AN IDENTIFICATION DEVICE

Abstract: An identification device comprising: wireless communication means; and a mounting structure positioned around said wireless communication means, said mounting structure having a first configuration and a second expanded configuration. The identification device is mounted to a container as follows. The device is inserted through an access opening to a chamber of the container whilst its mounting structure is in its first configuration. Once inside the chamber, the mounting structure is caused to expand to its second expanded configuration to mount the identification device to the container. The wireless communication means of the identification device contains information regarding the container.

Description: An Identification Device The present invention relates to an identification device. It is often necessary to monitor the location and movement of materials within a distribution center or manufacturing facility. One method of tracking the materials is to attach a wireless communication device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder or other identification device to containers that are housing the materials. By way of example, a liquid container such as a barrel or keg may include an identification device indicative of the liquid contained inside. An interrogation reader, or series of receivers, having an antenna device and able to send information remotely through electronic signals, is placed throughout the distribution or manufacturing facility to receive signals transmitted from the identification devices. The signals are then passed to a central control system that monitors and records the -applicable information. The central control system can also send information to its interrogation readers to send to the transponders for response and/or to be stored in the transponder's memory. The identification system also allows for statistical analysis of the materials to maintain an accurate inventory, production flow rates, and other production standards. Additionally, the identification devices may include specific information about the materials housed within the containers including date of manufacture, place of manufacture, type of product within the container, the temperature of the container and the ambient air, the temperature of the contents of the container, the pressure of the container, etc. A problem occurs when the containers are not conducive for mounting an identification device or transponder. One example is a beer keg that has a substantially cylindrical shape with smooth, uniform outer walls. There are no extensions or areas for effectively attaching the identification device. Additionally, these containers may be heavy and cumbersome to handle. During the filling process and distribution, the containers may bang against other containers, storage racks, conveyor equipment, etc. An identification device attached to the container may easily be damaged or destroyed during this process. Another concern is the identification devices should be able to be quickly mounted to the containers. Each container should be identified with a separate identification device. The labor cost would be excessive and outweigh the benefits of the identification system if each device was timely to mount to the containers. Therefore, it is important that the identification devices can be quickly attached to each of the individual devices. Inherent with the quick attachment, the devices should be mounted in a straightforward manner that is not over difficult such that it requires specialised equipment, or highly trained technicians during the attachment process. In addition to be quickly attached, the identification tags should also securely attach to the containers. Secure attachment should prevent the tags from inadvertently falling off the containers even during handling of the containers when they may be dropped, bounced around, or otherwise roughly handled. It is also important that the identification tags be attached in an inconspicuous manner. For reusable containers that are sent to the consumers and then returned to be refilled and redistributed, an inconspicuous placement will help to ensure that the consumers do not tamper with or otherwise destroy the identification tag. According to the present invention there is provided an identification device comprising: wireless communication means; and a mounting structure positioned around said wireless communication means, said mounting structure having a first configuration and a second expanded configuration. The invention further provides an identification system comprising: a container including a chamber having an access opening thereto; and an identification device according to the present invention, wherein said first configuration is sized to fit through said access opening and said second expanded configuration is larger than said access opening. The invention further provides a method of mounting an identification device according to the present invention to a container, said method comprising: positioning said identification device in association with the container; and causing said mounting structure to expand to mount the identification device to the container. The invention further provides a method of monitoring a container comprising: mounting an identification device according to the present invention to the container by positioning said identification device in association with the container, and causing said mounting structure to expand to mount the identification device to the container; moving the container through at least one interrogation point containing an interrogation reader; and establishing communication between the identification device and the interrogation reader to monitor the container. The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a sectional side view of an identification device according to the present invention mounted within a chamber of a container; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating communication between an identification device and an interrogation reader; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tracking and information system for use with an identification device; Figure 4A is a perspective view of the identification device in use in Figure 1 in a non-deployed configuration; Figure 4B is a perspective view of the identification device in use in Figure 1 in a deployed configuration; Figure 5A is a side view of an alternative identification device according to the present invention in a non-deployed configuration; Figure 5B is a side view of the identification device of Figure 5 A in a deployed configuration; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a container with which the present invention may be used. Referring now to the drawings in general, and Figure 1 in particular, an identification device 10 comprises a wireless communication device 20 surrounded by a mounting structure or unit 12. Figure 1 illustrates the mounting unit 12 in a deployed position locating the wireless communication device 20 within a chamber 33 of a container 30. The identification device 10 will be further described later. Figure 2 illustrates one particular type of wireless communication device 20 called a radio frequency transponder. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that there are many other different types of wireless identification devices 20 that allow electronic communication and the present invention is not limited to any one particular type. The transponder 20 is usually made out of some type of plastic or other material having within it control system 102, wireless communication electronics 104, antenna 106, and memory 108. The antenna 106 may be either external or incorporated internal to the transponder 20. The control system 102 is an integrated circuit or other type of microprocessor or micro-controller electronics that controls the substantive operations of the transponder 20. The control system 102 is connected to the wireless communication electronics 104 to communicate and receive transmissions. The control system 102 is also connected to memory 108 for storing information and retrieving information. Figure 2 also depicts how communication is achieved with the transponder 20. An interrogation reader 120 contains interrogation communication electronics 122 and an interrogation antenna 124. The interrogation reader 120 communicates to the transponder 20 by emitting an electronic signal or command modulated in a frequency 126 through the interrogation antenna 124. The interrogation antenna 124 may be any type of antenna that can radiate the modulated signal 126 through a field 128 so that a compatible device such as a transponder 20 can receive such signal 126 through its own antenna 106. The field 128 could be any of a variety of different types used in electronic communications including electro-magnetic, magnetic, or electric. The signal 126 is a message containing information and/or specific instructions for the transponder 20. When the transponder antenna 106 is in the presence of the field 128 emitted by the interrogation reader antenna 124, the wireless communication electronics 104 are energized thereby energizing the transponder 20. The transponder 20 remains energized so long as its antenna 106 is in the field 128 of the interrogation reader 120. The wireless communication electronics 104 demodulate the signal 126 and send the message containing information and/or specific instructions to the control system 102 for appropriate actions. For example, the request in the message may be for the transponder 20 to send back information about the materials housed within the container 30 including date of manufacture, place of manufacture, and type of product within the container. The message may also be instructions to send back information regarding the temperature of the container, its ambient air, the temperature of the contents of the container, the pressure of the container, etc. The transponder 20 sends back information to the interrogation reader 120 by altering the contents of the signal 126. Alternative forms exist for communicating with a wireless electronic device such as a transponder 20. For instance, the transponder 20 may have a transmitter so that it can send information to the interrogation reader without having to use the signal 126 as the means for communication. The transponder 20 may contain a battery to power the transmitter, or an energy storage unit that is charged by the energy when the transponder is in the field 128 of the signal 126. It is understood to one of ordinary skill in the art there are many other manners in which to communicate with a wireless identification device such as a transponder 20, and that the present invention is not limited to the particular manner described above. Figure 3 illustrates a tracking system in which containers 30 containing transponders 20 can be tracked through an environment such as factory or distribution facility. For example, the transponder 20 connected to container 30 could pass a first interrogation point 150 that includes an interrogation reader 120. When the container 30 and its transponder 20 is in the presence of the interrogation reader 120 as described previously, a message containing information and/or a specific request for information may be transmitted by the interrogation reader 120 and received by the transponder 20. This process continues as the container 30 moves to a second interrogation point 152, a third interrogation point 154, a fourth interrogation point 156, and on to a last interrogation point 158. A central control system 130 maintains the information from the interrogation readers 120 and monitors the movement of the containers 30 through the facility. The information received by each of the interrogation readers 120 may be forwarded to the central control system 130 either through direct wire or LAN connection. The central control system 130 could also send information to the interrogation