RFID-SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an RFID system.

[0002] Such RFID systems generally comprise a number of RFID read / write units and RFID data carriers. An RFID read / write unit can generally read data from the memory of an RFID data carrier and also write it to it.

[0003] Such RFID systems are used primarily for object identification, for example, in logistics systems. Individual objects are each marked with an RFID data carrier. The RFID data carriers, which are designed as RFID tags or transponders, are robust units that, due to their small size, can be attached to or in objects. By reading the memory contents of the RFID data carriers using the RFID read / write unit, object identification and tracking are possible.

[0004] RFID data carriers are usually passive data carriers whose electronic memory (EEPROM or FRAM) is often limited to the so-called UID (Unique ID) or UII (Unique Item Identifier) ​​or EPC (Electronic Product Code) and TID (Tag ID).

[0005] This memory type is typically very small (64 - 496 bits) and, depending on the RFID technology (frequency range LF, HF or UHF), is either hard-programmed and unchangeable (read-only) during chip production, or freely writable and modifiable.

[0006] Additional freely programmable memory (user memory) is available in some commercially available RFID tag ICs, but is also usually limited to a few hundred bits. The reasons for this are the significantly higher IC costs for larger memories and the long data transfer times when reading or programming these memories.

[0007] In practice, RFID systems with a large number of objects to be identified and track and trace applications with frequent read / write operations and fast, dynamic processes therefore exclusively use RFID tags with small memory for the UID, UII, or EPC. Additional memory (user memory) is usually omitted.

[0008] In projects with a large number of objects to be identified, the provision of RFID tags - especially in the case of one-time RFID tags for permanent product identification - causes ongoing costs and represents a significant cost factor that is undesirable for the user and should be minimized.

[0009] Therefore, the size of the RFID memory is usually kept to a minimum in order to keep costs low.

[0010] In addition, reading or programming a larger memory content is associated with a considerable amount of time, which, given the comparatively low data transmission rates of the standardized air interface between RFID tag and RFID reader, can lead to process-related problems when capturing many RFID tags (bulk capture), especially in dynamic processes.

[0011] To make matters worse, access to the freely programmable memory area (so-called user memory) is only possible after the UID or UII / EPC has been successfully captured (so-called inventory process). Therefore, querying or programming additional data in the user memory is often not feasible due to the specific timing behavior of an RFID read / write operation in fast, dynamic processes.

[0012] In such cases, a key advantage of an RFID system over barcode systems, namely the ability to flexibly read, modify or add data, cannot be exploited.

[0013] US 2007 / 0176750 A1 relates to data management for RFID systems. Each RFID system has a read / write unit that can read tag information from or write it to an RFID tag. Data management takes place in a computer unit that has a memory unit. For each RFID tag, the tag information stored in the tag is also stored in a physical memory area of ​​the memory unit. In addition, further tag information is stored in virtual memory areas. This tag information is editable. A processor unit can forward the edited information to the respective read / write units to update the tag information in the RFID tags.

[0014] US 2003 / 00997302 A1 concerns a monitoring system with RFID tags that identify marketing materials. Information contained in the RFID tags is read by a reader and then transmitted to a computer unit.

[0015] EP 1 840 805 A1 relates to a management system for advertising information. RFID tags are used to identify advertising information. The information stored there can be read using a reading unit. The reading unit sends the information to a management unit formed by a computer unit, where the information can be displayed.

[0016] The invention is based on the object of providing an RFID system with high functionality.

[0017] To achieve this object, the features of claim 1 are provided. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0018] The invention relates to an RFID system with at least one RFID read / write unit and at least one RFID data carrier. The at least one RFID read / write unit is designed to read data from a memory of the at least one RFID data carrier or to write data to it. The at least one RFID read / write unit is connected to a database of a computer unit via a data channel. The data channel, the database, and the computer unit are components of the RFID system. The database contains at least one virtual memory, which contains a virtual image of the contents of the memory of the at least one RFID data carrier. The memory area of ​​the or each virtual memory is dynamically changeable.

[0019] The functionality of the RFID system according to the invention is extended by the computer unit with its database, in which virtual images of the contents of the memories of the individual RFID data carriers are stored in virtual memories.

