WO2016001798A1 - Method for tracking the movement of objects through a plurality of exchange stations spaced from each other - Google Patents

Method for tracking the movement of objects through a plurality of exchange stations spaced from each other Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016001798A1
WO2016001798A1 PCT/IB2015/054740 IB2015054740W WO2016001798A1 WO 2016001798 A1 WO2016001798 A1 WO 2016001798A1 IB 2015054740 W IB2015054740 W IB 2015054740W WO 2016001798 A1 WO2016001798 A1 WO 2016001798A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
station
signals
data
identification
electronic device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2015/054740
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Federico Cozza
Marco BRANDSTETTER
Original Assignee
Join P S.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Join P S.R.L. filed Critical Join P S.R.L.
Publication of WO2016001798A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016001798A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/083—Shipping

Definitions

  • This invention also relates to a method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations spaced from each other.
  • this invention is applied in the logistics sector for tracking the movement of objects through a plurality of exchange stations.
  • a first station for example represented by a company producing the objects from which the objects leave;
  • a second station for example represented by a customer's company in which the objects are transferred;
  • this invention is applied to the field of hiring freight containers.
  • These containers preferably consist of crates, pallets, etc. and are made preferably of materials such as wood or the plastic or other materials not expressly described herein.
  • the first station is represented by a company which rents (also known as “pooler") these containers to a second company (also known as “customer") which uses them by filling them with goods.
  • the second company represents the second station which re-sells the goods in the containers to a plurality of third companies (known also "retailers") which sell the goods.
  • the rented containers return to the first company in such a way that the latter recovers the objects.
  • the first company pays to the second company the cost of the containers which have not returned.
  • a second prior art technique to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks consists in connecting to each container a respective electronic device of the passive type in which the identification data of the container is stored. More specifically, the electronic device of the passive type is based on an RFID type technology.
  • barrier or tunnel structures are set up at the above-mentioned stations and configured to communicate with the electronic devices of the passive type in such a way as to read the data contained in them (using prior art radio frequency data exchange systems). In that way, it is possible to track the entrance and exit of the containers at each station to understand which and how many containers have passed through.
  • this second prior art technique has drawbacks.
  • the aim of this invention is to provide a method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide a method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations which allows the operations for tracking the containers through the stations to be simplified.
  • Another aim of this invention is to provide a method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations which allows the sending and receipt of the containers to be checked simply and efficiently.
  • the aim of this invention is to provide a method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations which is less costly than the prior art.
  • the aims indicated are substantially achieved by method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations as described in the appended claims.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations.
  • the reference number 1 denotes in its entirety a system 1 for tracking a plurality of objects 2 moving through a plurality of interchange stations 3 according to this invention.
  • this invention is used for tracking the objects 2 moving from one station to the other in a system 1 for exchanging objects 2 through a plurality of stations 3. More specifically, the objects 2 leave one station and enter one or more stations 3 after the first along a branched path.
  • a station represents a physical place for the interchange of the objects 2 and can, for example, be the building of a company and/or a predetermined collecting structure. Alternatively, the stations 3 can also represent the various sectors inside one or more collection stores or carriers (lorries) designed for the delivery/withdrawal of the objects 2.
  • the latter indicates exchange products (goods) and/or, preferably, the containers of exchange products. Even more preferably, these containers of exchange products are defined by crates and/or pallets and/or other containers not expressly indicated herein but suitable for containing exchange products.
  • the system 1 comprises a plurality of active electronic devices 4 each applied to a respective object to be tracked 2. More specifically, each electronic device 4 is of the active type and is configured to:
  • each electronic device 4 comprises a memory unit 6 configured for storing the identification data of the object 2.
  • the electronic device 4 comprises a transmission unit 7 configured for picking up the identification data of the object 2 from the memory and for sending the identification signals 5 by wireless means.
  • Each transmission unit 7 of the electronic device 4 being configured for sending the signals according to the Bluetooth low energy (BLE) transmission standard.
  • BLE Bluetooth low energy
  • the electronic device 4 is a "beacon” type device.
  • the system 1 also comprises at least one electronic appliance 8 configured for detecting the presence of the active electronic devices 4.
  • the electronic appliance 8 is portable and movable relative to the electronic devices 4.
  • the electronic appliance 8 is configured for communicating wirelessly with the active electronic devices 4.
  • the electronic appliance 8 is a smartphone and/or a tablet and/or a computer and/or a handheld device and/or any other electronic appliance 8 not explicitly described.
  • the electronic appliance 8 comprises a receiving unit 9 configured for connecting to the transmission unit 7 of the electronic devices 4 and to receive the identification signals 5.
