Patent Description:
In addition, the invention also relates to a data-transmission system.

A monitoring solution utilizing dynamic QR code, more generally dynamic code, is known from international patent-application publication <CIT>. In it, when the state of the object being monitored changes, the QR code is also updated to correspond to the state. In other words, the state data of the object can be contained in the QR code contained in the URL address of the server. The QR code can be read, for example, using the camera of a mobile device and a QR-code reader application, in an as such known manner. On the basis of the reading, a service request is sent to the server identified by the QR code and the object's state data, measurement data, contained in the QR code is also transmitted there using the same service request.

In addition, a second solution of the type referred to above is also known from US patent-application publication <CIT>. This discloses the transportation of data embedded in a URL address, with the aid of dynamic QR code, to be utilized in medical devices.

The aforementioned measurement solutions, in which QR code is also utilized, are very manufacturer-specific. This limits and even rigidizes the application possibilities relating to them.

The design and implementation, from the very start, of a measurement system equipped with QR code involves a comparatively great expense. The threshold to the implementation of such, especially in the case of a very limited and/or simple application, then becomes insuperable. In other words, the scalability of the implementation is then poor.

On the other hand, the known solutions also leave much to be desired in the controllability of many devices. The implementation of their user interfaces can also create its own comparatively large investment. As a result, the user interfaces become very simplified. On the other hand, there can nevertheless be numerous settings in the devices, which it would be possible to change. Changing settings through a simplified user interface in order to control diverse functions of the device can become a very complex procedure and thus demand that the user learns a great deal. The potential for errors also increases if an attempt is made to change the device's numerous settings through a very simplified user interface.

Prior art reference is made to US-patent application publication number <CIT>.

The present invention is intended to create an electronic device and system with improved scalability. The characteristic features of the electronic device and system according to the invention are stated in the accompanying Claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

Owing to the invention, it becomes possible, for example, to build around an electronic device an ecosystem for different sensor manufacturers. An electronic device, which is equipped with an output device for machine-readable code, can in the invention then be used as a user interface to an external device. In other words, data transmission with an external device and/or an object connected to it, can be performed through the electronic device.

Owing to the invention, it becomes also possible to offer a data transmission service for external devices that are, for example, less demanding in their basic properties and/or user interfaces. The control / functions of an external device can then be diversified using a simple data-transmission interface made possible by the electronic device. In addition, owing to the invention it is possible to offer even a two-way data-transmission link to an external device. The functions and properties relating to that then become even more diverse than before, because owing to it the transmission of data, for example from the server system to an external device and/or object also becomes possible. Thanks to this property, data collected from an external device can, for example, be retrieved from a cloud-service's interface. In addition, for example, it becomes possible to program a new setting inside an external device from any web window at all, and even more generally, to transfer data. Other characteristic features of the invention are apparent from the accompanying Claims and additional advantages gained are itemized in the description portion.

In the following, the invention, which is not restricted to the embodiments described in the following, is described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which.

<FIG> shows a simplified schematic diagram of an example of the data-transmission system <NUM>. The basic components of the system <NUM> include a server arrangement <NUM> and one or more electronic devices <NUM> arranged or to be arranged in one or more objects <NUM>, <NUM>.

The object <NUM>, <NUM> can be an object <NUM> to be monitored and/or an object <NUM> to be controlled. The objects <NUM>, <NUM> can be stationary or moving. In this context, the object <NUM> to be monitored can refer to, for example, an object from which one or more variables are measured. Owing to the measurement the monitoring of the object <NUM> is thus performed. One individual example of a stationary monitored object <NUM> is a building, in which, for example, moisture and/or temperature is measured and stored. An individual example of a moving monitored object <NUM> is refrigerated transport and the transport units involved. In it, the temperature of the transport and even the individual product packages involved can be measured and stored through the entire cold chain.

Controllable objects <NUM> are in turn characterized by having settings, which can be changed. Changing the settings can take place, for example, when starting up the object <NUM> and/or also during its life cycle. In addition, a monitored object <NUM> can also be controllable. In this, for example, the operation of the object, or even only the measurement settings relating to its monitoring can be changed. Thus the applications made possible by the invention can be very diverse. Thus the data-transmission system <NUM> can be said to be, for example, for monitoring and/or controlling the object <NUM>, <NUM>. More generally, however, one can speak of the data transmission between the object <NUM>, <NUM> and the server arrangement <NUM>, which the monitoring and even control of the object <NUM>, <NUM> represent.

<FIG> shows the electronic device <NUM> in greater detail only in respect to the output device <NUM>. The output device <NUM> is intended to present machine-readable code <NUM> containing data <NUM> to be read using the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the output device <NUM> is arranged to act as a data <NUM> output means to offer it from the electronic device <NUM> to the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> for reading. Instead of code, one can also speak of a machine-readable graphic identifier. In the code <NUM> is to be arranged, in an encoded form, for example, data relating to the object <NUM>, <NUM>, which is available to the electronic device <NUM> in a manner to be described slightly later. In addition, the code <NUM> can also contain information as to where the data <NUM> encoded in the code <NUM> is to be sent after reading. In other words, for example, the internet address <NUM> (<FIG>) of the server arrangement <NUM>.

The output device <NUM> is a readable device, a display, on which, for example, readable code <NUM>, which is preferably visible optical code <NUM>, can be displayed. One example of the code <NUM> can be QR (Quick Response) code <NUM>. The code <NUM> can have the property of being quickly decoded and read. In addition, the code <NUM> is preferably processed by as such known consumer models of reader devices, without its reading requiring a special device arranged and tailored to read the code <NUM> in question. The code <NUM> can be mainly continuously visible of the output device <NUM>. On the other hand, it can also be made visible on the output device <NUM> on the basis of a set criterion. Some examples of these are an excitation according to a set criterion addressed to the electronic device <NUM>, position data of the electronic device <NUM> according to a set criterion, and/or still some other, for example, time-based criterion, which can be, for example, able to be set by the user/maintainer of the system <NUM>.

The excitation for showing the code <NUM> can be, for example, the pressing of a button in the output device <NUM>, or a signal detected by the output device <NUM> and identified as an excitation, such as, for example, a light or sound signal. The excitation can be given by, for example, the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. The excitation can be generated, for example, by the server arrangement <NUM>. The excitation can then be transmitted to the output device <NUM>, for example, through the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. One can speak more generally also of the remote control of the output device <NUM>, more generally of the electronic device <NUM>, and/or of an external device <NUM> connected to transmit data in a manner described in greater detail slightly later in the application, through the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> by the server arrangement <NUM>.

The output device <NUM>, <NUM>' can be of a type for which different states exist in the case of its power consumption. As one of these states, the output device <NUM>, <NUM>' can be a passive state in power consumption (for example, "sleep mode"). In the passive state, the output device <NUM>, <NUM>' is arranged to be zero-current, i.e. it does not then essentially consume power. In addition, the output device <NUM>, <NUM>' is arranged, or more generally can be arranged to show in the zero-current passive state the code <NUM> to be read by the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. The output device <NUM>, <NUM>' can then be said to consume power only when the code <NUM> is being updated. The output device <NUM>, <NUM>' can then also be said to be low-power. In addition, it can be implemented as self-powered. The updating of the output device <NUM>, <NUM>' can also be stopped. This can be done for a specific period when it is known that code <NUM> will not be read. This can be, for example, a manually set period of time. This can also be, for example, a conforming power-saving state based on a photo-sensor <NUM> (<FIG>) belonging to the electronic device <NUM>. Then, when, for example, it is pitch dark, the output device <NUM>, <NUM>' is not updated. Further in addition, the criterion can also be based on temperature and/or vibration.