[0020] This allows the writing and reading of data from the RFID data carrier to be shifted to the computer unit and thus to a level above the physical level of the RFID read / write unit.

[0021] The computer-based read and write operations can be carried out faster than write / read operations with RFID read / write units, where access to the data in the memory of RFID data carriers is only possible after the UID or UII / EPC has been recorded.

[0022] In addition, access to data in the database's virtual memories is possible at any time, which increases the flexibility of the RFID system.

[0023] Another significant advantage of the invention is that the database can contain virtual memories for a variety of RFID data carriers. The data stored there can be administered, archived, evaluated, and replicated in the database.

[0024] The RFID system according to the invention is scalable to such an extent that it can accommodate a large number of RFID read / write units and also RFID data carriers. The RFID system according to the invention can thus be used to implement particularly complex identification systems.

[0025] An essential aspect of the invention is that the virtual image of the memory content of the RFID data carrier is present in a virtual memory, i.e. the data physically stored in the RFID data carrier are completely present in the associated virtual memory.

[0026] A significant advantage is that in the event of a failure or defect of an RFID data carrier, which means that the physically stored data can no longer be read, a backup of the data content is available via the assigned virtual memory, meaning that no object or process data is lost.

[0027] A further essential advantageous aspect of the invention is that the virtual memory for the or an RFID data carrier has an extended memory area in which extended data is stored that is not present in the memory of the RFID data carrier.

[0028] This means that additional data is stored for the individual RFID data carriers in their virtual memories, but not in the memories of the RFID data carriers themselves. This means that the storage capacities of the RFID data carriers are virtually expanded via the virtual memories, without the need for costly larger memories for these RFID data carriers.

[0029] For example, the extended data is formed from sensor measurements, information about a device status, process information and / or metadata.

[0030] This allows extensive process data from identification systems to be stored in the virtual memory, which can be updated and changed at any time.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous that the memory area of ​​the or each virtual memory can be changed dynamically.

[0032] This means that the size of the virtual memory can be flexibly and quickly adapted to the amount of data to be stored via the computer unit and the database, which is fundamentally not possible with the limited physical memory of the RFID data carriers.

[0033] The database is advantageously segmentable and / or scalable.

[0034] The database can therefore be flexibly adapted to different requirements.

[0035] A particularly advantageous feature is that the database is access-protected.

[0036] This protects the content stored in the database against unauthorized access.

[0037] The database is conveniently protected from access by a lock mechanism or by password entries.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment, different access rights can be assigned to the database.

[0039] This allows different users to be assigned different permissions, for example, so that they have different powers to change data in the virtual storage.

[0040] For this purpose, the or each computer unit advantageously has a user interface via which access to the database and its virtual memory is possible after user authentication.

[0041] Depending on the access authorization, it is then determined for a user whether and to what extent he or she may change or edit data in the virtual storage, and in particular evaluate it.

[0042] In the event that the components of the RFID system are integrated into a network with a cloud, it is advantageous to provide the user interface in a cloud system.

[0043] The computer unit and the or all RFID read / write units are advantageously integrated into a network. Then, not only the computer units and the RFID read / write units are connected via data channels, but also the other components of the network.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment, wired data channels are provided as part of an Ethernet-based network.

[0045] The Ethernet-based network enables fast data transmission, particularly for fast read and write operations for the virtual memory assigned to the RFID data carriers. This allows even larger data volumes to be processed in dynamic processes.

[0046] The data channels are particularly advantageous in communication with machine and plant controls as part of a real-time capable fieldbus system.

[0047] Examples of real-time capable Ethernet-based fieldbus systems are PROFI-NET, Ethernet IP and EtherCAT.

[0048] According to an alternative embodiment, contactless data channels are provided via which radio-based data transmission takes place.

[0049] Wireless data transmission can be implemented using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, for example. Fast data transmission is also possible with this configuration.

[0050] According to an advantageous embodiment, data communication takes place via the data channels using internet-capable standardized communication protocols.

[0051] This allows distributed networks to be implemented, particularly with RFID read / write units or computer units at different locations, whereby network components in particular can be part of a cloud.

