Methods and devices for grouping and tracing objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for grouping a plurality of objects (OBJi) in a grouping unit (CONT), which comprises the following steps: - acquiring (E60) at least one image (IMGi), at least one region (RSi) of a surface of each of the objects being represented in at least one such image; - processing (E70) the at least one image in order to obtain, for each of the objects, a digital signature (SIGOi) for this object (OBJi) from the surface region (RSi) of this object; - obtaining (E80) a unique identifier (IDCONT) for the grouping unit; - obtaining (E90), for each of the objects (OBJi), a datum (INDi, INFOOi) associated with this object in a first memory (BD1) from the digital signature (SIGOi) of this object; and - associating (E100), in a second memory (BD2), the datum (INDi, INFOOi) and / or the digital signature (SIGOi) associated with each object (OBJi) with the unique identifier (IDCONT) of the grouping unit (CONT).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Methods and devices for grouping and tracing objects

[0003] Background of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to the field of object traceability.

[0005] It should be remembered that the issue of object traceability generally aims to collect and make available information enabling an object to be tracked at different times in its life, for example along its production, processing or distribution chain.

[0006] Traditionally, the implementation of object traceability is done by assigning a unique identifier to each object and by rereading this identifier at different stages of the production or distribution process to ensure the tracking of this object.

[0007] The most widely used formats today for assigning a unique identifier to an object are printed visible codes (e.g. in 1D format such as Code 39 or Code 128, or in 2D format such as QR code or datamatrix) or electronic chips containing a unique identifier in their memory (RFID).

[0008] The implementation of unitary traceability of objects must manage the identification and tracking of each object, of each level of grouping of objects (e.g. packaging, boxes, pallets, etc.) as well as recording the link between each object and its higher level of grouping (or packaging), a function commonly called aggregation.

[0009] Concretely, when grouping several objects in a higher grouping unit, this may involve reading the unit identifier of each of the objects (which often takes the form of a visible unit code printed on each of the objects), generating a unit identifier for the higher grouping unit and associating in memory in a management system all the unit identifiers of the objects contained in the higher packaging unit with the unit identifier of the higher packaging unit.

[0010] This stage of the traceability process may encounter significant operational constraints such as: the impossibility of affixing a visible identifier on an area that can be reread at the time of aggregation, for example, because printing a visible ink-based mark is impossible on areas visible at the time of aggregation; difficulties in rereading the identifiers of objects at the time of their grouping in a higher unit, because all the visible codes of the objects are not accessible to a rereading system at the time of aggregation. This is the case, for example, of bottles whose visible code is written on the label and which is therefore not visible on the bottle packaged upright in packaging such as a cardboard box, or for perfume packaging whose code is on the bottom of the cardboard box and is not visible once the packaging is placed vertically in a grouping cardboard box;the constraints linked to the printing of a visible code on the cap of a bottle, the only part visible on all the bottles when they are put into boxes;when the surface of the cap is used for the brand logo, which cannot be replaced by a code for technical use, the constraints linked to printing a visible code on the top of a beverage can (difficulty in finding food inks with sufficient resistance and / or in obtaining sufficient contrast allowing a satisfactory rereading rate of the code by a camera) the constraints linked to printing and rereading an invisible code. In this case, the constraint comes from the fact that the rereading of an invisible ink with revelation in UV / IR or in a specific wavelength is made difficult by the variability of the substrates and background colors of the support on which the invisible code is printed with, in addition, for cans, the food constraints mentioned above.;

[0011] The invention described here aims to remove these constraints and enable a more widespread adoption of unitary object traceability solutions which make it possible to do away with or supplement the use of visible unitary codes.

[0012] Subject matter and summary of the invention

[0013] Thus, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for grouping a plurality of objects in a grouping unit, said method comprising the following steps:

[0014] - acquisition of at least one image, at least one region of a surface of each of said objects being represented in at least one said image;

[0015] - processing said at least one image to obtain, for each of said objects, a digital signature for this object from said surface region of this object;

[0016] - obtaining a unique identifier for said grouping unit;

[0017] - obtaining, for each of said objects, data associated with this object in a first memory from the digital signature of this object; and

[0018] - association, in a second memory, of the data and / or the digital signature associated with each object with the unique identifier of said grouping unit.