When the code <NUM> is to be displayed by the output device <NUM>, <NUM>' it can be, for example, set in a suitable manner described above. The output device <NUM>, <NUM>' displaying the code <NUM> in a passive state is also advantageous in terms of the usability of the system <NUM>. The code <NUM> can then always be read when desired, without separate operations to bring it up. This property substantially accelerates the reading of the monitoring objects <NUM>, <NUM>.

Some examples of output devices <NUM> are display means based on electric-paper-display technology, which are generally known, for example, as e-Ink- or e-Paper displays. One commercial example is the Good Display GDEW0154T8. The output device can also be some one-off output device <NUM>' (<FIG>) or also, for example, a pulse display. Thus the output device <NUM>, <NUM>' can be dynamic or static.

It is possible in the system <NUM> to use one or more reader device <NUM>, <NUM> to read the code <NUM> containing data <NUM> from the output device <NUM> and which are thus arranged with the data transmission of the server arrangement <NUM>. In addition, at least some of the reader devices <NUM>, <NUM> can be also arranged to be in two-way data transmission with the server arrangement <NUM>. The reader device can be, for example, a humanly operated reader device <NUM>, for example, a portable mobile device with a camera, a "smart phone", a tablet device, or also, for example, AR or VR (Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality) glasses. In the reader device <NUM>, there are functions <NUM> for reading optical and graphical code <NUM> (for example, a camera, which is harnessed as a QR-code <NUM> reader and a property for processing QR-code for transmission / a service request) and/or it can produce an excitation for the output device <NUM>. The function <NUM> can decode visual QR code <NUM> as data and in addition preferably send it to the internet address <NUM> (<FIG>) contained in the QR code <NUM>.

The reader device <NUM> can also be automatic. It can be implemented using a camera connected to a data-transmission network and thus equipped with data-transmission means, which reads like a mobile device the optical code <NUM> acting as code <NUM> and/or is able to produce an excitation for the output device <NUM>. The reader device <NUM>, such as, for example, precisely a mobile device, can then monitor, for example, monitoring objects travelling on a conveyor belt, which it reads automatically as they move past the reader device <NUM>.

The server arrangement <NUM> belonging to the system <NUM> is, for example, for processing and/or storing data <NUM> obtained through the reading of the code <NUM> from the electronic device <NUM>,. The server arrangement <NUM> can form a cloud system or service, which includes at least one server computer. The reader device <NUM>, <NUM> transmits data <NUM> from the electronic device <NUM> to the server arrangement <NUM> as a result of reading the code <NUM>. The server arrangement <NUM> then stores and processes the data <NUM> and also sends it forward if necessary, such as, for example, back to the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. The reader device <NUM>, <NUM> and the server arrangement <NUM> can be linked to each other, such as, for example, through a wireless data-transmission network, such as a mobile network.

<FIG> shows schematically a simplified diagram of one example of the functions belonging to the electronic device <NUM>. As already stated above, the electronic device <NUM> includes an output device <NUM>, i.e. a display. For it is formed code <NUM>, i.e. now optical QR code <NUM>, acting as data-transmission code, which is then shown visually on the output device <NUM>. The display can formed at least partly of, such as, for example, an LCD display, as described hereinafter in the application, or as already stated above, a display that does not require electricity to keep patterns drawn on the display. Examples of such a display technology are displays based on electric-paper-display technologies (EPD), such as, for example, an e-Ink or e-Paper display. A single-use display, in which a pattern is drawn only once, can also act as the display technology. The drawing can of course take place in one or more stages, for example, in different areas of the display. <FIG> describe this embodiment is slightly more detail. The electronic device <NUM> can also be termed, in the context of the invention a tag, particularly a QR tag.

The electronic device <NUM> also includes, in addition to the output device <NUM>, memory <NUM> for storing data <NUM>, and processor means <NUM>. The processor means <NUM> can be, for example, for processing the data <NUM>. Data <NUM> can be stored and collected in the memory <NUM> in a set manner. From the data <NUM> stored in the memory <NUM> code <NUM>, i.e. now QR code <NUM> for display on the output device <NUM>, is formed, for example, by the processor means <NUM>.

The processor means <NUM> can also be to possibly encrypt the data <NUM> (for example, before forming the QR code <NUM>).

The processor means <NUM> for processing the data <NUM> for the output device <NUM> and also for possibly encrypting the data <NUM> includes at least one processor <NUM>'. It takes care of reading and receiving the data <NUM> from an external device <NUM> to be described in greater detail later in the application, of storing the data <NUM>, of its possible encryption, and in addition of forming the code <NUM>, an identifier code, used in optical data transmission on the basis of preferably encrypted data <NUM> intended to be transferred. The processor <NUM> can be, for example, on a processor card <NUM> and can contain the memory <NUM> needed for processing. The memory <NUM> needed to store the data <NUM> and the code <NUM> formed from it can be a separate memory or built into the processor circuit. In addition to the output device <NUM>, the memory <NUM> too can be low-power. Examples of a processor circuit with such a low-power processor <NUM> are Texas Instruments' MSP440 series or the ARM Cortex M0 + processor <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, the memory <NUM> can be, for example, non-volatile memory. One example of this is FRAM-type (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) memory. Here the term non-volatile refers to the memory not requiring to be continually refreshed to retain data in the memory <NUM>, which helps to make it precisely low-power. The abbreviations F-RAM or FeRAM are widely used for other known FRAM-type memories, depending on their supplier. The memory can also be some other low-power memory only being developed that follows the same operating principle as known FRAM-type memory. These are characterized by the content of the memory being able to be changed using a relatively low power, compared, for example, to FLASH memories, which also helps to make the memory low-power. Resistive RAM-type memory (RRAM or ReRAM) is another example of a suitable low-power memory in place of a FRAM-type memory. Instead of a non-volatile memory other memories too can be used, which take only a little power for storing and/or maintaining memory, but which are nevertheless arranged to last for a reasonable period of use, such as, for example <NUM> - <NUM> years.

The processor means <NUM> too can be equipped with a power-saving property. According to one embodiment, it can have, for example, low-power modes (LPM), which, with the aid of interruptions, can switch off the processor when it is not required. It then consumes very little power, if any at all. FRAM-type memory has an operating voltage of, for example, <NUM> - <NUM> volts, particularly <NUM> - <NUM> volts, but clearly less than <NUM> volts, which is a typical voltage requirement of, for example, FLASH memory.

The electronic device <NUM> can also include a separate display controller <NUM>, which controls the display, for example, on the basis of information obtained from the processor <NUM>'. The display controller <NUM> can also be built into the processor circuit or into the display panel. The display controller <NUM> can also comprise processor means <NUM> for processing data <NUM>. At its simplest, the data <NUM> processing is then the formation of QR-code <NUM> for the output device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> can then in practice be even only an output device <NUM>, without more particular processing capacity.

The electronic device <NUM> also includes means <NUM> for providing operating power. According to one embodiment, the means <NUM> can be, for example, a power supply <NUM>. When necessary, the components and means belonging to the electronic device <NUM> get their operating electricity from the power supply <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> can be, for example, a battery <NUM>, an energy harvester <NUM>, which can generate energy, for example, electromagnetic waves, vibration, light, or heat. Preferably, however, the power supply <NUM> is a local self-powered power supply. The electronic device <NUM> and possibly also the object <NUM>, <NUM> can then be without a fixed mains-current supply for most of the operating time. The power supply <NUM> can be dimensioned to last for the duration of the measurement or the lifetime of the electronic device <NUM>, for example, <NUM> - <NUM> years. The time taken to fill the memory <NUM> can also be used as a possible criterion for the duration of the measurement or the lifetime of the electronic device <NUM>. On the other hand, the power supply <NUM> can also be replaceable. Further in addition, a super capacitor SC or other similar charger (<FIG>), for example, can also belong to the means <NUM> for providing operating power. If such is sufficiently large and slowly self-discharging it can even act as the only power supply, for example, in some application of short duration.

