Sensor arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement (1) having at least one code reader configured to read a code (3) and having at least one computer unit (7). The code reader and the computer unit (7) form an RFID emulator sensor (2) in that the code reader is connected to the computer unit by means of an emulator data channel (9) via which only subsystem data and / or transponder emulator data can be read by the code reader into a memory area of a memory unit of the computer unit (7), or subsystem data and / or transponder emulator data can be read out of the memory unit by means of the code reader, wherein the memory area is defined by the code (3) read by the code reader.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement (Sensoranordnung) according to the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] This sensor arrangement can be formed by a code reader, which can read the codes placed on objects. Code readers are typically constructed as optical sensors, such as scanner or camera sensors. With a code reader constructed in this way, codes, especially 1D or 2D barcodes, can be optically scanned and decoded. By detecting the codes with the code reader, the coded object can be identified. This is particularly useful for object tracking in complex automated equipment.

[0003] Furthermore, an RFID system is used for object identification and tracking. Each object is equipped with a transponder, and these transponders each have local memory. This memory can store not only object identification but also other object data (such as object size or load status). The data stored in the transponders can be read by an RFID reader for use in automated processes within automated equipment. Additionally, object data can also be written to the transponders using an RFID reader. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is based on the following objective: to provide a sensor arrangement of the type mentioned at the beginning, which has high functionality.

[0005] To address this task, the features of claim 1 are provided. Advantageous embodiments and applicable extensions of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] This invention relates to a sensor arrangement having at least one reader configured for reading codes and at least one computer unit. The reader and computer unit form an RFID-Emulator-Sensor. The reader and computer unit are connected via an emulator data channel. Through the emulator data channel, only subsystem data and / or transponder emulator data can be read by the reader into the storage area of ​​the computer unit's storage unit, or subsystem data and / or transponder emulator data can be read out of the storage unit by means of the reader. The storage area is defined by the codes read by the reader.

[0007] Therefore, the basic concept of the present invention is to combine the advantages of an optical sensor in the form of a barcode reader with the advantages of an RFID system, wherein the optical sensor can achieve cost-effective object identification and the RFID system can achieve distributed mobile data storage in a transponder.

[0008] By means of a reader with a sensor arrangement according to the present invention, object identification can be performed at a significantly more cost-effective rate than by means of an RFID system.

[0009] According to the present invention, the simulation of the RFID sensor is achieved by means of at least one reader being connected to at least one computer unit through a simulator data channel, wherein the simulator data channel is used only, i.e. specifically, for the reader to read transponder simulator data into the storage area of ​​the storage unit, or to read transponder simulator data out of the storage area of ​​the storage unit.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to read in or read out subsystem data. Subsystem data refers to data from the reader itself or data from units interacting with the reader (e.g., actuators, control devices, etc.). Without limiting generality, reference will be made below only to transponder simulator data.

[0011] Typically, indirect addressing is performed in such a way that the encoded definition of the storage unit is read by a code reader, thus defining the storage area of ​​the storage unit.

[0012] Thus, the distributed storage function of an RFID sensor is simulated by means of an RFID simulator sensor according to the present invention.

[0013] Importantly, the computer unit and simulator data channel are specifically designed for simulating RFID simulator sensors.

[0014] Furthermore, the RFID simulator sensor thus formed can be connected to the host system, i.e., the host computer of the automation system, etc., so as to be able to meet the automation functions.

[0015] The simulator data channel can be formed in particular by logical channels, and its data transmission takes place on the same physical line as the connection to the host system.

[0016] Advantageously, RFID simulator software, which forms the control and analysis processing unit of the RFID simulator sensor, is implemented in the computer unit or each computer unit.

[0017] The RFID simulator software performs all the functions required to simulate RFID simulator sensors.

[0018] Configure the RFID emulator user interface that is appropriate for the destination and the RFID emulator software.

[0019] During the reading process, the RFID emulator sensor reads the code and sends it to the computer unit. The RFID emulator software in the computer unit reads the storage area defined by the code and sends the transponder emulator data back to the RFID emulator sensor. The RFID emulator sensor packages the data according to the AutoID profile and then sends the transponder emulator data to the upstream host system.