[0019] Correlatively, the invention relates to a system for grouping a plurality of objects in a grouping unit, said system comprising:

[0020] - a module for acquiring at least one image, at least one region of a surface of each of said objects being represented in at least one said image;

[0021] - a module for processing said at least one image to obtain, for each of said objects, a digital signature for this object from said surface region of this object; - a module for obtaining a unique identifier for said grouping unit;

[0022] - a module for obtaining, for each of said objects, data associated with this object in a first memory from the digital signature of this object; and

[0023] - an association module, in a second memory, of the data and / or the digital signature associated with each object with the unique identifier of said grouping unit.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a method for the traceability of at least one object, said method comprising the following steps:

[0025] - obtaining information associated with that object or a digital signature for that object from a surface region of that object;

[0026] - obtaining, in a second memory informed by the association step of a grouping method as mentioned above, an identifier of a grouping unit associated with said information associated with this object and / or with the digital signature for this object; and

[0027] - traceability of said grouping unit.

[0028] In this document, obtaining a unique identifier for the grouping unit may consist of generating this identifier.

[0029] In this document, a module means:

[0030] - a software module, for example a program, a function or a computer library; or

[0031] - a hardware module in the form of one or more components.

[0032] At least some modules of the grouping system can be implemented within a single component.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the traceability method further comprising the following steps:

[0034] - acquisition of at least one image representing at least one region of a surface of said object; and

[0035] - processing said at least one image to obtain the digital signature representative of this object from said region of the surface of this object represented in said at least one image.

[0036] Correlatively, the invention also relates to a system for the traceability of at least one object, said system comprising:

[0037] - a module for obtaining information associated with this object and / or a module for obtaining a digital signature for this object from a surface region of this object;

[0038] - a module for obtaining, in a memory informed by the association step of a grouping method as mentioned above, an identifier of a grouping unit associated with said information associated with this object and / or with the digital signature for this object; and - a module for traceability of said grouping unit.

[0039] Thus, the invention proposes in particular to associate with each object a digital signature obtained by processing an image representing a region of a surface of this object. This digital signature is thus obtained from hazards visible on this object, whether pre-printed elements or visible hazards linked to the material itself of the object. Very advantageously, obtaining the digital signature does not require adding or printing information on the object.

[0040] The invention makes it possible to match the information on the objects with the unique identifier of the grouping unit and therefore to ensure the traceability of the objects during their packaging without having to print a visible code or other intrusive technology on these products.

[0041] The solution allows for the unitary identification of an object by reproducing the same process as during recording (capturing an image, generating a digital signature) and comparing the digital signature thus generated with the digital signatures previously recorded. The object is identified when the digital signature generated during playback is identical or sufficiently similar to the digital signature generated during recording.

[0042] The means of image acquisition and digital signature generation are chosen with: a discrimination rate high enough to ensure that two different objects have two different digital signatures; and a high reproducibility rate to ensure that two generations of digital signatures from the same object will result in digital signatures that are identical or sufficiently close to allow identification of the object.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, a method for extracting random digital signatures from a material element is used, as described in document WO 2007 / 071788A1. This method effectively guarantees the uniqueness of the digital signature so as to be sure that two distinct material elements will have two different digital signatures and will be recognized individually without risk of confusion. It proposes more particularly to extract the digital signature from structural characteristics of the material element object, for example from internal and / or external geometric or morphological characteristics, possibly associated with characteristics of chemical or physicochemical composition, color, structure or others linked to their location in space on the material element object.

[0044] In another embodiment of the invention, the digital signatures are calculated from the image of a structural element of the object which has one or more complex, chaotic and (quasi-invariant in time) characteristics. Such a method is described in document EP1716520. In another embodiment, the digital signatures are generated from a structural characteristic extracted from a reference area of ​​a fibrous support of the object, for example made of paper, cardboard or non-woven, the digital signature reflecting the fibrous structure of this reference area. Such a method is described in document EP1747540.

[0045] The unitary nature of the generated digital signature results from the specificity of each object of the hazards visible on it with a sufficient level of optical resolution, hazards linked to the intrinsic composition of the material (surface relief of the structure of the material for example) or to the hazards linked to the surface treatment on the object (printing, coating, etc.) and to the image processing algorithms to extract a unique digital identifier.

[0046] The generation of the object identifier can thus be carried out from the surface of the product most appropriate with regard to the operational process in the logistics chain, i.e. the visible surface just before or just after the aggregation step and thus makes it possible to overcome the operational constraints set out above.