<FIG> shows a simplified schematic diagram of a second example of the electronic device <NUM> as a block diagram and <FIG> one example of the electronics belonging to the electronic device <NUM>. In both figures the main components of the electronic device <NUM> are numbered with the reference numbering described above. <FIG> itemizes a battery <NUM> fitted to a circuit card <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>', a possible built-in temperature sensor <NUM>'', and programming pins and pins <NUM>' for possible external connections with contacts. The output device <NUM> has a ribbon connection <NUM> to the card. In the electronic device <NUM>, the output device <NUM> is folded from the ribbon connector <NUM> to the rear of the circuit card <NUM>.

In addition, the electronic device <NUM> also includes a data-transmission interface <NUM> for arranging a data-transmission link <NUM> with one or more external devices <NUM>. The data-transmission interface <NUM> and the data-transmission link <NUM> arranged through it are arranged to adapt the electronic device <NUM> to act as an user-interface to the external device <NUM>. Thus the electronic device <NUM> could equally well be termed a user-interface device.

In a case according to a first embodiment, the data-transmission interface <NUM> can also be regarded as a means <NUM> for collecting measurement data <NUM>' for the electronic device <NUM>. Thus the measurement data <NUM>' is one example of the data <NUM>. The measurement data <NUM>' is collected and then transferred to the electronic device <NUM> from the external device <NUM>, by which, according to one embodiment, it can be measured and thus created. Instead of, or in addition to the measurement data <NUM>', the electronic device <NUM> can read from the external device <NUM> not only measurement data but also, for example, alarms. This can be a question of, for example, the status of the alarm register of the external device <NUM>. Information as to whether there are/are not alarms, and the reason for the alarm can be different examples of "measurable" data.

According to one embodiment, the data-transmission interface <NUM> can be wireless. It can then include an antenna structure <NUM> comprising one or more antennae <NUM> for forming a wireless data-transmission link <NUM>. In addition, the data-transmission interface <NUM> can include at least one controller <NUM> arranged preferably for the wireless data-transmission link <NUM> with the external device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is arranged at least to receive and process data <NUM> received from one or more external devices <NUM> through the antenna structure <NUM>. The data-transmission interface <NUM> can then be said to form, for example, a wireless sensor connection. The controller <NUM> is connected to the processor <NUM> over a data bus <NUM>. If the processor <NUM> has such properties that it directly supports wireless data transmission itself, then the controller <NUM> is not necessary. The processor <NUM> in turn processes data <NUM> particularly for display on the output device <NUM>. Thus the electronic device's <NUM> output device <NUM> is intended for the reading, taking place using the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> of the code <NUM> of the machine-readable code <NUM> containing data <NUM> created and/or received from the external device <NUM>.

<FIG> show roughly on a schematic level some example of different implementation possibilities of the external device <NUM>. In terms of the invention, the external device <NUM> can be implemented in several different ways. In the context of the invention, the term external device <NUM> refers to an external device physically outside the electronic device <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the external device <NUM> can for its part include one or several formation means <NUM> for forming measurement data <NUM>'. In addition, the external device <NUM> can further also include possible processor means <NUM>. The processor means <NUM> are, for example, for processing the measurement data <NUM>' formed by the formation means <NUM> and forwarding it to the electronic device <NUM>. As explained hereinafter in the application, the processor means <NUM> can further also act in addition to, or instead of sending the measurement data <NUM>' to the electronic device <NUM> in connection with reverse-direction data transmission relative to transmission. It is then possible to perform, for example, control of the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>. Parts <NUM> and <NUM> together with their possible memories <NUM> can also be termed a data-collection device or a data-logger. Thus the formation means <NUM> can form measurement data <NUM>' in a set manner continuously to monitoring the monitoring object <NUM> over a longer period of time, for example, in a logistics chain and collect the measurement data <NUM>' in the external device's <NUM> memory <NUM>.

The external device's <NUM> formation means <NUM> can be anything at all that produces data <NUM>, such as, for example, one or more sensors <NUM> that produce measurement data <NUM>', such as, for example, temperature, pressure, or moisture values. <FIG> shows an example of this. Some examples of sensors <NUM> are Si7055 (Silicon Labs) for temperature and BMA400 (Bosch Sen-sortec) for acceleration. In this the external device <NUM> is sensoring equipped with wireless data-transmission means <NUM>. The wireless data-transmission means <NUM> now include an antenna <NUM> and a controller circuit <NUM> connected to the antenna <NUM> for wireless data transmission. The controller circuit <NUM> is in turn connected directly to a possible processor <NUM> or even directly to the sensor <NUM> itself. One application of <FIG> can be, for example, monitored objects <NUM> without intelligence or functions. One examples is transport units. The external device <NUM> can then be, for example, attached to the transport package.

On the other hand, the formation means <NUM> can still be also a separate data source <NUM> relative to the external device <NUM>, such as, for example, a link to another device, more generally to the monitoring object <NUM>, such as, for example, an application device <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example of this. There is then an interface <NUM> between the application device <NUM> and the external device <NUM> to connect them to each other. The formation means <NUM> can also be, for example, a data converter <NUM> arranged in the external device <NUM>. It can, for example, listen to an external data source and convert the data <NUM> to be compatible with its processor means <NUM>. A mathematical algorithm can also be understood to be a formation means. It can be used to form more refined measurement data from the raw data produced by the sensor data already in connection with the external device <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> of <FIG> is replaced with a link to an application device <NUM>. Thus the measurement data <NUM>' comes from an external application device <NUM> instead of from a sensor <NUM> fitted to the external device <NUM>. One example of an application device <NUM> can be an electric heater. The external device <NUM> is then arranged in connection with the electric heater, in which there can be its own measurement and control means for controlling its operation. The external device <NUM> can then collect, for example, measurement data <NUM>' relating to heating. Control of the heating can also be possible, i.e. data transmission in the opposite direction relative to the retrieving of measurement data from the device <NUM> / object <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a third embodiment example. In it the application device <NUM> itself acts as an external device <NUM> relative to the electronic device <NUM>. here wireless data-transmission means <NUM> are integrated in the application device <NUM> as are, in addition, also possible sensor means for forming measurement data <NUM>', if the object is also a monitoring object <NUM>. Thus here there is no need at all for a separate external module intended for data transmission between the application device <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>, as, for example, it was in <FIG>, instead it is found in the application device <NUM> itself. On the other hand, sensoring <NUM> too and the associated processor and memory can be in the application device <NUM> itself. There is then an interface <NUM> between the application device <NUM> and the data-transmission means <NUM> acting as the external device <NUM> to connect them to each other. Thus in terms of the invention the data formation element <NUM> can take very many different forms.