[0020] During the writing process, the procedure is similar. The transponder emulator data to be written is sent from the RFID emulator sensor to the computer unit and stored there.

[0021] Data that can be stored in a computer unit can typically be object data belonging to objects tagged with corresponding codes. Object data can characterize objects in terms of properties or size. Object data can also be load status or other characteristics.

[0022] In addition, transponder simulator data can be sensor data.

[0023] Here, sensor data is generated by the sensor associated with the barcode reader.

[0024] Such sensors can be formed from temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc., and they determine characteristic parameters that are important to the object.

[0025] Furthermore, other characteristic parameters in the field of automation, such as weight, volume, size, position, pose, or protrusion, can be integrated through the sensor signals of the sensor. To this end, RFID emulator sensors typically address other sensors via additional logical interfaces or multi-sensor interfaces to synchronously distribute their data to the target object. One practical configuration is the integration of IO-Link sensors. IO-Link sensors support various measurement principles and data in automation technologies. They can be addressed directly or through an IO-Link master station and integrated in terms of data technology. Alternatively, solutions with additional physical interfaces and direct integration via fieldbus, Ethernet, and radio communications can also be envisioned.

[0026] Advantageously, the transponder simulator data is associated with transponder simulator metadata.

[0027] Transponder emulator metadata is associated with transponder emulator data. Specifically, transponder emulator metadata can be quality data and statistical data, tagged using RFID emulator sensors, i.e., the reading process of a code reader. This transponder emulator metadata is detected and associated with transponder emulator data in a time-resolution manner.

[0028] Advantageously, storage units are used to construct databases.

[0029] RFID simulator software allows for the arbitrary division and scaling of storage units or databases.

[0030] According to an advantageous implementation, communication between the barcode reader and the computer unit is conducted through a secure communication interface.

[0031] Here, the communication interface is configured to set different communication and security settings for RFID simulator sensor and transponder simulator data.

[0032] In addition, it is advantageous to set up a locking mechanism as a protection for access to data stored in the storage unit.

[0033] The local transport of information related to the device must be protected against unauthorized access. To this end, security mechanisms are implemented for each RFID emulator sensor. Data on the RFID emulator sensor can be protected through security certificates or standardized authorization procedures (e.g., passwords) using information technology. Furthermore, the communication interface from the host system to the RFID emulator sensor has security features to prevent the reading of passwords and data content there as well. The communication standard OPC UA with the Companion Standard (CS) AutoID is suitable for communication between the host system and the RFID emulator sensor. OPC UA is a communication system, according to the Federal Office for Information Security, that allows secure communication in automation technologies. Combined with the standardization of RFID emulator sensors in the AutoID profile, it provides universal usability.

[0034] Of particular advantage, the entire system, i.e. the entire sensor arrangement according to the invention with all the associated units, is protected by an authentication mechanism, thereby generally avoiding unauthorized access.

[0035] Reading and writing data can be protected using a locking mechanism (a mechanism to block (unauthorized) access). Typically, this protection is achieved through a password. To do this, the RFID emulator sensor reads the encoded information as usual and transmits it along with the password to the RFID emulator software in the computer unit. Therefore, the data area in the storage unit used for this encoded information is locked and can only be read or written in the future using the password. The RFID emulator software confirms the status to the RFID emulator sensor, which in turn confirms the status to the host system.

[0036] In addition, password changes are supported. During this process, the code is first read before the old and new passwords are sent to the RFID emulator software for inspection and storage. The RFID emulator sensors then confirm the processing with the host system.

[0037] According to an advantageous expansion scheme, the sensor arrangement can have multiple readers and therefore multiple RFID emulator sensors. This is particularly advantageous in controlling and monitoring complex automated systems.

[0038] According to the first configuration, the sensor arrangement has multiple readers associated with a computer unit, wherein each reader and the computer unit form an RFID emulator sensor.

[0039] Alternatively, the sensor arrangement may have multiple readers associated with different computer units, where each reader and its associated computer unit form an RFID emulator sensor.

[0040] Typically, the computer unit or a computer unit may be an automated cloud computer, server, or local computer.

[0041] According to the first variant, different computer units are connected via a network router.

[0042] Alternatively, different computer units are connected via the cloud.