[0052] In this case, communication via the data channels takes place via Internet-capable communication protocols, such as Ethernet TCP / IP.

[0053] According to an advantageous further development, the data channels form secure communication interfaces with encrypted data transmission.

[0054] This ensures fail-safe data transmission via the data channels, which can be achieved, for example, by securing the transmitted data with checksums such as CRC checksums or by exchanging certificates.

[0055] The computer unit is expediently a network-capable unit.

[0056] For example, the computing unit is a server, an edge computer, a cloud application or a local industrial PC of an automation system.

[0057] Particularly in distributed networks, it is advantageous to have several computer units with databases, whereby the computer units are connected via network routers or a cloud.

[0058] The computing units are functionally coupled. For this purpose, means for synchronizing the databases and / or the virtual memories contained in the databases are advantageously available.

[0059] The means of synchronization are advantageously software modules in the computer units with which the contents of the virtual memories are monitored, updated and synchronized.

[0060] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a host system is provided by means of which access to virtual memory and memory of the RFID data carrier(s) can be controlled and / or carried out.

[0061] Advantageously, the host system controls write or read operations of the or each RFID read / write unit.

[0062] The host system is preferably a control system that is part of an identification, production or logistics system for which the RFID system is used.

[0063] A first essential function of the host system is that it itself performs write and read operations on the RFID system's virtual memories. Since the virtual memories contain a complete virtual image of the memory contents of the respectively assigned RFID data carriers, the write / read operations of the host system can completely replace the write / read operations performed by the RFID read / write unit. Thus, in the RFID system according to the invention, write / read operations are shifted from the physical level of the RFID read / write units to a higher computer level, where the write / read operations can be performed more quickly. A key aspect here is that the host system can access the data in the virtual memories at any time without the respective RFID data carrier having to be detected by an RFID read / write unit.

[0064] The host system can directly manipulate the contents of virtual memory, particularly through read / write operations. Furthermore, the host system can control the computing unit with request commands. With such a request command, the host system can authorize access to the virtual memory by the computing unit. Furthermore, the host system can authorize the user interface, allowing virtual memory data to be manipulated via this interface.

[0065] Another key function of the host system is to control the RFID read / write units, particularly for performing read / write operations. The host system sends a read or write command to the respective RFID read / write unit, so that the RFID read / write unit can then read or write data to or from an RFID data carrier within its reading range.

[0066] The read or write command is initiated, for example, by a control program that controls a process, such as a logistics process or production process monitored by the RFID system. Alternatively, the read or write command can be issued by an external sensor connected to the respective RFID read / write unit or to the host system. The sensor generates a trigger signal that initiates a read or write command.

[0067] Depending on the processes monitored by the RFID system, it may be appropriate for RFID read / write units to be set to a continuous, permanent read mode. This means that the respective RFID read / write unit is constantly active and detects every RFID data carrier that enters the read range of this RFID read / write unit. The data from each RFID data carrier entering the read range is then read by the RFID read / write unit and forwarded to the host system and the computer unit.

[0068] Advantageously, the same instruction sets are used to process the contents of virtual memory as for processing the contents of RFID data carrier memories.

[0069] This ensures complete compatibility when processing the virtual memory of the computer unit and the physical memory of the RFID data carriers.

[0070] The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing. It shows: Figure 1: Block diagram of the RFID system according to the invention.

[0071] Figure 1 shows a highly schematic embodiment of the RFID system 1 according to the invention.

[0072] The RFID system 1 comprises a number of RFID read / write units 2, which can be designed as standalone devices or as components of larger units. For the sake of simplicity, Figure 1 only one RFID read / write unit 2 is shown, whereby the RFID system 1 typically has a larger number of RFID read / write units 2.

[0073] With an RFID read / write unit 2, data can be read from or written into an RFID data carrier 3 if this RFID data carrier 3, which is designed as an RFID tag or transponder, is located within the reading range of the RFID read / write unit 2, as shown in Figure 1shown.

[0074] In Figure 1 Only one RFID data carrier 3 is shown as an example. The RFID system 1 typically comprises a plurality of RFID data carriers 3, which are used in particular for identifying objects. For this purpose, the RFID data carriers 3 are attached to or in the objects. The RFID data carriers 3 have memories in which data is stored that particularly characterizes the objects.

