issuance machines which are able to carry out several
processing procedures on an object within a short time so that a
high throughput can be achieved. These machines are however limited
in terms of expansion in response to new applications or
requirements.
[0007] The present invention has been devised with the foregoing
drawbacks in mind.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] To better address one or more of the foregoing concerns, a
first aspect of the invention provides an object processing machine
for processing a plurality of objects in series, the machine
comprising: a plurality of processing modules, each processing
module having a modular structure co-operable with the modular
structure of another processing module of the plurality of
processing modules to form a modular assembly constituting the
object processing machine; each processing module being operable to
perform a corresponding processing operation on an object and being
provided with at least one transfer unit located at a respective
port of the processing module; each transfer unit being arranged to
transfer an object to or from the corresponding processing module
and/or to or from a transfer unit of another processing module of
the modular assembly; the transfer units being arranged to
co-operate with one another and/or with another processing unit
such that objects can be guided from an input of the machine to an
output of the machine via a plurality of different transport
pathways through the machine, wherein the transport pathway taken
by a said object being processed corresponds to the pre-determined
processing operations to be performed on the said object.
[0009] In some embodiments of the invention the transport pathway
taken by an object through the machine may depend on the actual
operational status of the machine; for example the number of
objects being currently processed by the machine or the current
processing operations being carried out by the machine on other
objects. The transport pathway may be selected to optimise the
performance of the whole system. The performance can be
distinguished by the maximum throughput, a reduced power
consumption or a minimum consumption of supplies such as ink,
ribbon or the like when using processing modules carrying out the
same operation with different qualities by using different amount
of supplies.
[0010] A transport path of the object between two object processing
modules is not necessarily congruent with the path used during
processing of the objects, wherein the transfer units are capable
of guiding the objects via an optimised transport pathway out of
several possible ways through the object processing machine
according to a predefined set of rules corresponding to the object
being processed and the actual status of the machine.
[0011] It will be appreciated that the input and the output may be
the same unit performing both functions or separate units, one
acting as input, the other acting as an output.
[0012] A second aspect of the invention provides a method of
processing a plurality of objects in an object processing machine,
the object processing machine comprising: a plurality of processing
modules, each processing module having a modular structure
co-operable with the modular structure of another processing module
to form a modular assembly constituting the object processing
machine and being provided with at least one transfer unit located
at a respective port of the processing module; the method
comprising: receiving a first object to be processed; transferring
the first object to be processed to a first processing module via a
first transfer unit of the first processing module; processing the
first object according to a processing operation for the first
object; transferring the first object from the first processing
module to a transfer unit of a second adjacent processing module so
that the object can be processed by the second adjacent processing
module or, alternatively, transferred directly to the transfer unit
of a third processing module adjacent to the second processing
module; wherein the object is transferred between transfer units of
the processing modules via one of a plurality of transport pathways
between an input and output of the machine according to a
predefined set of rules corresponding to the object being processed
such that the object may be processed by all or alternatively by a
subset of the processing modules constituting the said object
processing machine Following objects will be processed in a similar
way taken into account the set of processes assigned to the objects
and the actual status of the machine given by the functionality of
the processing modules and the foregoing objects.
[0013] In embodiments of the invention:
[0014] the plurality of transport pathways through the machine
includes a transport pathway by which a said object to be processed
passes through all of the processing modules constituting the said
object processing machine, and another transport pathway by which
the said object to be processed passes through a subset of the
processing modules constituting the said object processing
machine.
[0015] the transport pathway for a said object may depend on the
actual operational status of the object processing machine.
[0016] the transfer units may be arranged to co-operate with one
another such that an object can by pass a said processing module
via the corresponding transfer unit of the said processing module
without being transferred into the said processing module, the
object being processed being transferred from one processing module
to another processing module of the modular assembly by means of
the transfer units according to a predefined set of rules
corresponding to the object being processed.
[0017] at least one port of each processing module can act
interchangeably as an input port or an output port, such that an
object can be moved bi-directionally through the object processing
machine.
[0018] each processing module is interchangeable within the modular
structure with another processing module.
[0019] each processing module can be removed and replaced
independently of the other processing modules.
[0020] the processing modules may be arranged side by side and on
top of each other in a two dimensional modular array.
