Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20050065971A1/en
Timestamp: 2019-11-15 09:07:16
Document Index: 77265925

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 40', 'art 30', 'art 40', 'art 40', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 10', 'art 30', 'art 10', 'art 20', 'art 40', 'art 40', 'art 40', 'art 10', 'art 20', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 30', 'art 30', 'art 20', 'art 30', 'art 40', 'art 40', 'art 40', 'art 40', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 20', 'art 10', 'art 40', 'art 10', 'art 30', 'art 30', 'art 30', 'art 30']

US20050065971A1 - Product lifecycle data management system and product lifecycle data management method - Google Patents
Product lifecycle data management system and product lifecycle data management method Download PDF
US20050065971A1
US20050065971A1 US10/944,217 US94421704A US2005065971A1 US 20050065971 A1 US20050065971 A1 US 20050065971A1 US 94421704 A US94421704 A US 94421704A US 2005065971 A1 US2005065971 A1 US 2005065971A1
US10/944,217
US7284003B2 (en
2003-09-19 Priority to JP329001/2003 priority Critical
2003-09-19 Priority to JP2003329001A priority patent/JP3909848B2/en
2004-09-17 Application filed by Honda Motor Co Ltd filed Critical Honda Motor Co Ltd
2004-09-17 Assigned to HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. reassignment HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HONDA, HAJIME
2005-03-24 Publication of US20050065971A1 publication Critical patent/US20050065971A1/en
2007-10-16 Publication of US7284003B2 publication Critical patent/US7284003B2/en
239000000047 products Substances 0 abstract claims description title 363
238000009826 distribution Methods 0 description 78
238000005365 production Methods 0 description 74
238000004064 recycling Methods 0 description 67
A product life cycle data management system includes a data processing terminal, a memory medium and a management server. The data processing terminal receives a 1st ID and a product related data; transmits the 1st ID and the product related data to the memory medium. The memory medium compares the 1st ID with a 2nd ID stored previously; stores the product related data when the 1st ID is the same as the 2nd ID; and transmits the 1st process ending data and a 1st key data corresponding to the 2nd ID previously stored. The data processing terminal transmits the 1st ID, the product related data and a 1st key data to the management server. The management server transmits a 2nd process ending data to the data processing terminal, when the 1st ID and the 1st key data are the same as a third ID and a 2nd key data stored previously.
The present invention relates to a product lifecycle data management system and a product lifecycle data management method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a product lifecycle data management system which can manage product lifecycle data of products distributing in market and a product lifecycle data management method of the same.
A modern distribution system is based on mass production and mass consumption. In this system, a product produced in a factory has a product lifecycle to be recycled. That is, firstly, the product is produced in a production part of the product lifecycle. Then, the product is shipped from the production part to a distribution part of the product lifecycle, such as a warehouse. Next, the product is placed on the market in a sales and service part of the product lifecycle. Then, the sold product is collected as a used product, and is discarded to be recycled in discarding and recycling part of the product lifecycle. Each of the product lifecycles (mainly, the production part, the distribution part, the sales and service part, and the discarding and recycling part) comes to be varied corresponding to widening and enlarging of the distribution market of the products and varying products.
Especially, it is getting mainstream that the manufacturers have to be responsible for the products in last phase of the product lifecycle, as rising needs by the distribution market caring for environment issues, even in the section where used products are finally reached after collecting, discarding and recycling. Therefore, it is essentially important for the manufacturers supplying the products to the market to manage data of the products in each part of the product lifecycle.
As an example of a method for managing the product lifecycle, a technique for managing the product lifecycle by using a Radio Frequency Identification (hereinafter referred to as RFID) tag attached to a product is disclosed in the Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP2000-48066). In this technique, the RFID tag, which memorizes data of a product, is attached to the product. Then, by reading out the data from the RFID tag, a state of the product is ascertained. In this technique, a lifecycle database to manage the product lifecycle is provided at each distribution hub. Data detailer than that memorized in the RFID tag is stored in the database.
The data stored in the database are related to the data memorized in the RFID tag to be organized in order to manage the data. Each of the databases is provided to corresponding one of a production control system of a manufacture, marketing management systems of distributors, marketing management systems of retailers, service management systems of companies dealing with maintenance and services, and management systems of the discarding/recycling companies. These plural databases are connected each other by network so as to refer to each data. In this conventional method for managing the product lifecycle, these companies collaborate with each other in the data regarding the products.
In order to achieve an aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a product lifecycle data management system including: a data processing terminal; a memory medium; and a management server. The data processing terminal includes: a first input unit, a first memory unit, a first communication unit, a first display unit and a first data processing unit. The first input unit inputs a first identifier of a product and a product related data of the product. The first memory unit stores the first identifier and the product related data. The first communication unit transmits the first identifier and the product related data to the memory medium. The first display unit displays a first process ending data received from the memory medium. The first process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the memory medium. The first data processing unit transmits the first identifier. The product related data and a first key data received form the memory medium to the management server. The first display unit displays a second process ending data received from the management server, wherein the second process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the management server. The memory medium includes: a second memory unit, a second data processing unit and a second communication unit. The second memory unit compares the first identifier received from the data processing terminal with a second identifier of the product, and stores the product related data received from the data processing terminal when the first identifier is the same as the second identifier. The second identifier is stored previously in the second memory unit. The second data processing unit generates the first process ending data. The second communication unit transmits the first process ending data and the first key data corresponding to the second identifier previously stored in the second memory unit. The management server includes: a third memory unit and a third data processing unit. The third memory unit compares a first set of the first identifier and the first key data received from the data processing terminal with a plurality of second sets of a third identifier and a second key data corresponding to the third identifier for a plurality of products. It stores the product related data when the one of the second sets is the same as the first set. The plurality of second sets is stored in the 3rd memory unit previously. The third data processing unit generates and transmits the second process ending data to the data processing terminal.