In the case of the above <FIG>, the question was of monitoring objects <NUM>, related to which measurements were performed, thus creating measurement data <NUM>'. However, the question could equally also be of control objects <NUM>. The control of the objects <NUM> can be performed on objects <NUM> with or without the formation of measurement data <NUM>'. In the case of control of objects <NUM>, data transmission takes place mainly from the electronic device <NUM> to an external device <NUM>, which is controlled or through which control is performed on the application device <NUM>, i.e. the control object <NUM>. The control can be, for example, using the electronic device <NUM> to set/change the settings of the external device <NUM> and/or an object <NUM> arranged in connection with it. In addition, control can, in the context of the invention, at its simplest be even only the transmission of data to the external device <NUM>. The application relating to control will be returned to in greater detail later in the description.

<FIG> show a simplified schematic diagram of one way to arrange the connection of the electronic device <NUM> and the external device <NUM> to each other with a quick-release connector. In <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> is shown from its rear side, i.e. the output device <NUM> and the QR code <NUM> are on its opposite side.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> includes, in addition, quick-release means <NUM> for connecting one or more external devices <NUM> for arranging a data-transmission link <NUM> with the electronic device <NUM>.

The quick-release means <NUM> are now arranged in connection with the electronic device's <NUM> antenna structure <NUM>. The quick-release means <NUM> can include, for example, an adhesive surface <NUM> fitted to the electronic device <NUM>, arranged, for example, on the rear side of the electronic device <NUM>. The adhesive surface <NUM> can also be, for example, a self-adhesive strip <NUM> in the external device <NUM>, which includes the interface part of a sensor <NUM>, i.e. the external device <NUM>, i.e. now the antenna <NUM>. In the electronic device <NUM> there are, in turn, reception parts <NUM>.

The wireless data-transmission interface <NUM> can be implemented using an inductive and/or capacitive connection. The data-transmission interface <NUM> may have been arranged, for example in the case of inductive connection, to feed power to the external device <NUM> or also the other way round. Thus, at its simplest, the external device <NUM> does not need its own power supply at all. For example, when performing continuous measurements the external device <NUM> can, however, be equipped with a self-powered power supply.

If the data-transmission interface <NUM> is implemented by inductive connection, the controller <NUM> can preferably be an NFC controller <NUM>' (data-transmission frequency, e.g. <NUM>). Its range can be, for example, a few centimetres.

<FIG> shows a simplified diagram of one embodiment of the devices <NUM>, <NUM> implementing the invention, as a schematic block diagram. According to one embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> can be equipped with a Maxim circuit MAX66300 and the external device with a Maxim circuit MAX66242, which connects a wireless NFC/RFID interface with I<NUM>C interface. These can also be used to transfer power over the link <NUM>. In this way an ecosystem can be created, in which different sensor manufacturers bring their own sensors <NUM> to be connected to the electronic device <NUM> by a connector according to set specifications, for example, by a quick connector. Being self-powered it can push data to the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a simplified diagram of another embodiment of the devices <NUM>, <NUM> implementing the invention, as a schematic block diagram. Now the main components in the external device <NUM> are a microcontroller <NUM> and memory <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> acts as a sensor and makes the actual measurement. In addition it may also prepare the measurement result and place it in its EEPROM memory <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> then reads the final result from the memory <NUM>. Data can travel in both directions between the electronic device <NUM> and the external device <NUM>. In addition, the electronic device <NUM> can form an energy field to energize the external device <NUM>. The external device's <NUM> functional part (reference numbers <NUM>, SC) in turn transmits energy to the microcontroller <NUM> (energy harvesting). In addition, it can further have a functionality <NUM> that excites the microcontroller <NUM> only when excitation is received through the data-transmission link <NUM> (field detection). Measurement can then be performed only in connection with excitation. Data transmission between the functional part and the microcontroller <NUM> can also be two-way. Data transmission can be arranged by the I<NUM>C-protocol or some similar data bus.

Above the invention has been largely described as a wireless embodiment, i.e. as contactless between the electronic device <NUM> and the external device <NUM>. Equally, contact between those parts can also be galvanic, i.e. solid, optical, or even acoustic.

Above, the electronic device <NUM>, external device <NUM>, and data-transmission system <NUM> according to the invention are largely described as an embodiment in which the electronic device <NUM> acts as a master and the external device <NUM> / object <NUM>, <NUM> as a slave to it. This can also be the other way round. the external device <NUM> can equally act as a master to the electronic device <NUM>. Also in such an embodiment, for example, the super capacitor SC or other similar charger can act as the power supply when the electronic device <NUM> is used, for example, as a user interface for the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM>. This is particularly the case when the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> is itself in a fixed power-supply circuit. Then the external device, such as, for example, an electric radiator or frequency converter can generate only a carrier wave using its own antenna <NUM> or one of an external device <NUM> connected to it, and through it charge the electronic device's <NUM> super capacitor SC or some similar charger. Here therefore the controller <NUM> of the electronic device's <NUM> data-transmission interface <NUM> acts for a power-forming purpose. In other words, the data-transmission interface <NUM> is then arranged to receive power from the external device <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM>. Thus the electronic device <NUM> does not necessarily need an other power supply at all, it can operate "eternally" and its price can be very cheap compared, for example, to a battery version.

The super capacitor or other similar power charger can also even be optional. Especially if power is only needed to update the machine-readable code <NUM> on the output device <NUM>. Once it is updated power is scarcely needed for anything else on the electronic device <NUM>, if its task is, for example, only to show the code <NUM> to the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic example of the output device <NUM> and the code <NUM> shown on it. On the output device <NUM>, a dynamic visual graphic element is shown as code <NUM>, for example, QR code <NUM>. The QR code <NUM>, or more generally the code <NUM> can be visible continuously or it can be displayed only when necessary or when requested. In addition, the output device <NUM> can be used to show, for example, a momentary measurement value <NUM> relating to the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM>, which can be updated at intervals, if the electronic device <NUM> is statically connected to the external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM>. The data <NUM> and measurement data <NUM>' can be, for example, temperature, moisture, acceleration, carbon dioxide, some electrical variable, or any other measurable variable whatever, or also the minimum, maximum, mean, or other historically-based value of a measurable variable, or the result calculated from a measurable variable. The data <NUM> can also be shown in clear text without QR code <NUM>. Reading taking place, for example, using the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> need not then be performed in every situation, such as, for example, to check only the status of the object <NUM>, <NUM> or its momentary state data. This makes the system very flexible and user-friendly. Through QR code <NUM>, it is in turn then easy to transmit to the server arrangement <NUM> and determine, for example, the history data relating to the object <NUM>, <NUM>, which can also be more refined.

In addition, for example, a visible warning sign <NUM> can be shown on the output device <NUM>, the appearance of which can be programmed, for example, on the electronic device <NUM> and/or the external device <NUM>. The warning sign can be shown, for example, if the temperature or sum of the exceeding of the temperature exceeds a predefined limit value.

