Method and device for determining the order of objects placed in a stack

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the order of objects, comprising: a substep (E1), in which the stack of objects is rotated on a rotating device relative to the antennas, and the event(s) Aj,k of detection of the identifier by the antenna during rotation are measured for each identifier of each object and for each antenna for at least one duration (D), each duration (D) corresponding to at least one revolution (Q); a substep (E2), in which a parameter is calculated as a function of the event(s) Aj,k, and where is a weighting proportional to the height position of the antenna; a third substep (E3), in which the order (ORD) of the objects corresponding to the identifiers IDi is determined according to the ascending or descending direction of the weighted averages m(IDi), and information (INF) indicating the order (ORD) is provided on an output. Figure 1 is shown for the abstract.

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for determining the order of objects placed in a stack

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the order of objects placed in a stack.

[0002] The field of the invention relates to the logistical management of connected or connectable goods and in particular for goods of the pneumatic envelope type whether or not it is fixed to a rim.

[0003] Systems are known in which vertically spaced radio frequency antennas allow the detection of RFID tags of objects in the stack.

[0004] One of the problems of these systems is to determine in a reliable and automated way the order of the objects in the stack and this regardless of the positioning of a device emitting an identifier on each of these objects.

[0005] Indeed, some systems may give different results depending on the positioning of the identifier emission devices relative to each other in the stack, which is inherent to the fact that the radio frequency antennas are vertically spaced.

[0006] Thus, the identifiers of each object in the stack may not be sufficient to deduce the vertical order of the objects, particularly in the case where an identifier is incorrectly detected or in the case where the positioning of the identifier emission devices relative to each other in the stack is random.

[0007] An objective of the invention is to obtain a method and a device for determining the order of objects placed in a stack, which makes it possible to solve the problem mentioned above, by making it possible to refine the information obtained from the identifiers of the objects.

[0008] To this end, a first object of the invention is a method for determining the order of objects placed vertically one on top of the other to form a vertical stack of objects, each object carrying at least one device for emitting an identifier ID of the object, the identifiers ID being different from each other, the method comprising a step in which the vertical stack of objects is brought in front of an identifier ID detection device, comprising at least one set of N radio frequency antennas Aj, which have positions spaced at least vertically apart from each other, to determine a vertical order of the objects in the vertical stack, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 4, characterized in that nilD, said step to determine the vertical order of objects in the vertical stack comprises the following sub-steps: a first sub-step, in which The vertical stack of objects is rotated on a rotating device to perform a relative rotation of the vertical stack of objects around a vertical axis with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj by at least one revolution. The detection device measures, for each identifier ID of each object and for each radio frequency antenna Aj, the detection event(s) Aj>k of each object's identifier ID by the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation for at least one duration, each duration corresponding to at least one revolution. A second sub-step, in which A parameter (Aj^) is calculated by a computer based on the detection event(s) Aj>k, and The calculator determines, for each ID of each object, a weighted average m(ID) according to the following equation: l^YnÀAi^-HA' where Haj is a weighting proportional to the position in antenna height Aj, j is a natural number from 1 to N, a third sub-step, in which the computer determines the vertical order, from bottom to top, of the objects corresponding to the identifiers IDi according to the increasing direction of the weighted averages m(ID;) having been calculated or the vertical order, from top to bottom, of the objects corresponding to the identifiers IDi according to the decreasing direction of the weighted averages m(ID;) having been calculated and provides on a physical output information indicating the vertical order of the objects, having been determined by the computer.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, determining the order of objects in the stack is independent of the angular position of the identifiers on the objects, while ensuring that all identifiers will be detected. The invention thus ensures greater accuracy in determining the order of objects in the stack.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the parameter Ym (A^J calculated as a function of the event(s) Aj>k of detection is the number nbjD {Aj^ of events Ajjk of detection of the identifier ID; of each object by the radio frequency antenna Aj.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the parameter Yjj) ( Aj^ ) calculated as a function of the detection event(s) Aj>k is the sum ( Sid(Aj) - JLjPid(Aj^), on the detection events Aj>k, are powers PlD^) with which the identifier ID of each object is detected by the radio frequency antenna Aj in each detection event Ajjk

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the parameter Yioi( Aj^ ) calculated as a function of the detection event(s) Aj>k is equal to ^ / n;( Aj) , where XID. (Aj) is equal to 1 when Pn)ik ( A j)> B- maxA.Jc ( PID. (Ajk)), where PID.(Ajk) is the power with which the identifier ID; of each object is detected by the radio frequency antenna Aj in each detection event Aj>k, XiDi(Aj) is equal to at least a value greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1 when P^(Ajk) <B- maxA)k(PIDi(A^)), où maxAjk(PiD.(Ajji) ) est le maximum des puissances Pid^ Aj) sur les antennes radiofréquences Aj et sur les évènements Aj> k of detection, B is a prescribed threshold, which is greater than 0 and less than 1.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, in the first sub-step the N radio frequency antennas Aj are activated simultaneously by the computer for the duration in radio frequency reception mode corresponding to the relative rotation of the vertical stack of objects around the vertical axis with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj for the duration.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the invention, in the first sub-step the N radio frequency antennas Aj are activated one after the other by the computer each for the duration in radio frequency reception mode corresponding to the relative rotation of the vertical stack of objects around the vertical axis with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj for the duration.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the first sub-step several subgroups of the radio frequency antennas Aj are activated by the computer one after the other each for the duration in radio frequency reception mode corresponding to the relative rotation of the vertical stack of objects around the vertical axis with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj during the duration, the subgroups of the radio frequency antennas Aj being disjoint from each other.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, each ID emitting device of each object comprises a radio frequency transponder capable of emitting the object's ID in response to an interrogation signal; the ID detection device comprises at least one reader, which is capable of emitting the interrogation signal from the radio frequency transponders during the relative rotation for at least a duration corresponding to at least one revolution during the first sub-step, and the reader being connected to the N radio frequency antennas Aj and being able to read, at each detection event, the identifier ID; of the object, which was emitted by at least one of the radio frequency transponders in response to the interrogation signal and which was received by at least one of the radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, each radio frequency transponder is an RFID tag in which the identifier ID is recorded, the reader being at least an RFID reader.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, each device for emitting the ID identifier; of each object includes an emitter of the ID identifier; of the object.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the object comprises a wheel, a pneumatic casing fixed to the wheel and a pressure sensor of the pneumatic casing and / or temperature of the pneumatic casing, the pressure sensor of the pneumatic casing and / or temperature of the pneumatic casing being fixed to the wheel or to the pneumatic casing, the transmitter of the identifier ID; of the object being part of the pressure sensor and / or temperature of the pneumatic casing.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, each radio frequency antenna Aj is capable of detecting each ID identifier; of each radio frequency transponder and each ID identifier; of each transmitter of the ID identifier; of the object.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the distance between the highest radio frequency antenna Aj and the lowest radio frequency antenna Aj is at least 90% of the height of the vertical stack of objects.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, each object has a height greater than or equal to a prescribed height, the positions of the N radio frequency antennas Aj are vertically spaced from each other by a spacing height less than half of the prescribed height.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the relative rotation is carried out over an integer number of turn(s).