In the product lifecycle data management system, the first display unit displays a process uncompleted data from when displaying the first process ending data received from the memory medium to when transmitting the first identifier. The product related data and the first key data to the management server.
In the product lifecycle data management system, the memory medium is an RFID tag including an IC chip and an antenna.
In order to achieve an aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a product lifecycle data management system including: a data processing terminal, a memory medium and a management server. The data processing terminal includes: a first input unit, a first memory unit, a first data processing unit, a first communication unit and a first display unit. The first input unit inputs a first identifier of a product and a product related data of the product. The first memory unit stores the first identifier and the product related data. The first data processing unit generates a transmission request indicating a request for transmitting a second identifier stored in the memory medium. The first communication unit transmits the transmission request to the memory medium. The first display unit display a first process ending data received from the memory medium, wherein the first process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the memory mediums. The first data processing unit which compares the first identifier with the second identifier received from the memory medium. The first communication unit transmits the product related data to the memory medium when the first identifier is the same as the second identifier. The first data processing unit transmits the first identifier, the product related data and a first key data received form the memory medium to the management server. The first display unit displays a second process ending data received from the management server. The second process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the management server. The memory medium includes: a second communication unit, a second memory unit, and a second data processing unit. The second communication unit transmits the second identifier to the data processing terminal in response to the transmission request. The second memory unit stores the product related data received from the data processing terminal. The second data processing unit generates the first process ending data. The second communication unit transmits the first process ending data and the first key data corresponding to the second identifier previously stored. The management server includes: a third memory unit and a third data processing unit. The third memory unit compares a first set of the first identifier and the first key data received from the data processing terminal with a plurality of second sets of a third identifier and a second key data corresponding to the third identifier for a plurality of products, and stores the product related data when the one of the second sets is the same as the first set, the plurality of second sets is stored in the third memory unit previously. The third data processing unit generates and transmits the second process ending data to the data processing terminal.
In order to achieve another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a product lifecycle data management method including: (a) receiving a first identifier of a product and a product related data of the product by a data processing terminal; (b) storing the first identifier and the product related data by the data processing terminal; (c) transmitting the first identifier and the product related data to a memory medium by the data processing terminal; (d) comparing the first identifier with a second identifier stored previously in the memory medium by the memory medium; (e) storing the product related data when the first identifier is the same as the second identifier by the memory medium; (f) transmitting a first process ending data and a first key data corresponding to the second identifier previously stored in the memory medium by the memory medium, wherein the first process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the memory medium; (g) displaying the first process ending data on a first display unit by the data processing terminal; (h) transmitting the first identifier, the product related data and the first key data to a management server by the data processing terminal; (i) comparing a first set of the first identifier and the first key data with a plurality of second sets of a 3rd identifier and a second key data corresponding to the 3rd identifier for a plurality of products by the management server, wherein the plurality of second sets is previously stored in the management server; (j) storing the product related data when one of the second sets is the same as the first set by the management server; (k) transmitting a second process ending data to the data processing terminal by the management server, wherein the second process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the management server; and (l) displaying the second process ending data on the first display unit by the data processing terminal.
In order to achieve another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a product lifecycle data management method including: (a) receiving a first identifier of a product and a product related data of the product by a data processing terminal; (b) storing the first identifier and the product related data by the data processing terminal; (c) transmitting a transmission request to a memory medium by the data processing terminal, wherein the transmission request indicating a request for transmitting a second identifier stored in the memory medium; (d) transmitting the second identifier previously stored to the data processing terminal in response to the transmission request by the memory medium; (e) comparing the first identifier with the second identifier by the data processing terminal; (f) transmitting the product related data to the memory medium when the first identifier is the same as the second identifier by the data processing terminal; (g) storing the product related data by the memory medium; (h) transmitting a first process ending data and a first key data corresponding to the second identifier previously stored by the memory medium, wherein the first process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the memory mediums; (i) displaying the first process ending data on a first display unit by the data processing terminal; (j) transmitting the first identifier, the product related data and the first key data to the management server by the data processing terminal; (k) comparing a first set of the first identifier and the first key data with a plurality of second sets of a 3rd identifier and a second key data corresponding to the 3rd identifier for a plurality of products by the management server, wherein the plurality of second sets is previously stored in the memory medium; (l) storing the product related data when the one of the second sets is the same as the first set by the management server; (m) transmitting a second process ending data to the data processing terminal by the management server, wherein the second process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the management server; and (n) displaying the second process ending data on the first display unit by the data processing terminal.
In order to achieve still another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a computer program product embodied on a computer-readable medium and including code that, when executed, causes a computer to perform the following: (a) receiving a first identifier of a product and a product related data of the product by a data processing terminal; (b) storing the first identifier and the product related data by the data processing terminal; (c) transmitting the first identifier and the product related data to a memory medium by the data processing terminal; (d) receiving a first process ending data and a first key data corresponding to a second identifier from the memory medium by the data processing terminal, after the product related data is stored in the memory medium in case that the first identifier is the same as the second identifier, wherein the second identifier is stored in the memory medium, the first process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the memory medium; (e) displaying the first process ending data on a first display unit by the data processing terminal; (f) transmitting the first identifier, the product related data and the first key data to a management server by the data processing terminal; (g) receiving a second process ending data from the management server by the data processing terminal, after the product related data is stored in the management server in case that a first set of the first identifier and the first key data is the same as one of a plurality of second sets of a 3rd identifier and a second key data corresponding to the 3rd identifier for a plurality of products, wherein the plurality of second sets is previously stored in the management server, the second process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the management server; and (h) displaying the second process ending data on the first display unit by the data processing terminal.