[0047] Indeed, in one embodiment, for at least one of the objects, the region of the surface of the object which is used for the generation of the digital signature is a region visible when the object is in the grouping unit.

[0048] The grouping unit is for example a container, a carton, a pallet, any type of packaging unit, flexible packaging for example stretch film, transport equipment or an object storage area.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the data associated with an object is an identifier of this object, or an index allowing access to identification data of the object in the first database.

[0050] In another embodiment, the data associated with an object is information associated with this object, said method further comprising for each of said objects, the following steps:

[0051] - obtaining information associated with this object; and

[0052] - recording this information in association with the digital signature of this object in the first memory.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, for at least one object, the information associated with this object is present on said object, or accessible by a code, for example a QR code or by a link present on the object.

[0054] For example, the information associated with an object is a unique identifier associated with that object, for example an alphanumeric code, a one- or multi-dimensional barcode, a QR code or a data matrix.

[0055] In a particular embodiment, for at least one object, the information associated with this object and present on this object is masked at least partially by said grouping unit. For example, if the information associated with a bottle is a code printed in the lower part of the bottle, for example on the back label, this is no longer visible when the bottle is placed vertically in a carton. The invention makes it possible to restore this information from a digital signature generated from a surface region in the upper part of the bottle without removing the bottle from the carton, and without writing new codes on the bottle.

[0056] The invention also makes it possible to retrieve this information from the unique identifier of the grouping unit.

[0057] The first and second memories may be separate databases, or even the same database.

[0058] In a particular embodiment, the different steps of the object grouping and traceability methods are determined by computer program instructions or are implemented by a silicon chip which includes integrated or programmable components adapted to constitute logic gates of non-programmable hard-wired logic, or even on quantum computers.

[0059] Consequently, the invention also relates to a computer program on an information medium, this program being capable of being implemented in a controller computer, this program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of the steps of a method as described above.

[0060] This program may use any programming language, and may be in the form of source code, object code, or code intermediate between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0061] The invention also relates to a computer-readable information medium, and comprising instructions of a computer program as mentioned above. The information medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM, a non-volatile memory of the flash type or even a magnetic recording means, for example a hard disk. Furthermore, the information medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention may in particular be downloaded from a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the information medium may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.

[0062] Brief description of the drawings:

[0063] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate exemplary embodiments thereof without any limiting character. In the figures: [Fig. 1] Figure 1 represents an operator obtaining information relating to an object in accordance with one aspect of the invention in a particular embodiment;

[0064] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 represents the operation of Figure 1 carried out automatically, without operator intervention;

[0065] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 represents, in its environment, the functional architecture of a user device and a traceability system which can be used in a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0066] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 represents the main steps of a grouping method according to a particular embodiment;

[0067] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 illustrates an image of a region of the surface of an object;

[0068] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 illustrates a first database that can be used in a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0069] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 illustrates steps of a method for grouping objects in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0070] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 illustrates a second database that can be used in a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0071] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 illustrates a database combining the first and second databases of Figures 6 and 8;

[0072] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 represents the main steps of a method of traceability of an object conforming to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0073] [Fig. 11] Figure 11 represents the hardware architecture of a traceability system according to a particular embodiment of the invention; and

[0074] [Fig. 12] Figure 12 represents the hardware architecture of the user device of Figure 3.

[0075] Description of embodiments of the invention

[0076] Figure 1 represents an operator U1 implementing certain steps of a method for grouping objects in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

[0077] In the example described here, it is assumed that the operator U1 records, in a first database BD1 (first memory within the meaning of the invention) information relating to bottles OBJ (objects within the meaning of the invention) intended to be subsequently grouped in a box (grouping unit within the meaning of the invention).

[0078] Alternatively, the bottles OBJ are moved on a conveyor TR and an optical control system CAM scans the bottles on which the information is indicated and records them in the database BD1. In this particular embodiment, and as shown in Figure 2, the user device USD is replaced by an acquisition system arranged on the production line and which comprises elements identical or equivalent to those of the device USD described below with reference to Figure 3. The objects can be in the form of packaging, or other products made of any materials such as glass, metal, plastic, etc.

[0079] In this embodiment, each bottle has INFO information Oi , consisting in this example of a barcode, present, for example, in the lower part of the bottle, for example on the back label. The information INFO Oican also be engraved directly on the object. It can also include information relating to the date, time, a production line identifier, a batch number, a production center, etc.

