WO2012129605A1

WO2012129605A1 - Cartridge security

Info

Publication number: WO2012129605A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/000323
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Harvey
Original assignee: Brismat Inc.
Priority date: 2011-03-28
Filing date: 2012-03-28
Publication date: 2012-10-04

Abstract

A chemical cartridge security system in which a unique identifier on the chemical cartridge is verified before chemical is delivered from the chemical cartridge. Also a chemical cartridge suitable for the system and a method of ensuring correct delivery of chemical to a chemical process line using the system.

Description

TITLE

CARTRIDGE SECURITY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of process engineering involving chemical processes, such as coating and curing chemistry. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and means to ensure correct chemical cartridges are loaded to a chemical process apparatus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The inventors have found that careful control of the chemicals is essential for high performance processing to be achieved. Furthermore, it is important to not only ensure the correct chemicals are used with the appropriate level of purity but also that the correct proportions are used in a chemical process. While these requirements may seem easy to achieve in a controlled environment, such as a laboratory, they are far more challenging in a production environment. This is due in part to the lack of technical knowledge and skills of the operators of most chemical process lines.

Applicant has developed a unique coating technology as described in a number of granted patents and pending patent applications. The technology is described in published international patent application number WO2006/128232 which has proceeded to national phase and grant in a number of countries (for example US7642199). Careful control of the chemicals used in the coating and curing process is required. Although the technology has a broad range of uses there has been particular interest in the application of anti-reflection coatings to glass for use in solar energy collection systems. For ease of understanding the following detailed description relates to anti-reflection coatings on large sheets of glass. However, the invention is not limited to this specific application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a chemical cartridge security system for a chemical process line comprising:

a chemical delivery system associated with the chemical process line for receiving cartridges containing chemicals;

a unique identifier on each cartridge; and

a reader associated with the chemical delivery system that reads the unique identifier on each cartridge and communicates with a data store to verify the cartridge.

Preferably the unique identifier is a one- or two-dimensional optically read code, hereafter called barcode. The reader is suitably a barcode reader.

Alternatively, the unique identifier is information stored in a magnetic strip and the reader is a magnetic strip reader or the unique identifier is information stored in an electronic chip and the reader is an electronic chip reader. The electronic chip may be an RFID tag.

Preferably the invention further comprises a valve operable to release chemical from a cartridge to the chemical process line wherein the valve is only operable after the cartridge has been verified.

In a further form the invention resides in a chemical cartridge for a cartridge security system, the chemical cartridge comprising:

a vessel storing chemical for use in a chemical process line; and

a unique identifier affixed to the vessel that is readable by a reader;

wherein chemical is only releasable from the vessel if the unique identifier is verified.

Suitably the unique identifier is a label which may include a barcode.

Alternatively the unique identifier may be a code stored on a magnetic strip or in an electronic chip, such as an RFID. In a yet further form the invention resides in a method of ensuring correct delivery of chemicals in a chemical process line including the steps of:

reading a unique identifier on a chemical cartridge containing chemical for use in the chemical process line;

comparing the unique identifier against a log of unique identifiers in a data store to verify the chemical cartridge; and

allowing chemical flow from the chemical cartridge to the chemical process line only if the chemical cartridge is verified.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG 1 is a schematic of a chemical process line;

FIG 2 is a front view of the chemical delivery system of the chemical process line of FIG 1 ;

FIG 3 is a cut-away view of a chemical cartridge for use with the chemical process line of FIG 1 ;

FIG 4 is a security label for uniquely identifying the chemical cartridge of FIG 3;

FIG 5 is a block diagram of a system for reading and verifying the security label of FIG 4;

FIG 6 is a flow chart of the steps for implementing cartridge security;

FIG 7 is a flow chart of a method for manual override of the cartridge security process of FIG 6; and

FIG 8 is a flow chart of a method for error handling in the cartridge security process of FIG 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in a method and means for chemical cartridge security in a chemical coating and curing line. Accordingly, the invention has been illustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for

understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are intended to define a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