In order to achieve still another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a computer program product embodied on a computer-readable medium and including code that, when executed, causes a computer to perform the following: (a) receiving a first identifier of a product and a product related data of the product by a data processing terminal; (b) storing the first identifier and the product related data by the data processing terminal; (c) transmitting a transmission request to a memory medium by the data processing terminal, wherein the transmission request indicating a request for transmitting a second identifier stored in the memory medium; (d) receiving the second identifier previously stored in the memory medium from the memory medium by the data processing terminal; (e) comparing the first identifier with the second identifier by the data processing terminal; (f) transmitting the product related data to the memory medium when the first identifier is the same as the second identifier by the data processing terminal; (g) receiving a first process ending data and a first key data corresponding to the second identifier from the memory medium by the data processing terminal, after the memory medium stores the product related data, wherein the first key data previously stored in the memory medium, the first process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the memory mediums; (h) displaying the first process ending data on a first display unit by the data processing terminal; (i) transmitting the first identifier, the product related data and the first key data to the management server by the data processing terminal; (j) receiving a second process ending data from the management server by the data processing terminal, after the product related data is stored in the management server in case that a first set of the first identifier and the first key data is the same as one of a plurality of second sets of a 3rd identifier and a second key data corresponding to the 3rd identifier for a plurality of products, wherein the plurality of second sets is previously stored in the management server, the second process ending data indicates an end of data processing in the management server; and (k) displaying the second process ending data on a first display unit by the data processing terminal.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the embodiment of the product lifecycle data management system of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the writing key code management server of the product lifecycle data management system of the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an RFID tag storage data table showing the data to be stored in the RFID tag 1 of the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a manufacturing management database storage data table 60 showing data stored in a manufacturing management database of the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a distribution management database storage data table 70 showing data stored in a distribution management database of the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a sale and service management database storage data table 80 showing data stored in a sale and service management database of the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a discarding and recycling management database storage data table 90 showing data stored in a discarding and recycling management database of the embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing an operation of the embodiment of the product lifecycle data management system of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another operation of the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing another operation of the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing another operation of the embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing another operation of the embodiment of the present invention.
Embodiment of a product lifecycle data management system and a product lifecycle data management method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.
The discarding and recycling part 40 is a part for a discarding and recycling trader. The products 7 was recycled or discarded when losing value as products after being sold at the sale and service part 30. A management system in the discarding and recycling part 40 manages the recycle state of the products 7, when the products 7 are recycled. Also, the management system in the discarding and recycling part 40 manages the discard state of the products 7, when the products are discarded.
The product 7 is produced in the production part 10. An RFID tag 1 is attached to the product 7 produced in the production part 10. A motorcycle exemplifies the products 7 in the following explanation. However, it should be noted that the product 7 is not necessarily limited to the motorcycle. The products 7 are exemplified in automobiles, power products, robots and aircraft engines. The RFID tag 1 is a memory medium which is possible to attach to any part of the product 7. It is possible to write data with no contact, and the written data is stored in a memory area of the RFID tag 1. Setting of the memory area to store the data is possible to be changed arbitrarily. The memory area of the RFID tag 1 has a writable memory area and an un-writable memory area. Data stored in the un-writable memory area is kept until the product 7 is discarded. The data in the un-writable memory area does not re-written, once the data are written. The RFID tag 1 is attached to each product 7 produced in the production part 10. The RFID tag 1 attached to the product 7 stores the product data of the product 7 in each part of the product lifecycle.
The product 7 is a product to which the RFID tag 1 can be attached. The product 7 is composed of a plurality of parts and at least one RFID tag 1. A product ID (product identification number) is given to each product 7 during the process of the production in the production part 10. At the same time, a writing key code is set corresponding to the product ID. The product ID is related to the writing key code in one to one correspondences. A body number of the motorcycle, which is produced in the production part 10, is used as the product ID in this embodiment,
A writing key code management server 2 is to store the writing key code. The product ID, which is given to the product 7 in the product part 10, and the writing key code, which is set corresponding to the product ID, are stored in the writing key code management server 2.
The communication device 11 is a communication device which is possible to transmit and receive data with the RFID tag 1. Further, the communication device 11, which is provided in each production hub, reads the data written in the RFID tag 1 automatically or in response to a read signal (instruction). Then, it outputs the read data to the data processing terminal 12. Also, the communication device 11 receives the data outputted from the data processing terminal 12, and transmits the received data to the RFID tag 1 automatically or in response to the read signal.
The data processing terminal 12 is possible to communicate with the RFID tag 1 and is provided in each production hub. Further, the data processing terminal 12 transmits the data to be written in the RFID tag 1 to the RFID tag 1 through the communication device 11. Also, the data processing terminal 12 receives the writing data outputted from the communication device 11. Moreover, the data processing terminal 12 includes a data producing function (not shown) which produces the writing data to be written in the RFID tag 1.
The product 7 produced in the production part 10 is shipped from the production part 10 to the distribution part 20. The distribution part 20 includes a plurality of distribution hubs. Each hub includes a distribution gate 21, a data processing terminal 22 and a communication antenna 23. A distribution part management server 4 is to manage the distribution part 20 and is connected with the network 8. A data which is transmitted from the data processing terminal 22 is stored in a database which is included in the distribution part management server 4 or in the external memory device (not shown). Also, the distribution part management server 4 is connected with other servers in the other parts (areas) through the network 8, and cooperates with them for managing the data of the product lifecycle, as the production part management server 3 of the production part 10.