[0080] In the embodiment described here, the operator U1 is equipped with a user device USD, typically a smartphone.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, this USD user device comprises:

[0082] - a BRC information acquisition module comprising hardware and software resources, for example a scanner, allowing an INFO barcode to be read Oi present on an OBJ bottle, and for example a QR Code ID C ONT present on a CONT card;

[0083] - an ACQ image acquisition module comprising hardware and software resources enabling an image of an OBJ bottle to be acquired, ;for example a camera;

[0084] - an image processing TIM module configured to process an image representing a surface region of an object OBJ, and obtain a digital signature for this object from this surface region;

[0085] - a CBD software client configured to access databases and in particular to read or write information in the BD1 and BD2 databases described below;

[0086] - a COM communication module allowing the device to communicate on the NET network.

[0087] The user device USD comprises a communication module COM for communicating on a network NET. In the example of Figure 3, other user devices USD, a server SRV, cameras CAM1, CAM2, the database BD1 and a second database BD2 (second memory within the meaning of the invention) and a traceability system ST according to an embodiment of the invention are also connected to this network.

[0088] Figure 4 represents in the form of a flowchart the main steps of a grouping method in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0089] In this embodiment, the operator U1 obtains, for each bottle OBJ, intended to be stored in a box CONT:

[0090] - the INFO barcode Oi present in the lower part of the bottle using the BRC information acquisition module of its USD device (step E10); and

[0091] - a first IMG image 1 , representing an RS region, of the surface of this object using the ACQ image acquisition module of its USD device (step E20).

[0092] In the mode described above, steps E10 and E20 are presented as being implemented one after the other, that is to say successively.

[0093] Alternatively, steps E10 and E20 are implemented simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously). Figure 5 illustrates such an image IMG 1 , wherein the surface region RSi is located on the upper part of the bottle OBJ, for example at the cap, preferably on top of the cap when the bottle is placed upright.

[0094] In the embodiment described herein, the first image IMG 1 , acquired (in step E20) for an object OBJ, is processed during a step E30 to obtain a digital signature SIG Oifor this object OBJ, from the RS region, surface of this object.

[0095] This digital signature is for example representative of the material, texture or color of the RS region, of the surface of the OBJ object. The digital signature is for example calculated from the image of a structural element of the RS region, which has one or more complex, chaotic and (quasi-invariant in time) characteristics according to the method described in document EP1716520.

[0096] In the embodiment described here, this image processing (step E30) is performed by the user device USD of the user Ul. In a preferred variant, the images can be sent to the server SRV by the network NET, processed by this server SRV to obtain the digital signatures, the server storing the digital signatures SIG Oiand optionally returns them to the USD user device. In another variation, the images are processed by the USD user device to obtain digital signatures which are stored on the USD user device, at least temporarily, and optionally sent to the SRV server.

[0097] For this purpose, in the embodiment described here and as shown in Figure 3, the SRV server comprises:

[0098] - a TIM image processing module;

[0099] - a CBD software client configured to access databases; and

[0100] - a COM communication module identical or similar to those of the USD user device.

[0101] In the embodiment described here, during a step E40, the information INFO Oiassociated with an object (in this example the barcode) is recorded in association with the SIGoi digital signature calculated for this object OBJ, in the first database BD1. An example of such a first database is shown in Figure 6. In this example, each record (row of the database) includes:

[0102] - an IND index, of the record in an IDX field;

[0103] - a SIG digital signature Oi in a digital signature SIGN field; and

[0104] - information INFO Oi associated with this object in an INFO field.

[0105] In the embodiment described here, this registration is performed by the user device USD of the user Ul. Alternatively, the user device USD sends to the server SRV, for example at the same time as the image IMG 1 , of an object, the information INFO Oiassociated with this object, and the recording in the BD1 database (step E40) is carried out by the SRV server.

[0106] Figure 7 illustrates other steps of the method for grouping objects in accordance at least with this first embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 7 (a), it is assumed that during a step E50, the bottles OBJ are grouped in a carton CONT (grouping unit). This carton includes a unique identifier IDCONT consisting in this example of a QR Code. This grouping (or arrangement) can be carried out by the operator Ul, by another operator, by a machine (case packer, palletizer) or by a robot.