[0043] The use of cloud systems is particularly suitable for complex equipment distributed in multiple locations, especially automated systems.

[0044] In such a distributed system, the RFID simulator software and the RFID simulator user interface can be set on different computer units.

[0045] Specifically, the RFID simulator user interface is set up in the cloud system.

[0046] Access to transponder emulator data and / or transponder emulator metadata stored in the storage unit is made via the RFID Emulator Application Logic Unit (Logik), which is appropriate for the destination.

[0047] Advantageously, access to the RFID emulator software can be achieved through the RFID emulator user interface.

[0048] Here, the RFID emulator software can be addressed and / or managed through the RFID emulator user interface.

[0049] A fundamental aspect of such a complex system is the provision of a device for synchronizing storage units or databases among the various computer units.

[0050] This synchronization ensures the uniqueness of all RFID emulators, even when these RFID emulator systems are widely branched out and may be installed in different locations.

[0051] Synchronization is advantageously achieved through database replication for each RFID simulator sensor, which is implemented via RFID simulator software in each computer unit or RFID simulator system.

[0052] Synchronization allows for continuous tracking of changes to datasets in various databases, especially in the form of transponder simulator metadata.

[0053] Furthermore, additional advantageous functions can be achieved through synchronization, which can naturally be implemented in a similar manner in a simple system with only one RFID simulator sensor.

[0054] Thus, the RFID simulator sensors are detected, configured, and managed through synchronized RFID simulator software implemented in each RFID simulator sensor.

[0055] Here, information from various RFID simulator sensors can be integrated and exchanged with the cloud system.

[0056] The RFID simulator software detects each connected RFID simulator sensor and stores it in a database.

[0057] The RFID simulator software identifies the deviation from the previously stored RFID simulator sensor data, marks the change, and stores it.

[0058] The RFID emulator sensor must be connected to the RFID emulator software at least once via operator input or by the sensor placement device. The takeover is achieved through a trust mechanism in the form of a security certificate. Successful takeover relies on the successful exchange and comparison of security features between the RFID emulator sensor and the RFID emulator software in the computer unit.

[0059] The RFID emulator software of one or all computer units stores all settings defined by parameters, configurations, access data, etc., for all RFID emulator sensors of the device in conjunction with an image (Abbild).

[0060] Here, this archived data can be stored back into the RFID simulator sensor. For this purpose, the RFID simulator software can have a corresponding rule set (Regelwerk).

[0061] It can also delete or destroy RFID simulator data.

[0062] Here, the code is first identified using a code reader. The code is transmitted from the RFID emulator sensor to the computer unit. The computer unit then deletes the code stored in the code and sends it along with the task to the RFID emulator software. This process confirms the status with the host system. Although the code cannot be physically destroyed, all subsequent reads are then confirmed by the host system as unread.

[0063] In addition, RFID simulator software can record and store state changes or statistical data from RFID simulator sensors.

[0064] In addition, RFID simulator software can be used to update the firmware or software of RFID simulator sensors.

[0065] Software updates can also be performed via an external system that connects to the RFID emulator software of the computer unit.

[0066] Typically, RFID emulator software and a synchronized database enable centralized access to stored transponder emulator data and metadata, making this data visible when necessary. This allows for centralized management, modification, configuration, and deletion of this data. This processing can be performed at any time without requiring physical access to the RFID emulator sensors.

[0067] The system according to the invention is advantageously configured such that the RFID emulator application logic unit can manage, archive, analyze, process, or copy transponder emulator data and / or transponder emulator metadata.

[0068] According to an advantageous configuration, multiple readers are arranged in a multi-scan arrangement such that codes can be read simultaneously from different directions using these multiple readers. The readers are interconnected in a logical network. Only one reader, along with its associated computer unit, forms an RFID emulator sensor, wherein the reader forming the RFID emulator sensor simultaneously triggers the other readers in the multi-scan arrangement to perform the code reading process. The first code read by one of the readers is considered for further processing.

[0069] By using readers arranged in a multi-scan array, the code is scanned from different directions, thereby improving detection reliability.