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, during the first sub-step, the measurement of the event(s) Ajjk by the detection device, when the rotation device rotates the vertical stack of objects with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj at a constant relative rotation speed.

[0025] A second object of the invention is a device for determining the order of objects for implementing the order determination method as described above, the determination device comprising an ID detection device; comprising at least one set of N radio frequency antennas Aj, which have positions spaced at least vertically apart from each other, characterized in that The determination device further comprises a rotation device to perform a relative rotation of the vertical stack of objects around a vertical axis with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj by at least one turn, the detection device being configured to measure, for each identifier ID of each object and for each radio frequency antenna Aj, the detection event(s) Aj>k of the identifier ID of each object by the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation for at least a duration, each duration corresponding to at least one turn, the determination device further comprising a calculator configured to calculate a parameter Y(id^Ajji) as a function of the detection event(s) Ajjk and to calculate for each identifier ID of each object a weighted average m(IDi) according to the following equation: where is a weighting proportional to the position in jv antenna height Aj, j is a natural number from 1 to N, the computer being configured to calculate the vertical order, from bottom to top, of objects corresponding to the IDs ID, according to the ascending direction of the weighted averages m(IDi) that have been calculated, or the vertical order, from top to bottom, of objects corresponding to the IDs IDi according to the descending direction of the weighted averages m(IDi) that have been calculated. The determining device further comprises a physical output, which is connected to the computer and is capable of providing information indicating the vertical order of the objects, as determined by the computer. The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the figures below in the accompanying drawings.

[0026] [Fig.1] represents a flowchart of a determination method according to the invention.

[0027] [Fig.2] represents a schematic perspective view of an example stack of objects to which the determination method and determination device according to the invention can be applied.

[0028] [Fig.3] represents a schematic perspective view of a device determination according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] [Fig.4] represents a schematic perspective view of a conveyor line of which the determination device is part, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [Fig.5] represents a flowchart of the determination process following a first method of embodiment of the invention.

[0031] [Fig.6] represents a flowchart of the determination process according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0032] [Fig.7] represents a flowchart of the determination process according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0033] [Fig.8] represents a schematic perspective view of a device determination according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0034] [Fig.9] represents a schematic, enlarged perspective view of a device determination according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Examples of a method for determining the order of objects according to embodiments of the invention and examples of a device 1000 for determining the order of objects according to embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 1, 5, 6 and 7.

[0036] As shown by way of example in [Fig.2], the objects (or material goods) 201, 202, 203, 204 are placed vertically one on top of the other to form a vertical stack 200 of these objects 201, 202, 203, 204. The number M of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 in the stack 200 is a prime natural number greater than or equal to 2. Of course, the invention would also work with M=1.

[0037] Each object 201, 202, 203, 204 is fitted with one (or more) respective device 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 for issuing an ID identifier (for example, respectively: ID1, ID2, ID3, ID4) of the object 201, 202, 203, 204. Each respective ID identifier is unique and serves to identify the object 201, 202, 203, 204 that bears it. The respective ID identifiers are different from one another. The index i serves to designate the respective ID identifier and the respective object 201, 202, 203, 204 identified by this respective ID identifier. The index i is a second natural number from 1 to M. It can be predicted that the same number (one or more) of devices) 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 respectively will issue the identifier ID; on each object 201, 202, 203, 204. Each identifier ID; can be a string of characters, or other.

[0038] A memory 40 (for example a database), for example of the calculator 4, may be provided, in which are recorded for all objects 201, 202, 203, 204 the associations of a unique name of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 to the identifier ID; of each device 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 of emission of this identifier ID; provided on each object 201, 202, 203, 204. The names are different from each other.

[0039] For example, as shown in [Fig. 2], each of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 comprises a wheel R on which is mounted a pneumatic tire P (which may be in the inflated or deflated state). The diameters of the pneumatic tires P are arranged horizontally in the stack 200. The pneumatic tires P rotate about a central geometric axis 210, which is vertical in the stack 200. The central geometric axis 210 is parallel to the vertical direction Z.

[0040] According to a non-limiting example, in memory 40, the name of object 201 may be "front left tire", the name of object 202 may be "front right tire", the name of object 203 may be "rear left tire", the name of object 204 may be "rear right tire", in the case where objects 201, 202, 203, 204 are to be used to equip a four-wheeled motor vehicle.

[0041] In Figures 3, 4, 8, and 9, the identification device 1000 includes a device 3 for detecting the IDs. The detection device 3 comprises a set 31 of N radio frequency antennas Aj, which are spaced at least vertically apart, or a first set 31 of N radio frequency antennas Aj and a second set 32 ​​of N other radio frequency antennas Aj as shown. Of course, more than two sets 31 of N radio frequency antennas Aj could be provided. The sets 31 and 32 of N radio frequency antennas Aj can be distributed around the axis 212 of rotation, described below. Each set 31 or 32 is designated collectively below by the N radio frequency antennas Aj. N is a third natural number greater than or equal to 4, or greater than or equal to 8, or greater than or equal to 10, or greater than or equal to 16.As shown in Figures 3, 4, 8, and 9, in each set 31 and / or 32, the N radio frequency antennas Aj are, for example, arranged one above the other. Of course, in other embodiments not shown, the N radio frequency antennas Aj could be offset horizontally from one another in each set 31 and / or 32. The index j is used to designate the radio frequency antenna Aj in each set 31 or 32. The index j is a fourth natural number ranging from 1 to N.

