Mixed-mode wireless scanner

An electronic scanning apparatus comprises a first wireless receiver configured to receive a first data. A second wireless receiver configured to initially be in a disabled mode. The second wireless receiver is enabled to receive a second data in response to reception of the first data by the first wireless receiver. The second wireless receiver returns to the disabled mode in response to receiving the second data. A processing module is coupled to the first wireless receiver and the second wireless receiver. A networking interface is coupled to the processing module. The networking interface is configured to receive the first data and the second data from the processing module and to transmit the first data and the second data to an external server. A Smart Tag includes both a first wireless receiver and a second wireless receiver.

BACKGROUND

Filed of the Invention

The present invention relates to scanners and readers for contactless, wireless tags and more particularly to mixed-mode scanners for the detection and tracking of tags supporting multiple protocols.

Description of the Related Art

There exist many solutions in the art for the tracking of assets in commerce and industry. One well known solution is the use of radio frequency tags such as RFID tags. NFC tags are a type of RFID tag that uses higher frequencies and has a higher storage capacity and this specification will use the term RFID to refer to both of these technologies.

These low cost tags typically take the form of small semiconductor chips embedded on material such as an adhesive paper with a printed antenna. The tags are passive and are powered by a current induced by the RF field of a scanner.

RFID tags are able to store a few hundred bits of data that can be read by a scanner. NFC tags are able to store approximately 100 bytes to several thousand bytes of data. RFID tags are meant to be read at a short distance. Depending on the technology and frequencies used, this distance that a tag can be read from varies from just a few centimeters to several meters. The data transfer rate from an RFID tag is dependent on the frequencies used but is typically in the range of 10s of kbps.

Drawbacks of using RFID tags are that the range is limited, and that the data reported by a tag is limited in the information it may provide.

Bluetooth low energy (BLE) is a short range, low power wireless technology designed for low cost and long battery life. BLE beacons are powered transmitting devices that broadcast their identity to devices within range. BLE is typically implemented in a semiconductor IC, either stand alone, or incorporated as a module within a larger chip. A BLE beacon will also include a CPU, memory, antenna, and power supply. BLE beacons may have a variety of form factors, some based on housing a coin battery, some based on a USB stick or USB dongle. BLE devices may be full featured, sophisticated devices with a large amount of storage. Data transfer rates are up to several Mb/s with a range of several 10s of meters indoors and up to a few hundred meters outdoors.

Drawbacks of BLE beacons is that when used at long range and at high power, battery consumption may be too high for many applications.

The construction industry is one example of an industry with a large amount of high value equipment and raw materials and the accurate tracking of equipment, material, and personnel is beneficial in order to better manage construction sites. There exists a need to efficiently utilize tracking tags to better manage construction projects and inventory that overcomes the technical constraints of the different wireless tag solutions.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A first major aspect of the invention includes an electronic scanning apparatus comprising a first wireless receiver configured to receiver a first data. A second wireless receiver configured to initially be in a disabled mode. The second wireless receiver is enabled to receive a second data in response to reception of the first data by the first wireless receiver. The second wireless receiver returns to the disabled mode in response to receiving the second data. A processing module is coupled to the first wireless receiver and the second wireless receiver. A networking interface is coupled to the processing module. The networking interface is configured to receive the first data and the second data from the processing module and to transmit the first data and the second data to an external server.

In further embodiments, the first data is received from a first asset tracking device and the second data is received from a second asset tracking device.

In a further embodiment, the first data and the second data are converted into a common format before being transmitted to the external server.

Another embodiment comprises a location detection module configured to receive location data of the electronic scanning apparatus. The networking interface transmits the location data to the external server.

In another embodiment, the location detection module is configured to initially be in a disabled mode. The location detection module is enabled to receive the location data when movement of the electronic scanning apparatus is detected.

In a further embodiment, the location detection module is configured to become enabled if the location data has not been received within a predetermined time period.

In another embodiment, the location detection module is configured to become enabled if the location data has not been included with the first data or with the second data.

Further embodiments comprise a local storage. The first data and the second data are stored in the local storage prior to transmitting the first data and the second data to the external server. The processing module deletes the first data and the second data from the local storage after receiving an acknowledgement from the external server that the first data and the second data have been successfully received by the external server.

A second major aspect of the invention includes a method for tracking assets. The method comprises reading, by a first wireless receiver, a first data from a first asset tracking device. In response to reading the first data, enabling a second wireless receiver. The second wireless receiver reads a second data from a second asset tracking device. The first asset tracking device and the second asset tracking device are associated with an asset. The second wireless receiver is disabled after the second data is received. Transmitting, by a networking interface, the first data and the second data to an external server.

A further embodiment comprises, converting, by a processing module the first data and the second data into a common format before being transmitted to the external server.

A further embodiment comprises receiving, by a location detection module, location data of the asset, and the networking interface transmitting the location data to the external server.