The distribution gate 21 is a gate to let the products 7 through when the products 7 is shipped and loaded in each distribution hub. The distribution gate 21 is provided at the entrance and exit or the like of each distribution hub. The distribution gate 21 includes a communication antenna 23 by which it is possible to communicate with the RFID tag 1 attached to the product 7. The communication antenna 23 can communicate with each RFID tag 1 of a great deal of the products 7, which are gathered at each distribution hub, when the products 7 pass through the distribution gate 21. Also, the distribution gate 21 includes a transmitting unit (not shown) and a receiving unit (not shown). The transmitting unit transmits the data read from the RFID tag 1 by the communication antenna 23 to the data processing terminal 22. The receiving unit receives the data transmitted from the data processing terminal 22 and outputs is to the communication antenna 23.
The data processing terminal 22 is possible to communicate with the RFID tag 1 and connects with the distribution gate 21 by a wireless or wire communication to transmit data to be written in the RFID tag 1 to the RFID tag 1 through the communication antenna 23. Further, the data processing terminal 22 includes a data producing function (not shown) which produces the writing data to be written in the RFID tag 1.
The communication antenna 23 is possible to transmit and receive the data with the RFID tag 1 and is provided in the distribution gate 21 installed in each distribution hub. The communication antenna 23 reads the data of the RFID tag 1 automatically or in response to the read signal (instruction). Then, the communication antenna 23 outputs the written data to the data processing terminal 22. Also, the communication antenna 23 transmits the received data outputted from the data processing terminal 22 to the RFID tag 1 through the receiving unit of the distribution gate 21 automatically or in response to the write signal.
The sale and service part management server 5 is to manage sale and service part 30 and is connected with the network 8. Data which is transmitted from the mobile terminal 31 is stored in a database which is included in the sale and service part management server 5 or in the external memory device (not shown). Also, the distribution part management server 5 is connected with other servers in the other part (areas) through the network 8, and cooperates with them for managing the data of the product lifecycle, as the production part management server 3 of the production part 10 and the distribution part management server 4 of the distribution part 20.
The mobile terminal 31 is possible to carry with (portable). The mobile terminal 31 includes a communication unit (not shown) which is possible to communicate with the sale and service part management server 5. The mobile terminal 31 further includes a reading function (not shown) to read a data stored in the RFID tag attached to the product 7, and also includes writing function (not shown) to write a new data in the RFID tag 1. Moreover, the mobile terminal 31 includes a data producing function (not shown) which produces the writing data to be written in the RFID tag 1.
The product 7, which becomes unnecessary to the user, is sent to the discarding and recycling part 40. The discarding and recycling part 40 includes a plurality of discarding and recycling hubs. Each hub includes a discarding and recycling part management server 6, a discarding and recycling gate 41, a data processing terminal 42 and a communication antenna 43.
The discarding and recycling part management server 6 manages the discarding and recycling part 40 and is connected with the network 8. A data which is transmitted from the a data processing terminal 42 is stored in a database which is included in the discarding and recycling part management server 6 or in the external memory device (not shown). Also, The discarding and recycling part management server 6 is connected with other servers in the other part (areas) through the network 8, and cooperates with them for managing the data of the product lifecycle, as the production part management server 3 of the production part 10 and the distribution part management server 4 of the distribution part 20.
The discarding and recycling gate 41 is a gate to let disused products 7 through when the disused products 7 is carried in and carried out to each discarding and recycling hub. The discarding and recycling gate 41 is provided at the entrance and exit or the like in each discarding and recycling hub. The discarding and recycling gate 41 includes a communication antenna 43 by which it is possible to communicate with the RFID tag 1 attached to the product 7. The communication antenna 43 can communicate with each RFID tag 1 of a great deal of the products 7, which are gathered at each discarding and recycling hub, when the disused products 7 pass through the discarding and recycling gate 41. Also, the discarding and recycling gate 41 includes a transmitting unit (not shown) and a receiving unit (not shown). The transmitting unit transmits the data read from the RFID tag 1 by the communication antenna 43 to the data processing terminal 42. The receiving unit receives the data transmitted from the data processing terminal 42 and outputs it to the communication antenna 43.
The data processing terminal 42 is possible to communicate with the RFID tag 1 and connects with the discarding and recycling gate 41 by a wireless or wire communication to transmit data to be written in the RFID tag 1 to the RFID tag 1 through the communication antenna 43. Further, the data processing terminal 42 includes a data producing function (not shown) which produces the writing data to be written in the RFID tag 1.
The communication antenna 43 is possible to transmit and receive the data with the RFID tag 1 and is provided in the discarding and recycling gate 41 installed in each discarding and recycling hub. The communication antenna 43 reads the data of the RFID tag 1 automatically or in response to the read signal (instruction), then outputs the written data to the data processing terminal 42. Also, the communication antenna 43 transmits the received data outputted from the data processing terminal 42 through the receiving unit of the discarding and recycling gate 41 automatically or in response to the write signal (instruction).
In FIG. 3 showing the production part 10, the product lifecycle data management system includes the production part management server 3, the data processing terminal 12 and the communication device 11. The production part management server 3 is connected with the writing key code management server 2 and the data processing terminal 12. The production part management server 3 further includes a processing unit 3 a and a memory unit 3 b.
The processing unit 3 a is a data processing functional block, which includes a CPU to process data in response to the data inputted from the data processing terminal 12. The processing unit 3 a instructs the memory unit 2 b to update the data in response to the data processing. The memory unit 3 b updates a data stored in a production management database 3 bb in response to the instruction from the processing unit 3 a. The memory unit 3 b is a data memory functional block, which includes data memory function such as a magnetic memory medium and the like, and includes the production management database 3 bb. The memory unit 3 b updates the data stored in the production management database 3 bb in response to the instruction from the processing unit 3 a.