[0021] each processing module may be provided with a corresponding
control unit to control the processing and transfer of a said
object in the corresponding module according to the said
object.
[0022] each processing module is further operable as a stand-alone
machine tool.
[0023] the machine tool is provided with a power base for supplying
power to each of the processing modules, each processing module
being provided with an inter-cooperative power interface for
co-operating with the power base or another inter-cooperative power
interface for transferring the power supply from the power base to
another processing module.
[0024] an object being processed can by pass a said processing
module via the corresponding transfer unit of the said processing
module without being transferred to the said processing module.
[0025] the transport pathway for a said object may depend on the
actual operational status of the object processing machine.
[0026] the object to be processed can be moved in a first direction
and in a second opposite direction through a processing module.
[0027] the processing and transfer of a said object is controlled
by a respective control unit of the corresponding processing module
according to the said object.
[0028] the object may be transferred through the object processing
machine via one transport pathway selected from a plurality of
different possible transport pathways through the plurality of
processing modules.
[0029] the processing operation performed by a respective
processing module can comprise one of graphically marking the
object, transferring data to the object, embossing the card or
verifying the object, other processing operations and combinations
are feasible depending on the requirements of the application.
[0030] At least parts of the methods according to the invention may
be computer implemented. The methods may be implemented in software
on a programmable apparatus. They may also be implemented solely in
hardware or in software, or in a combination thereof.
[0031] Since at least parts of the present invention can be
implemented in software, the present invention can be embodied as
computer readable code for provision to a programmable apparatus on
any suitable carrier medium. A tangible carrier medium may comprise
a storage medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a hard disk
drive, a magnetic tape device or a solid state memory device and
the like. A transient carrier medium may include a signal such as
an electrical signal, an electronic signal, an optical signal, an
acoustic signal, a magnetic signal or an electromagnetic signal,
e.g. a microwave or RF signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, and with reference to the following drawings in
which:--
[0033] FIGS. 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams of a SIM card which
may be processed by an object processing machine according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a basic processing module
according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the basic processing module
of FIG. 2A;
[0036] FIG. 2C is a schematic view of the basic processing module
of FIG. 2A equipped with an input and output unit;
[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the basic processing module of
FIG. 2A equipped with a plurality of input and output units;
[0038] FIG. 4A is a general schematic diagram of an object
processing machine according to at least one embodiment of the
invention;
[0039] FIG. 4B is a general schematic diagram of an object
processing machine according to at least one embodiment of the
invention;
[0040] FIGS. 5A to 5R schematically illustrate the operation of an
object processing machine according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0041] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an object processing machine
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 7 is a general schematic diagram of an object
processing machine according to a further embodiment of the
invention;
[0043] FIGS. 8A to 8J schematically illustrate the operation of an
object processing machine according to the further embodiment of
the invention;
[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an object processing machine
according to a further embodiment of the invention;
[0045] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a basic processing module
according to a second embodiment of the invention; and
[0046] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a object processing machine
including basic processing modules according to the second
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] A method of and apparatus for processing an object according
to different embodiments of the invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 2 to 11. In the described embodiments of the
invention, by way of example, the method is implemented to
personalise a SIM (subscriber identity module) card, illustrated in
FIG. 1. It will be appreciated however that methods of the
invention may be applied to perform processing operations on other
types of portable objects such as credit cards or telephone cards,
as well as electronic purses and passport booklets or ID cards and
the like. Although the treated objects mentioned above are in the
area of identification documents, embodiments of the invention can
be applied to other work-pieces requiring various treatments to be
performed on it.