  • the receiving unit 9 is configured to receive the identification signals 5 from the electronic devices 4 using the Bluetooth low energy (BLE) standard.
  • the electronic appliance 8 is configured to communicate with a first group of active electronic devices 4 present in a first station 10 and with a second group of electronic devices 4 present in a second station 11. It should be noted that the electronic devices 4 belonging to the first group also belong to the second group if have been moved from the first station 10 to the second station 11.
  • the electronic appliance 8 is configured to receive the identification signals 5 of the electronic devices 4 of each group when the electronic appliance 8 is inside the predefined signal transmission field of the electronic devices 4 belonging to the respective group. In other words, if the electronic appliance 8 is present in the first group of electronic devices 4 and is positioned inside the field of transmission of the latter it can receive the identification signals 5.
  • the electronic appliance is configured to store in a relative internal memory unit 12 the data contained in the identification signals 5.
  • the electronic appliance 8 is configured for generating and forwarding sharing signals 13 to a server 14 connected to an information technology network 15. More specifically, each sharing signal 13 contains the data of a respective identification signal 5 and the data relating to the physical position which can be geo-referenced for receiving the identification signal 5. More specifically, the data relative to the physical position which can be geo-referenced for receiving the identification signal 5 corresponds to the geographical position of the station in which the identification signal 5 has been exchanged.
  • the electronic appliance 8 comprises its own module 16 for connecting to an information technology network 15 configured for sending the sharing signals 13 wirelessly to the information technology network 15.
  • each electronic device 4 is configured for:
  • the identification signal 5 contains the data relative to the temperature values measured in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station 3 and then sent with the sharing signals 13.
  • the data relative to the temperature values measured until that moment is collected at the first station 10 and sent using the identification signal 5 to the electronic appliance 8.
  • the final user can know the temperature change which the object 2 has undergone until that moment in time.
  • the measured temperature is the one relative to the outside environment in which the object is housed during the movement.
  • the electronic device 4 is configured to measure the trend over time of the acceleration, inclination and humidity values.
  • the electronic device 4 is configured to measure the acceleration values to which the object 2 is subjected over time and to electronically store the acceleration values measured.
  • the identification signal 5 contains the data relative to the acceleration values measured in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station 3 and sent with the sharing signals 13.
  • the acceleration values are important for knowing which accelerations the object 2 was subjected to during the movement. In effect, there are objects 2 which can be damaged beyond a certain acceleration.
  • inclination values they are referred to a predetermined plane and are stored and entered between the contents of the identification signal 5.
  • each electronic device 4 is configured to measure the humidity variation of the object 2 over time and to electronically store the humidity values measured.
  • the identification signal 5 contains the data relative to the humidity values measured in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station 3 and sent with the sharing signals 13.
  • the system 1 comprises at least two electronic appliances 8 each which can be positioned at a respective station.
  • a first electronic appliance 8 is configured to communicate via wireless means with the first group of active electronic devices 4 and to receive the identification signals 5 of the first group of electronic devices 4.
  • a second electronic appliance 8 configured to communicate via wireless means with the second group of active electronic devices 4 and to receive the identification signals 5 of the first group of electronic devices 4.
  • each electronic appliance 8 is at a respective station for detecting the group of electronic devices 4 in transit through the zone covered from that station.
  • the system 1 also comprises a further electronic appliance 17 having a module 18 for connection to the information technology network 15 and configured to:
  • the further electronic appliance 17 being also configured to process the content of the sharing signals 13 comparing the data of the sharing signals 13 of the electronic devices 4 belonging to the first group with the data of the sharing signals 13 of the electronic devices 4 belonging to the second group so as to identify the electronic devices 4 which have been moved from the first group to the second group.
  • the further electronic appliance 17 is configured to calculate, as a function of the comparison of the data of the sharing signals 13, the number of electronic devices 4 belonging to the first group and to the second group so as to verify how many electronic devices 4 have been moved physically from the first group to the second group.
  • the further electronic appliance 17 is configured for identifying, as a function of the comparison of the data of the sharing signals 13, which electronic devices 4 belong to both the first group and to the second group to identify where a particular object 2 is physically located.
  • each electronic device 4 is configurable between an "Off” condition wherein the transmission unit does not send the identification signals 5, and a "On” condition wherein the transmission unit 7 sends the identification signals 5.
  • the system 1 comprises a plurality of movement sensors 19, each associated with a respective electronic device 4 and configured to:
  • each electronic device 4 is only activated when it is moving or has been moved for less than a predetermined time.