[0107] During a step E60, illustrated in figure 7 (b), at least one second image IMG is acquired 2 ,, the RS region, of the surface of each of the objects OBJ, grouped in the CONT box being represented in this at least one second image.

[0108] In the embodiment of Figure 7(b), a camera CAM1 takes a single image IMG 2 comprising the RS region of each of the OBJ bottles grouped in the carton. This image can be acquired while the CONT carton moves on a TR conveyor belt in the field of the CAM1 camera.

[0109] In practice, the image capture solution can operate at a working distance greater than 13cm, which allows each product to be scanned while the box is open without the captures being hindered by the flaps of the CONT box.

[0110] Alternatively, the Ul operator (or another operator) uses a USD user device to take, for each OBJ bottle, grouped in the carton, a second IMG image 2 i representing the surface region RS, of this bottle OBJ,. Alternatively, the operator takes a single image IMG 2, including the RS region, of each of the OBJ bottles, grouped in the CONT box.

[0111] Acquisition of the second IMG image(s) 2 , can be done after the bottles are put into the CONT carton, or just before when the destination CONT carton is known, or while they are being grouped.

[0112] During a step E70, the second image(s) IMG 2 are processed to obtain a SIG digital signature Oi for this object OBJ, from the RS region, surface of this object.

[0113] In the embodiment described here, this processing is performed by the SRV server which receives the IMG images 2 of the CAM 1 camera. Alternatively, when the second IMG images 2 are acquired by an operator's USD device, this processing may be performed by that device or sent by that device to the SRV server for processing.

[0114] For the same object OBJ, the processing of the first image IMG 1 , (step E30) or the second image IMG 2 (step E70) allows to obtain the same SIG digital signature Oi , or a digital signature sufficiently similar to be considered equivalent, because it corresponds to the same object.

[0115] In the embodiment of Figure 7 (c), a camera CAM2 in front of which the conveyor belt TR passes obtains (step E80) the unique identifier ID CO NT of the CONT (grouping unit) carton by reading the QR code placed on the outer surface of the carton, for example on the side.

[0116] Steps E70 and E80 can be performed in parallel. Cameras CAM, CAM1 and CAM2 can be one and the same camera or different cameras.

[0117] Alternatively, the U1 operator (or another operator) uses a USD user device to obtain the unique ID CONT of the grouping unit and can transmit it to the SRV server via the COM communication module.

[0118] In the embodiment described herein, the SIG digital signatures Oi calculated in step E70 and the unique identifier ID C ONT obtained in step E80 are obtained by the SRV server via the NET network.

[0119] In the embodiment described here, during a step E90, the server SRV obtains, in the first database BD1, a data item D, associated with each of the digital signatures SIG Oi calculated in step E70.

[0120] This data Di can for example be the information INFO Oi recorded in the first database BD1 at step E40. So, in this example, the SRV server obtains the INFO barcode Oi of each of the bottles contained in the box.

[0121] Alternatively, this data can, for example, be the IND index of the record containing the SIG digital signature. Oi . This INDi index can then allow the SRV server to obtain the INFO information Oi associated with the object OBJ,.

[0122] Alternatively, this data D can be obtained by an operator's USD device if the latter is able to access the first database BD1 via the NET network by means of its COM communication module, or a replica of this database hosted for example in a cloud network.

[0123] In the embodiment described here, the server SRV records (step E100) in a second database BD2, the data D, (index IND, and / or information INFO Oi ) and / or the SIG digital signature Oi associated with each OBJ object, grouped in the CONT box (grouping unit) with the unique identifier ID CO NT of this box.

[0124] Figure 8 represents an example of a second database BD2. In this example, the second database BD2 contains for each grouping unit CONT, the identifier IDCONT of this grouping unit, associated with the information INFO Oi objects grouped in this grouping unit. In the example described here, this second database can include the IDCONT identifier of a carton and the INFOoi barcodes of the bottles grouped in this carton.

[0125] As shown in Figure 9, the first and second databases may be the same database BD.

[0126] Figure 10 represents in the form of a flowchart the main steps of a method of traceability of an object conforming to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0127] In this example, we assume that an operator wishes to trace or reconstruct the path of an object, for example a bottle OBJ. During a step F10, the operator obtains either the information INFO Oi associated with this object is a digital signature of the RSi surface region of this object. This step is identical to steps E10 to E30 described previously.