[0048] Several potential applications of some of the embodiments of
the invention involve personalized cards primarily ID1 formatted
and containing an electronic storage device. For example, a SIM
card is representatively explained as a potential object of
application. With reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C a SIM card 80
comprises a SIM chip 81 on a SIM card body 82. The SIM chip 81
includes a memory and communication elements for transferring data
between the memory and a mobile terminal or an electronic
personalisation device in which the SIM card 80 is inserted. A SIM
card is used to identify a subscriber on mobile telephony devices
(such as computers and mobile phones) and is generally available in
two standard sizes. The first standard size corresponds to the
typical size of a credit card. The newer, more popular miniature
version such as illustrated in FIG. 1A has a smaller size. Some
smaller SIM cards are supplied as a full-sized card 83 with the
smaller SIM card 80 being held in place by a few plastic links 84
that can be easily broken off to provide the smaller SIM card 80. A
SIM card typically stores a unique International Mobile Subscriber
Identity (IMSI) to identify the subscriber to which the card is
attributed to. The initial 3 digits of an IMSI represent the Mobile
Country Code (MCC), the next 2 digits represent the Mobile Network
Code (MNC) and the next 10 digits represent the mobile station
identification number. A SIM card as a smart card also has a unique
serial number or integrated circuit card ID (ICC-ID) which is
generally printed on the SIM card body during the personalisation
process of the card. One of the main aims of at least one
embodiment of the present invention involves the marking of data on
the SIM card body by a graphical marking device. The SIM card has a
front surface 801 on which the electrical contacts of the SIM chip
81 are visible and a back surface 802, on the opposite face of the
SIM card. Graphical marking where appropriate can be performed on
both surfaces 801 and 802 of the SIM card 80.
[0049] Nevertheless it will be appreciated that the invention is
not restricted to this application, which has been presented as a
typical example for the area of operation of the invention.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, a basic processing
module 100 for a personalisation machine for performing a
personalisation operation on card shaped objects like SIM cards for
example according to a first embodiment of the invention includes a
processing unit F.sub.1 disposed between a first or left flip over
unit FO.sub.1L and a second or right flip over unit FO.sub.2R. Each
flip over unit FO.sub.1L and FO.sub.1R is capable of supporting and
transporting an object to be processed or which already have been
processed in several different directions, preferably at least four
directions D1, D2, D3 and D4 perpendicular to each other. For this
purpose each flip over unit FO.sub.1L and FO.sub.1R includes a
support S for supporting the object to be processed, the support
being rotatable in an anti-clockwise or a clock-wise direction by a
rotating mechanism R to a various number of different directions,
preferably at least four positions perpendicular to one
another.
[0051] For example the first or left flip over element FO.sub.1L
can be arranged to transport an object to be processed by the
processing unit F.sub.1 in a horizontal direction D3 from left to
right to the processing unit F.sub.1 from an input, while second or
right flip over element FO.sub.1R can be arranged to transport the
object already processed by the processing unit F.sub.1 in a
horizontal direction D3 left to right from the processing unit
F.sub.1 towards an output. Alternatively the second or right flip
over unit FO.sub.1R can act as an input to the processing unit
F.sub.1 transporting an object to be processed in a horizontal
direction D1 from right to left to the processing unit and the
first or left flip over unit FO.sub.1L can act as an output from
the processing unit F.sub.1 transporting the object in a horizontal
direction D1 from right to left away from the processing unit
F.sub.1. Consequently an object can be transported through the
processing unit F.sub.1 in two opposing directions.
[0052] In addition the flip over units FO.sub.1L or FO.sub.1R can
change the transport direction of the objects by rotating the
support S by an angle of not necessarily but preferably 90.degree.
degrees in order to provide different ways of transportation to the
object, for example, in a direction D2 or D4 not necessarily but
preferably perpendicular to the direction D1, so that the object
may be transferred from the processing unit F.sub.1 to different
object stacks or other processing units. Similarly the object may
be transferred into the processing unit F.sub.1 from different
object stacks or other processing units, the flip over unit
FO.sub.1L or FO.sub.1R rotates the support in order to receive the
object from one out of various directions like D2 or D4 and
successively rotate the support not necessarily but preferably
90.degree. to transport the object into the processing unit
F.sub.1.
[0053] With reference to FIG. 2C the basic module of FIG. 2A can be
equipped with two ports depicted in the first embodiment as an
input unit F.sub.in and an output unit F.sub.out. However it will
be not excluded that port F.sub.in may act as an output while port
F.sub.out may act as an input.
[0054] With reference to FIG. 3, in a second embodiment of the
invention the basic module of FIG. 2A may be equipped with a
plurality of input ports F.sub.in1, F.sub.in2 and F.sub.in3 and a
plurality of output ports F.sub.out1, F.sub.out2, and F.sub.out3.