According to one embodiment, receiver means <NUM>' are arranged in connection with the electronic device <NUM>, arranged, for example, to detect a request forwarded by the reader device <NUM> to retrieve, for example, measurement data <NUM>' from the electronic device <NUM> and/or from an external device and/or from the object <NUM> through the electronic device <NUM>. Equally the same receiver means <NUM>' can be used, for example, to set or change settings on the electronic device <NUM> and/or the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>. More generally, it can be stated that receiver means <NUM>' are arranged in connection with the electronic device <NUM> to perform control and/or monitoring of the electronic device <NUM> and more particularly the external device <NUM> or the object <NUM> itself, i.e., for example, an application device <NUM> connected to it by the server arrangement <NUM> through the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>. More generally, one can speak only of data transmission from the electronic device <NUM> to the external device <NUM> / object <NUM>, <NUM>. For the receiver means <NUM>' there can be, for example, an opening in the body of the output device <NUM>, behind which can be found the sensor <NUM> necessary to excite the output device <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can be, for example, a microphone or photo-sensor, or magnetometer, when it can be deeper in, by which the reader device <NUM>, such as, for example, a smart phone, can communicate, now particularly control, the output device <NUM> and thus also the electronic device <NUM>. Thus the phone is able, for example, to inform the output device <NUM> of a need to update the code <NUM> or to display the next code <NUM> in sequence. In addition, it is possible, for example, also to set the settings of the electronic device <NUM> and more particularly the external device <NUM> or of the monitoring object <NUM> itself, i.e. of an application device <NUM> possibly connected to the external device <NUM> or to transmit data to the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM>. To these embodiments will be returned slightly later in the description, at a suitable place for them. In the case of the photo-sensor <NUM> it can be in its commercial implementation, for example, a Lite-On LTR-408ALS-<NUM>. The receiver means <NUM>' can also be an NFC communication module. The data transmission from the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM> can then take place over an NFC link.

<FIG> shows the operation of the system <NUM> according to the invention as a flow diagram in stages between the electronic device <NUM> and the server arrangement <NUM>, when it is wished to transfer measurement data <NUM> from a monitoring object <NUM> to the server arrangement <NUM>. As stage <NUM>, check whether visual visible code <NUM>, intended to be shown on the output device <NUM>, in which data obtained from the external device <NUM> and/or the monitoring object <NUM> is embedded, is to be read by the reader device <NUM>. If it is not to be read, i.e. it is not, for example, visible, its excitation stages <NUM> - <NUM> are performed. As stage <NUM> is checked whether automatic excitation is possible. If it is possible, then as stage <NUM> an excitation is sent by the reader device <NUM> to the output device <NUM>, resulting, as stage <NUM> it displays the readable code <NUM>. If automatic excitation is not possible in stage <NUM>, then as stage <NUM> a person makes the excitation, for example, by pressing a button in the output device <NUM>. Again as a result, as stage <NUM> the output device <NUM> displays the code <NUM>.

If there has been code <NUM> to be read in stage <NUM> and also as a result of excitation procedure, as stage <NUM> the reader device <NUM> reads the code <NUM>. If the server arrangement <NUM> having received the code <NUM> read by the reader device <NUM> and on the basis of the data transmission performed on its basis notes, as stage <NUM>, that additional data is needed from the electronic device <NUM> and thus also from the external device <NUM>, in connection with the electronic device <NUM> is now, then a return is made to stage <NUM>.

As stage <NUM> data is sent by the reader device <NUM> to the server arrangement <NUM>. As stage <NUM> the server arrangement <NUM> and/or the reader device <NUM> can examine from the read and/or sent data whether additional data is needed, i.e. is it, for example, possibly lacking. This can be seen from the data itself or then from the special code in the data, which expresses a lack of data. If more data is needed, then a return is made to stage <NUM>.

For its part, <FIG> shows a sequence diagram of the parallel time segments between the electronic device <NUM> and the server arrangement <NUM> belonging to the system <NUM>. <FIG> shows the stages in the performance of one state-updating procedure. As stage <NUM> it is noted that there is optical QR code <NUM> visible all the time in the output device <NUM> to be readable using the camera of the reader device <NUM>. Thus the reader device <NUM> can read the QR code <NUM> at any time without a need to excite / inform the output device <NUM> of it beforehand. This in turn permits, for example, a zero-power passive state of the output device <NUM>, <NUM>', in which the code <NUM> can be displayed without essential power consumption.

As stage <NUM> the reader device <NUM>, such as, for example a mobile device, successfully reads the optical code <NUM>, such as, for example QR code <NUM>, which is displayed on the output device <NUM> and the data is transferred through it to the reader device <NUM>. The read data in the optical code <NUM> can be, for example, a web address <NUM> or other data. In the case of the web link <NUM> the measurement data <NUM>', concerning the monitoring object <NUM> and/or the external device <NUM>, to be sent to the server arrangement <NUM> is embedded, for example, in the web link <NUM> (<FIG>) contained in the QR code <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In a case in which there is no known web link <NUM> in the data contained in the QR code <NUM>, there can be code in the reader device <NUM> that processes and sends the data in a set manner.

As stage <NUM> the reader device <NUM> sends the data to the server arrangement <NUM> through a data-transmission network, such as, for example a mobile network. If the QR code <NUM> contains a normal web link <NUM>, when the user <NUM> once scans the QR code <NUM> and opens the web link <NUM> it defines, the data <NUM> decoded from the QR code <NUM> moves to the server arrangement <NUM> in the link <NUM> ("URL"), i.e. the call, automatically. The server arrangement <NUM> knows what electronic device <NUM> and/or external device <NUM> or object <NUM>, <NUM> related to it the user <NUM> scanned, because the identifier ID of the electronic device <NUM> and/or external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM> is also embedded in the read QR code <NUM> and thus also in the link decoded from it.

As stage <NUM> the server arrangement <NUM> receives, stores, and processes the data sent to it by the reader device <NUM>. If the data is encrypted, the server arrangement <NUM> also decodes the encryption. If the data is compressed, the server arrangement <NUM> also decompresses the data. The data read and sent by the reader device <NUM> is then stored in the server arrangement <NUM>. At the same time, the user <NUM> can be directed to an information page maintained by the server arrangement <NUM>, owing to the activation of the web link <NUM> contained in the QR code <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, data transmission between the server system <NUM> and at least the electronic device <NUM> is arranged to be two-way and to take place preferably through the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. Then data transmission between the server arrangement <NUM> and the reader device <NUM> and further between the reader device <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM> is also two-way. In addition, data transmission between the electronic device <NUM> and the external device <NUM> and thus also between the server arrangement <NUM> and the external device <NUM> can also be two-way. Data transmission between the server arrangement <NUM> and the external device <NUM> thus then takes place through the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>. For this the data-transmission interface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is arranged to form a two-way data-transmission link <NUM> between the electronic device <NUM> and at least one external device <NUM>. Several different advantages are gained by two-way data transmission between the server <NUM> and the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the external device <NUM> (and thus also the object <NUM>, <NUM>) can be controlled by the server arrangement <NUM> through the reader device <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>, controlling of which the invention also permits. For example, besides setting settings, data can also be transferred to an external device <NUM>.

In addition, the data sent to the server arrangement <NUM> can also contain, for example, header information as to whether the monitoring object <NUM> has still more data available than could be sent already in one QR code <NUM>. Thus the server arrangement <NUM> can decide whether there is a need to obtain more data from the electronic device <NUM> and the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, in connection of which the electronic device <NUM> is arranged. Thus the server arrangement <NUM> is arranged to detect a need to retrieve measurement data <NUM>' from the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM> according to the reader device's <NUM>, <NUM> code <NUM>, for example, from the previous transmission.

If the server arrangement <NUM> decides that all the necessary data has been already stored in the server arrangement <NUM>, more data is not needed. However, if it is decided that more data exists/is needed, the server arrangement <NUM> can send the reader device <NUM> a call to read additional data as a transmission-request response in the process <NUM>. The reader device <NUM> is then arranged to transmit a request from the server arrangement <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM> to retrieve measurement data <NUM>' from the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM>. The request to retrieve measurement data <NUM>' from the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> through the electronic device <NUM> is arranged to be formed and transmitted in response to the code <NUM> read already previously by the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> and the transmission i.e. handshaking made on its basis.