reader 120 to be transmitted to the transponder 20 for identification purposes. The central control system 130 tracks the expected location of the containers 30 and may be alerted if it expects to receive information about a particular container and does not. During commissioning of each container 30, it may be necessary to place the container 30 containing the transponder 20 in range of an interrogation reader 120 in order to erase previously stored information in memory 108 or to store particular data or configuration information about the container 30 in memory 108 for later use. Preferably, a separate wireless communication device 20 is mounted on each container 30. A mounting structure or unit 12 functions to mount the wireless communication device 20 to the container 30. In one embodiment, the mounting unit 12 is selectively positionable from a first configuration sized to fit into an opening in the container to a second, enlarged configuration sized to expand into the dimensions of the chamber 33 of the container. Preferably, once the mounting unit 12 has been expanded into the second configuration, it will not return to the smaller, first configuration. This maintains the positioning of the wireless communication device 20 and prevents the device from inadvertently being removed from the container 30. Figure 4 A illustrates the identification device 10 in a first, non-deployed configuration. This embodiment features the wireless communication device 20 as an integrated circuit connected to a dipole antenna 22. Preferably, the antenna 22 is flexible allowing for insertion into a variety of containers. In the first configuration, arms 24 are positioned against or in close alignment with the antennas 22 giving a reduced profile for insertion into an access opening. Preferably, the arms 24 are flexible to further ease the insertion process, such as springs. The arms 24 may be angled in one direction such that forcing the device through the access opening causes the arms 24 to fold down against the device 20 and reduce the cross sectional size. Figure 4B illustrates the deployed, second configuration in which the arms 24 extend outward from the antennas 22 for positioning within the chamber 33. When the device 20 is inside the chamber 30, the arms 24 expand, thereby locking the device in position. Attempts to pull the device 20 back through the access opening will not cause the arms 24 to collapse, thereby preventing removal. Preferably, the arms 24 extend from the antennas 22 at a variety of angles for securely mounting the wireless communication device within the chamber 33. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 4B, arms 24 extend from four sides of the antennas 22. Another embodiment includes the arms 24 being helical springs. The cross sectional size of the arms 24 decreases when the springs are pulled apart and elongated to insert the device 20 into the container 30. When the force is removed, the springs recoil to a second configuration, having a larger cross sectional shape. However, various configurations of arm positioning and designs are available and contemplated by the present invention. Figures 5 A and 5B illustrate another embodiment of the mounting device of the present invention. An expandable foam coating 26 surrounds the wireless communication device 20. Preferably, the coating 26 completely surrounds the device 20, although it may only cover a portion depending upon the application. The coating 26 is expandable in response to an activator from a first non-deployed configuration to a second deployed configuration having a larger cross-sectional width to secure the wireless communication device 20 in the chamber. Alternatively, the coating 26 could be expandable from the non-deployed configuration to the larger deployed configuration when heated above a predetermined temperature. The container 30 may have a variety of shapes and sizes. Figure 6 illustrates one container 30 having a main body 32 for holding materials. A rim 38 extends outward from the top surface 36 and includes handles 34 for grasping and carrying the container. As illustrated in Figure 1, the rim 38 may further have a curled upper end having an opening 40. A chamber 33 is formed by the rim 38 and extends around the upper container edge. A drain hole 35 may be positioned within the lip 38 and extend into the chamber 33. The drain hole 35 provides for removing liquid that may congregate in the chamber, and also provides one route of access for mounting the identification device 10. In one embodiment, the container 30 is a beer keg, although one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is applicable to a wide variety of container shapes and sizes. The width of the access opening into the chamber 33, such as the drain hole 35 or opening 40, is smaller than the width of the chamber 33. This requires that the non- deployed non-expanded identification device 10 have a maximum width sized to fit within the access opening. Once inside the chamber 33 and the mounting structure or unit 12 is deployed, the size is larger than the access opening to prevent the identification device 10 from inadvertently exiting. The chamber 33 may have a number of openings or access points for insertion of the identification device. The identification device 10 may be inserted and deployed into the chamber 33 in a variety of manners. Using the container and identification device as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the identification device 10 with attached mounting unit 12 is initially disposed in a non-deployed configuration. The device 10 is inserted into the access opening such as the drain hole 35 or opening 40. Insertion may be performed manually by a user either via their hands, or a simple insertion instrument. By way of example, a tube may be used with one end inserted into the access opening. The device is then inserted into the opposite tube end and funneled into the container. Once the identification device 10 is positioned within