Each input port corresponds to a different position of the first or
left flip unit FO.sub.1L. The flip over units thus offer the
possibility of transferring objects to or from different object
stacks. For example if the flip over unit FO.sub.1L is positioned
in a vertical configuration between F.sub.in1 and F.sub.in3 it may
be used to receive an object via input port F.sub.in1 or input port
F.sub.in3. If then flip over unit FO.sub.1L is then rotated by not
necessarily but preferably a right angle in a clockwise or
anti-clockwise direction so that support S is orientated parallel
to processing unit F.sub.1, then the object may be transferred to
the processing unit F.sub.1 for a processing operation.
Alternatively the flip over unit FO.sub.1L may initially be in a
horizontal configuration enabling an object to be passed from an
input unit F.sub.in2 to the processing unit without any rotation.
Similarly each output port F.sub.out1, F.sub.out2 or F.sub.out3
corresponds to a different position of the second or right flip
unit FO.sub.1R. For example if the flip over unit FO.sub.1R is
rotated by not necessarily but preferably a right angle from a
horizontal configuration to a configuration that renders F.sub.out1
and/or F.sub.out3 accessible it may be used to transfer a processed
object from processing unit F.sub.1 to output port F.sub.out1 or
output port F.sub.out3. Alternatively the flip over unit FO.sub.1R
may remain in a horizontal configuration enabling an object to be
passed from the processing unit F.sub.1 directly to an output unit
F.sub.out2 without any rotation.
[0055] In addition to providing an opportunity to select different
cards from different input units and distributing into different
output units, the Flip over units can be used to distribute the
cards into additional processing units as illustrated in FIG. 4A
and FIG. 4B. The object processing machine generally illustrated in
FIG. 4A includes a plurality of m processing units F.sub.1 to
F.sub.m arranged in a linear configuration one adjacent to the
other, one on top of the other or side by side. A side by side or
horizontal configuration can be achieved by rotating the basic unit
illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B not necessarily but preferably
at 90.degree. degrees so that the Flip over units FO.sub.1L and
FO.sub.1R are on top and on the bottom of the functional unit
F.sub.1. Stacking the so turned basic units, the side by side
arrangement will create a horizontal layout of the processing
machine. Such configurations enable different processing operations
to be performed on the cards using different processing units and
give the possibility to enhance the overall processing throughput
by doubling processing modules of time consuming processes. Each
processing unit F.sub.n is equipped on each of its sides with a
first or left flip over unit FO.sub.nL and a second or right flip
over unit FO.sub.nR similar to the module of FIG. 2A. Each row of
first or left Flip over units FO.sub.1L to FO.sub.mL and second or
right flip over units FO.sub.1R to FO.sub.mR can be used to
distribute the cards into the appropriate processing unit F.sub.1
to F.sub.m, and after the processing operation the card may
transported to the next free and appropriate processing unit or
output stacker F.sub.out. As illustrated in FIG. 4B the object
processing machine may be provided with a plurality of input units
and a plurality of output units, so that different cards from
different input units can be transferred through the various
processing units of the machine to be machined according to the
process and to be emitted out via the respective output unit.
[0056] The operation of an object processing machine equipped with
four processing modules will be explained with reference to FIGS.
5A to 5R. Each processing module includes a first or left flip over
unit FO.sub.nL, a processing unit F.sub.n and a second or right
flip over unit FO.sub.nR similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2A and
the embodiments of FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this particular embodiment
the object processing machine is equipped with an input unit
F.sub.in and two output units: F.sub.out and reject output. Each
processing module is further equipped with a control unit (not
shown) controlling the processing performed by the processing unit
of that module and the flip over units of that module. A set of
rules implemented on the various modules guide the card to be
processed through the processing machine.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 5A in a first step of a processing
operation, the left flip over unit FO.sub.1L of the first
processing module is orientated in a horizontal position to receive
the card to be processed from the input unit F.sub.in and to
transfer the card 1 from left to right in a direction D1 to the
first processing unit F.sub.1. The card is then processed by the
processing module F.sub.1 as illustrated in FIG. 5B. The processing
operation may be any suitable personalisation operation of the card
1 such as embossing for example. After the processing operation has
been completed the card 1 is then moved back from the processing
unit F.sub.1 to the left flip over unit FO.sub.1L of the first
module as illustrated in FIG. 5C. The left flip over unit FO.sub.1L
is then rotated by an angle of 90.degree. in this example to rotate
the card 1 on support S from a horizontal direction to a vertical
direction as illustrated in FIG. 5D. The left flip over unit
FO.sub.2L of the second module, located adjacent to the first
module, is also orientated in a vertical configuration in order to
receive the card 1 from the left flip over unit FO.sub.1L of the
first module. In this way as illustrated in FIG. 5E the card 1 is
transferred from the left flip over unit FO.sub.1L of the first
module to the left flip over unit FO.sub.2L of the second module.