[0070] Importantly, only one of the readers forms an RFID simulator sensor and triggers the remaining readers in the multi-scan arrangement to analyze and process the results of all readers. Attached Figure Description

[0071] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0072] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the sensor arrangement according to the present invention is shown;

[0073] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the sensor arrangement according to the present invention is shown;

[0074] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the sensor arrangement according to the present invention is shown;

[0075] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of the sensor arrangement according to the present invention is shown;

[0076] Figure 5 A fifth embodiment of the sensor arrangement according to the present invention is shown;

[0077] Figure 6 A sixth embodiment of the sensor arrangement according to the present invention is shown;

[0078] Figure 7 A seventh embodiment of the sensor arrangement according to the present invention is shown;

[0079] Figure 8 An eighth embodiment of the sensor arrangement according to the present invention is shown;

[0080] Figure 9 A ninth embodiment of the sensor arrangement according to the present invention is shown;

[0081] Figure 10 A tenth embodiment of the sensor arrangement according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0082] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the sensor arrangement 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The sensor arrangement 1 is shown here in its simplest configuration.

[0083] Sensor arrangement 1 includes a barcode reader, which, according to the invention, is extended to an RFID emulator sensor 2. The barcode reader is constructed in a known manner as an optical sensor, particularly as a scanner or camera sensor, by means of which an encoding 3, particularly a 1D or 2D barcode, can be read. The encoding 3 is used to identify the object to which the encoding is attached; that is, the encoding 3 forms an ID code.

[0084] The RFID emulator sensor 2 is connected to the host system 4, i.e., at least one host computer, in a known manner, which is particularly a component of an automation system. Typically, the RFID emulator sensor 2 searches for object data in its database, reads the corresponding data, and then transmits it to the host system 4. Specifically, the code 3 read by the RFID emulator sensor 2 is interpreted, and the relevant object data is provided to the host system 4, particularly for performing automation tasks. For this purpose, the RFID emulator sensor 2 is connected to the host system 4 via data line 5.

[0085] The barcode reader is a component of the RFID simulator system 6, and it is used to simulate, i.e., to emulate, the RFID simulator sensor 2.

[0086] The computer unit 7, which implements the RFID simulator software 8, belongs to the RFID simulator system 6. The computer unit 7, i.e., the RFID simulator software 8, is connected to the RFID simulator sensor 2 through the simulator data channel 9.

[0087] The simulator data channel 9 can be a component of the physical data line 5. The simulator data channel 9 constructs a secure transmission path.

[0088] Data transmission via data line 5 conforms to the OPC UA communication standard with Companion Standard (CS) AutoID at the destination. The simulator data channel 9 is based on this Companion Standard and extended with additional service features.

[0089] For the reader that forms the RFID simulator sensor 2, the function of the RFID sensor is simulated in the following way: the reader is equipped with a storage unit in the computer unit 7, especially a storage unit in the form of a database.

[0090] Storage units or databases can be arbitrarily divided or scaled using RFID simulator software 8.

[0091] The code 3, read by the reader, is used here for indirect addressing of the storage unit for reading in and out of data, which in particular forms transponder simulator data in the form of object data. Object data is associated with the object marked by code 3. Furthermore, the data can be formed in the form of transponder simulator metadata associated with the transponder simulator data. This transponder simulator metadata can be quality data or statistical data detected in a time-resolved manner and associated with the transponder simulator data.

[0092] When code 3 is read for the first time, a storage object is established in the storage unit, that is, the storage area referenced by code 3.

[0093] During further reading, RFID emulator sensor 2 reads code 3 and sends it to RFID emulator software 8. RFID emulator software 8 reads the storage area in code 3 and sends the data, namely transponder emulator data and possible transponder emulator metadata, to RFID emulator sensor 2. RFID emulator sensor 2 packages this data according to the AutoID profile and sends it to host system 4.

[0094] The writing process is carried out in a corresponding manner, wherein, in this case, data is sent from the RFID simulator sensor 2 to the computer unit 7 and stored in the storage area defined by the code 3 in the storage unit.

[0095] By using the write / read process of the storage unit, the functionality of the RFID sensor is fully simulated by the RFID simulator sensor 2.

[0096] Advantageously, data is protected against unauthorized access through a locking mechanism, i.e., a blocking mechanism. Advantageously, it is protected by a password; the RFID emulator sensor 2 transmits the password along with the read code 3 to the computer unit 7. Therefore, the corresponding storage area is password protected.