As stage <NUM> the reader device <NUM> receives a request formed and sent by the server system <NUM> to retrieve and read more data from the electronic device <NUM> and more particularly from its output device <NUM> or through it from the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM>. Preferably, however, all the data of the external device <NUM> / object is read at one time to the electronic device <NUM>, after which the link between them is no longer needed, at least to transmit measurement data <NUM>'. The reader device <NUM> receives the request and forms on its basis a set-type signal command to be transmitted to the electronic device <NUM>. If additional data is not needed the server arrangement <NUM> simply acknowledges that the data-transmission procedure has ended successfully.

As stage <NUM>, the reader device <NUM> sends the electronic device <NUM> a command, such as, for example a light signal, sound signal, or directs the reader device's <NUM> user <NUM> to press a set button in the reader or electronic device <NUM>, <NUM> to form a command and present it to the electronic device <NUM> and more particularly to its output device <NUM>. By the command, the reader device <NUM> thus requests the next or some of the data <NUM> of the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> requested by the server arrangement <NUM> from the electronic device <NUM>.

As stage <NUM> the electronic device's <NUM> output device <NUM> updates the optical code <NUM> with the next batch of data. Once the code <NUM> is updated, as stage <NUM> a return is made to stage <NUM>, in which the code <NUM> containing the next batch of data <NUM> can be read by the reader device <NUM> from the electronic device's <NUM> output device <NUM>. Stages <NUM> - <NUM> repeat, as above. This process can be continued as long as desired / as is necessary.

According to one embodiment, as stage <NUM> context data <NUM> relating to the object <NUM>, <NUM>, to be displayed by the data-formation means <NUM>' of the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>, is arranged to be transmitted to the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>, as part of the two-way data transmission. Of course it is possible to transmit the context data as far as even the external device <NUM> / object <NUM>, <NUM> through the electronic device <NUM>. The server arrangement <NUM> can display this data <NUM> to the user <NUM>, for example based on the user's <NUM> access rights level. According to one embodiment at least some of this context data <NUM> may have been formed on the basis of the code <NUM> read by the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> using the server arrangement <NUM> and of data processed from it. Thus as a result of the reading of the QR code <NUM> to the server arrangement <NUM> the data sent to and possibly processed there and/or data refined from it, more generally the context data <NUM> can, if necessary, be transmitted as stage <NUM> to the reader device <NUM> and, for example, displayed directly to the user <NUM> on the reader device's <NUM> display <NUM> in clear text, such as, for example as a web page (in html form). At its simplest, the data can also be, for example, an indication of an unbroken cold chain, if a logistics monitoring object requires this. On the basis of the data the products of the monitoring object can be either approved for use, if the cold chain has been preserved, or alternatively rejected / directed to further investigation, if the cold chain is shown to have broken. Generally the display <NUM> can be termed a data-formation means <NUM>'. Then at least some of the reader devices <NUM>, <NUM> can be equipped with data-formation means <NUM>'.

<FIG> shows an example of a low-power and thus also energyefficient encryption method to be possibly used in the invention, first in the encryption of data <NUM> in the left-hand block <NUM> of the figure using an encryption key <NUM> and then the decryption of the encryption in the right-hand block <NUM> by the server using an encryption key <NUM>. Thus the electronic device <NUM> is, according to one embodiment, arranged also to encrypt the measurement data <NUM>', which has been sent from the electronic device <NUM> to the server arrangement <NUM> as a result, i.e. on the basis of reading the QR code <NUM>.

Block <NUM> is performed in connection with the electronic device <NUM>. The encryption key <NUM> can be the size of the electronic device's <NUM> entire memory <NUM> and, for example, a single-use random number queue. The size of the memory <NUM> can be, for example, <NUM> Mb or even <NUM> Gb, when the length of the encryption key <NUM> will also be corresponding. The data <NUM> to be encrypted can be data to be stored / stored in the electronic device's <NUM> memory <NUM>, and can be, for example, temperature measurements of the object <NUM>, <NUM> performed by an external device <NUM>. The data <NUM> to be encrypted and the encryption key <NUM> are combined here using an XOR operation, when encrypted measurement data <NUM> is obtained. The encrypted measurement data <NUM> is also stored in the electronic device's <NUM> memory <NUM>. The encrypted measurement data <NUM> can replace the memory locations of the encryption key stored in the electronic device's <NUM> memory <NUM> as they are used. In other words, the encrypted measurement data <NUM> is then written on top of the single-use encryption keys <NUM> as the encryption key's characters are used. Thus the memory <NUM> can be utilized very efficiently. At the same time, the encryption keys <NUM> are destroyed owing to the encryption and the encrypted measurement data <NUM> can no longer be opened, even though the electronic device's <NUM> memory <NUM> could be read.

The encryption keys <NUM>, <NUM> can be random numbers, which are also stored in the server arrangement <NUM>. The encryption keys <NUM> are run into the memories <NUM> of the electronic devices <NUM> in their manufacturing stage. Each electronic device <NUM> is thus an individual, which has a unique random number queue as an encryption key. The server arrangement <NUM> has information on the individualized electronic devices <NUM> and the encryption keys <NUM> in each of them. The encrypted measurement data <NUM> is in the electronic device <NUM>, but after encryption no external party can open it without the encryption key <NUM>, on top of which the encrypted measurement data is advantageously stored in the memory. If for some reason data transmission to the server arrangement <NUM> does not succeed, the measurement data is, however, in the electronic device's <NUM> memory <NUM> nor can it be read until the encrypted measurement data <NUM> has been transmitted to the server arrangement <NUM> on the basis of the QR code <NUM>.

Block <NUM> shows the decryption of the data using the encryption key <NUM>. This takes place by the server arrangement <NUM>. The encryption key <NUM> of each electronic device <NUM> can be stored in the server arrangement <NUM>, so that encrypted data <NUM> sent to the server arrangement <NUM> can be decoded to the original measurement data <NUM> using an XOR operation. The encryption then also permits the authentication of the monitoring object or product <NUM>. In other words, from a specific electronic device <NUM> should come data from a specific numerical area, which is defined by the encryption key arranged for the electronic device <NUM> in question. The encrypted measurement data can also contain character bits to perform authentication. If the encrypted measurement data is, for example, <NUM>-bit, then <NUM> bits of it can be encrypted measurement data and <NUM> bit a character bit, taken from a corresponding location in the encryption key. Because the server knows what the character bit should be at the location in question, then it is also able to confirm the origin of the encrypted measurement data, i.e. that it is from the correct electronic device <NUM>. Thus the monitoring object <NUM> can also be arranged to be confirmed on the basis of the encryption. Complex computing or encryption algorithms are not needed in XOR encryption. It can be implemented using a light processor implementation and is light to implement also in terms of its data-processing demands. Yet another advantage is that it has no need to encrypt the encryption algorithm itself, because there is not one. The leak of an encryption key or measurement data from one electronic device <NUM> will not help in opening the measurement data of other electronic devices <NUM>.

<FIG> show examples of yet another embodiment relating, for example, to a possible implementation of the output device <NUM>' and also the implementation of the monitoring of an object. Here the embodiment example is a refrigerated consignment <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the output device <NUM>' can also produce one-use printouts. Even a clear text document can then be printed out for the recipient of the consignment <NUM>, which, for example, shows information relating to the consignment <NUM>, such as, for example its route and temperature history, and/or confirm the consignment to be an authentic product in origin. Here the output device <NUM>' is arranged to be a means such as paper or a similar one-use printout, on which, for example, by a physical (for example, matrix or heat), chemical, and/or electrical effect information can be formed of measurement data <NUM> formed by an external device <NUM> and/or in the object <NUM>, <NUM> and/or processed from it. The single-use printout means, such as, for example, thermo-paper, can preferably be detached from the monitoring object <NUM>, for example, when monitoring ends. Here too, a QR code <NUM> can first be read by a mobile phone and sent to the server arrangement <NUM>, which confirms to the recipient of the consignment <NUM> that the data is authentic.