[0042] Thus, in [Fig. 1], the determination process includes a step E in which the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 is brought in front of the ID detection device 3; to determine the order in which the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 are arranged along the vertical direction Z in the vertical stack 200.

[0043] The determination device 1000 includes a rotation device 11 for rotating the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 at least once around a vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj. The vertical axis 212 of rotation is parallel to the vertical direction Z. For example, in the case of [Fig. 2], the vertical axis 212 of rotation is parallel to the central geometric axis 210 of the stack 200 or coincides with it. with the central geometric axis 210 of the stack 200. For example, in Figures 3, 4, 8, and 9, the rotation device 11 is positioned in front of the N radio frequency antennas Aj and is configured to rotate the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation in front of the N radio frequency antennas Aj to complete at least one relative rotation. The rotation device 11 includes a rotating lower platform 110 that can be rotated about itself around the vertical axis 212 of rotation relative to a fixed base 111. The N radio frequency antennas Aj are positioned outside the rotation device 11.Of course, in other embodiments not shown, the rotation device 11 could be configured to rotate the N radio frequency antennas Aj around the vertical axis 212 of rotation and around the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 to perform at least one relative rotation. Of course, in other embodiments not shown, the rotation device 11 could be configured to rotate both the N radio frequency antennas Aj and the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation to perform at least one relative rotation.

[0044] The detection device 3 is configured to measure the detection event(s) Aj>k of each ID of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 by each radio frequency antenna Aj during relative rotation for at least one (or more) duration D, each duration D corresponding to the revolution(s) of relative rotation. Each detection event Aj>k corresponds to the fact that the radio frequency antenna Aj detects the ID of one of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 over time and is a temporal measurement associated with the ID that was detected by or via the radio frequency antenna Aj. Each Ajjk detection event can be a time peak of power, which is received by the radio frequency antenna Aj and which is associated with the identifier ID;, which was detected by the radio frequency antenna Aj or via the radio frequency antenna Aj.The index k is a fifth natural number used to designate each detection event Aj>k, which was obtained by the radio frequency antenna Aj of each set 31 or 32 or via the radio frequency antenna Aj of each set 31 or 32. Thus, the determination process includes a first sub-step El of step E, during which the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 is rotated by the rotation device 11 to make the number Q of relative rotation(s) of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 perform around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj and during which the detection device 3 measures, for each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 and . For each radio frequency antenna Aj, the detection event(s) Aj>k of the identifier ID of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 by the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation for the duration(s) D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of relative rotation(s). The number Q of relative rotation(s) is greater than or equal to 1. The number Q of relative rotation(s) may be greater than or equal to 2. In one embodiment of the invention, the number Q of relative rotation(s) may be a sixth natural number greater than or equal to 1. The number Q of relative rotation(s) may be a sixth natural number greater than or equal to 2.The detection device 3 is configured to retrieve the IDs of objects 201, 202, 203, 204, obtained by the detection event(s) Ajjk of these objects by each radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation for the duration(s) D, each duration D corresponding to the turn(s) of relative rotation.

[0045] During the first substep El, the measurement of the event(s) Aj>k by the detection device 3 can be performed when the rotation device 11 rotates the vertical stack of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 at a constant or stabilized relative speed, with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj. This avoids discriminating between one area and another. This is desirable when the number Q of wheel rotations is limited and is an integer.

[0046] On the other hand, if the number Q of turns is high, this number Q is not necessarily an integer, since a real number Q is sufficient.

[0047] The determination device 1000 includes a calculator 4 configured to calculate during the second substep E2 of step E a parameter Yjd ( Aj^ ) as a function of the detection event (or events) Aj>k.

[0048] The rotation device 11 can be controlled by the computer 4.

[0049] The parameter Yip.^Ajj^ decreases with the distance of the respective ID emission device 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 from the radio frequency antenna Aj in each detection event Aj>k. For example, the detection event Ajjk can occur when the ID passes closest to the radio frequency antenna Aj or in a prescribed position relative to the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation for the duration(s) D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of relative rotation(s), i.e., when the ID is in the near field within the reception range of the radio frequency antenna Aj.This avoids interrogating all the transmitting devices 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 at a single angular position of the stack 200 around the rotation axis 212 and allows for diversified reception power from the transmitting devices 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 by the radio frequency antennas Aj. Each radio frequency antenna Aj has a main pointing direction for its main lobe. radiation (in its radiation pattern), which represents the direction in which the radio frequency antenna Aj is able to receive the most emitted power relative to all directions from the radio frequency antenna Aj in the three dimensions of space. According to one embodiment of the invention, the radio frequency antennas Aj are oriented in the same way, that is to say that the principal pointing directions of the radio frequency antennas Aj are parallel and in the same direction, so as not to favor one of the radio frequency antennas Aj in the parameter Fj / j ( Aj.

[0050] Embodiments of this parameter Yid^Aj#} are described below.

[0051] Calculator 4 is configured to calculate during the second sub-step E2 of step E for each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 a weighted average m(ID;) according to the following equation: / \ Yid(A i\Ha where Ha. is a weighting proportional to the position in ......■■■■■■ height of the antenna Aj along the vertical direction Z.

[0052] The weighting can be, for example, the difference in height of the position of the antenna Aj relative to a height reference, which could be, for example, that of the rotation device 11, or other.

[0053] The weighted average m(ID;) is thus an estimate of the vertical position of each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 along the Z direction.

[0054] The invention therefore has the advantage of increasing, in the weighted average m(ID; ), the weighting of antennas Aj having a large Fid parameter (Aj& ) for receiving the identifier ID; compared to the weighting of antennas Aj having a smaller this parameter Ym.^Ajj^ for receiving this identifier ID;. This improves the estimated vertical position of each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 by the weighted average m(ID;).

[0055] Thus, for example, in the case of ID identifiers formed in [Fig. 2] by the ID identifiers ID2, ID3, ID4 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 respectively, the calculator 4 calculates m(IDi) for the IDi identifier of object 201 that has been detected, m(ID2) for the ID2 identifier of object 202 that has been detected, m(ID3) for the ID3 identifier of object 203 that has been detected, and m(ID4) for the ID4 identifier of object 204 that has been detected. In this case, the calculator 4 calculates: m(IDi) < m(ID2) < m(ID3) < m(ID4).