The data processing terminal 12 is connected with the production part management server 3 and the communication device 11. The data processing terminal 12 further includes a writing data input unit 12 c, a display unit 12 d to display data, a processing unit 12 a, and a memory unit 12 b. The processing unit 12 a is a data processing functional block, which includes a CPU to process data to write in the RFID tag 1 in response to the data inputted from the writing data input unit 12 c. The memory unit 12 b is a data memory functional block, which includes data memory function such as a magnetic memory medium and the like to store the writing data in the RFID tag 1. Also, the memory unit 12 b notifies the writing data to the production part management server 3 when updating the production part management server 3 through the network in the production part 10.
The communication device 11 includes a data communication unit 11 a to communicate with the data processing terminal 12, and a radio communication unit 11 b to communicate with the RFID tag 1. The parts constituting the product 7, which are dealt at each production hub of the production part 10 are various in their size. When the RFID tag 1 is attached to each part which constitutes the product 7, there may be a case that the gate with a large-sized radio communication unit can not be installed depending on the size of the parts. Even in this case, the management of the product lifecycle data can be executed properly by installing suitable communication device 11 in each production hub.
In FIG. 4 showing the distribution part 20, the product lifecycle data management system includes the distribution part management server 4, the distribution gate 21, the data processing terminal 22 and the communication antenna 23. The distribution part management server 4 is connected with a writing key code management server 2 and a data processing terminal 22. The distribution part management server 4 further includes a processing unit 4 a and a memory unit 4 b.
The processing unit 4 a is a data processing functional block, which includes a CPU, same as the processing unit 3 a, to process data in response to the data transmitted from the data processing terminal 22. The processing unit 4 a instructs the memory unit 4 b to update the data in response to the data processing. The memory unit 4 b updates the data stored in a distribution management database 4 bb in response to the instruction from the processing unit 4 a. The memory unit 4 b is a data memory functional block, which includes data memory function such as a magnetic memory medium and the like, and includes the distribution management database 4 bb. The memory unit 4 b updates the data stored in the distribution management database 4 bb in response to the instruction from the processing unit 4 a.
The data processing terminal 22 is connected with the distribution part management server 4 and the distribution gate 21. The data processing terminal 22 further includes a writing data input unit 22 c, a display unit 22 d to display data, a processing unit 22 a, and memory unit 22 b. The processing unit 22 a is a data processing functional block, which includes a CPU to process data to write in the RFID tag 1 in response to the data transmitted from the writing data input unit 22 c. The memory unit 22 b is a data memory functional block, which includes data memory function such as a magnetic memory medium and the like to store the writing data in the RFID tag 1. Also, the memory unit 22 b notifies the writing data to the production part management server 4 when updating the distribution part management server 4 through the network in the distribution part 20.
In FIG. 5 showing the sale and service part 30, the product lifecycle data management system includes the sale and service part management server 5 and the mobile terminal 31. The sale and service part management server 5 is connected with the writing key code management server 2 and the mobile terminal 31. The sale and service part management server 5 further includes a processing unit 5 a and a memory unit 5 b. The processing unit 5 a is a data processing functional block, which includes a CPU, same as the processing unit 3 a and the processing unit 4 a, to process a data in response to the data transmitted from the mobile terminal 31. The processing unit 5 a instructs the memory unit 5 b to update data in response to the data processing. The memory unit 5 b updates a data stored in a sale and service management database 5 bb in response to the instruction from the processing unit 5 a. The memory unit 5 b is a data memory functional block, which includes data memory function such as a magnetic memory medium and the like, and includes the sale and service management database 5 bb. The memory unit 5 b updates the data stored in the sale and service management database 5 bb in response to the instruction from the processing unit 5 a.
The mobile terminal 31 includes a processing unit 31 a, a memory unit 31 b, a communication unit 31 e, a writing data input unit 31 c, and a display unit 31 d to display data. The processing unit 31 a is a data processing functional block, which includes a CPU to process data to write in the RFID tag 1 in response to the data transmitted from the writing data input unit 31 c. The memory unit 31 b is a data memory functional block, which includes data memory function such as a magnetic memory medium and the like to store the writing data in the RFID tag 1. Also, the memory unit 31 b notifies the writing data to the sale and service part management server 5 when updating the sale and service part management server 5 through the network in the sale and service part 30.
The communication unit 31 e is communication functional block, which has functions for data communication with the RFID tag 1 and the sale and service part management server 5. At least one communication unit 31 e is installed in the mobile terminal 31 and includes the functions for wireless communication with the RFID tag 1 and the sale and service part management server 5. The communication unit 31 e connected with the sale and service part management server 5 transmits the data processed by the processing unit 31 a to the sale and service part management server 5, and receives the data outputted from the sale and service part management server 5. The communication unit 31 e connected with the RFID tag 1 communicates with the IC chip 1 a through the antenna 1 b.
The writing data of the RFID tag 1 attached to the product 7 from the distribution part 20 is updated by the communication with the mobile terminal 31 provided at each sale and service hub in the sale and service part 30. The writing data of the RFID tag 1 updated by the communication is notified to the sale and service part management server 5. The product lifecycle data management system manages the product lifecycle data of the product 7 in response to the notified data.
In FIG. 6 showing the discarding and recycling part 40, the product lifecycle data management system includes the discarding and recycling part management server 6, the discarding and recycling gate 41, the data processing terminal 42 and the communication antenna 43. The discarding and recycling part management server 6 is connected with the writing key code management server 2 and the discarding and recycling gate 41, and further includes a processing unit 6 a and a memory unit 6 b.
The data processing terminal 42 includes a writing data input unit 42 c, a display unit 42 d to display data, a processing unit 42 a, and memory unit 42 b. The processing unit 42 a is a data processing functional block, which includes a CPU to process data to write in the RFID tag 1 in response to the data transmitted from the writing data input unit 42 c. The memory unit 42 b is a data memory functional block, which includes data memory function such as a magnetic memory medium and the like to store the writing data in the RFID tag 1. Also, the memory unit 42 b notifies the writing data to the discarding and recycling management server 6 when updating the discarding and recycling management server 6 through the network in the discarding and recycling part 40.