[0128] For example, the operator uses his USD device to read the INFO barcode Oi present in the lower part of the OBJ bottle, or to acquire an IMG image 3 , of the RS region, of the surface of this object, the SIG digital signature Oi being obtained by processing this image with the TIM image processing module.

[0129] During a step F20, the operator uses his USD device to access the second database BD2 and obtain the unique identifier ID CONT of the grouping unit in which this bottle was transported using the Di data and / or the SIG digital signature Oi .

[0130] During a step F30, the operator accesses an information system containing traceability information for the grouping unit CONT with identifier ID CO NT-

[0131] Such information systems are known. They include, for example:

[0132] - information relating to the location of the CONT grouping unit at different stages of its transport, for example the different routes taken and / or the different sorting, storage and routing centres through which it has passed, a history of the places and dates of storage or transit, a history of the logistics operations carried out,

[0133] - information relating to the condition data of this box (temperature, humidity),

[0134] - information relating to individuals who handled the box (for example, the identifier of a terminal used by these individuals during handling).

[0135] This traceability information of the CONT grouping unit advantageously makes it possible to trace the OBJ object, since it was present in this CONT grouping unit.

[0136] A traceability ST system in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3. It comprises:

[0137] - a BRC module for obtaining INFO information Oi associated with an OBJi object, for example a barcode and / or QR code reader;

[0138] - a module for obtaining a SIG digital signature Oi for this object OBJi from a surface region RSi of this object. This module may comprise an image acquisition ACQ module and an image processing TIM module as described previously;

[0139] - a CBD module for obtaining, in a BD2 memory filled in by the association step of a grouping method as described previously, an identifier ID C ONT of a grouping unit associated with the data Di (the information INFO Oi associated with this object OBJi and / or the index INDi) and / or with the digital signature SIG Oi for this object OBJ,. This CBD module is for example a client software configured to access the CBD database; and

[0140] - an M30 module for traceability of a CONT grouping unit and / or the OBJi object, for example an access module to an information system as mentioned above.

[0141] In one embodiment, this traceability system is a computer ORD1 whose hardware architecture is shown in figure 11. This computer comprises: - a processing unit or processor 1001, or CPU, intended to load instructions into memory, to execute them, to carry out operations;

[0142] - a set of memories, including a volatile memory 1002, or RAM used to execute code instructions, store variables, etc., and a storage memory 1003 of the EEPROM type. In particular, the storage memory 1003 is arranged to store a PGT computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement the steps of an object grouping method as mentioned above.

[0143] The user device USD described with reference to Figure 3 is an example of an object grouping system according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, this grouping system is an ORD2 computer whose hardware architecture is shown in Figure 12. This computer comprises:

[0144] - a processing unit or processor 1101, or CPU, intended to load instructions into memory, to execute them, to carry out operations;

[0145] - a set of memories, including a volatile memory 1102, or RAM used to execute code instructions, store variables, etc., and a storage memory 1103 of the EEPROM type. In particular, the storage memory 1103 is arranged to store a PGR computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement the steps of an object grouping method as mentioned above.

[0146] Another example of an object clustering system according to the invention is a system distributed partly on a user device USD and on a server SRV. For example, in this system:

[0147] - the ACQ image acquisition module and the BRC module for obtaining the unique grouping unit identifier are modules of the USD user device; and

[0148] - the TIM image processing module, the CBD module for obtaining data in the first database and associating data in the second database are modules of the SRV server.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Method for grouping a plurality of objects (OBJ) into a grouping unit (CONT), said method comprising the following steps: - acquisition (E60) of at least one image (IMG,), at least one region of a surface (RS,) of each of said objects being represented in at least one said image; - processing (E70) of said at least one image to obtain, for each of said objects, a digital signature (SIG Oi ) for this object (OBJ,) from said surface region (RS,) of this object; - obtaining (E80) a unique identifier (ID C ONT) for said grouping unit; - obtaining (E90), for each (OBJ,) of said objects, a data item (IND,, INFO Oi ) associated with this object in a first memory (BD1) from the digital signature (SIG Oi ) of this object; and - association (E100), in a second memory (BD2), of the data (IND,, INFO Oi ) and / or digital signature (SIG Oi ) associated with each object (OBJ,) with the unique identifier (ID CO NT) of said grouping unit (CONT).