  • This invention also relates to a method for tracking a plurality of objects 2 moving through a plurality of interchange stations 3 spaced from each other. More specifically, the method is derived directly from what is described above with regard to the system 1 , which is here below incorporated in its entirety.
  • the method comprises a step of preparing a plurality of active electronic devices 4, each configured to electronically store the identification data of a respective object 2.
  • each active electronic device 4 is configured to send via wireless means the identification signal 5 containing the identification data within a predefined signal transmission field.
  • the method comprises a step for connecting each electronic device 4 to a respective object 2.
  • the method comprises a subsequent step for collecting the identification signals 5 through the electronic appliance 8 at least at the first interchange station 10 and the second interchange station 11.
  • the step of collecting the identification signals 5 comprises a sub-step of positioning the electronic appliance 8 inside the predefined transmission field of each active electronic device 4 to receive the respective identification signals 5.
  • the step of collecting the identification signals 5 comprises moving the electronic appliance 8 around the active electronic devices 4 present in each station so that, during such movement, the electronic appliance 8 is brought within the predefined transmission field of each active electronic device 4.
  • the step of collecting the identification signals 5 is preceded by a step of activating the active electronic device 4 while the latter is moving or within a preset time after it has stopped moving. During the step of activating the electronic device 4 it is enabled to send the identification signal 5.
  • the method comprises a step of comparing the data contained in the identification signals 5 collected at the first station 10 with the data contained in the identification signals 5 collected at the second station 11 so as to verify whether the objects 2 which have left the first station 10 have reached the second station 11.
  • this latter step comprises a sub-step of calculating, as a function of the comparison, whether the number of objects 2 which have left the first station 10 corresponds to the number of objects 2 which have reached the second station 11.
  • the step of comparing the data contained in the identification signals 5 collected at the first station 10 with the data contained in the identification signals 5 collected at the second station 11 comprises a sub-step of verifying whether the identification data relating to an object 2 collected at the first station 10 has also been collected at the second station 11 so as to verify whether the object 2 has reached the second station 11.
  • the step of collecting the identification signals 5 through the electronic appliance 8 at least at a first interchange station 10 and a second interchange station 11 comprises the following sub-steps: sending sharing signals 13 to a first server 14 of an information technology network 15;
  • the step of comparing the data contained in the identification signals 5 is performed by the further electronic appliance 17.
  • the present invention achieves the set aims.
  • each object 2/container it is possible to detect the movement of the object 2 through the stations 3 in such a way as to understand which objects 2 have been moved and, if necessary, where they are.
  • the technique for detecting the objects 2 is simplified thanks to the fact that it is sufficient to move a smartphone equipped with Bluetooth low energy technology to the objects 2 for collecting the identification data of the objects 2.
  • the tracking of the objects 2 is then also simplified thanks to the fact that the data collected by the smartphone is transmitted to a "cloud" server 14 and downloaded by a further electronic appliance 17 which processes the data.

Abstract

Described is a method for tracking a plurality of objects (2) moving through a plurality of interchange stations (3) spaced from each other, comprising the steps of connecting an electronic device (4) of the active type to a respective object (2) wherein the electronic device (4) of the active type is configured to send, via wireless, an identification signal (5) containing the identification data within a predefined signal transmission field. The method comprises a successive step of collecting the identification signals (5) through an electronic appliance (8) at least at a first interchange station (10) and a second interchange station (11). Lastly, the method comprises comparing the data contained in the identification signals (5) collected at the first station (10) with the data contained in the identification signals (5) collected at the second station (11) so as to verify whether the objects (2) which have left the first station (10) have reached the second station (11).

Description

TITLE
METHOD FOR TRACKING THE MOVEMENT OF OBJECTS THROUGH A PLURALITY OF EXCHANGE STATIONS SPACED FROM EACH
OTHER
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Technical field
This invention also relates to a method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations spaced from each other.
More specifically, this invention is applied in the logistics sector for tracking the movement of objects through a plurality of exchange stations.
Background art
In business, the objects or products to be marketed (goods) normally follow a path along a plurality of interchange stations which, for example, comprise:
- a first station (for example represented by a company producing the objects) from which the objects leave;
- a second station (for example represented by a customer's company) in which the objects are transferred;
- a plurality of third stations (for example represented by retailers of the customer's company) at which the objects coming from the second station arrive.
More specifically, this invention is applied to the field of hiring freight containers. These containers preferably consist of crates, pallets, etc. and are made preferably of materials such as wood or the plastic or other materials not expressly described herein.