Referring to FIG 1 there is a shown a chemical process line 10. For ease of explanation the chemical process line is a coating and curing line such as would be used in the process described in WO2006/128232 mentioned above. The coating and curing line 10 has a conveyor top 11 that conveys a work piece (not shown) through a coating module 12 to a curing module 13 and hence to testing and shipping. Coating chemicals are coated to the work piece in the coating module 2. Coating may be by any suitable method such as spraying, brushing or dipping, although spraying is preferred. The coating chemicals are delivered from a chemical delivery system. In the simplest form this may be a pipe that connects to a chemical cartridge 21. The process described in

WO2006/128232 uses flammable chemicals which are stored in chemical storage cabinet 14 and piped to the coating module 12 in conventional manner. The coated work piece is conveyed on the conveyor top 11 to the curing module 13 where the coating is cured as described in the above mentioned

WO2006/128232. The curing chemicals are also stored in chemical storage cabinet 14 and piped to the curing module 13 in conventional manner. It will be appreciated that a chemical storage cabinet 14 will not be required for most chemicals used in a chemical processes although may nonetheless be used for chemical safety and spill containment. All that is required for the invention is a point of attachment for the chemical cartridge 21 so that chemical can be delivered to the chemical process line. Nonetheless, for completeness, a chemical storage cabinet suitable for the chemical coating and curing line is described.

The chemical storage cabinet 14 is shown in in FIG 2. The chemical storage cabinet 14 includes a coating chemical cabinet 20, which in the embodiment shown holds three coating chemical cartridges 21. The specific chemical in each coating chemical cartridge 21 is unimportant. Delivery of chemicals from the chemical cartridge 21 to the coating module 12 is controlled by delivery electronics contained in delivery electronics cabinet 22. Although the delivery electronics are housed in an electronics cabinet in the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that a cabinet is not essential.

The coating chemical cabinet 20 is in fluid communication with a dispensing cabinet 23 that contains valves and pipes to transport the chemicals from the chemical cartridges 21 to the coating module 12. The valves in the dispensing cabinet 23 are controlled by the delivery electronics contained in delivery electronics cabinet 22. The dispensing cabinet 23 also contains valves and pipes for delivering curing chemicals to the curing module 13 and for returning waste to a waste cabinet 24 containing a waste drum 25. The curing chemicals include alcohol (for example ethanol) stored in an alcohol drum 26 in alcohol storage cabinet 27 and ammonia stored in ammonia cylinders 28 in ammonia storage cabinet 29.

Various means are known for transporting the chemicals from the various chemical cartridges and cylinders to the coating module and curing module. In the preferred embodiment transport is by motive gas pressure. A suitable inert motive gas is nitrogen. Nitrogen is stored in nitrogen cylinders 201 in a nitrogen cylinder cabinet 202. Other motive gases would also be suitable as would pressure pumping.

The coating chemical cabinet described above is a particularly sophisticated delivery system. In the simplest form of the invention the chemical delivery system may be a valve (which may be a regulator) that connects a chemical delivery line to the chemical cartridge. The regulator or valve may be controlled to only operate when the cartridge is verified, as described below.

A cut-away schematic of a suitable chemical cartridge 21 for storing coating chemicals is shown in FIG 3. In order to ensure the correct cartridge is used a mechanical structure, such as a keying, is employed on the dispenser connection. In a preferred embodiment an electronic connection is also made when the chemical cartridge is correctly installed. The electrical connection activates a light (typically LED) that gives a visual indication that the cartridge is correctly installed. A seen in FIG 3, the cartridge comprises an outer case 30 surrounding an inner liner 31. Chemical is dispensed through a spigot 32 that connects with the dispensing outlet 33. The liner collapses as the chemical is dispensed, thus ensuring over 99% of the chemical is usable. Other suitable chemical cartridges will be known to persons skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, each chemical cartridge 21 is uniquely identified by a label 40, such as shown in FIG 4. The label is conveniently affixed to the side of the cartridge. The label contains a number of fields for ease of identification of the chemical in the cartridge and for security. The following table summarises the label details.