2. A grouping method according to claim 1, wherein said data (D,) associated with an object is information (INFO Oi ) associated with this object, said method further comprising for each of said objects (OBJ,), the following steps: - obtaining (E10) information (INFO Oi ) associated with this object (OBJ,); and - recording (E40) of this information (OBJ,) in association with the digital signature (SIG Oi ) of this object in the first memory (BD1).

3. A grouping method according to claim 2, wherein for at least one of said objects (OBJ,), the information (INFO Oi) associated with this object (OBJ,) is present on said object.

4. A grouping method according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein for at least one of said objects (OBJ,), the information (INFO Oi ) associated with this object (OBJ,) is a unique identifier associated with this object, for example an alphanumeric code, a one or more dimensional barcode, a QR code or a datamatrix.

5. A grouping method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein for at least one of said objects (OBJ,), the surface region (RSi) is visible when said object (OBJ,) is in said grouping unit (CONT).

6. A grouping method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first memory (BD1) and / or the second memory (BD2) is a database.

7. Grouping method according to claim 6, wherein said first (BD1) and second (BD2) memories are the same database.

8. A grouping method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the grouping unit (CONT) is a container of said plurality of objects, a transport equipment (PAL) or a storage area (STK) of said plurality of objects (OBJi).

9. A grouping method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said digital signature (SIG Oi ) of a said object (OBJi) is representative of a material, a texture and / or a color of said surface region (RSi) of said object (OBJi).

10. Grouping method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a step (E50) of grouping said objects (OBJ) in said grouping unit.

11. A grouping method according to claim 10, wherein for at least one of said objects (OBJ,), the information (INFO Oi ) associated with this object (OBJ,) and present on said object is masked at least partially by said grouping unit.

12. Method for traceability of at least one object (OBJ), said method comprising the following steps: - obtaining (F10) information (INFO Oi ) associated with this object (OBJi) or a digital signature (SIG Oi ) for this object (OBJi) from a surface region (RSi) of this object; - obtaining (F20), in a second memory (BD2) informed by the association step (E100) of a grouping method of any one of claims 1 to 12, an identifier (IDCONT) of a grouping unit associated with said information (INFO Oi ) associated with this object (OBJi) and / or with the digital signature (SIG Oi) for this object (OBJ,); and - traceability (F30) of said grouping unit (CONT).

13. A traceability method according to claim 12, said method further comprising the following steps: - acquisition of at least one image representing at least one region of a surface of said object (OBJ); and - processing of said at least one image to obtain the digital signature (SIG Oi ) representative of this object (OBJ i) from said region of the surface of this object represented in said at least one image.

14. System for grouping a plurality of objects (OBJ) in a grouping unit (CONT), said system comprising: - an acquisition module (ACQ) of at least one image (IMG,), at least one region of a surface (RS,) of each of said objects being represented in at least one said image; - a processing module (TIM) of said at least one image to obtain, for each of said objects, a digital signature (SIG Oi ) for this object (OBJ,) from said surface region (RS,) of this object; - a module for obtaining (BRC) a unique identifier (ID CO NT) for the said grouping unit; - a module for obtaining (CBD), for each (OBJ,) of said objects, a piece of data (IND,, INFO Oi ) associated with this object in a first memory (BD1) from the digital signature (SIG Oi ) of this object; and - an association module (CBD), in a second memory (BD2), of the data (IND,, INFO Oi ) and / or digital signature (SIG Oi ) associated with each object (OBJ,) with the unique identifier (IDCONT) of said grouping unit (CONT).

15. System for traceability of at least one object (OBJ), said system comprising: - a module (BRC) for obtaining information (INFO Oi ) associated with this object (OBJ i) and / or a module (ACQ, TIM) for obtaining a digital signature (SIG Oi ) for this object (OBJi) from a surface region (RSi) of this object; - a module (CBD) for obtaining, in a memory (BD2) informed by the step (E100) of association of a grouping method of any one of claims 1 to 12, an identifier (IDCONT) of a grouping unit associated with said information (INFO Oi ) associated with this object (OBJi) and / or with the digital signature (SIG Oi ) for this object (OBJ,); and - a module (M30) for traceability of said grouping unit (CONT).

16. A computer program (PGR) comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement a method of grouping objects according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

17. Computer program (PGT) comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement a traceability method according to any one of claims 12 to 13.

18. A computer-readable data carrier on which a computer program according to claim 16 or 17 is recorded.

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