The writing data of the RFID tag 1 attached to the product 7 sent to the discarding and recycling part 40 communicates with the communication antenna 43 of the gate 41 provided at each discarding and the recycling hub in the discarding and the recycling part 40. The writing data of the RFID tag 1 updated by the communication is notified to the discarding and recycling management server 6, then the product life cycle data management system manages the product lifecycle data of the product 7 in response to the notified data.
The writing key code 52 is a key code to be used when the databases of the management servers in each lifecycle part are rewritten. The writing key code 52 works as a key to rewrite data in each database, and each database permits the rewriting of data in response to the authentication by the writing key code 52. Also, the writing key code 52 is set corresponding to the body number 51 in one to one correspondence at the same time when the body number 51 is given to the product 7. Generally, the writing key code 52 is encrypted and stored in RFID tag 1. Here, the writing key code 52 may be set in every data in the data table of the RFID tag 1, so that the access to the data in the database can be limited.
The body number 51 and the writing key code 52 are written in the un-rewritable part of the RFID tag 1. Also, the RFID tag 1 stores the data written in each part until the product 7 having the RFID tag 1 is discarded.
The production part data 53 is a data table showing data of the product 7 at producing in the production part 10. The production part data 53 includes a product name/type data, a manufacture date data, a factory data, a repairing data and a shipping date data. The product name/type data indicates a product name and a product type of the product 7 having the RFID tag 1. The manufacture date data indicates the time of day the product 7 having the RFID tag 1 is manufactured. The factory data indicates the place (the factory) the product 7 having the RFID tag 1 is manufactured. The repairing data indicates data regarding the repair for the product 7 having the RFID tag 1 carried out in the factory. The shipping date data indicates the time of day of shipping the product 7 having the RFID tag 1 from the product part 10 after the completion of the producing.
The distribution part data 54 is a data table showing data of product 7 on a distribution channel in the distribution part 20. Further, the production part data 54 sequentially stores data in plural distribution hubs. For example, in a first distribution hub, the production part data 54 includes a transportation company data, a shipping route data, a shipping date data, and a loaded date data. The transportation company data indicates the transportation company which takes charge of a transportation of the product 7 having the RFID tag 1. The shipping route data indicates the channel route from the shipping to the loading of the product 7 having the RFID tag 1. The shipping date data indicates the time of day of shipping the product 7 having the RFID tag 1. The loaded date data indicates an arrival date of the product 7 via the channel route. The distribution part data 54 also stores data in other distribution hubs.
FIG. 8 is a manufacturing management database storage data table 60 showing data stored in a manufacturing management database of the embodiment of the present invention. The manufacturing management database is provided in the manufacturing management server. Referring to FIG. 8, the manufacturing management database storage data table 60 stored in the manufacturing management database includes a body number 61, a writing key code 62, a product name/type data 65, a manufacture date data 66, a factory data 67 and a shipping date data 68. The writing key code 62 is encrypted to be stored and a specific authentication is needed to confirm the encrypted data. The body number 61 is stored so as to correspond to the body number 51 stored in the RFID tag 1 of the product 7. The manufacturing management database storage data table 60 stores the production part data of the produced plural products 7 based on the body numbers 61. The manufacturing management server manages the product lifecycle data of the product 7 in the production part 10 based on the body number 61 which corresponds to the body number 51.
FIG. 11 is a discarding and recycling management database storage data table 90 showing data stored in a discarding and recycling management database of the embodiment of the present invention. The discarding and recycling management database is provided in the discarding and recycling management server. Referring to FIG. 11, the discarding and recycling management database storage data table 90 stored in the discarding and recycling management database includes a body number 91, a writing key code 92, a collection trader data 95, a collection day data 96, a discarding trader data 97 and a discarding day data 98. The writing key code 92 is encrypted to be stored and a specific authentication is needed to confirm the encrypted data. The body number 91 is stored to correspond to the body number 51 stored in the RFID tag 1 of the product 7. The discarding and recycling management database storage data table 90 stores the discarding and recycling part data of the discarded and repaired plural products 7 based on the body number 91. The sale and service management server manages the product lifecycle data of the product 7 in the discarding and recycling part 40 based on the body number 91 that corresponds to the body number 51.
In a step S100, the data processing terminal 12 inputs a body number and a writing data for the RFID tag 1 from a writing data input unit 12 c. Or the operator inputs a body number and a writing data for the RFID tag 1 by using a writing data input unit 12 c of the data processing terminal 12. In a step S101, the inputted body number and the writing data are stored in the memory unit 12 b. In a step S102, the data stored in the memory unit 12 is transmitted to the RFID tag 1 through the communication device 11.
In a step S122, the production part management server 3 receives the body number, the writing key code and the writing data, which are transmitted from the data processing terminal 12. The data received by the production part management server 3 are outputted to the processing unit 3 a. In a step 124, the processing unit 3 a searches the writing key code, which corresponds to the received body number, from the database in the memory unit 2 b. A code authentication is carried out by comparing the writing key code searched by the processing unit 3 a and the writing key code transmitted from the data processing terminal 12. In a step S126, when both of the writing key codes are identical as a result of the code authentication, the processing unit 3 a writes and stores the data in the database 3 bb the data. In a step S128, the production part management server 3 generates the process ending data indicating the completion of rewriting the data in the database. The generated process ending data is transmitted to the data processing terminal 12 through the network in the production part 10.