As seen in FIG 4, the chemical type is labeled as ALC7910000.This will ^• uniquely identify the chemical in the chemical cartridge that will be used for a particular coating in the customer's coating line. The Mix Date is the date that the chemical was loaded into the chemical cartridge. Most chemicals have a shelf life so the expiration date is also shown, in this case 12 February 2010. The name of the customer is printed on the label as is the supplier logo, in this case BrisMat. There is also a serial number and a bar code 41.

The serial number is a unique identifier for each chemical cartridge. A unique serial number may be generated in many different ways but for the · purpose of understanding, one particular embodiment is described which involves six steps. In step 1 the mix date is encoded. A suitable encoding is Base 36 (letters a-z and numbers 0-9). The mix date is encoded as a six digit Base 36 number. Next the customer is encoded as a six digit Base 36 number. To ensure a unique serial number on every occasion the time of creation of the label is encoded as a four digit Base 36 number. There are three types of chemical used and these are allocated as , 2 or 3. The chemistry type number is concatenated with a shelf life in months (which is between 08 and 12) to form a three digit Base 0 number. This is converted to a two digit Base 36 number. The resulting Base 36 number has 18 digits, as seen in FIG 4. It should be appreciated that this is just one possible encoding scheme.

To further ensure that each serial number is unique it will be checked at generation against a log of all serial numbers. When a serial number is generated it is checked against the log, and if unique, added to the log. At a customer site a similar log may be kept that is regularly updated with serial numbers authorized for use at the site. A chemical cartridge may be checked for authorized use at the time of connection to the chemical process line, each time the chemical process line is activated, periodically (such as daily) or

continuously/The detail of one embodiment of verification is described in more detail below. Another approach is to use public key signing to validate a serial number in a manner similar to the encryption described below.

The barcode is suitably a two dimensional optical code. 2D codes have sufficient data density, follow a common standard and are free. Suitable codes include QR code, Maxicode and DataMatrix. The DataMatrix barcode is preferred and is configured with error correction enabled. DataMatrix offers a built-in error correction method based on Reed-Solomon algorithms. The error correction level is not adjustable by the user but it is possible to restore approximately 25% of unreadable codewords in a DataMatrix symbol without data loss. To enable this, the DataMatrix barcode is generated using ECC200. The term ECC200 refers to DataMatrix symbols which are generated according to the latest (and most sophisticated) built-in error correction methods.

To further enhance security each label includes a digital signature as a payload in the barcode for verification. The preferred encryption methodology is the digital signature type. A digital signature or digital signature scheme is a type of asymmetric cryptography. For objects sent through an insecure channel, a properly implemented digital signature gives the receiver reason to believe the object was sent by the claimed sender. Digital signatures are equivalent to traditional handwritten signatures in many respects; properly implemented digital signatures are more difficult to forge than the handwritten type. Digital signature schemes in the sense used here are cryptographically based, and must be implemented properly to be effective. Digital signatures can also provide non- repudiation, meaning that the signer cannot successfully claim they did not sign a message, while also claiming their private key remains secret; further, some non-repudiation schemes offer a time stamp for the digital signature, so that even if the private key is exposed, the signature is valid nonetheless.

A digital signature scheme typically consists of three algorithms:

• A key generation algorithm that selects a private key uniformly at random from a set of possible private keys. The algorithm outputs the private key and a corresponding public key.

· A signing algorithm which, given a message and a private key, produces a signature.

• A signature verifying algorithm which given a message, public key and a signature, either accepts or rejects.

Two main properties are required. First, a signature generated from a fixed message and fixed private key should verify on that message and the corresponding public key. Secondly, it should be computationally infeasible to generate a valid signature for a party who does not possess the private key.