In this situation, the first station is represented by a company which rents (also known as "pooler") these containers to a second company (also known as "customer") which uses them by filling them with goods. The second company represents the second station which re-sells the goods in the containers to a plurality of third companies (known also "retailers") which sell the goods. Following this, the rented containers return to the first company in such a way that the latter recovers the objects.
However, there are some drawbacks linked to this interchange. In effect, the containers which return to the first company are often fewer than those which the first company had originally rented to the second company. Some containers are lost during the transit from one station to another or they are confused with other containers already in circulation or, already beforehand, the first company transmits to the second company a smaller number of containers than those agreed for the rental.
In any case, in these situations, the first company pays to the second company the cost of the containers which have not returned.
Similar situations occur when the stations are represented by different zones of a same store.
To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks a first prior art technique is implemented which consists in controlling the document which declares the delivery of the goods by the carrier (Transport Document). However, the contents of that document often do not correspond to the quantity of containers actually present on the lorries. Consequently, there are the above-mentioned drawbacks.
A second prior art technique to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks consists in connecting to each container a respective electronic device of the passive type in which the identification data of the container is stored. More specifically, the electronic device of the passive type is based on an RFID type technology.
In that way, barrier or tunnel structures are set up at the above-mentioned stations and configured to communicate with the electronic devices of the passive type in such a way as to read the data contained in them (using prior art radio frequency data exchange systems). In that way, it is possible to track the entrance and exit of the containers at each station to understand which and how many containers have passed through. However, this second prior art technique has drawbacks.
Firstly, it is necessary to create special barrier (scanner) or tunnel structures to detect the passage of the passive electronic devices.
Secondly, these structures are often very large (due to the means of transport loads loaded with containers which must pass through them) and are expensive.
Aim of the invention
In this situation the aim of this invention is to provide a method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide a method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations which allows the operations for tracking the containers through the stations to be simplified.
Another aim of this invention is to provide a method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations which allows the sending and receipt of the containers to be checked simply and efficiently.
Lastly, the aim of this invention is to provide a method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations which is less costly than the prior art.
The aims indicated are substantially achieved by method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations as described in the appended claims.
Brief description of drawings
Further characteristic features and advantages of this invention are more apparent from the detailed description of several preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a method and a system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations illustrated in Figure 1 which shows a schematic view of the system for tracking a plurality of objects moving through a plurality of interchange stations.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
With reference to the above-mentioned drawing, the reference number 1 denotes in its entirety a system 1 for tracking a plurality of objects 2 moving through a plurality of interchange stations 3 according to this invention.
More specifically, this invention is used for tracking the objects 2 moving from one station to the other in a system 1 for exchanging objects 2 through a plurality of stations 3. More specifically, the objects 2 leave one station and enter one or more stations 3 after the first along a branched path. A station represents a physical place for the interchange of the objects 2 and can, for example, be the building of a company and/or a predetermined collecting structure. Alternatively, the stations 3 can also represent the various sectors inside one or more collection stores or carriers (lorries) designed for the delivery/withdrawal of the objects 2.
As regards the term "objects 2", the latter indicates exchange products (goods) and/or, preferably, the containers of exchange products. Even more preferably, these containers of exchange products are defined by crates and/or pallets and/or other containers not expressly indicated herein but suitable for containing exchange products.
The system 1 according to this invention comprises a plurality of active electronic devices 4 each applied to a respective object to be tracked 2. More specifically, each electronic device 4 is of the active type and is configured to:
- storing identification and distinctive data of the respective object 2;
- sending via wireless means an identification signal 5 containing the identification data within a predefined signal transmission field.
Preferably, each electronic device 4 comprises a memory unit 6 configured for storing the identification data of the object 2. Moreover, the electronic device 4 comprises a transmission unit 7 configured for picking up the identification data of the object 2 from the memory and for sending the identification signals 5 by wireless means.
Each transmission unit 7 of the electronic device 4 being configured for sending the signals according to the Bluetooth low energy (BLE) transmission standard.
Preferably, the electronic device 4 is a "beacon" type device.
The system 1 also comprises at least one electronic appliance 8 configured for detecting the presence of the active electronic devices 4. Preferably, the electronic appliance 8 is portable and movable relative to the electronic devices 4.
More specifically, the electronic appliance 8 is configured for communicating wirelessly with the active electronic devices 4. Preferably, the electronic appliance 8 is a smartphone and/or a tablet and/or a computer and/or a handheld device and/or any other electronic appliance 8 not explicitly described.