The operation as mentioned above, the database requires a key, which is referred to a “writing key code” in order to update data. The RFID tag 1 stores the writing key code, and the writing key code is received from the RFID tag 1 when the data in the RFID tag 1 is updated. As a result, a mismatch of the data in the database and the data in the RFID tag 1 can be prevented. Also, by storing an encrypted writing key code corresponding to each data written in the database, a security level in the database achieves to be higher.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another operation of the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 1 does not includes the CPU that can carry out the judgement processing. The operation shown in FIG. 14, as same as the operation in FIGS. 12 and 13, is appropriate for the case that the terminal in each hub and the management server in each part are in always-on connections with each other. Referring to FIG. 14, the operation begins when a body number of a product 7 having the RFID tag 1 is inputted to a data processing terminal 12 in order to update data stored in the RFID tag 1.
In a step S200, a writing data input unit 12 c of the data processing terminal 12 inputs a body number and a writing data for the RFID tag 1. Or the operator inputs a body number and a writing data for the RFID tag 1 by using a writing data input unit 12 c of the data processing terminal 12. In a step S201, the inputted body number and the writing data are stored in a memory unit 12 b. In a step S202, the data processing terminal 12 generates an RFID tag storing body number request in response to the input in the step 200, and transmits the RFID tag storing body number request to the RFID tag 1.
In a step S204, the RFID tag 1 receives the RFID tag storing body number request transmitted from the data processing terminal 12. The RFID tag 1 notifies the receiving of the RFID tag storing body number request to an IC chip 1 a. In a step S206, the IC chip 1 a transmits the body number stored in the memory unit 12 b to the data processing terminal 12 through an antenna 1 b.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing another operation of the embodiment of the present invention. The operation in FIG. 15 indicates a communication between the terminals and an RFID tag 1 in case that data are rewritten in the management servers in a predetermined time after data is written to the RFID tag 1. Especially, the operation shown in FIG. 15 is appropriate for the case that the terminal in each hub and the management server in each part are not in always-on connections with each other. FIG. 15 also indicates an operation in the case that the RFID tag 1 includes the CPU that can carry out the judgement processing.
Referring to FIG. 15, the operation begins when a new writing data generated by using the terminal is transmitted to the RFID tag 1. In the sale and the service part 30, it is often impossible for the terminals in each hub and the management servers in each part to be in always-on connections with each other. Here, the writing operation in the sale and the service part 30 exemplifies the operation in following explanation.
In a step S300, a writing data input unit 31 c of the mobile terminal 31 inputs a body number and a writing data for the RFID tag 1. Or the operator inputs a body number and a writing data for the RFID tag 1 by using a writing data input unit 31 c of the mobile terminal 31. In a step S301, the inputted body number and the writing data are stored in a memory unit 31 b. In a step S302, the data stored in the memory unit 31 b is transmitted to the RFID tag 1 through the communication unit 31 e.
In this way, even if the data of the management server is rewritten in a predetermined time after the writing data to the RFID tag 1, an accident to forget updating data of the management server can be effectively prevented.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing another operation of the embodiment of the present invention. The operation in FIG. 16 indicates a communication between the terminal and management server in case that data are rewritten in the management servers in a predetermined time after data is written to the RFID tag 1. Especially, the operation shown in FIG. 16 is appropriate for the case that the terminal in each hub and the management server in each part are not in always-on connections with each other.
In a step S326, the sale and service part management server 5 receives the data transmitted from the mobile terminal 31. Then, the received data is notified to the processing unit 5 a. In a step 328, the processing unit 5 a searches the writing key code, which corresponds to a body number stored in the memory unit 2 b, in response to the receiving data in the step S326. The processing unit 5 a compares the writing key code detected by the search and the writing key code transmitted from the mobile terminal 31. When both of the writing key codes are identical as a result of the comparison, the process proceeds to a step S334. When both of the writing key codes are not identical as a result of the comparison, the process goes to a step S334.
By above mentioned operation, the database requires a key, which is referred to a “writing key code” in order to update data to be stored, even if the terminal can not be in always-on connections with the management server. The RFID tag 1 stores the writing key code. Since the writing key code is received from the RFID tag 1 when the data in the RFID tag 1 is updated, a mismatch of the data in the database and the data in the RFID tag 1 can be prevented. Also, by storing an encrypted writing key code corresponding to each data written in the database, a security level in the database achieves to be higher.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing another operation of the embodiment of the present invention. The operation in FIG. 17 indicates a communication between the terminal and the RFID tag 1 in case that data are rewritten in the management servers in a predetermined time after data is written to the RFID tag 1. Especially, the operation shown in FIG. 17 is appropriate for the case that the terminal in each hub and the management server in each part are not in always-on connections with each other. FIG. 17 also indicates an operation of the present invention as a flowchart in the case that the RFID tag 1 does not include a determinable CPU.
Referring to FIG. 17, the operation begins when a new writing data generated by using the terminal is transmitted to the RFID tag 1. In the sale and the service part 30, it is often impossible for the terminal in each hub and the management server in each part to be in always-on connections with each other. Therefore, the writing operation in the sale and the service part 30 exemplifies the operation in following explanation.
In a step S404, the RFID tag 1 receives the RFID tag storing body number request transmitted from the mobile terminal 31. Then, the RFID tag 1 notifies the received request to an IC chip 1 a. In a step S406, the IC chip 1 a transmits the body number stored in the memory unit 31 b to the mobile terminal 31 through an antenna 1 b.
a first communication unit which transmits said first identifier and said product related data to said memory medium,
a first display unit which displays a first process ending data received from said memory medium, wherein said first process ending data indicates an end of data processing in said memory medium,
a first data processing unit which transmits said first identifier, said product related data and a first key data received from said memory medium to said management server, and
said memory medium comprises:
a second communication unit which transmits said first process ending data and said first key data corresponding to said second identifier previously stored in said second memory unit,
a third memory unit which compares a first set of said first identifier and said first key data received from said data processing terminal with a plurality of second sets of a third identifier and a second key data corresponding to said third identifier for a plurality of products, and stores said product related data when said one of said second sets is the same as said first set, said plurality of second sets is stored in said third memory unit previously, and
2. The product lifecycle data management system according to claim 1, wherein said first display unit displays a process uncompleted data from when displaying said first process ending data received from said memory medium to when transmitting said first identifier, said product related data and said first key data to said management server, said process uncompleted data indicates that said transmitting of the data to said management server is uncompleted.