[0075] The RFID system 1 according to the invention further comprises a control system with which, according to the invention, write / read operations are shifted from the physical level of the RFID write / read unit 2 to a higher IT level, thereby enabling faster write / read operations and, in addition, expanding the physical memory areas of the RFID write / read unit 2 by virtual memories 14 in the control system.

[0076] This control system comprises a computer unit and a host system as essential components. In this case, the computer unit is formed by an edge computer 4. Alternatively, the computer unit can be, for example, a server, a cloud application, or a local industrial PC of an automation system. The host system is typically formed by an IT system higher than the process level and can be, for example, a machine or plant control system (PLC), a network server, a SCADA system, an MES system, or an ERP system.

[0077] In the present case, the host system comprises, for example, two host instances 5a, 5b. A first host instance 5a is connected to the RFID read / write unit 2 via a data channel 6. A second host instance 5b is connected to the edge computer 4 and the RFID read / write unit 2 via another data channel 6. The second host instance 5b is connected to a cloud application 8 via a data connection 7, in particular an internet connection.

[0078] The control system according to Figure 1 forms a network. Accordingly, the edge computer 4 and the host instances 5a, 5b are network-capable system components.

[0079] According to a first variant, wired data channels 6 are provided as part of an Ethernet-based network.

[0080] In particular, the data channel 6 between the RFID read / write unit 2 and the host instance 5a can be implemented via a real-time capable Ethernet-based industrial fieldbus in the case of a machine or plant control system (PLC).

[0081] Alternatively, contactless data channels 6 are provided, via which radio-based data transmission takes place.

[0082] In the present case, data communication takes place via data channels 6 using standardized internet-capable communication protocols.

[0083] Advantageously, the data channels 6 form secure communication interfaces with encrypted connections.

[0084] The edge computer 4 can also be connected to the cloud application 8 via an internet-enabled data connection 7.

[0085] An external sensor 9 is connected to a sensor hub 11 via a supply line 10 or the like. The sensor hub 11 is a microcontroller-controlled unit that connects the sensor 9 to the control system. In the present case, the sensor hub 11 is connected to the host instance 5a and an RFID read / write unit 2 via data lines 12. Multiple sensors 9 can be assigned to one RFID read / write unit 2. A sensor 9 can also be assigned to multiple RFID read / write units 2.

[0086] According to the invention, a database 13 is present in the edge computer 4.

[0087] Advantageously, the database 13 is segmentable and / or scalable.

[0088] Another advantage is that database 13 is access-protected.

[0089] The database 13 is expediently protected from access by a lock mechanism or by user authentication by means of password entries.

[0090] Another advantage is that 13 different access rights can be assigned to the database.

[0091] According to the invention, virtual memories 14 are present in the database 13. Each RFID data carrier 3 is assigned exactly one virtual memory 14. The virtual image of the content of the assigned RFID data carrier 3 is stored in each virtual memory 14.

[0092] Furthermore, the virtual memory 14 for the or an RFID data carrier 3 has an extended memory area in which extended data is stored that is not present in the memory of the respective RFID data carrier 3.

[0093] For example, the extended data is formed from sensor measurements, information about a device status, process information and / or metadata.

[0094] The RFID system 1 according to Figure 1can be extended to include several computer units with databases 13, wherein the computer units are connected via network routers or a cloud application 8.

[0095] In this case, means are provided for synchronizing the databases 13 and / or the virtual memories 14 present in the databases 13.

[0096] The host system, ie the host instances 5a, 5b, controls access to the contents of the virtual memory 14.

[0097] In particular, the contents of the virtual memories 14 can be modified using the host system. It is advantageous that the memory areas of the virtual memories 14 in the database 13 can be dynamically adapted to the volume of data stored there. The host system can access the virtual memories 14 independently of read operations performed with the RFID read / write units 2.

[0098] Advantageously, the same command sets are used to process the contents of virtual memory 14 as for processing the contents of the physical memory of RFID data carriers 3.

[0099] Furthermore, a user interface can be controlled with the host system so that a user can change data in the virtual memories if the host system allows it.