[0056] The calculator 4 is configured to determine, during the third substep E3 of step E, the vertical ORD order, from bottom to top, of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 corresponding to the ID identifiers; according to the ascending direction of the weighted averages m(IDi) having been calculated (or the vertical ORD order, from top to bottom, of the objects 204, 203, 202, 201 corresponding to the ID identifiers; according to the descending direction of the weighted means m(ID;) having been calculated).

[0057] Thus, for example in the case of the ID identifiers; formed in [Fig.2] by the ID identifiers IDb ID2, ID3, ID4 respectively of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204, the calculator 4 deduces from the fact that m(IDi) < m(ID2) < m(ID3) < m(ID4) the order ORD of the ID identifiers IDb ID2, ID3, ID4 from bottom to top and therefore the order ORD of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 from bottom to top (or the order ORD of the ID identifiers ID4, ID3, ID2, IDi from top to bottom and therefore the order ORD of the objects 204, 203, 202, 201 from top to bottom).

[0058] The determination device 1000 includes a physical output 5, which is connected to the computer 4 and which is capable of providing during the third sub-step E3 of step E an INF information indicating the order ORD of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 having been determined by the computer 4, from bottom to top (or from top to bottom).

[0059] This makes it possible to reliably provide on the physical output 5 a vertical ranking of the ID identifiers; read and of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 according to their actual position in the stack 200.

[0060] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the calculator 4 is configured to calculate during the second sub-step E2 of step E as parameter FID, ( Aj^ ) calculated as a function of the detection event(s) Ajjk the number nbiD.ÇAj^ of detection events Ajjk of the identifier ID; of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) by the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation during the duration(s) D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of turn(s) of relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0061] We therefore have: YiD.( Ajk ) = nbjD. ( A^ ).

[0062] Thus, the computer 4 is configured to count during the second substep E2 of step E the number of times nbjjy^Aj^ that an event Ajjk of detection of the identifier ID; is obtained by the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation during the (or the) duration D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of turn(s) of relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0063] Thus, the calculator 4 is configured to count during the second sub-step E2 of step E the number of times nbjj). ( Aj^ ) that the identifier ID; is detected by the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation during the (or the) duration D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of turn(s) of relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0064] Thus, the computer 4 is configured to count during the second sub-step E2 of step E the number nbjD.ÇAj^ of time peak(s) of power, which is(s) received by the radio frequency antenna Aj and with which the identifier ID; (the time peak(s) of power being therefore associated with the identifier ID;) was detected by the radio frequency antenna Aj or via the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation during the duration D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of turn(s) of relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0065] A flowchart of the determination process according to this first embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig.5].

[0066] Thus, according to this first embodiment of the invention, the calculator 4 is configured to calculate during the second sub-step E2 of step E for each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 the weighted average m(ID;) according to the following equation: --

[0067] In a non-limiting numerical example, where N = 10, M = 4, the following values ​​can be obtained according to the following 4-line table (ID;, i = 1 to 4) and 10 columns (of antennas Aj, j=l to 10) which indicates the value nbnj.^Aj^ for each antenna Aj and for each ID; and which indicates the weighted average m(ID;) for each ID;:

[0068] [Tables 1] nbiD^Aj-jc) AVERAGE Height (in mm) 50 150 250 350 450 550 650 750 850 950 Antennas Ai A2 A3 A4 A5 Ae A7 As A9 A10 m(IDi) (in mm) IÜ! 0 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 212.50 id2 0 0 1 1 5 2 0 0 0 0 438.89 id3 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 3 0 0 660.00 id4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 3 861.11

[0069] The weighted average m(ID;) of this first embodiment of the invention is thus an estimate of the vertical position of each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 along the Z direction.

[0070] This first embodiment therefore has the advantage of increasing in the weighted average m(ID;) the weighting of the antennas Aj having a large number nbn) ( Aj^ ) times that the ID; is detected by these antennas with respect to the weighting of the antennas Aj having a smaller number nbjD.^Ajj.) for this ID;. This improves the estimated vertical position of each ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 by the weighted average m(ID;).

[0071] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the calculator 4 is configured to calculate during the second substep E2 of step E as parameter Yin.^Aj^ ) calculated as a function of the detection event(s) Aj>k the sum Sid{Aj) = ' on 'cs detection events Ajjk, of the powersP / jr);( Aj^) with which the identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 is detected by the radio frequency antenna Aj in each detection event Ajjk, during the relative rotation during the duration D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of turn(s) of relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0072] We therefore: YIDi(AJJ() = LkPiD!(AjJ()-

[0073] The detection device 3 is configured to measure, during the first sub-step El of step E, the power Pid^ Ajjt) of each detection event Aj>k of each ID identifier; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 by each radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation during the duration D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of turns of relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0074] Thus, the detection device 3 is configured to measure, during the first sub-step El of step E, the power Pjd^ Aj^) with which each detection event Ajjk of each ID identifier; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 is received by each radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation during the duration (or durations) D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of turn(s) of relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0075] Thus, the calculator 4 is configured to calculate, during the second substep E2 of step E, the sum Sid.( Aj) of the powers PidJ of the time-domain power peaks, which is / are received by the radio frequency antenna Aj and with which the identifier ID; (the time-domain power peak(s) being thus associated with the identifier ID;) was / are detected by or via the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation during the duration D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of turns of relative rotation of the stack vertical 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0076] A flowchart of the determination process according to this second embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig.6].