The electronic appliance 8 comprises a receiving unit 9 configured for connecting to the transmission unit 7 of the electronic devices 4 and to receive the identification signals 5. Preferably, the receiving unit 9 is configured to receive the identification signals 5 from the electronic devices 4 using the Bluetooth low energy (BLE) standard.
More specifically, the electronic appliance 8 is configured to communicate with a first group of active electronic devices 4 present in a first station 10 and with a second group of electronic devices 4 present in a second station 11. It should be noted that the electronic devices 4 belonging to the first group also belong to the second group if have been moved from the first station 10 to the second station 11.
More specifically, the electronic appliance 8 is configured to receive the identification signals 5 of the electronic devices 4 of each group when the electronic appliance 8 is inside the predefined signal transmission field of the electronic devices 4 belonging to the respective group. In other words, if the electronic appliance 8 is present in the first group of electronic devices 4 and is positioned inside the field of transmission of the latter it can receive the identification signals 5.
Moreover, the electronic appliance is configured to store in a relative internal memory unit 12 the data contained in the identification signals 5. In addition, the electronic appliance 8 is configured for generating and forwarding sharing signals 13 to a server 14 connected to an information technology network 15. More specifically, each sharing signal 13 contains the data of a respective identification signal 5 and the data relating to the physical position which can be geo-referenced for receiving the identification signal 5. More specifically, the data relative to the physical position which can be geo-referenced for receiving the identification signal 5 corresponds to the geographical position of the station in which the identification signal 5 has been exchanged.
In that way, it is possible to track the physical position which can be geo- referenced in which the communication between the electronic devices 4 and the electronic appliance 8 has occurred.
The electronic appliance 8 comprises its own module 16 for connecting to an information technology network 15 configured for sending the sharing signals 13 wirelessly to the information technology network 15.
Preferably, each electronic device 4 is configured for:
- measuring the change in temperature over time of the respective object 2 using a relative temperature sensor;
- storing in the memory unit 12 the temperature values measured; - sending, via wireless means, the data relative to the temperature values measured by the identification signal 5.
In other words, the identification signal 5 contains the data relative to the temperature values measured in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station 3 and then sent with the sharing signals 13.
For example, the data relative to the temperature values measured until that moment is collected at the first station 10 and sent using the identification signal 5 to the electronic appliance 8. In this way, the final user can know the temperature change which the object 2 has undergone until that moment in time.
It should be noted that the measured temperature is the one relative to the outside environment in which the object is housed during the movement. Similarly, the electronic device 4 is configured to measure the trend over time of the acceleration, inclination and humidity values.
For example, the electronic device 4 is configured to measure the acceleration values to which the object 2 is subjected over time and to electronically store the acceleration values measured.
The identification signal 5 contains the data relative to the acceleration values measured in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station 3 and sent with the sharing signals 13. Advantageously, the acceleration values are important for knowing which accelerations the object 2 was subjected to during the movement. In effect, there are objects 2 which can be damaged beyond a certain acceleration.
As regards the inclination values, they are referred to a predetermined plane and are stored and entered between the contents of the identification signal 5.
Lastly, each electronic device 4 is configured to measure the humidity variation of the object 2 over time and to electronically store the humidity values measured. The identification signal 5 contains the data relative to the humidity values measured in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station 3 and sent with the sharing signals 13.
Preferably, the system 1 comprises at least two electronic appliances 8 each which can be positioned at a respective station. A first electronic appliance 8 is configured to communicate via wireless means with the first group of active electronic devices 4 and to receive the identification signals 5 of the first group of electronic devices 4. A second electronic appliance 8 configured to communicate via wireless means with the second group of active electronic devices 4 and to receive the identification signals 5 of the first group of electronic devices 4.
In other words, each electronic appliance 8 is at a respective station for detecting the group of electronic devices 4 in transit through the zone covered from that station.
The system 1 also comprises a further electronic appliance 17 having a module 18 for connection to the information technology network 15 and configured to:
access the information technology network 15;
- download and read the data contained in the sharing signals 13.
The further electronic appliance 17 being also configured to process the content of the sharing signals 13 comparing the data of the sharing signals 13 of the electronic devices 4 belonging to the first group with the data of the sharing signals 13 of the electronic devices 4 belonging to the second group so as to identify the electronic devices 4 which have been moved from the first group to the second group.
More specifically, the further electronic appliance 17 is configured to calculate, as a function of the comparison of the data of the sharing signals 13, the number of electronic devices 4 belonging to the first group and to the second group so as to verify how many electronic devices 4 have been moved physically from the first group to the second group.
Preferably, the further electronic appliance 17 is configured for identifying, as a function of the comparison of the data of the sharing signals 13, which electronic devices 4 belong to both the first group and to the second group to identify where a particular object 2 is physically located.