3. The product lifecycle data management system according to claim 1, wherein said first key data is set for each of data items of a data table stored in said first memory medium.
4. The product lifecycle data management system according to claim 1, wherein said memory medium is an RFID tag including an IC chip and an antenna.
a first data processing unit which generates a transmission request indicating a request for transmitting a second identifier stored in said memory medium,
a first communication unit which transmits said transmission request to said memory medium,
said first data processing unit compares said first identifier with said second identifier received from said memory medium,
said first communication unit transmits said product related data to said memory medium when said first identifier is the same as said second identifier,
said first data processing unit transmits said first identifier, said product related data and a first key data received from said memory medium to said management server, and
said second communication unit transmits said first process ending data and said first key data corresponding to said second identifier previously stored,
6. The product lifecycle data management system according to claim 5, wherein said first display unit displays a process uncompleted data from when displaying said first process ending data received from said memory medium to when transmitting said first identifier, said product related data and said first key data are transmitted to said management server, said process uncompleted data indicates that said transmitting of the data to said management server is uncompleted.
7. The product lifecycle data management system according to claim 5, wherein said first key data is set for each of data items of a data table stored in said first memory medium.
8. The product lifecycle data management system according to claim 5, wherein said memory medium is an RFID tag including an IC chip and an antenna.
(c) transmitting said first identifier and said product related data to a memory medium by said data processing terminal;
(d) comparing said first identifier with a second identifier stored previously in said memory medium by said memory medium;
(e) storing said product related data when said first identifier is the same as said second identifier by said memory medium;
(f) transmitting a first process ending data and a first key data corresponding to said second identifier previously stored in said memory medium by said memory medium, wherein said first process ending data indicates an end of data processing in said memory medium;
(h) transmitting said first identifier, said product related data and said first key data to a management server by said data processing terminal;
(i) comparing a first set of said first identifier and said first key data with a plurality of second sets of a third identifier and a second key data corresponding to said third identifier for a plurality of products by said management server, wherein said plurality of second sets is previously stored in said management server;
(h1) displaying a process uncompleted data on said first display unit by said data processing terminal until transmitting said first identifier, said product related data and said first key data to said management server, said process uncompleted data indicates that said transmitting of the data to said management server is uncompleted.
(c) transmitting a transmission request to a memory medium by said data processing terminal, said transmission request indicating a request for transmitting a second identifier stored in said memory medium;
(d) transmitting said second identifier to said data processing terminal in response to said transmission request by said memory medium;
(f) transmitting said product related data to said memory medium when said first identifier is the same as said second identifier by said data processing terminal;
(g) storing said product related data by said memory medium;
(h) transmitting a first process ending data and a first key data corresponding to said second identifier previously stored by said memory medium, wherein said first process ending data indicates an end of data processing in said memory medium;
(j) transmitting said first identifier, said product related data and said first key data to said management server by said data processing terminal;
(k) comparing a first set of said first identifier and said first key data with a plurality of second sets of a third identifier and a second key data corresponding to said third identifier for a plurality of products by said management server, wherein said plurality of second sets is previously stored in said memory medium;
(j1) displaying a process uncompleted data on said first display unit by said data processing terminal until transmitting said first identifier, said product related data and said first key data to said management server, said process uncompleted data indicates that said transmitting of the data to said management server is uncompleted.
(d) receiving a first process ending data and a first key data corresponding to a second identifier from said memory medium by said data processing terminal, after said product related data is stored in said memory medium in case that said first identifier is the same as said second identifier, wherein said second identifier is stored in said memory medium, and said first process ending data indicates an end of data processing in said memory medium;
(f) transmitting said first identifier, said product related data and said first key data to a management server by said data processing terminal;
(g) receiving a second process ending data from said management server by said data processing terminal, after said product related data is stored in said management server in case that a first set of said first identifier and said first key data is the same as one of a plurality of second sets of a third identifier and a second key data corresponding to said third identifier for a plurality of products, wherein said plurality of second sets is previously stored in said management server, and said second process ending data indicates an end of data processing in said management server; and
(f1) displaying a process uncompleted data on said first display unit by said data processing terminal until transmitting said first identifier, said product related data and said first key data to said management server, said process uncompleted data indicates that said transmitting of the data to said management server is uncompleted.
(d) receiving said second identifier previously stored in said memory medium from said memory medium by said data processing terminal;
(g) receiving a first process ending data and a first key data corresponding to said second identifier from said memory medium by said data processing terminal, after said memory medium stores said product related data, wherein said first key data is previously stored in said memory medium, and said first process ending data indicates an end of data processing in said memory medium;
(i) transmitting said first identifier, said product related data and said first key data to said management server by said data processing terminal;
(j) receiving a second process ending data from said management server by said data processing terminal, after said product related data is stored in said management server in case that a first set of said first identifier and said first key data is the same as one of a plurality of second sets of a third identifier and a second key data corresponding to said third identifier for a plurality of products, wherein said plurality of second sets is previously stored in said management server, and said second process ending data indicates an end of data processing in said management server; and
(i1) displaying a process uncompleted data on said first display unit by said data processing terminal until transmitting said first identifier, said product related data and said first key data to said management server, said process uncompleted data indicates that said transmitting of the data to said management server is uncompleted.
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