[0077] Thus, according to this second embodiment of the invention, the calculator 4 is configured to calculate during the second sub-step E2 of step E for each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 the weighted average m(ID;) according to the following equation: "Y 7

[0078] In a non-limiting numerical example, where N = 10, M = 4, the following values ​​can be obtained for P^^Aj^j and Pj^ÇA^ ) according to the following table for 4 IDs (i = 1 to 4) and 10 antennas Aj (j = 1 to 10), which indicates the values ​​Pj^Aj^j for each antenna Aj and for each ID, and which indicates the weighted average m(ID) for each ID (the values ​​Pj^Aj^j being expressed in dBm, i.e., in decibels relative to 1 milliwatt):

[0079] [Tables2] (in dBm) Antenna Height H (in mm) IÜ! id2 ID3 ID4 Ai 50 0 0 0 0 A2 150 -55 0 0 0 150 -51 0 0 0 150 -49 0 0 0 150 -47 0 0 0 A3 250 -43 0 0 0 250 -42 0 0 0 250 -44 0 0 0 250 0 -58 0 0 A4 350 -56 0 0 0 350 0 -53 0 0 A5 450 0 -48 0 0 450 0 -46 0 0 450 0 -45 0 0 450 0 -43 0 0 450 0 -47 0 0 Ae 550 0 -53 0 0 550 0 -58 0 0 550 0 0 -56 0 550 0 0 -57 0 A7 650 0 0 -48 0 650 0 0 -46 0 650 0 0 -45 0 650 0 0 -42 0 650 0 0 -41 0 As 750 0 0 -43 0 750 0 0 -47 0 750 0 0 -54 0 750 0 0 0 -57 750 0 0 0 -54 Aç 850 0 0 0 -49,850 0 0 0 -46 850 0 0 0 -45 850 0 0 0 -49 Aïo 950 0 0 0 -52 950 0 0 0 -55 950 0 0 0 -58 m(IDi) (in mm) 212.27 437.14 656.47 861.61

[0080] The weighted average m(ID;) of this second embodiment of the invention is thus an estimate of the vertical position of each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 along the Z direction.

[0081] This second embodiment therefore has the advantage of increasing in the weighted average m(ID;) the S / p weighting ( Ay) of some of the antennas Aj having a high reception power of the identifier ID; compared to to the weighting Sjd( Aj) of the other antennas Aj having a smaller PlDii Ajjç) reception power of this ID;. This improves the estimated vertical position of each ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 by the weighted average m(ID;).

[0082] The power Pjjy. ( Aj# ) of each detection event Aj>k of each ID identifier; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 can be the received signal strength indicator RSSI (in English: received signal strength indicator) by each radio frequency antenna Aj. This received signal strength indicator RSSI can be measured by the detection device 3 during the first substep El of step E.

[0083] According to a third embodiment of the invention, the calculator 4 is configured to calculate, during the second sub-step E2 of step E, as a parameter F( Ayjt ) calculated as a function of the detection event(s) Aj>k, the weighting parameter Xjjj.^Aj) of the detection events Aj>k of the identifier ID; of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) by the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation during the duration(s) D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of relative rotation(s) of the vertical stack 200 of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0084] The parameter X / d ( Aj ) is equal to 1 when maxAjk ( PIDi ( Aj^ ) ), where PiDji^jk) is the power with which the identifier ID; of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) is detected by the radio frequency antenna Aj in each detection event Ajjk.

[0085] The parameter XIDi(Aj) is equal to at least one value greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1 when Pip. ( Aj# ) < B • maxAjJi (Pid,( Ajk) ) • For example, XIDi(Aj) = 0 when PID. (AjJ() < B maxAjk(Pid, (A#)).

[0086] The maxA:k(Pi^(Aj#)) is the maximum of the powers PiDik(Aj) on the radio frequency antennas Aj and on the detection events Ajjk.

[0087] B is a prescribed threshold, which is greater than 0 and less than 1. For example, B is greater than or equal to 0.5. For example, B may be equal to 0.9 or 0.95, or other.

[0088] The calculated value B max^(P^(AjA)) is a received power threshold for detecting the identifier ID; by the radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0089] The detection device 3 is configured to measure, during the first sub-step El of step E, the power Pid^ Aj^ ) of each detection event Ajjk of each ID identifier; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 by each radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation during the duration D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of turns of relative rotation of the vertical stack 200

[0090]

[0091]

[0092]

[0093]

[0094] of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj.Thus, the detection device 3 is configured to measure, during the first sub-step El of step E, the power P / dJ Ajk) with which each detection event Aj>k of each ID identifier; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 is received by each radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation during the duration(s) D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of relative rotation(s) of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj. . A flowchart of the determination process according to this third embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig.7]. Thus, according to this third embodiment of the invention, the calculator 4 is configured to calculate during the second sub-step E2 of step E for each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 the weighted average m(ID;) according to the following equation: nàlDj \ / In a non-limiting numerical example, where N = 10, M = 4, we can have the following values ​​for Xm (Aj) according to the following table for ID; (i = 1 to 4) and 10 antennas Aj (j = 1 to 10) which indicates the values ​​Pjdî( ) for each Aj and for each IDi and which indicates the weighted average m(ID;) for each ID;, with B=0.9 (the PIDi^Ajj^ values ​​being expressed in dBm, i.e. in decibels relative to 1 milliwatt): [Tables 3] (in dBm) Antenna Height (in mm) IÜ! id2 ID3 ID4 Ai 50 0 0 0 0 A2 150 0 0 0 0 150 0 0 0 0 150 -49 0 0 0 150 -47 0 0 0 A3 250 -43 0 0 0 250 -42 0 0 0 250 -44 0 0 0 250 0 0 0 0 A4 350 0 0 0 0 350 0 0 0 0 As 450 0 -48 0 0 450 0 -46 0 0 450 0 -45 0 0 450 0 -43 0 0 450 0 -47 0 0 As 750 0 0 -43 0 750 0 0 -47 0 750 0 0 0 0 750 0 0 0 0 750 0 0 0 0 A9 850 0 0 0 -49 850 0 0 0 -46 850 0 0 0 -45 850 0 0 0 -49 A10 950 0 0 0 0 950 0 0 0 0 950 0 0 0 0 m(IDi) (in mm) 207.33 450.00 678.85 850.00

[0095] The weighted average m(ID;) of this second embodiment of the invention is thus an estimate of the vertical position of each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 along the Z direction.

[0096] This third embodiment therefore has the advantage of further increasing, compared to the second embodiment, in the weighted average m(IDi), the weighting Xj^.Ç Aj ) of some of the antennas Aj having a high power Pm (Aj#} of receiving the identifier ID; (greater than or equal to the power threshold B • max^, ( PlD{ ( Aj^ ) ) ) compared to the weighting Xh) ( Aj ) of the other antennas Aj having a lower power PiD^Ajx) of receiving this identifier ID; (less than the power threshold B • maXAJh ( PiD / ( Aj# ) ) ). This improves the estimated vertical position of each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 by the weighted average m(ID;).