Another embodiment comprises, prior to the location detection module receiving the location data, the location detection module being in a disabled mode, and the location detection module being enabled to receive the location data in response to movement of the asset being detected.

Another embodiment comprises, prior to the location detection module receiving the location data, the location detection module being in a disabled mode, and the location detection module being enabled to receive the location data in response to no location data being received within a predetermined time period.

A further embodiment comprises receiving, by the first wireless receiver or the second wireless receiver, location data of the asset, and the networking interface transmitting the location data to the external server.

A further embodiment comprises configuring a location detection module in a disabled mode.

Another embodiment comprises storing, by a processing module into a local storage, the first data and the second data prior to transmitting the first data and the second data to the external server. The processing module deletes the first data and the second data from the local storage after receiving an acknowledgement from the external server that the first data and the second data have been successfully received by the external server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is direct to a scanner supporting multiple wireless tags and beacons and more particularly to a scanner that reads data from both RFID tags and BLE beacons. Embodiments of the invention may be used for asset and personnel tracking and supply chain management in widely spaced, harsh environments such as construction sites, mines, and others.

One broad aspect of the invention comprises a combined RFID reader and BLE beacon scanner which may be a mobile device or fixed in place in a warehouse, vehicle, gatehouse, or other location. The scanner may also be a mobile device worn by a person.

Tags or beacons may be attached to equipment, material, personnel, and any other asset that is tracked. The tags or beacons may be attached directly to the asset or to a container that holds the asset or a group of assets.

Referring toFIG. 1a scanner100is integrated in a housing and includes a processing module102, local storage104, and a networking interface120. Optionally, it may also include a GPS receiver124. The processing module102comprises a microprocessor, microcontroller, or other type of CPU as is known in the art. The processing module102will also run an OS, such as Linux, and various software packages. It also comprises additional circuitry and memory as is known in the art. Local storage104comprises non-volatile or volatile memory used to store a local database. In the case that volatile memory is used, it may have a battery backup. Local storage104may take the form of RAM, ROM, Flash, as well as removable memory such as SD-cards, solid-state disks (SSD) and similar. Local storage104is used to store data read from BLE beacon118or RFID tag112before sending it to an external server122through the networking interface120. In some embodiments, data is sent to the external server122using a REST API. In some embodiments data is preserved in the local storage104, in other embodiments, data is deleted from the local storage104after it has been transferred to the external server122.

The networking interface120may be any wired or wireless network interface and support any suitable networking protocol including Ethernet, WiFi, or GSM cellular data protocols, XBee, LoRa or any other Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technology. Multiple wireless protocol connections may substitute for each other or be used to complement each other. In some embodiments, the networking interface120implements GPRS protocols or WiFi (IEEE 802.11) protocols. In some embodiments multiple networking protocols will be supported such as WiFi and GPRS. The use of multiple interfaces may be rule based. For example, if there is a charge for GPRS use over the cellular network, WiFi may be preferred. In the case of and intermittent network connection, data is stored in the local storage104until the network connection to the external server122is restored.

The scanner100is powered by a Battery106, AC/DC adapter108, or a combination of the two. In some embodiments, the Battery106will be rechargeable, such as a lithium-ion battery. Power conversion circuitry may be used to boost the battery voltage to voltages required by the circuits and components of the scanner100. The AC/DC adapter108will be used to recharge the Battery106as required. The Battery106may be of sufficient capacity to power the scanner100during the longest possible period where AC power may not be available. The AC/DC adapter108may support 110V, 220V, or both and may support both 50 and 60 Hz power.

Embodiment of the invention support interfaces with both BLE beacons and RFID tags. A BLE receiver116is incorporated with the scanner100to support communications with an external BLE beacon118or several tags. An RFID receiver110is also incorporated, either internally or externally, to support communication with an external RFID tag112or several. If external, the RFID receiver110may be fixed to the scanner100through a connector or connected through a longer cable. Connections between the processing module102and the RFID receiver110may be a serial port such as RS-232, USB, or I2C. The RFID receiver110may consume significant power and in some embodiments will have its own AC/DC adaptor114.

For embodiments where the scanner100may be used in a harsh or remote environment, it will be ruggedized and hardened against vibration, impact, dust, moisture, water, and any other expected environmental conditions.

In some embodiments, different assets will have an RFID tag112, a BLE beacon118, or both affixed to them. In some embodiments, a combined RFID tag112and BLE beacon118may be used. Depending on the asset, it may be affixed to the asset itself or to an enclosure holding the asset or several of the assets. The process starts with the scanner100reading a BLE beacon118. At approximately the same time, the scanner may also receive data from an RFID tag112. Information from both the BLE beacon118and the RFID tag112is stored in the local storage104. Periodically, the processing module102sends data through the networking interface120to the external server122using the HTTP protocol. The external server122returns an acknowledgement that the data has been received, allowing the processing module102to delete the data from local storage104.