[0097] In addition, storage units construct the database.

[0098] Communication between the code reader and computer unit 7 is conducted through a secure communication interface.

[0099] The RFID simulator software 8 not only forms a control and analysis processing unit for simulating the functions of RFID sensors.

[0100] In addition, the RFID simulator software 8 is used to perform the detection, configuration and management of the RFID simulator sensor 2.

[0101] Furthermore, the RFID emulator software 8 can be used to update the firmware or software of the RFID emulator sensor 2.

[0102] According to Figure 1 In the sensor arrangement 1, the computer unit or computer unit 7 can be a cloud computer, server or local computer of the automation equipment.

[0103] according to Figure 1 The embodiments described herein illustrate the basic functions of the sensor arrangement 1 according to the present invention, which are also based on... Figures 2 to 9 The other sensor arrangement is implemented in 1.

[0104] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1The implementation method is extended as follows: the barcode reader forming the RFID simulator sensor 2 is connected to other barcode readers 10 through the logic network 11 and forms a multi-scan arrangement with them.

[0105] Specifically, multiple readers are arranged in a multi-scan configuration such that code 3 can be read simultaneously from different directions using these multiple readers. The readers are interconnected in a logic network 11, and only one reader, together with its associated computer unit 7, forms an RFID emulator sensor 2. This reader simultaneously triggers the other readers 10 in the multi-scan configuration to perform the reading process of code 3. The first code 3 read by one of the readers is considered for further processing.

[0106] In addition, multiple spaced codes can be read using a multi-scan reader.

[0107] Here, encoding 3 can have different start chains, but have the same end character chain.

[0108] Based on the read encoding, perform filtering or determine object orientation.

[0109] Furthermore, different segments of code 3 are read using a multi-scan reader, wherein these segments are combined in the RFID simulator sensor 2 or in the computer units 7, 7' to detect code 3.

[0110] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 1 An extension of the implementation method is as follows: The RFID emulator sensor 2 is equipped with other sensors 12. These other sensors 12 are connected to the RFID emulator sensor 2 via a multi-sensor interface 13. Preferably, the other sensors 12 are IO-Link sensors capable of being addressed via an IO-Link master station. Furthermore, the multi-sensor interface 13 can be implemented in the form of a fieldbus, an Ethernet network, or a radio interface.

[0111] Sensor data is detected using other sensors 12 as transponder simulator data. This sensor data includes, for example, characteristic parameters of the detected object such as weight, volume, position, pose, or protrusion. This sensor data may also be associated with transponder simulator metadata.

[0112] Figure 4 One embodiment is shown, which illustrates according to Figure 1 An expanded scheme for sensor placement.

[0113] The RFID simulator sensor 2 is connected to the RFID simulator software 8 through secure communication interface elements 9a and 9b that form the simulator data channel 9.

[0114] To simulate the function of an RFID sensor, the RFID simulator software 8 has a control and analysis processing unit, which, as a software module, includes an RFID simulator transponder logic unit 14, an RFID simulator application logic unit 15, and an RFID simulator sensor logic unit 16.

[0115] In addition, an RFID emulator database 17 is set up to form storage units. Furthermore, an RFID emulator user interface 18 is set up.

[0116] Advantageously, access to transponder emulator data and / or transponder emulator metadata stored in the storage unit is made by means of RFID emulator application logic unit 15.

[0117] In addition, a programming interface 19 is provided, through which the RFID simulator application logic unit 15 can be addressed, and the programming interface is connected to the external directory service 20 and other external systems 21.

[0118] The connection to the cloud system 23 and the CRM system 24 (i.e., customer relationship management system) is made through the RFID simulator cloud connector 22.

[0119] In CRM system 24, usage characteristics used for product improvement, especially for business models, can be analyzed and processed.

[0120] In addition, an RFID simulator database synchronization module 25 is provided. The RFID simulator database synchronization module 25 is used to synchronize the databases of different RFID simulator software 8, which are used in different computer units 7 in a complex sensor arrangement 1 with multiple RFID simulator sensors 2.

[0121] Figure 5 This complex sensor arrangement is shown 1.