Advantageously, in this way it is possible to track the movement of the object 2 from one station to the other in such a way as to know how many and which objects 2 have left one station and are entering into another. Further, each electronic device 4 is configurable between an "Off" condition wherein the transmission unit does not send the identification signals 5, and a "On" condition wherein the transmission unit 7 sends the identification signals 5.
More specifically, the system 1 comprises a plurality of movement sensors 19, each associated with a respective electronic device 4 and configured to:
- detect the movement of the electronic device 4;
configure the electronic device 4 from the "Off condition to the "On" condition following detection of the movement;
keep the electronic device 4 in the "On" condition for a predetermined length of time after detection of the movement;
- configure the electronic device 4 from the "On" condition to the "Off' condition when the predetermined length of time has elapsed.
In other words, each electronic device 4 is only activated when it is moving or has been moved for less than a predetermined time.
In this way, advantageously, it is possible preserve the duration of the battery which supplies power to each electronic device 4.
This invention also relates to a method for tracking a plurality of objects 2 moving through a plurality of interchange stations 3 spaced from each other. More specifically, the method is derived directly from what is described above with regard to the system 1 , which is here below incorporated in its entirety.
More specifically, the method comprises a step of preparing a plurality of active electronic devices 4, each configured to electronically store the identification data of a respective object 2. As already mentioned, each active electronic device 4 is configured to send via wireless means the identification signal 5 containing the identification data within a predefined signal transmission field.
Moreover, the method comprises a step for connecting each electronic device 4 to a respective object 2.
In addition, the method comprises a subsequent step for collecting the identification signals 5 through the electronic appliance 8 at least at the first interchange station 10 and the second interchange station 11. The step of collecting the identification signals 5 comprises a sub-step of positioning the electronic appliance 8 inside the predefined transmission field of each active electronic device 4 to receive the respective identification signals 5.
Preferably, the step of collecting the identification signals 5 comprises moving the electronic appliance 8 around the active electronic devices 4 present in each station so that, during such movement, the electronic appliance 8 is brought within the predefined transmission field of each active electronic device 4.
Preferably, the step of collecting the identification signals 5 is preceded by a step of activating the active electronic device 4 while the latter is moving or within a preset time after it has stopped moving. During the step of activating the electronic device 4 it is enabled to send the identification signal 5.
In addition, the method comprises a step of comparing the data contained in the identification signals 5 collected at the first station 10 with the data contained in the identification signals 5 collected at the second station 11 so as to verify whether the objects 2 which have left the first station 10 have reached the second station 11.
Preferably, this latter step comprises a sub-step of calculating, as a function of the comparison, whether the number of objects 2 which have left the first station 10 corresponds to the number of objects 2 which have reached the second station 11. In addition, the step of comparing the data contained in the identification signals 5 collected at the first station 10 with the data contained in the identification signals 5 collected at the second station 11 comprises a sub-step of verifying whether the identification data relating to an object 2 collected at the first station 10 has also been collected at the second station 11 so as to verify whether the object 2 has reached the second station 11.
It should be noted that the step of collecting the identification signals 5 through the electronic appliance 8 at least at a first interchange station 10 and a second interchange station 11 comprises the following sub-steps: sending sharing signals 13 to a first server 14 of an information technology network 15;
sending sharing signals 13 to a second server 14 of an information technology network 15;
accessing the data sent to the first and second servers 14 by way of the further electronic data processing appliance 17 configured to connect up to the information technology network 15. The step of comparing the data contained in the identification signals 5 is performed by the further electronic appliance 17.
The present invention achieves the set aims.
More specifically, thanks to the presence of the electronic devices 4 of the active type connected to each object 2/container it is possible to detect the movement of the object 2 through the stations 3 in such a way as to understand which objects 2 have been moved and, if necessary, where they are. Moreover, the technique for detecting the objects 2 is simplified thanks to the fact that it is sufficient to move a smartphone equipped with Bluetooth low energy technology to the objects 2 for collecting the identification data of the objects 2.
The tracking of the objects 2 is then also simplified thanks to the fact that the data collected by the smartphone is transmitted to a "cloud" server 14 and downloaded by a further electronic appliance 17 which processes the data.
It should also be noted that this invention is relatively easy to implement and that the cost of implementing the invention is relatively low.