A label with a barcode is merely one way of providing a unique identifier on the chemical cartridge. A unique serial number may be stored on a magnetic strip that is applied to each cartridge. The magnetic strip may also store some of the other information listed above, such as packing date, batch code, destination and customer name. The magnetic strip may be used in conjunction with visible labelling that identifies, for instance, the chemical in the cartridge and the expiry date. Similar outcomes can be achieved with electronic tagging such as electronic chips and RFID tags.

In the case of magnetic tagging and electronic tagging the reader will be of an appropriate type to read the stored data. The data will be handled in the - same manner as described above, that is, chemical will not be delivered from the cartridge to the chemical process line unless the data is verified.

In some embodiments it may be appropriate to use a combination of visual, magnetic and electronic tagging, each providing different information for different purposes, or redundant information for error checking.

The following example relates to the barcode embodiment but it will be understood that analogous elements will apply for the magnetic and electronic embodiments. Operation of the chemical process line 10 is controlled by a processor 50 located in the delivery electronics cabinet 22. The processor 50 has associated storage device 51 that stores the serial numbers described above. A barcode scanner 52 is provided for reading the barcode at the point of use. The scanner is connected to the processor 50 which processors the signal from the barcode scanner 52 to extract the serial number and other information. The serial number is compared to the serial numbers stored in the storage device 51. If a matching number is identified the chemical cartridge is authorised for use. The processor 50 also activates a chemical delivery manifold 53 that controls the flow of chemicals to and waste from the chemical process line 10. If the serial number on the chemical cartridge is not matched to a serial number in the storage device the chemical storage is not authorised for use and the delivery manifold will not be activated. Reasons the serial numbers may not match include: the incorrect chemical cartridge is loaded; the chemical cartridge is not supplied from an authorised supplier; the expiration date has passed; the chemical cartridge has already been used.

It will be appreciated that modern communication options mean that the storage device 51 need not be physically located with the chemical process line 10. An Internet connection allows the storage device 51 to be located with the chemical supplier, or at least under the control of the chemical supplier. Cloud data systems allow for the storage device to effectively be provided by a third party.

In FIG 6 is shown a flowchart detailing the operation of the cartridge security system described above. The cartridge replacement process

commences when the cartridge is connected into the chemical storage cabinet 14 and the cartridge replacement sequence (CRS) is initiated in the processor (suitably a PLC). A system check is made for correct operation of the various elements, such as the barcode scanner system (BSS). If an error is returned from the BSS a manual override process may be initiated as outlined with reference to FIG 7. If the system check is okay a scan is initiated by the PLC sending required cartridge details to the BSS. A check is made for a successful scan by verifying the security protocols discussed above. If an error is detected an error handling process is initiated as described below by reference to FIG 8. If the scan is successful the BSS sends the label information that has been read to the PLC.

The PLC checks that the serial number (SN) is valid. If the SN is not valid the error handling process is invoked, otherwise the scan is complete and the PLC sends a completion signal to the BSS. The chemical coating and curing line 10 is then active and the dispensing cabinet 23 is operated by the dispensing electronics in the dispensing electronics cabinet 23.

If the CRS fails it prevents operation of the chemical coating and curing line. A manual override process is outlined in FIG 7 which allows the line to continue to operate under certain conditions. The manual override process requires user input to initiate manual operation. A check is made to determine if the manual override counter is less than a threshold number, say 5. If manual override has been invoked more than the threshold number of times the chemical coating and curing line shuts down and the user is advised to call a technician. If the threshold has not been reached the user is prompted to enter label data. The PLC checks the validity of the entered data. If the data is valid the override counter is increased by one and the line recommences operation.

If the user entered label data is not valid an alert is issued to the user identifying the nature of the problem with instruction to use a different cartridge. A scan counter is checked for a threshold number of scans. If the scan counter is below a threshold, say 7 failed scans, the CRS is recommenced. If the scan threshold has been exceeded the line is shut down and the user is advised to call a technician.