An optional GPS receiver124module may also be included to report the location of the scanner. It is understood that location data may also be obtained from other internal or external sources.

BLE beacon118will preferably be of the TLM type that supports the Eddystone protocol. The Eddystone protocol interleaves TLM and URL frame formats. TLM frames includes proximity and location data that allows the beacon to be used in fleet maintenance applications. The Eddystone protocol also supports the transmission of battery level information for cases where the BLE beacon118is battery powered.

Firmware is provided and executed by the processing module102to enable scanner100functions. Different program modules may be used to read the BLE beacon118, to read the RFID tag112, and to communicate data over the networking interface120to the external server122.

FIG. 2illustrates an embodiment for a BLE scan routine200that implements the scanning for and reading of the BLE beacon118through the BLE receiver116. The BLE scan routine200is executed periodically, often enough to detect an asynchronous BLE beacon118that transmits its beacon signal periodically. The period of the BLE scan routine200is adjusted to ensure that a BLE beacon118signal will be reliably detected taking into account the location and relative velocities of the scanner100and the BLE beacon118.

The BLE scan routine200starts in block202by scanning all Bluetooth devices within range to retrieve a list of Bluetooth devices. This will include assets being tracked but also other Bluetooth devices such as personal cell phones. The Bluetooth data is then coded into the JSON format block204to produce a list of all Bluetooth devices in the JSON format. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data-interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write while also being easy for machines to parse. BLE objects that are not asset BLE beacon118are removed in block206to produce a list of BLE beacon118that are part of the system. In block208, the list of BLE beacon118is stored in the local storage104in an SQLite database using the JSON format. BLE beacon118and RFID tag112data is kept in the JSON format when transmitted to the external server122. It is understood that embodiments may use another common format other than JSON and a database other than SQLite.

FIG. 3illustrates an embodiment for an RFID scan routine300that implements the scanning for and reading of the RFID tag112through the RFID receiver110. The RFID scan routine300is executed periodically, often enough to detect an asynchronous RFID tag112that responds to the scanner100when in range. The period of the RFID scan routine300is adjusted to ensure that an RFID tag112signal will be reliably read taking into account the location and relative velocities of the scanner100and the RFID tag112. In some embodiment, the RFID receiver110will not be used and the RFID scan routine300will not be run until the BLE scan routine200detects an asset within range. As the RFID receiver110antenna requires a significant amount of power, powering down the RFID receiver110periodically serves to reduce the power consumption of the scanner100.

The RFID scan routine300starts in block302by when an RFID tag112is detected by the RFID receiver110. Data is received that includes a tag ID. In block304the tag ID is validated to ensure that the tag is associated with an asset being tracked. The tag ID and other data received from the RFID tag112is then formatted in JSON format in block306. In block308, the tag ID is recorded in the database in the local storage104.

The scanned data from RFID tag112and BLE beacon118are saved in a SQLite database in the local storage104so that they can be sent through HTTPs requisition to an external server122. The JSON file format is JSON and every beacon or tag that is read has their attributes saved in this way.

FIG. 4illustrates the send routine400used to send data to the external server122. In block402, the data obtained from the BLE scan routine200and the RFID scan routine300has been stored in the database in the local storage104. In block404the data from both sources has been converted to the JSON format if required. In block406an HTTP request is used to send the data to the external server122. The processing module102then waits to receive a response from the server to indicate the success or failure of the HTTP request (decision block408). It is understood that other networking protocols other than HTTP may be used to transmit or receive data between the scanner100and the external server122. If the response in negative, indicating a failure, the data is kept in the database in the local storage104and retried later. If the response is positive, indicating a successful transfer, the data is cleared from the local storage104in block410. Block414implements an appropriate waiting period before returning to block402to see if there is any new data to transmit or old data to retransmit.

The system predefines formats and rules that define the information that is returned by tags and beacons. The information is organized in fields, some of which are mandatory and some of which are optional.FIG. 5lists an example of mandatory and optional fields for different types of tags and beacons.

In some embodiments, the scanner100may support only BLE protocols and the ability to read an RFID tag112may be added in a number of ways. One such embodiment involves a simplified RFID receiver110that passes the raw captured RFID information directly to the processing module102. The conversion of the raw RFID data is performed by the processing module102. The connection between the RFID receiver110and the processing module102may be done using a generic serial port or similar processor I/O port.

FIG. 6illustrates another embodiment that comprises the use of an RFID to BLE converter600. The RFID to BLE converter600comprises a second RFID receiver602, a Conversion Module606, and a Programmable beacon BLE604. The RFID tag112is scanned by the RFID receiver110. The RFID tag data is converted by the Conversion Module606into a format compatible with BLE protocols and BLE packets. The Conversion Module606programs the converted RFID tag information into a Programmable beacon BLE604which may then be read as a regular BLE beacon118by the BLE receiver116. In this way, a scanner100with only a BLE receiver116may support both BLE beacon118and RFID tag112and sending the data to the external server122.