[0122] Two identically constructed RFID simulator systems 6 and 6' are shown there, each having two RFID simulator sensors 2a and 2b or 2c and 2d, which are connected to computer units 7 and 7' with RFID simulator software 8 and 8', respectively.

[0123] RFID simulator systems 6 and 6' are connected to host systems 4 and 4'. RFID simulator systems 6 and 6' are coupled via network router 26. The number of components shown is not mandatory.

[0124] This variant is particularly suitable for multiple RFID simulator systems located in one location.

[0125] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 4 System components, according to Figure 5 The specific configuration of sensor arrangement 1.

[0126] The RFID simulator database synchronization module 25 is connected to the network router 26 and ensures the synchronization of the RFID simulator systems 6 and 6' by copying the RFID simulator database 17. This achieves uniqueness and clarity for all RFID simulator sensors 2a to 2d and their data in the sensor arrangement 1.

[0127] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the sensor arrangement 1 according to the present invention is shown. It is consistent with that according to... Figure 5 The difference in implementation is that the RFID simulator systems 6 and 6' are connected via cloud system 23. The number of RFID simulator systems 6 and 6' shown can be arbitrary.

[0128] Then, the RFID simulator systems 6, 6' can be deployed in different locations, especially in different factories F1, F2. To securely couple to the cloud system 23, each RFID simulator system 6, 6' has a firewall 27.

[0129] For computer unit 7 with RFID simulator software 8 implemented there, including RFID simulator database 17 existing there, digital images are created in cloud system 23, where cloud infrastructure 28 is used for this purpose.

[0130] Figure 8 Showing according to Figure 7 A variation of the implementation. In this case, the RFID emulator user interface 18 is set only in the RFID emulator software 8' of the RFID emulator system 6', which is used for both RFID emulator systems 6 and 6'. The RFID emulator database 17 is synchronized using the RFID emulator database synchronization module 25.

[0131] Figure 9 Another variation of sensor arrangement 1 is shown. Here, an RFID simulator system 6 with RFID simulator sensors 2 (not shown) is arranged in factory F1. The RFID simulator software 8 of this RFID simulator system 6 has an RFID simulator cloud connector 22 for connecting to the firewall 27 in factory F1. Here, the number of RFID simulator systems 6 and 6' can also be varied.

[0132] From firewall 27, a connection is made to cloud system 23 via cloud infrastructure 28 located there. The connection to RFID emulator software 8' in cloud system 23 is made through RFID emulator cloud connector 22 and RFID emulator user interface 18.

[0133] Figure 10 Another variation of sensor arrangement 1 is shown, which is illustrated according to Figure 9 An extension of the implementation method is as follows: not only in the RFID simulator software 8 of factory F1, but also in the RFID simulator software 8' of cloud system 23, an RFID simulator database synchronization module 25 is set up for synchronizing the RFID simulator database 17.

[0134] List of reference numerals

[0135] (1) Sensor arrangement

[0136] (2) RFID simulator sensor

[0137] (2a-2d) RFID simulator sensor

[0138] (3) Encoding

[0139] (4, 4') Host System

[0140] (5) Data lines

[0141] (6, 6') RFID simulator system

[0142] (7, 7') Computer Unit

[0143] (8, 8') RFID simulator software

[0144] (9) Simulator data channel

[0145] (9a, 9b) Communication interface elements

[0146] (10) Code reader, others

[0147] (11) Network

[0148] (12) Sensor

[0149] (13) Multi-sensor interface

[0150] (14) Transponder Logic Unit

[0151] (15) RFID simulator application logic unit

[0152] (16) RFID simulator sensor logic unit

[0153] (17) RFID simulator database

[0154] (18) RFID emulator user interface

[0155] (19) Programming Interface

[0156] (20) Directory services

[0157] (21) External system

[0158] (22) RFID simulator cloud connector

[0159] (23) Cloud system

[0160] (24) CRM system

[0161] (25) RFID simulator database synchronization module

[0162] (26) Network router

[0163] (27) Firewall

[0164] (28) Cloud infrastructure

[0165] F1 Factory

[0166] F2 Factory

Claims

1. A sensor arrangement (1) having at least one code reader configured for reading codes (3) and having at least one computer unit (7), characterized in that, The reader and the computer unit (7) form an RFID simulator sensor (2) in the following manner: the reader and the computer unit are connected through a simulator data channel (9), through which only subsystem data and / or transponder simulator data can be read by the reader into the storage area of ​​the storage unit of the computer unit (7), and / or, subsystem data and / or transponder simulator data can be read out of the storage unit by means of the reader, wherein the storage area is defined by the code (3) read by the reader.

2. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transponder simulator data is object data.

3. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The object data relates to the following objects: the objects are marked with an encoding (3), which is read by a reader that forms the RFID simulator sensor (2).

4. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The transponder simulator data is sensor data, which is generated by the sensor (12) of the reader that forms the RFID simulator sensor (2).

5. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The data of the barcode reader or the data of the unit associated with the barcode reader is set as subsystem data.

6. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The transponder simulator data is associated with transponder simulator metadata.

7. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The storage unit can be divided and scaled.

8. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The storage unit constructs the database.

9. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Communication between the reader forming the RFID simulator sensor (2) and the computer unit (7) is conducted through a secure communication interface.

10. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The communication interface is configured to set different communication and security settings for the RFID simulator sensor (2, 2a-2d) and transponder simulator data.

11. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A locking mechanism is set up to protect access to the data stored in the storage unit.

12. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor arrangement has multiple barcode readers, which are associated with a computer unit (7), wherein each barcode reader and the computer unit (7) form an RFID simulator sensor (2).

13. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor arrangement has multiple barcode readers, which are assigned to different computer units (7), wherein each barcode reader and its assigned computer unit (7) form an RFID simulator sensor (2).

14. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The computer unit or a computer unit (7) is a cloud computer, server or local computer of the automated equipment.

15. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The different computer units (7) are connected via a network router (26).

16. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The different computer units (7) are connected via the cloud.

17. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, A device is provided for synchronizing storage units or databases of various computer units (7).

18. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Multiple barcode readers form a multi-scan arrangement.

19. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The multi-scan arrangement of the readers enables simultaneous reading of codes (3) from different directions, wherein the readers are interconnected in a logic network (11), and only one of the readers forms an RFID emulator sensor (2) with its associated computer unit (7), wherein the other readers in the multi-scan arrangement are simultaneously triggered by the reader forming the RFID emulator sensor (2) to perform the reading process of the code (3), wherein the first code (3) read by one of the readers is considered for further processing.

20. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, Multiple spaced codes are read using the multi-scan arrangement of the reader (3).

21. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The encoding (3) has different start chains, but the same end character chain.

22. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, Based on the read encoding (3), perform filtering or determine object orientation.

23. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, Different segments of the code (3) are read by means of the multi-scan arrangement of the reader, wherein the segments are combined in the RFID simulator sensor (2) or in the computer unit (7, 7') for the purpose of detecting the code (3).

24. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, RFID simulator software (8) that forms the control and analysis processing unit of the RFID simulator sensor (2) is implemented in the computer unit or each computer unit (7).

25. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that, Configure the RFID simulator user interface (18) associated with the RFID simulator software (8).

26. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The RFID simulator software (8, 8') and the RFID simulator user interface (18) are set on different computer units (7, 7').

27. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The RFID simulator user interface (18) is located in the cloud system (23).

28. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, Access to transponder emulator data and / or transponder emulator metadata stored in the storage unit is made via the RFID emulator application logic unit (15).

29. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, Access to the RFID simulator software (8, 8') can be achieved through the RFID simulator user interface (18).

30. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 29, characterized in that, The RFID simulator software (8, 8') can be addressed and / or managed through the RFID simulator user interface (18).

31. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The RFID simulator application logic unit (15) is able to manage, archive, analyze, process, or copy transponder simulator data and / or transponder simulator metadata.

32. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 31, characterized in that, A programming interface (19) is set up so that the RFID simulator application logic unit (15) can be addressed through the programming interface.

33. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The RFID simulator software (8, 8') is used to perform the detection, configuration, diagnosis, monitoring and management of the RFID simulator sensors (2, 2a-2d).

34. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The RFID emulator software (8, 8') can be used to update the firmware or software units of the RFID emulator sensors (2, 2a-2d).

35. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor is connected to the host system (4).

36. The sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor array is protected by an authentication mechanism.

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