Errors may occur at a number of different points in the cartridge replacement process and therefore an error checking process is established as outlined in FIG 8. When an error is detected an error code is sent to the PLC. For example, if a scan is not successful the DSS sends an error code to the PLC and the PLC runs verification on the label data format. If the label data format is incorrect the manual process outlined above is initiated. If the label data is not correct a check is made for other identifiable problems. For instance, the cartridge life may have expired, the customer data on the cartridge may not match the customer data stored with the PLC, or the user may have connected a wrong type of cartridge (wrong chemical for the current coating). If the problem cannot be identified the line is shut down and the user is advised to call a technician. If the problem is identified the user is advised of the required corrective action, which will usually be to replace the cartridge with a correct cartridge. The scan counter is incremented by one and a check is made whether the scan counter exceeds a threshold. If the scan counter is below a threshold, say 7 failed scans, the CRS is recommenced (following the process of FIG 6). If the scan threshold has been exceeded the line is shut down and the user is advised to call a technician.

When the user is advised to call a technician the user may be given the opportunity to attempt, or reattempt, the manual process of FIG 7 up to the allowed number of manual scan attempts. Once a technician is on site a check of the full system is made and all counters are reset.

It will be understood that the cartridge security system described herein allows a number of safety and commercial objectives to be achieved including:

^■ Verify a chemical cartridge is from a legitimate supplier;

^» Verify a chemical cartridge holds the correct chemicals for a process line;

^■ Verify the right combination of chemicals are used if more than one chemical cartridge is used in a chemical process line;

^■ Warn if a cartridge is connected to a wrong connection point;

^■ Prevent out of date chemicals being used;

^■ Prevent refilled cartridges being used;

^■ Prevent counterfeit cartridges being used;

^■ Provide quality assurance and quality checking;

^■ Provide a mechanism for fault analysis; and

• Assisting with inventory control.

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

1. A chemical cartridge security system for a chemical process line comprising:

a unique identifier on each cartridge; and

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the unique identifier is a barcode and the reader is a barcode reader.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the unique identifier is information stored in a magnetic strip and the reader is a magnetic strip reader.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the unique identifier is information stored in an electronic chip and the reader is an electronic chip reader.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a valve operable to release chemical from a cartridge to the chemical process line wherein the valve is only operable after the cartridge has been verified.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the data store is located with the chemical process line.

7. A chemical cartridge for a cartridge security system, the chemical cartridge comprising:

a vessel storing chemical for use in a chemical process line; and

a unique identifier affixed to the vessel that is readable by a reader;

wherein chemical is only delivered to the chemical process line if the unique identifier is verified.

8. The chemical cartridge of claim 7 further comprising a mechanical mating structure for matching with a chemical delivery point of a chemical delivery system on a chemical process line.

9. The chemical cartridge of claim 8 further comprising an electronic interface that provides a signal confirming correct connection between the chemical cartridge and the chemical delivery point.

10. The chemical cartridge of claim 9 wherein the signal includes the unique identifier.

11. The chemical cartridge of claim 8 further comprising a magnetic interface that provides a signal confirming correct connection between the chemical cartridge and the chemical delivery point.

12. The chemical cartridge of claim 11 wherein the signal includes the unique identifier.

13. The chemical cartridge of claim 7 further comprising a valve that is operable to prevent chemical being delivered from the cartridge if the unique identifier is not verified.

14. A method of ensuring correct delivery of chemicals in a chemical process line including the steps of:

reading a unique identifier on a chemical cartridge containing chemical for use in the chemical process line; . .

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of reading a unique identifier is selected from: reading a visual unique identifier; reading an electronic unique identifier; or reading a magnetic unique identifier.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the data store is located with the chemical process line.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the data stored is located remote from the chemical process line.

8. The method of claim 14wherein the step of comparing is performed once when the chemical cartridge is connected to the chemical process line:

19. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of comparing is performed periodically.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of comparing is performed continuously.