In <FIG> a package <NUM> is being transported and during it the output device <NUM>' possibly arranged on the package is passive. It can then be empty of data to be shown. Measurements relating to the package <NUM> and its environment (temperature) are, however, made the whole time during transportation and are stored in the memory <NUM> of the external device <NUM> using the formation means <NUM> (<FIG>) arranged in connection with the package <NUM>.

In <FIG> the package <NUM> has arrived at its recipient. The recipient can, for example with the flash of his mobile device or some other light signal, excite the output device <NUM>' possibly arranged in the package <NUM>, for example through a photosensitive sensor <NUM> integrated in it. As a result of the excitation, a QR code <NUM>, generally code <NUM>, appears on the output device <NUM>' to be read by the mobile device, and in addition, for example, its momentary temperature value. The recipient can, in the manner already described above, confirm the history data contained in the QR code <NUM> relating to the package <NUM> by reading the QR code <NUM> with the mobile device, which then sends the measurement data <NUM>' contained in the QR code <NUM> for example encrypted to a web address <NUM> defined in the QR code <NUM>, which is addressed to the server arrangement <NUM>. The server arrangement <NUM> decrypts measurement data <NUM> contained in the QR code <NUM> into clear text and then returns it to the mobile device thus confirming at the same time the origin of the data shown on the output device <NUM>' and of the package <NUM> in general.

According to <FIG>, the possible output device <NUM>' can also be detached from the package <NUM>. Its recipient then gets it for themselves, for example for their own archiving requirements. The possible output device <NUM>' described in this embodiment is thus single-use, so that it is very cheap and thus suitable for mass-produced products.

The single-use output device <NUM>' can be drawn, for example in the case of its QR code <NUM>, one or several times, i.e. it can be printed out cheaply in a batch of one or many. The QR code <NUM> can then be drawn first on part of the output device <NUM>' and the other parts of the area of the output device <NUM>' designated for the QR code <NUM> remain still empty of it. Data can be later added to the QR code <NUM>, i.e. the empty areas can still be filled in. Thus, the various parts of the visual code <NUM> can be filled by utilizing at the same time the error-correction algorithms of the QR code. The reader device <NUM>, <NUM> can also take this into account when reading the codes <NUM>, which are updated and also completed in the manner described above.

<FIG> show an example of a second embodiment relating to the implementation of the data-transmission system <NUM>. Now the device <NUM>, for example a frequency converter, can be equipped with an external device <NUM> arranged to only perform measurements, or a contact module permitting data transmission, which can also be understood as an external device <NUM> (<FIG>). Measurement data <NUM>' and, for example, other status data can then be read from the device <NUM> at any stage at all of the life cycle of the device <NUM> using the electronic device <NUM>, which is brought close to the device <NUM> or attached to a place <NUM> (<FIG>) arranged for it in connection with the external device <NUM> to the device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> can be attached with a detachable quick-release fastening to the place <NUM>. For this purpose, the place <NUM> can have a shape-locking connector arrangement <NUM>' for the electronic device <NUM>, which acts as a quick-release means <NUM>. Thus the electronic device <NUM> can be set in place <NUM>, for example, by pinching. The place <NUM> can have, for example, depressions at its edges, by which the electronic device <NUM> can be detached from the place <NUM> by finger force without tools (<FIG>). In addition, the antennae <NUM>, <NUM> can then be arranged relative to each other in such a way that they are standardized and compatible in terms of data transmission.

The place <NUM> can be formed on a base <NUM>, such as, for example, a plate, in which a depression arranged in the plate forms the place <NUM>. The connector arrangements <NUM>' are protrusions formed at the edges of the depression, to which the electronic device <NUM> is detachably installed by shape-locking. Here the base <NUM> thus forms an installation adapter for the electronic device <NUM> for arranging measurement / data transmission to an external device <NUM> / object <NUM>. The base <NUM> is in turn attached to the casing of the device <NUM>, in which there can be a data-transmission interface to the device <NUM> itself.

Thus, the object <NUM> can be read, for example, for its part of a measurement data <NUM>' or data can also be transmitted to the object <NUM> by any electronic device <NUM> whatever. On the other hand, one electronic device <NUM> can also be used to read any other object (<FIG>, object <NUM>) equipped with any external device <NUM> whatever. The devices <NUM>, <NUM> are thus interchangeable. The external device <NUM> can then be a very simple mass-produced measurement sensor or a data-transmission module, in which there are functions and properties for performing measurement and storing measurement data and/or performing data transmission to an electronic device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM> using a set protocol. Despite its simplicity, measurement data <NUM>' is obtained easily from such an external device <NUM> owing to the invention and then to a server arrangement <NUM>, because the electronic device <NUM> can be used as a user-interface means of the external device <NUM> and in the final resort also of the object <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus the one-off cost per monitored object is almost non-existent, nor does it limit the making of measurements and the utilization of measurement data <NUM>' for mass-produced products, for example, compared to that each object <NUM>, <NUM> would be equipped permanently with electronic device <NUM> equipped with corresponding sensoring and comprising an output device <NUM>. Instead of reading data, the data transmission towards an external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM> is equally possible, thus permitting, for example, control of the object.

Owing to the invention, data transmission can take place mainly automatically and securely by reading only the visual code <NUM> and opening/approving next the URL link <NUM> (<FIG>) embedded in it. This makes the system <NUM> easy for the user <NUM> to use. Authentication can then also take place automatically by the information needed for identification being already combined in the visual code <NUM>.

The invention also permits the position data of the object <NUM>, <NUM> to be defined using the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. Once the user <NUM> has downloaded the server arrangement's <NUM> web page on the reader device's <NUM>, <NUM> browser as a result, for example, of stage <NUM> of <FIG>, the server arrangement <NUM> can request position data from the user <NUM>, for example, using an HTML5 geolocation API. This makes it possible to locate the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> and thus also the monitoring object <NUM>, <NUM> without any additional software being installed in the phone acting as reader device. The HTML5 geolocation API can equally well use, for example, GPS and other positioning methods. Once the user <NUM> has accepted the sharing of the phone's i.e. the reader device's <NUM>. <NUM> position data at the same time in connection with the reading and the following sending of the data, the position of the electronic device <NUM> is also stored in the server arrangement <NUM>. In the same way, the server arrangement <NUM> knows the electronic device's <NUM> scanning locations, which can also then be drawn on a map.

As an embodiment belonging to two-way data transmission, the server system <NUM> may also have been arranged to control the operation of the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> through the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>. Control of the electronic device <NUM> itself is, of course, also possible. Thus one or more operations, generally data, are arranged to be transmitted from the server system <NUM> to the external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM>, through the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>. Using two-way data transmission, for example, by the control of the server arrangement <NUM> the electronic device <NUM>, the external device <NUM>, and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> are excited and/or the output device <NUM> in turn to update the code <NUM>. It is then possible to combine time-stamp combined data precisely, without the electronic device <NUM> and/or the external device <NUM> having their own clock at the correct time. In other words, it is then a question of also synchronizing the external device's <NUM> clock. This too saves energy.

Two-way data transmission according to the invention also permits the settings and other values in the memories <NUM>, <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and/or the output device <NUM> and/or the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> to be changed by the control of the server arrangement <NUM>. One can also speak of the programming / configuration of the electronic device <NUM> and/or external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM>, i.e. the changing / setting of its settings, for example, in connection with its start-up and/or operation.