Flip over units FO.sub.1L and FO.sub.2L are then rotated through an
angle of 90 degrees to a horizontal configuration as illustrated in
FIG. 5F. Flip over unit FO.sub.1L of the first module receives the
next card 2 from input unit F.sub.in. In this way the card 1 can be
transferred from flip over unit FO.sub.2L to the processing unit
F.sub.2 and card 2 can be transferred from flip over unit FO.sub.1L
to the processing unit F.sub.1 as illustrated in FIG. 5G. The
second processing unit F.sub.2 may perform an alternative
processing function on card 1 such as laser marking of the card 1
while the first processing unit F.sub.1 performs an embossing
operation on card 2. It will be appreciated that the processes may
be carried out simultaneously to speed up the rate of throughput of
the cards, or at different times according to the processing
requirements. Such a marking operation may involve marking the
support 82 of a SIM card for example. The associated information
system transmits the marking data to the processing unit F.sub.2.
The marking data transmitted will correspond to the card 1 being
marked. After the corresponding processing operations have been
completed cards 1 and 2 are moved from processing unit F.sub.2 and
F.sub.1, respectively back to the corresponding flip over unit
FO.sub.2L and FO.sub.1L which are both in a horizontal position for
receiving the respective cards as illustrated in FIG. 5H. Both flip
over units FO.sub.1L and FO.sub.2L are moved through an angle of
90.degree. for instance to a vertical configuration, as illustrated
in FIG. 5I so that the cards may be transferred to the subsequent
processing unit. Thus as illustrated in FIG. 5J card 1 can be
transferred from the left flip over unit FO.sub.2L of the second
module to the left flip over unit FO.sub.3L of the third module and
the card 2 can be transferred from the left flip over unit
FO.sub.1L of the first module to the left flip over unit FO.sub.2L
of the second module. In the following phase of the process the
flip over units FO.sub.1L, FO.sub.2L and FO.sub.3L are rotated from
a vertical position to a horizontal position as illustrated in FIG.
5K, thereby enabling a third card to be received by flip over unit
FO.sub.1L from the input unit F.sub.in for transfer to the first
processing module F.sub.1 for an embossing procedure, the second
card 2 to be transferred to the second processing module F.sub.2
for a laser marking procedure and the first card 1 to be
transferred to the third processing module F.sub.3 for a third card
personalisation process for example electronic personalisation of
the card 1 as illustrated in FIG. 5L.
[0058] During the electronic personalisation of a card, the
electronic personalisation unit F.sub.3 transfers the respective
personalisation data to the memory of the chip 81 of card 1. Data
can be transferred to the memory chip 81 via electrical contacts or
strips or via so called contact-less devices such as a radio
antenna or an induction system. It will be appreciated that
embodiments of the invention may be applied to an electronic
personalisation of a card provided with access to one or more
memory chips or zones via interfaces provided on both opposing main
surfaces of the card.
[0059] After the respective processing operations have been
completed by processing units F.sub.1, F.sub.2 and F.sub.3 the
cards 3, 2 and 1 can be transferred back to the respective flip
over units FO.sub.1L, FO.sub.2L and FO.sub.3L, each being initially
orientated in a horizontal position for receiving the corresponding
card. The flip over units FO.sub.1L, FO.sub.2L and FO.sub.3L are
then rotated to a vertical position as illustrated in FIG. 5M so
that each card can be transferred to the adjacent subsequent flip
over unit. In this way card 1 is transferred from the left flip
over unit FO.sub.3L of the third module to the left flip over
module of the fourth module FO.sub.4L, card 2 is transferred from
the left flip over unit FO.sub.2L of the second module to the left
flip over module of the third module FO.sub.3L, card 3 is
transferred from the left flip over unit FO.sub.1L of the first
module to the left flip over module of the second module FO.sub.2L.