[0097] The power Pid. (Aj#) of each detection event Ajjk of each identifier ID; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 can be the received signal strength indicator RSSI (received signal strength indicator) by each radio frequency antenna Aj. This received signal strength indicator RSSI can be measured by the detection device 3 during the first substep El of step E. This third embodiment therefore has the advantage in this case of focusing the weighted average m(ID;) of the identifier ID; read on the antenna Aj having the highest received signal strength indicator RSSI.

[0098] Embodiments of the invention are described below, which can be combined with the features described above and each of the embodiments described above.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the invention, the radio frequency antennas Aj are all simultaneously activated in radio frequency reception mode to receive the IDs of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 during the relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj during the duration(s) D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of rotation(s) during the first substep EL

[0100] According to another embodiment of the invention, in the first substep E1, the N radio frequency antennas Aj are activated one after the other by the computer 4, each for the duration(s) D in radio frequency reception mode corresponding to the relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj. Thus, the radio frequency antennas Aj are activated one after the other (without interruption or with interruption between the radio frequency antennas Aj) by the computer 4 each during the activation time D in radio frequency reception mode to receive the ID(s); of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 during the relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj during each activation time D corresponding to the number Q of turns during the first sub-step El. There are therefore successively N activation times D in reception mode respectively of the N radio frequency antennas Aj.During each activation time D in radio frequency reception mode, the rotation device 11 causes the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 to perform the number Q of relative rotation turns of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj and the detection device 3 measures, for each ID identifier; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 and for the radio frequency antenna Aj which is in radio frequency reception mode, the detection event(s) Ajjk of the ID identifier; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 by the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation during the activation time D corresponding to the number Q of relative rotation turns.For example, each activation time D can correspond to one relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj, i.e. Q=1 for each activation time D.

[0101] According to another embodiment of the invention, the radio frequency antennas Aj are activated by subgroups one after the other. In the first substep El, several subgroups of the radio frequency antennas Aj are activated by the computer 4 one after the other each for the duration D in radio frequency reception mode corresponding to the relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of the objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj during the duration D, the subgroups of the radio frequency antennas Aj being disjoint from each other.Thus, the subgroups of radio frequency antennas Aj are activated one after the other (without interruption or with interruption between subgroups) by the computer 4, each during the activation time D in radio frequency receive mode to receive the ID(s) of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 during the relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj during each activation time D corresponding to the number Q of turns during the first substep El. There are therefore several successive activation times D in receive mode for the radio frequency antennas Aj of each subgroup. During each activation time D in radio frequency receive mode, the... The rotation device 11 causes the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 to perform the number Q of relative rotation turns of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj and the detection device 3 measures, for each ID identifier of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 and for the respective subgroup of radio frequency antennas Aj which is in radio frequency reception mode, the detection event(s) Ajjk of the ID identifier IDi of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 by the respective subgroup of radio frequency antennas Aj during the relative rotation during the activation time D corresponding to the number Q of relative rotation turns. For example, each activation time D can correspond to one turn of relative rotation of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 around the vertical axis 212 with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj, i.e. Q=1 for each activation time D.

[0102] Further embodiments of the invention are described below, which can be combined with the features described above and each of the embodiments described above.

[0103] According to one embodiment of the invention, shown in [Fig. 8], each device 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 for emitting the ID identifier of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 comprises a radio frequency transponder capable of emitting the ID identifier of the object 201, 202, 203, 204 in response to an interrogation signal. The same number (one or more) of radio frequency transponder(s) may be provided on each object 201, 202, 203, 204.

[0104] The device 3 for detecting ID identifiers; includes at least one reader 6, which is capable of emitting the radio frequency transponder interrogation signal during the relative rotation during the duration (or durations) D, each duration D corresponding to at least one turn during the first sub-step El.

[0105] The reader 6 is connected to the N radio frequency antennas Aj and is capable of reading, during each detection event, the identifier ID of the object 201, 202, 203, 204, which was emitted by at least one of the radio frequency transponders in response to the interrogation signal and which was received by at least one of the radio frequency antennas Aj during the relative rotation during the duration(s) D, each duration D corresponding to at least one revolution during the first substep EL

[0106] Reader 6 can emit the interrogation signal continuously during the relative rotation for the duration(s) D, each duration D corresponding to the number Q of revolution(s) during the first substep EL

[0107] Reader 6 allows measurement, for each ID identifier of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 and for each radio frequency antenna Aj, of the detection event(s) Aj>k of the ID identifier of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 by the antenna radio frequency Aj during the relative rotation for at least one duration D, as described above.

[0108] Reader 6 can be associated with calculator 4 and / or be connected to calculator 4 and / or be controlled by calculator 4.

[0109] According to an example of this embodiment of the invention, shown in [Fig. 8], each radio frequency transponder is an RFID tag in which the identifier IDi is recorded. The reader 6 is at least one RFID reader 6. RFID is the abbreviation for radio frequency identification. The RFID tag may consist of an electronic chip coupled to a radio antenna (distinct from the antennas Aj).

[0110] According to another embodiment of the invention, shown in [Fig.3], each device 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 for emitting the ID identifier; of each object 201, 202, 203, 204 comprises an ID identifier emitter; of the object 201, 202, 203, 204. The same number (one or more) of ID identifier emitter(s) may be provided; on each object 201, 202, 203, 204.

[0111] According to an example of this embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 2 and 8, a pressure and / or temperature sensor for the tire P is attached to the wheel R described above and / or to the tire P described above. The transmitter of the identifier ID of the object 201, 202, 203, 204 is part of the pressure and / or temperature sensor for the tire P. The pressure and / or temperature sensor for the tire P may be a TPMS type sensor, which is the English abbreviation for "tire pressure monitoring system," and / or a TMS type sensor, which is the English abbreviation for "tire monitoring system." The pressure and / or temperature sensor for the tire P may be provided on a valve of the tire P, which is its inflation nozzle.For example, in stack 200, the pressure and / or temperature sensors, and therefore the respective ID emitting devices 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040, are all located above the rim level of wheel R, or are all located below the rim level of wheel R.

[0112] The two preceding embodiments can be combined, by the fact that each object 201, 202, 203, 204 is provided with a radio frequency transponder (or transponders) capable of emitting the ID identifier of the object 201, 202, 203, 204 in response to an interrogation signal and the transmitter (or transmitters) of the ID identifier of the object 201, 202, 203, 204 (this ID identifier of the transmitter being able to be a string of characters different from the string of characters of the ID identifier of the radio frequency transponder, or being able to be a string of characters identical to the string of characters of the ID identifier of the radio frequency transponder).