Claims

1.A method for tracking a plurality of objects (2) in motion through a plurality of interchange stations (3) physically spaced apart, characterized in that it comprises the following operating steps:
- preparing a plurality of active electronic devices (4), each configured to electronically store the identification data of a respective object (2); each active electronic device (4) being configured to send via wireless means an identification signal (5) containing the identification data within a predefined signal transmission field;
- connecting each electronic device (4) to a respective object (2) to which the identification data stored in the electronic data (4) refers;
- preparing an electronic appliance (8) configured to communicate via wireless means with the active electronic devices (4) to receive the identification signals (5) from the electronic devices (4) and configured for communicating with an information technology network (15);
- collecting the identification signals (5) through the electronic appliance (8) at least at a first interchange station (10) and a second interchange station (1 ); the step of collecting the identification signals (5) comprising a sub-step of positioning the electronic appliance (8) inside the predefined transmission field of each active electronic device (4) to receive the respective identification signals (5); the step of collecting the identification signals (5) through the electronic appliance (8) comprising the following sub-steps:
performing a first collecting of the identification signals (5) at the first station (10) and sending respective sharing signals (13) to the information technology network (15) through the electronic appliance (8); each sharing signal (13) containing the data of a respective identification signal (5) collected at the first interchange station (10); the sub-step of sending the sharing signals (13) comprising a step of including the data relating to the position of the first station (10) in the sharing signal (13); performing a second collecting of the identification signals (5) at the second station (11) and sending respective sharing signals (13) to the information technology network (15) through the electronic appliance (8); each sharing signal (13) containing the data of a respective identification signal (5) collected at the second interchange station (1 1 ); the sub-step of sending the sharing signals (13) comprising a step of including the data relating to the position of the second station ( 1) in the sharing signal (13);
- accessing the information technology network (15) and comparing the data contained in the sharing signals (13) sent from the first station (10) with the data contained in the sharing signals (13) sent from the second station (11 ) in such a way as to verify how many and/or which objects (2) which were in the first station (10) have reached the second station (1 1 ).
2. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the step of collecting the identification signals (5) comprises moving the electronic appliance (8) around the active electronic devices (4) present in each station so that, during such movement, the electronic appliance (8) is brought within the predefined transmission field of each active electronic device (4).
3. The method according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of comparing the data contained in the sharing signals (13) sent by the first station (10) with the data contained in the sharing signals (13) sent by the second station ( 1 ) comprises a sub- step of calculating, as a function of the comparison, whether the number of objects (2) which have left the first station (10) corresponds to the number of objects (2) which have reached the second station (1 1 ).
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of comparing the data contained in the sharing signals (13) sent by the first station (10) with the data contained in the sharing signals (13) sent by the second station (1 1 ) comprises a sub- step of verifying whether the identification data relating to an object (2) collected at the first station (10) have also been collected at the second station (11) so as to verify whether the object (2) has reached the second station (11).
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of collecting the identification signals (5) is preceded by a step of activating the active electronic device (4) while the latter is moving or within a preset time after it has stopped moving; this activation step enabling the electronic device (4) to send the identification signal (5).
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active electronic devices (4) and the electronic appliance (8) communicate with each other through the Bluetooth low energy data transmission standard.
7. The method according to according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of comparing the data contained in the sharing signals (13) is preceded by a step of accessing the data sent to the information technology network (15) by way of a further electronic data processing appliance (17) configured to connect up to the information technology network (15); the step of comparing the data contained in the identification signals (5) being performed by the further electronic appliance (17).
8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a step of measuring the change in temperature of the object (2) over time using the electronic device (4) and electronically storing the temperature values measured; the identification signal (5) containing the data relative to the temperature values measured in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station (3) and sent with the sharing signals (13).
9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a step of measuring the acceleration values to which the object (2) is subject over time using the electronic device (4) and electronically storing the acceleration values measured; the identification signal (5) containing the data relative to the acceleration values measured in such a way that it is are collected at each interchange station (3) and sent with the sharing signals (13).
10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a step of measuring the inclination values relative to a predetermined reference plane to which the object (2) is subject over time using the electronic device (4) and electronically storing the inclination values measured; the identification signal (5) containing the data relative to the inclination values measured in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station (3) and sent with the sharing signals (13).
11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a step of measuring the change in humidity of the object (2) over time using the electronic device (4) and electronically storing the humidity values measured; the identification signal (5) containing the data relative to the humidity values measured in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station (3) and sent with the sharing signals (13).