Each of the left flip over units FO.sub.1L, FO.sub.2L, FO.sub.3L
and FO.sub.4L are then moved to a horizontal position so that the
cards can be transferred to the respective processing units
F.sub.1, F.sub.2, F.sub.3 and F.sub.4 as illustrated in FIG. 5N.
The left flip over unit FO.sub.1L of the first module receives a
fourth card 4 from the input unit F.sub.in and transfers it to the
first processing unit F.sub.1. The fourth processing unit F.sub.4
may be a verification processing unit verifying that the correct
procedures have carried out on the card.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 5O card 1 is transferred from the
fourth processing unit F.sub.4 to the right flip over unit
FO.sub.4R of the fourth module by moving the card 1 in a direction
from left to right. The other cards 4, 3 and 2 are moved in
opposite direction from the respective processing unit F.sub.1,
F.sub.2 and F.sub.3 back to the corresponding left flip over units
FO.sub.1L, FO.sub.2L and FO.sub.3L so that they may be subsequently
passed to the next processing unit.
[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 5P cards 4, 3 and 2 are rotated
through an angle of substantially 90.degree. by their respective
flip over unit to a vertical position and transferred to the
subsequent flip over unit. Card 1 is rotated to a vertical position
and passed from the right flip over unit FO.sub.4R of the fourth
module to the right flip over unit FO.sub.3R of the third
module.
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 5Q cards 2, 3 and 4 are transferred
to the next processing unit F.sub.4, F.sub.3 and F.sub.2 of the
processing machine via corresponding flip over units FO.sub.4L,
FO.sub.3L and FO.sub.2L respectively and a fifth card 5 is received
by the first processing unit F.sub.1. Card 1 which has completed
each of the processing operations is transferred via right flip
over units FO.sub.3R and FO.sub.2R from right flip over unit
FO.sub.4R of the fourth verification module F.sub.4 to the right
flip over unit FO.sub.1R located at the output unit F.sub.out. As
illustrated in FIG. 5R the right flip over unit FO.sub.1R of the
first module rotates from a vertical position to a horizontal
position in order to transfer the card 1 to an ouput unit
F.sub.out. This happens, if the processed card 1 satisfies the
verification carried out by processing unit F.sub.4. If the
processed card 1 had not satisfied the verification conditions, the
card 1 would have been transferred to the reject output by rotation
of the right flip over unit FO.sub.R2 of the second module F.sub.2
from a vertical position to a horizontal position.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of
FIG. 5A-5R in which the modules are stacked one on top of each
other in order to form an assembled tower--like structure
constituting the object processing machine. One side of the
assembled tower is provided with a card input/output stack unit
while the opposing side of the tower is provided with four
input/output stack units, one on each module. Thus in this way, for
example, a set of cards to be processed may be introduced via an
input unit on one side of the unit. The cards can then be processed
according to four different procedure sequences, with the cards
being processed by different units or according to different
processing techniques carried out by the same unit so that four
kinds of cards are created, each output stack corresponding to a
processing sequence or processed card type.
[0064] The base of the object processing machine is provided with a
power supply for supplying power to each of the processing modules
located above the power supply. The lower processing module can be
inserted into the power base by means of a power interface
connection in a plug and play like manner with power being
transmitted to each of the modules via the power interfaces of the
processing modules disposed between the respective processing
module and the power module. The added weight of the modules piled
one on top of the other helps to strengthen the power
connection
[0065] The configuration of modules illustrated in FIG. 6 provides
a simple linear modular structure. It is conceivable that while the
embodiment of FIG. 6 is presented as a vertical structure the
modules may be arranged side by side to form a horizontal
structure.