[0113] According to one embodiment of the invention, the distance between the highest radio frequency antenna Aj and the lowest radio frequency antenna Aj is at least 90% or 95% of the height of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204. This makes it possible to cover all the objects in the stack 200. The distance between the highest radio frequency antenna Aj and the lowest radio frequency antenna Aj can be equal to 100% of the height of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 or more than 100% of the height of the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204.

[0114] According to one embodiment of the invention, each object 201, 202, 203, 204 has a height greater than or equal to a prescribed height. The positions of the N radio frequency antennas Aj are spaced vertically apart by a spacing height less than half the prescribed height. Thus, at least two of the N radio frequency antennas Aj are located horizontally opposite each object 201, 202, 203, 204.

[0115] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotation device 11 can have a constant rotation speed to cause the vertical stack 200 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 to complete at least one relative rotation around the vertical axis 212 of rotation with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj. The combination of the integer number Q of rotation(s) and the constant rotation speed provides fairness to the spatio-temporal area detected by the detection device 3 and improves the determination of the order ORD in a fast acquisition time.

[0116] According to an embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 3, 4, 8 and 9, the set 31 and / or 32 of N radio frequency antennas Aj can be fixed to an arm 310 extending at least vertically over a certain height, for example parallel to the direction Z. For example, the set 31 of N radio frequency antennas Aj and the set 32 ​​of N other radio frequency antennas Aj are fixed to the same arm 310 extending vertically over a certain height, for example respectively to the right and left of the arm 310 and with a vertical offset between the two sets 31 and 32 so that the vertical positions of the antennas Aj alternate from bottom to top between the set 31 and the set 32. Each antenna can be fixed to the arm 310 by means of an angled bracket 311. Of course, several arms 310 could be provided, which are distributed around the axis 212 of rotation, described below and which each support one or two sets 31 of N radio frequency antennas Aj.

[0117] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery 200 can be placed on a base 211 facilitating the movement of the battery 200. The base 201 can be equipped on the face opposite to that which is in contact with the battery 200 with means of movement such as casters, for example, not shown. Thus, the battery 200 can be manually positioned. pile 200 in relation to the radio frequency communication rotation device 11 and in particular position the pile 200 in relation to its axis of rotation.

[0118] According to one embodiment of the invention, shown in [Fig. 4], the device 1000 for determining the order of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 is part of a conveyor line 100. The conveyor line 100 defines a path 125 that the stacks 120 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 travel from a starting point 121 to an arrival point 122. The conveyor line 100 includes a first conveyor 123 located upstream of the determination device 1000, i.e. between the starting point 121 and the determination device 1000, to bring the stack 120 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 from the starting point 121 to the determination device 1000, this first conveyor 123 being able to be equipped with an endless belt conveyor 126 (or any other movement device) to ensure the movement of the stack 120 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 from the starting point 121 to the determination device 1000.The conveyor line 100 includes a second conveyor 124 located downstream of the determination device 1000, i.e. between the determination device 1000 and the arrival point 122, to bring the stack 120 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 from the determination device 1000 to the arrival point 122, this second conveyor 124 being able to be equipped with an endless belt conveyor 127 (or any other displacement device) to ensure the movement of the stack 120 of objects 201, 202, 203, 204 from the determination device 1000 to the arrival point 122.

[0119] The computer 4 may be or comprise, and the operations performed by the computer 4 may be performed by or distributed across one or more computers and / or one or more processors and / or one or more microprocessors, and / or one or more control circuits, or other components. The computer 4 may have been programmed by a computer program, comprising code instructions for implementing the method, when implemented on this computer 4. The computer 4 may comprise a permanent (non-transient) memory 40 or a permanent (non-transient) storage medium 40, on which the computer program and / or the calculated quantities mentioned above are recorded, including in particular the weighted averages m(ID;) and the order ORD.

[0120] Of course, the embodiments, features, possibilities and examples described above can be combined with each other or selected independently of each other.

Claims

1. Demands Method for determining the order of objects (201, 202, 203, 204) placed vertically one on top of the other to form a vertical stack (200) of objects (201, 202, 203, 204), each object (201, 202, 203, 204) carrying at least one device (2010, 2020, 2030, 2040) for emitting an ID identifier; of the object (201, 202, 203, 204), the ID identifiers; being different from each other, the method comprising a step (E) in which the vertical stack (200) of objects (201, 202, 203, 204) is brought in front of an ID identifier detection device (3);comprising at least one set of N radio frequency antennas Aj, which have positions spaced at least vertically apart from each other, for determining a vertical order of the objects (201, 202, 203, 204) in the vertical stack (200), where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 4, characterized in that said step (E) for determining the vertical order (ORD) of the objects (201, 202, 203, 204) in the vertical stack (200) comprises the following substeps: a first substep (E1), in which the vertical stack (200) of the objects (201, 202, 203, 204) is rotated on a rotating device (11) to perform a relative rotation of the vertical stack (200) of the objects (201, 202, 203, 204) around a vertical axis (212) with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj according to at least one turn (Q), and it is measured by the detection device (3), for each identifier ID;of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) and for each radio frequency antenna Aj, the detection event(s) Ajjk of the identifier ID; of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) by the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation for at least a duration (D), each duration (D) corresponding to at least one revolution (Q), a second sub-step (E2), in which a parameter Y) is calculated by a computer (4) calculated as a function of the detection event(s) Ajjk, and a weighted average m(ID;) is calculated by the computer (4) for each identifier ID; of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) according to the following equation:; / \ °ù HA is a proportional weighting wd / DJ- „ v \ 7 to the height position of the antenna Aj, j is a natural number from 1 to N, a third sub-step (E3), in which the computer (4) determines the vertical order (ORD), from bottom to top, of the objects corresponding to the identifiers IDi according to the ascending direction of the weighted averages m(ID;) having been calculated or the vertical order (ORD), from top to bottom, of the objects (201, 202, 203, 204) corresponding to the identifiers IDi according to the descending direction of the weighted averages m(ID;) having been calculated and a physical output (5) provides information (INF) indicating the vertical order (ORD) of the objects (201, 202, 203, 204), having been determined by the computer (4).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the parameter Yjo. ( Ajj, ) calculated as a function of the detection event(s) Ajjk is the number nbjj) ( Aj# ) of detection events Ajjk of the identifier ID; of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) by the radio frequency antenna Aj.