the chamber 33, the mounting unit 12 may be deployed to the expanded, second configuration. Deployment may be initiated by such methods as allowing the arms to re-expand once the device is through the access opening. Another embodiment features a sheath or like restraining band that holds the device within the first, smaller configuration. Once within the access opening, the restraining device is removed, cut open, dissolved resulting in the unit obtaining the second, enlarged configuration. The deployed configuration allows for the identification device 10 to be protected within the chamber 33. This configuration also prevents the device from inadvertently exiting the chamber as the deployed configuration is larger than the apertures leading into the chamber. Preferably, the deployed configuration also positions the identification device 10 in a central portion of the chamber to increase transmitted signal strength. The identification device 10 may also be mounted to other areas of a container 30. Suitable locations include partially enclosed areas in which the non-expanded device may be placed and then held in position once expanded. By way of example, the mounting device may be placed in the access opening and expanded without being positioned completely within the chamber 33. In the foregoing description, like-reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also, it is to be understood that such terms as "forward", "rearward", "left", "right", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are words of convenience that are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Claims: Claims: 1. An identification device comprising: wireless communication means; and a mounting structure positioned around said wireless communication means, said mounting structure having a first configuration and a second expanded configuration. 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said second configuration has a greater width than said first configuration. 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said second configuration has a larger cross sectional area than said first configuration. 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said mounting structure comprises an expandable foam coating around said wireless communication means. 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein said foam coating is expandable from said first to said second configuration in response to an activator. 6. A device according to claim 4, wherein said foam coating is expandable from said first to said second configuration when heated above a predetermined temperature. 7. A device according to claim 1, wherein said mounting structure comprises a plurality of springs positioned along said wireless communication means, said plurality of springs being expandable from a first configuration wherein they are substantially in contact with said wireless communication means to a second configuration wherein they are distanced from said wireless communication means. 8. A device according to claim 7, wherein said wireless communication means comprises an integrated circuit with a dipole antenna, said plurality of springs being attached to said dipole antenna. 9. A device according to claim 1 , wherein said wireless communication means includes a memory. 10. A device according to claim 1, wherein said first configuration is sized to fit through a container opening and said second expanded configuration is larger than said container opening. 11. An identification system comprising: a container including a chamber having an access opening thereto; and an identification device according to claim 1, wherein said first configuration is sized to fit through said access opening and said second expanded configuration is larger than said access opening. 12. A system according to claim 1 1, wherein said chamber is positioned within a rim of said container. 16. A method of mounting an identification device according to claim 1 to a container, said method comprising: positioning said identification device in association with the container; and causing said mounting structure to expand to mount the identification device to the container. 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein said wireless communication means is centered within said mounting structure when expanded. 18. A method according to claim 16, wherein said step of positioning comprises inserting said identification device through an access opening to a chamber of said container. 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the expanding of said step of causing takes place within said chamber. 20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said identification device is centered within said chamber once mounted. 21. A method of monitoring a container comprising: mounting an identification device according to claim 1 to the container by positioning said identification device in association with the container, and causing said mounting structure to expand to mount the identification device to the container; moving the container through at least one interrogation point containing an interrogation reader; and establishing communication between the identification device and the interrogation reader to monitor the container. 22. A method according to claim 21, wherein a central control system is in communication with the interrogation point to monitor the movement of the container. 23. A method according to claim 21, wherein said wireless communication means includes a memory for storing information regarding the container, the wireless communication means communicating the said information to the interrogation point. 24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the interrogation point delivers information to the wireless communication means which is stored in said memory.

Inventors: FORSTER IAN J, FORSTER, IAN, J.
Applicants: MARCONI CORP PLC, MARCONI CORPORATION PLC.
Application year: 2001
Main classification: G06K19
IPC codes: B65D25, G06K19, G08C17, H04B1