[0100] Furthermore, the host system controls the write / read operations of the RFID write / read units 2.

[0101] Depending on trigger signals generated in a program of a controller of the system monitored by the RFID system 1 or in the sensor or a sensor 9, a read or write command is generated in the host system, which is output to an RFID read / write unit 2, whereupon it reads this data from an RFID data carrier 3 or writes it into it if this RFID data carrier 3 is in the reading range of the RFID read / write unit 2.

[0102] Alternatively, RFID read / write units 2 can be permanently set to a continuous read mode. The respective RFID read / write unit 2 is then constantly active and reads data from an RFID data carrier 3 as soon as it is within the reading range of the RFID read / write unit 2. Data can also be written to the RFID data carrier 3. List of reference symbols

[0103] (1)RFID system (2)RFID read / write unit (3)RFID data carrier (4)Edge computer (5a)Host instance (5b)Host instance (6)Data channel (7)Data connection (8)Cloud application (9)Sensor (10)Supply line (11)Sensor hub (12)Data line (13)Database (14)Virtual memory

Claims

1. RFID system (1) with at least one RFID read / write unit (2) and at least one RFID data carrier (3), wherein said at least one RFID read / write unit (2) is designed to read data from a memory of said at least one RFID data carrier (3) or to write data to it. characterised in that said at least one RFID read / write unit (2) is connected to a database (13) of a computer unit via a data channel (6), wherein the data channel (6), the database (13) and the computer unit are components of the RFID system (1), wherein at least one virtual memory (14) is present in the database (13), which contains a virtual image of the content of the memory of said at least one RFID data carrier (3), and in that the memory area of the or each virtual memory can be changed dynamically.

2. RFID system (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the virtual memory (14) for the or an RFID data carrier (3) has an extended memory area in which extended data is stored which is not present in the memory of the RFID data carrier (3).

3. RFID system (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the extended data is formed by sensor measurements, information about a device status, process information and / or metadata.

4. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the database (13) is segmentable and / or scalable.

5. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the database (13) is access-protected via user authentication.

6. RFID system (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the database (13) is access-protected by a lock mechanism or by password entries.

7. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that different access rights can be assigned for the database (13).

8. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that wired data channels (6) are provided as part of an Ethernet-based network.

9. RFID system (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that at least some data channels (6) are part of a real-time capable field bus system.

10. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that contactless data channels (6) are provided, via which radio-based data transmission takes place.

11. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that data communication with internet-capable standardised communication protocols takes place via the data channels (6).

12. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the data channels (6) form secure communication interfaces with encrypted data transmission.

13. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the computer unit is network-compatible.

14. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the computer unit is a server, an edge computer (4), a cloud application (8) or a local industrial PC of an automation system.

15. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that a plurality of computer units with databases (13) are present, the computer units being connected via network routers or a cloud application (8).

16. RFID system (1) according to claim 15, characterised in that means are provided for synchronising the databases (13) and / or the virtual memories (14) present in the databases (13).

17. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the or each computer unit has a user interface via which access to the database (13) and its virtual memory (14) is made possible.

18. RFID system (1) according to claim 17, characterised in that the user interface is provided in a cloud system.

19. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that a host system is provided, by means of which accesses to virtual memories (14) and memories of the RFID data carrier(s) (3) can be controlled and / or carried out.

20. RFID system (1) according to claim 19, characterised in that the host system controls write or read operations of the or each RFID read / write unit (2).

21. RFID system (1) according to claim 19, characterised in that one or more or all RFID read / write units (2) are permanently set to a read mode, and in that data recorded with the respective RFID read / write unit (2) is transmitted to the host system and the computer unit.

22. RFID system (1) according to claim 21, characterised in that the host system can be used to directly access virtual memories (14) of the database (13) without performing a read operation with an RFID read / write unit (2).

23. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterised in that the host system is a machine and plant control system (PLC), a network server, a SCADA system, an MES system or an ERP system.

24. RFID system (1) according to one of claims 19 to 23, characterised in that contents of virtual memories (14) can be processed by means of the host system.

25. RFID system (1) according to claim 24, characterised in that the same communication protocols are used for processing the contents of virtual memories (14) as for processing the contents of memories of RFID data carriers (3).