3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the parameter calculated as a function of the detection event(s) Aj>k is the sum (SID.(Aj) = E^ZP, ( A^ ), over the detection events Aj>k, of the powers PiDji Ajk} with which the identifier ID of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) is detected by the radio frequency antenna Aj in each detection event Aj>k

4. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the parameter Ym (A^j calculated as a function of the detection event(s) Aj>k is equal to X / o^Ay), where Xjd. ( Aj ) is equal to 1 when Pid* ( Aj ) > B maxA^ ( PiDi ( Ajj. ) ), where Pjjy.^Aj^ is the power with which the identifier ID; of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) is detected by the radio frequency antenna Aj in each detection event Ajjk, X1Di(Aj) is equal to at least a value greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1 when Pj^( AjM)< B- maXA^(PiDt(Aj^}), where maxAjJ( ( Pify ( ) ) is the maximum of the powers Pid^( Aj ) on the radio frequency antennas Aj and on the detection events Ajjk, B is a prescribed threshold, which is greater than 0 and less than 1.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the first substep (El) the N radio frequency antennas Aj are activated simultaneously by the computer (4) for the duration (D) in radio frequency reception mode corresponding to the relative rotation of the vertical stack (200) of objects (201, 202, 203, 204) around the vertical axis (212) with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj for the duration (D).

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the first substep (El) the N radio frequency antennas Aj are activated one after the other by the computer (4) each for the duration (D) in radio frequency reception mode corresponding to the relative rotation of the vertical stack (200) of objects (201, 202, 203, 204) around the vertical axis (212) with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj for the duration (D).

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the first substep (E1) several subgroups of the radio frequency antennas Aj are activated by the computer (4) one after the other each for the duration (D) in radio frequency reception mode corresponding to the relative rotation of the vertical stack (200) of the objects (201, 202, 203, 204) around the vertical axis (212) with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj for the duration (D), the subgroups of the radio frequency antennas Aj being disjoint from each other.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each device (2010, 2020, 2030, 2040) for emitting the ID identifier; of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) comprises a radio frequency transponder capable of emitting the ID identifier; of the object (201, 202, 203, 204) in response to an interrogation signal, the device (3) for detecting ID identifiers; includes at least one reader (6), which is capable of emitting the radio frequency transponder interrogation signal during the relative rotation for at least one duration (D) corresponding to at least one turn during the first sub-step (El), and the reader (6) being connected to the N radio frequency antennas Aj and being capable of reading, at each detection event, the ID identifier; of the object (201, 202, 203, 204), which was emitted by at least one of the radio frequency transponders in response to the interrogation signal and which was received by at least one of the radio frequency antennas Aj.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that each radio frequency transponder is an RFID tag in which the identifier ID is recorded, the reader (6) being at least one RFID reader (6).

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each device (2010, 2020, 2030, 2040) for emitting the identifier ID; of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) comprises an emitter of the identifier ID; of the object (201, 202, 203, 204).

11. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the object comprises a wheel (R), a pneumatic casing (P) fixed to the wheel (R) and a pressure sensor of the pneumatic casing (P) and / or temperature sensor of the pneumatic casing (P), the pressure sensor of the pneumatic casing (P) and / or temperature sensor of the pneumatic casing (P) being fixed to the wheel (R) or to the pneumatic casing (P), the transmitter of the identifier ID; of the object (201, 202, 203, 204) being part of the pressure and / or temperature sensor of the pneumatic casing (P).

12. A method according to claim 8 or 9 taken in combination with claim 10 or 11, characterized in that each radio frequency antenna Aj is capable of detecting each ID identifier; of each radio frequency transponder and each ID identifier; of each transmitter of the ID identifier; of the object (201, 202, 203, 204).

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the highest radio frequency antenna Aj and the lowest radio frequency antenna Aj bottom is at least 90% of the height of the vertical stack (200) of objects (201, 202, 203, 204).

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each object (201, 202, 203, 204) has a height greater than or equal to a prescribed height, the positions of the N radio frequency antennas Aj are vertically spaced from each other by a spacing height less than half of the prescribed height.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the relative rotation is carried out over an integer number (Q) of turn(s).

16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the first substep (El), the measurement of the event(s) Ajjk by the detection device (3) is made, when the rotation device (11) rotates the vertical stack of objects (201, 202, 203, 204) with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj at a constant relative rotation speed.

17. Device (1000) for determining the order of objects (201, 202, 203, 204) for implementing the order determination method according to any one of the preceding claims, the determination device (1000) comprising a device (3) for detecting ID identifiers;, comprising at least one set of N radio frequency antennas Aj, which have positions spaced at least vertically apart from each other, characterized in that the determination device (1000) further comprises a rotation device (11) for performing a relative rotation of the vertical stack (200) of objects (201, 202, 203, 204) about a vertical axis (212) with respect to the N radio frequency antennas Aj by at least one turn, the detection device (3) being configured to measure, for each ID identifier; of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) and for each radio frequency antenna Aj, the event(s) Aj>k of detection of the identifier ID;of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) by the radio frequency antenna Aj during the relative rotation for at least one duration (D), each duration (D) corresponding to at least one revolution (Q); the determination device (1000) further comprising a calculator (4) configured to calculate a parameter Yjd.ÇAj^ as a function of the detection event(s) Ajjk and to calculate for each identifier ID; of each object (201, 202, 203, 204) a weighted average m(ID;) according to the following equation: where is a proportional weighting at the height position of the antenna Aj, j is a natural number from 1 to N, the computer (4) being configured to calculate the vertical order (ORD), from bottom to top, of the objects corresponding to the identifiers IDi according to the ascending direction of the weighted averages m(ID;) having been calculated or the vertical order (ORD), from top to bottom, of the objects (201, 202, 203, 204) corresponding to the identifiers IDi according to the descending direction of the weighted averages m(ID;) having been calculated, the determination device (1000) further comprising a physical output (5), which is connected to the computer (4) and which is capable of providing information (INF) indicating the vertical order (ORD) of the objects (201, 202, 203, 204), having been determined by the computer (4).

Images