[0066] The modular concept, in which a plurality of individual
processing modules can be built together to form a card processing
machine, enables further machine enlargement for higher throughput
or additional processing functions. According to further
embodiments of the invention, it is possible to stack several
linear arrays of processing modules together to build up a two
dimensional matrix of basic modules. FIG. 7 illustrates such a
general modular structure constituting a processing machine
structure made up of a plurality m of rows of modules arranged in a
plurality i of columns. A combination of various processing
operations and/or a multiplication of a particular processing
operation may be easily achievable. If such a structure is made up
of a number of basic modules as illustrated in FIG. 2A a double row
of transport (Flip over) elements will be formed between the rows
of processing units. The advantage of such a configuration is its
high flexibility which enables each processing unit to be supported
individually and the provision of additional areas for buffering
cards, work-pieces or objects being processed. FIG. 9 is a
perspective view of a 2D array of modular processing units
according to an embodiment of the invention in which two columns of
four rows of modular units forms an object processing machine.
[0067] With reference to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8J the working sequence of
this further embodiment of a processing machine will be described
exemplarily. As illustrated in FIG. 8A the processing machine is
made up of four rows of basic processing modules arranged in three
columns. Each processing module is provided on each of its side
with a flip over unit. In this way a double channel of flip over
units is provided between the first and second columns and the
second and third columns. In this particular embodiment the
processing machine is provided with a single input unit F.sub.in
and two output units: F.sub.out and reject output. It is
conceivable that in alternative embodiments of the invention the
processing unit may be fitted with any number of inputs and outputs
up to a maximum number of 16 for the illustrated example, one for
each externally located flip over unit.
[0068] In an initial phase of the processing procedure the flip
over units FO.sub.11R, FO.sub.11L, FO.sub.12R, FO.sub.12L,
FO.sub.13R, FO.sub.13L of the processing modules F.sub.11, F.sub.12
and F.sub.13 of the upper row of the processing machine are
orientated in a horizontal position. Thus, as illustrated in FIG.
8B, three cards 1, 2 and 3 can be transferred to processing units
F.sub.13, F.sub.12 and F.sub.11 respectively. Card 1 may be
processed by units F.sub.11 and F.sub.12 before being received by
processing unit or F.sub.13 or the card 1 may be simply transferred
through either or both of these units without any processing
procedure taking place. With reference to FIG. 8C card 1 may then
be transferred to processing unit F.sub.23 by rotation of flip over
units FO.sub.13L and FO.sub.23L from a horizontal position to a
vertical position in order to hand over the card 1 to the next row
and successively rotate of flip over unit FO.sub.23L from a
vertical position to a horizontal position in order to transfer the
card 1 into the processing unit F.sub.23. Alternatively card 1 may
be transferred from processing unit F.sub.13 to processing unit
F.sub.23 by using the flip over units FO.sub.13R and FO.sub.23R in
a similar way than FO.sub.13L and FO.sub.23L.
[0069] Card 2 may be transferred from processing unit F.sub.12 to
processing unit F.sub.22 by rotation of flip over unit FO.sub.12L
and FO.sub.22L from a horizontal position to a vertical position in
order to hand over the card 2 to the next row and successively
rotate of flip over unit FO.sub.22L from a vertical position to a
horizontal position in order to transfer the card 2 into the
processing unit F.sub.22. Alternatively card 2 may be transferred
from processing unit F.sub.12 to processing unit F.sub.22 using the
flip over units FO.sub.12R and FO.sub.22R in a similar way than
FO.sub.12L and FO.sub.22L.
[0070] Card 3 is transferred towards processing unit F.sub.21 by
means of flip over unit F.sub.11L and F.sub.21L while a fourth card
4 is received in processing unit F.sub.11 by means of flip over
unit FO.sub.11L. Transferring the card 3 from processing unit
F.sub.11 to processing unit F.sub.21 by using the flip over units
FO.sub.11R and FO.sub.21R similar to the way described above for
card 1 and 2, will give the advantage that the card 4 can be
received by the processing unit F.sub.11 without delay caused by
the flip over unit FO.sub.11L.
[0071] As can be seen in FIG. 8D while cards 1 to 3 are moved to
the second row for processing by processing units F.sub.23,
F.sub.22 and F.sub.21 respectively, cards 4, 5 and 6 are received
in the top row for processing by processing units F.sub.11,
F.sub.12 and F.sub.13. In this way processing of various cards can
be carried out simultaneously by several units thereby increasing
the throughput rate of card processing.