12. A tracking system (1 ) for objects (2) in motion through a plurality of spaced apart interchange stations, characterized in that it comprises:
- a plurality of active electronic devices (4), each applicable to a respective object to be tracked (2); each active electronic device (4) being configured to:
storing the identification data of the respective object (2);
- sending via wireless means an identification signal (5) containing the identification data within a predefined signal transmission field;
- at least one electronic appliance (8) configured for:
communicating via wireless means with a first group of active electronic devices (4) present in a first station (10) and with a second group of electronic devices (4) present in a second station (11); the electronic appliance (8) being configured to receive the identification signals (5) of each group of electronic devices (4) when the electronic appliance (8) is inside the predefined signal transmission field of the electronic devices (4) belonging to the respective group;
- sending sharing signals (13) to an information technology network (15) wherein each sharing signal (13) contains the data of a respective identification signal (5) and the data relating to the position for receiving the identification signal (5) by means of the electronic appliance (8);
- a further electronic appliance (17) configured for:
accessing the information technology network (15);
reading the data contained in the sharing signals (13);
comparing the data of the sharing signals (13) of the electronic devices (4) belonging to the first group with the data of the sharing signals (13) of the electronic devices (4) belonging to the second group so as to identify the electronic devices (4) which have been moved from the first group to the second group.
13. The system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a first electronic appliance (8) configured to communicate via wireless means with the first group of active electronic devices (4) and to receive the identification signals (5) of the first group of electronic devices (4); the system (1) comprising a second electronic appliance (8) configured to communicate via wireless means with the second group of active electronic devices (4) and to receive the identification signals (5) of the first group of electronic devices (4).
14. The system (1) according to claim 12 or 13 characterized in that the further electronic appliance (17) is configured to calculate, as a function of the comparison of the data of the sharing signals (13), the number of electronic devices (4) belonging to the first group and to the second group so as to verify how many electronic devices (4) have been moved from the first group to the second group.
15. The system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 characterized in that the further electronic appliance (17) is configured to identify, as a function of the comparison of the data of the sharing signals (13), which electronic devices (4) belong both to the first group and to the second group.
16. The system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that each electronic device (4) can be configured between an "Off" condition, where the electronic device (4) does not send identification signals (5), and an "On" condition, where the electronic device (4) does send identification signals (5); the system (1) comprising a plurality of movement sensors (19), each associated with a respective electronic device (4) and configured to:
- detect the movement of the electronic device (4);
- configure the electronic device (4) from the "Off condition to the "On" condition following detection of the movement;
- keep the electronic device (4) in the "On" condition for a predetermined length of time after detection of the movement;
- configure the electronic device (4) from the "On" condition to the "Off" condition when the predetermined length of time has elapsed.
17. The system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 16 characterized in that each electronic device (4) comprises a transmission unit (7) configured to send the identification signals (5); the electronic appliance (8) comprising a receiving unit (9) configured to receive the identification signals (5); the transmission unit (7) and the receiving unit (9) being configured for communicating according to the Bluetooth low energy standard.
18. The system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 17 characterized in that each electronic device (4) is configured to measure the change of temperature over time of the relative object (2) and to electronically store the temperature values measured; the electronic device (4) being configured to send the data relative to the temperature values measured through the identification signal (5) in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station (3) and sent with the sharing signals (13).
19. The system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 18 characterized in that each electronic device (4) is configured to measure the acceleration values to which the object (2) is subject over time and to electronically store the acceleration values measured; the electronic device (4) being configured to send the data relative to the acceleration values measured through the identification signal (5) in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station (3) and sent with the sharing signals (13).
20. The system (1 ) according to any one of claims 12 to 19 characterized in that each electronic device (4) is configured to measure the inclination values with respect to a predetermined plane to which the object (2) is subject over time and to electronically store the inclination values measured; the electronic device (4) being configured to send the data relative to the inclination values measured through the identification signal (5) in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station (3) and sent with the sharing signals (13).
21. The system (1 ) according to any one of claims 12 to 20 characterized in that each electronic device (4) is configured to measure the humidity variation of the object (2) over time and to electronically store the humidity values measured; the electronic device (4) being configured to send the data relative to the humidity values measured through the identification signal (5) in such a way that it is collected at each interchange station (3) and sent with the sharing signals (13).
PCT/IB2015/054740 2014-06-30 2015-06-24 Method for tracking the movement of objects through a plurality of exchange stations spaced from each other WO2016001798A1 (en)

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US7267262B1 (en) * 2001-08-06 2007-09-11 Seecontrol, Inc. Method and apparatus confirming return and/or pick-up valuable items
EP1762971A1 (en) * 2005-08-31 2007-03-14 Sap Ag Tracking assets between organizations in a consortium of organizations
US20110077909A1 (en) * 2009-09-25 2011-03-31 Gregory Timothy L Portable computing device and method for asset management in a logistics system

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