When data is collected on the external server122and analyzed, the data sources are differentiated as RFID or BLE data, independently of how the data was received by the scanner100.

FIG. 7illustrates another major aspect of the invention that further comprises a GPS tracker module700that may be used to track moving assets over long distances. In this embodiment a GPS receiver124is added to the scanner100and coupled to the processing module102. Satellite constellation704is shown. In this way, location data may be collected and transmitted to the external server122. The GPS tracker module700may be used with either the BLE receiver116or the RFID receiver110, or both. It may also be a separate device used on its own.

The GPS tracker module700is typically in a low power or hibernation mode. Using a vibration or movement sensor, it detects when the asset is in motion which indicates that the asset's position must be periodically updated. This may be done based on elapsed time since the last GPS reading was done or by estimating or measuring the distance moved by the asset. If there has been no movement, a watchdog timer may be used to periodically wake up the GPS tracker module700to send a confirmation of the asset position.

A position reading may also be initiated by an external source over various communication links including the use of GPRS712through the Mobile antenna706. Data collected comprises the position, date and time. Date and time data may be obtained either through the GPS receiver124or the GPRS712connection. If battery powered an indication of the remaining battery level may also be included. The internal database is stored in a Flash memory702though other types of memory may also be used. Position data is sent to the external server122using an HTTP, HTTPS, or other data transfer protocol. Position data is preserved in the Flash memory702until acknowledgement of a successful transfer is received by the GPS tracker module700from the external server122. Once data collection or transfer is complete, the GPS tracker module700returns to hibernation mode.

FIG. 8illustrates how the GPS tracker firmware800may operate in some embodiments. When woke from hibernation mode the GPS tracker module700will first attempt to connect to the GPRS network802. If it fails, the GPS tracker module700will attempt to obtain location information from the GPS (decision block806). If successful, the GPS tracker module700then tries to obtain location information through the GPRS network804. If not successful, the GPS tracker module700then attempts to obtain location information through the GPS (decision block806). If this isn't successful, it returns to hibernation mode816. If location data is obtained either through the GPRS804or GPS806, then an HTTP request is sent808to the external server122. If the HTTP request is not successful, the location data is saved810in local Flash memory702or local storage104and the GPS tracker module700again enters hibernation mode806. Should the HTTP request be successful, the Flash memory702is checked812for any previously saved data in block810. If it exists, then this is sent814as well before re-entering hibernation mode816. When in hibernation or sleep mode816, the GPS tracker module700or scanner100waits until woken up by a vibration sensor, watchdog, or other means.

Other embodiments may build upon previously described embodiments and create hybrid technology devices.

One additional embodiment is a BLE Collector Scanner, which functions both as a regular BLE scanner, already described, while also acting as a hub, collector, or gateway device within a system comprising many scanners and tags. This gateway scanner would have a robust network connection to the external server122and would collect data from other scanners in the system. Data from all scanners would then be transferred to the external server122as they arrive or in a batch processing mode. With a Real Time Clock installed, the gateway could also be configured to collect data from scanners and to transfer them to the external server122at predefined times to minimize power or to enable scanners to be shut down at night, on weekends, on holiday periods, or during any other time of little or no activity.

A second additional embodiment comprises the use of a “Smart Tag” that would provide location data and function in conjunction with the GPS device in order to save battery power used by the GPS tracker module700. The Smart Tag, like any other RFID tag, would depend on receiving an RFID signal from an antenna to start working. When a scanner supporting Smart Tags came within range of a Smart Tag it would be able to put the GPS tracker module700into hibernation mode with the Smart Tag providing location data instead of the GPS tracker module700.

A third additional embodiment comprises the use of RFID Smart Tags and the further integration of LoRa wireless nodes having a similar function as the RFID tags. Where there is a LoRa network available, three power states would be possible. A first power state is one close to the construction site where RFID Smart Tags could be used to provide location information. A second power state would be close to urban sites or areas that provide LoRa implementations that include location information. A third power state would be more isolated places, where the GPS tracker would be used. The addition of additional networking and sensing protocols that provide location information would allow for the addition of even more power states.

The ensuing description provides representative embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an embodiment or embodiments of the invention. It being understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions and not the sole implementation. Various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention can also be implemented in a single embodiment or any combination of embodiments.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. The phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting but is for descriptive purpose only. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not to be construed as there being only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

Reference to terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, integers or groups thereof and that the terms are not to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. Likewise, the phrase “consisting essentially of”, and grammatical variants thereof, when used herein is not to be construed as excluding additional components, steps, features integers or groups thereof but rather that the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, device or method. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.