[0072] With reference to FIG. 8E, cards 1 to 3 can be transferred
to the third row of processing units F.sub.31, F.sub.32 and
F.sub.33 by appropriate rotation of the corresponding flip over
units while cards 4 to 6 are transferred to the second row of
processing units F.sub.21, F.sub.22 and F.sub.23. At the same time
cards 7 to 9 can be received on the top row of processing units
F.sub.11 to F.sub.13 as illustrated in FIG. 8F.
[0073] Continuing the procedure, cards 1 to 3 can be transferred to
the fourth row of processing modules F.sub.41 to F.sub.43, cards 4
to 6 may be transferred to the third row of processing modules
F.sub.31 to F.sub.33, cards 7 to 9 may be transferred to the second
row of processing modules F.sub.21 to F.sub.23 while cards 10 to 12
are received on the first row of processing modules F.sub.11 to
F.sub.13 as illustrated in FIG. 8H. In this way 12 processing
procedures may be carried out simultaneously thereby increasing
throughput.
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 8I cards 1 to 3 can then be directed
towards the output from the fourth row by means of flip over units
FO.sub.43R, FO.sub.33R and FO.sub.23R.
[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 8J cards 1 to 3 are output through
output unit F.sub.out while a further card 13 is received through
input F.sub.in to processing unit F.sub.11. The procedure may
continue until all cards have been processed and transferred to the
output through output unit F.sub.out.
[0076] It is conceivable that each card i or a group of cards may
proceed via different pathways through the machine so that
different processing procedures are implemented according to the
type of card or group of cards. Each card may be processed by each
processing unit through which it passes or it may be transferred
through a unit without being processed by that unit because the
processing unit is located on its programmed path.
[0077] In further embodiment of a basic processing module 200 as
illustrated in FIG. 10, the basic processing module 200 is an
independent module which may be removably connected by means of a
corresponding interface to one or two separate flip over units
FO.sub.1L and/or FO.sub.1R.
[0078] With such a basic processing module a matrix configuration
may be formed in which a single row of Flip over units FO.sub.n is
disposed between the rows of processing modules F.sub.n as
illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 11. This embodiment provides
the advantage of placing a variable number of flip over units
FO.sub.nL and FO.sub.nR between two processing modules without any
change in the hardware design depending on the actual requirements
to the object processing machine.
[0079] In embodiments of the invention each processing module may
be equipped with a respective control unit for controlling the
processing operation to be carried out on each object, according to
the object and from controlling the transfer of an object from one
processing module to the next resulting in a distributed
intelligent system. A control system (not shown) such as a computer
or processor or the like can be connected via the base of the
object processing machine and can manage the overall sequential
control of the object processing machine so that an object or a
group of objects can be processed according to a pre-defined set of
rules dedicated to the said object or the said group. Different
paths through the object processing machine can be programmed
according to the object or group of objects being processed. Each
object is not obliged to pass through each processing module in
order to pass from one processing module to another. Each object
may only be processed by a subset of the processing modules
Bi-directional paths through the object processing machine enhance
the flexibility and potential applications of the object processing
machine
[0080] The low production costs of the modular units enables an
object processing machine according to embodiments of the invention
to be produced at reduced costs. In this way the overall object
processing machine benefits from the reduced manufacture costs of
single units which may be produced in large scale, manufactured by
processes such as plastic moulding, while still allowing complex
object processing machines to be built.
[0081] The methods according to the embodiments of the invention
can enable increased production rates since an increased number of
objects may be processed simultaneously even if the processing
operation differs from object to object.
[0082] Although the present invention has been described
hereinabove with reference to specific embodiments, the present
invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and
modifications will be apparent to a skilled person in the art which
lie within the scope of the present invention.
[0083] For instance, while the foregoing examples have been
explained with respect to the processing including personalisation
operations of SIM cards it will be appreciated that the methods can
be applied to the processing of any type of portable object such as
work-pieces or other entities where a plurality of processing
operations is required.
[0084] Many further modifications and variations will suggest
themselves to those versed in the art upon making reference to the
foregoing illustrative embodiments, which are given by way of
example only and which are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention, that being determined solely by the appended claims. In
particular the different features from different embodiments may be
interchanged, where appropriate.
[0085] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other
elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not
exclude a plurality. The mere fact that different features are
recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate
that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used.
Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the invention.
* * * * *