<FIG> shows one example of the configuration of the external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM>, for example in connection with their start-up or reprogramming. Here too two-way data transmission between the server arrangement <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, the external device <NUM>, and thus also the object <NUM>, <NUM>, transmitted by the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>, is utilized. In other words, here data transmission from the server arrangement <NUM> to the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> also takes place through the electronic device <NUM>. In <FIG>, the term user-interface device is used for the electronic device <NUM>.

Before the programming of the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> to be performed by the server arrangement <NUM> through the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>, the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged to control the server arrangement <NUM> to program the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM>, for example in connection with their start-up and/or changing their settings. One can also speak of defining the settings of the external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM> and storing them in the server arrangement <NUM> by the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. Right at the start, for example as stage <NUM>, however the object <NUM>, <NUM> itself can be identified. There are several different ways to do this. It can be done, for example, by using the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> to read from the object <NUM>, <NUM> a bar-code identifier or other similar identifier or to form data relating to it by the action of the user <NUM> on the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> then to transmit the identification data of the object to the server arrangement <NUM> as stage <NUM>. The object can, of course, be identified only in connection with the definition of the setting of the electronic device <NUM> and/or external device <NUM> arranged to be connected to it, or even as a separate operation after it. The ID identifier of the electronic device <NUM> intended to be connected to it and/or of the external device <NUM> or the waybill of the object can equally well act as the object's identification. As a result of the identification of the object, a specific, for example, monitoring object (e.g., a package or pallet) can be linked to the electronic device <NUM> arranged in it and/or the external device <NUM>. In other words, as a result the server arrangement <NUM> knows at any moment, to which object the code <NUM> formed and displayed at any moment by the electronic device <NUM> relates. One simpler way to identify the object <NUM>, <NUM> is to arranged the electronic device <NUM> in connection with the external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM>, when the external device <NUM> / object <NUM>, <NUM> sends its identification data to the electronic device <NUM> (stage <NUM>). A QR code <NUM>, which is read by the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> is then formed from it. As a result of reading, a website opens, in which the settings of the external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM> can be set.

By means of the controlling of the server arrangement <NUM> by using reader device <NUM>, <NUM> to program, more generally to set the settings of the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>,<NUM>. <NUM>, the system's <NUM> user <NUM> can, for example, set or change the settings of the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM>, or change any information whatever relating to the external device <NUM>, which is needed, for example to perform a measurement and/or to display information on the object formed of it on the electronic device <NUM>. The settings can be defined on a web page formed by the server arrangement <NUM>, which is shown of the reader device's <NUM>, <NUM> display <NUM>, the settings made on it being then stored in the server arrangement <NUM>. The user <NUM> can select on the web page formed by the server arrangement <NUM>, for example "configure object" and define the settings from the web page as stage <NUM>. Such a settings can be, for example, the measurement interval or some other one or several equipment setting, relating, for example, to the external device's <NUM> formation means <NUM>. However, it must be noted in the context that the invention also relates equally to the control of the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM>. The one or several settings in question can then relate to the operation of the object <NUM>, <NUM> itself, without any particular measurement monitoring the object <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus owing to the invention it is possible to also change the settings relating to the object <NUM>, <NUM>, which can be the most diverse, depending on the object. Applications relating to this are described hereinafter in the description.

Other possible settings can also be, for example, relating to the electronic device <NUM>, the display's <NUM> update interval, and/ or the battery-saving settings. Instead of the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>, settings can, of course also be made for the server arrangement <NUM>, for example, centrally from some external device. As stage <NUM>, for example, a visual presentation or similar, for example a web content to be shown on a web page are formed of settings by the server arrangement <NUM>. More generally the server arrangement <NUM> is arranged to form web content <NUM>, in which settings are coded, to be shown by the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. Instead of, or in addition to a visual presentation the content <NUM> can also include, for example, sound.

As stage <NUM> the user <NUM> can be prompted to set the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM> to each other so that content-data transmission between them, i.e. programming can be performed and prompt the user <NUM> to activate the downloading of web content created by the server arrangement <NUM> and show it on the reader device's <NUM>, <NUM> display <NUM>.

Once the user <NUM> has defined his desired settings on the server arrangement <NUM> the user <NUM> can as a result of stage <NUM> download them to the electronic device <NUM>, for example from a web page formed as stage <NUM> by the server arrangement <NUM> on the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. This can be done, for example, by the reader device's <NUM>, <NUM> web browser <NUM> (<FIG>), i.e. without any other equipment, cables, or special properties or software required by this from the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus as stage <NUM> and <NUM> the server arrangement <NUM> sends to the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> web content <NUM>, as a result of which the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged to receive the web content <NUM> from the server arrangement <NUM>. As stage <NUM> the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged to show on its display <NUM> the web content <NUM> settings of to be entered in, i.e. transmitted to the electronic device <NUM> and then also forwarded to the external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus the setting / changing of the settings of the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> arranged to be performed through the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> includes the entering of settings received from the server arrangement <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM>, which can take place, for example, as a visual presentation or other content <NUM> to be displayed, for example, on a web page formed by the server system <NUM>.

More particularly, the server arrangement <NUM> sends, as stage <NUM>, a web page to the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>, in which there is content, such as, for example, an area that, for example, flashes white and black. Thus the data sent by the server arrangement <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM> can be encoded, for example, as white and black flashes of light of different length. Once the user has set, as a result of stage <NUM> the electronic device's <NUM> reception means <NUM>', such as, for example, a photo-sensor <NUM>, on display <NUM> of the phone, portable computer or desktop PC, generally the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>, in which is the flashing area of the web page formed by the server arrangement <NUM> and sent to the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>, the settings data is transmitted to the electronic device <NUM>, because the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> sends as stages <NUM> and <NUM> the content to the electronic device <NUM>. The reader device's <NUM>, <NUM> data formation means <NUM>', i.e. display <NUM> is then surprisingly also used as data-entry means <NUM>'' to the electronic device <NUM> for performing the control of the external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM> using the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. More generally, as the reader device's <NUM>, <NUM> data-entry means <NUM>'' is arranged to act an element <NUM>* arranged to create light, such as, for example, the display <NUM> of the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the sound source belonging to the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>, for example a loudspeaker, can also be used here for the same purpose. The web content <NUM> can be in the format of, for example, a YouTube video, or even more simply a simple animation appearing on a web page. The animation can include a frame that flashes white and black.

In stage <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> receives data through a flashing light on a photo-sensor <NUM> that belongs to the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> then decodes the settings from the content <NUM> arranged to it and possibly stores them in its memory <NUM> for transmission to the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> over a data-transmission link <NUM>. Thus the electronic device <NUM> is arranged to detect the web content <NUM> shown of the display <NUM> of the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> and decode from it the settings concerning the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM>. As stage <NUM> the settings are transmitted from the electronic device <NUM> to the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> over a data-transmission link <NUM>. Measurements are performed on the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> and the operation of the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> is then controlled according to those settings.

In other words, the data transmitted to the external device <NUM> can originate from the web or also directly from the electronic device <NUM>. From the user's <NUM> viewpoint, the programming situation runs, in a simplified form, in such a way that first, for example, the QR code <NUM> showing the identification of a radiator on the electronic device's <NUM> output device <NUM> is scanned, the URL address <NUM> embedded in it is opened, new settings for the radiator are selected in the web browser <NUM> of the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> on the web page generated from it content comprising, for example, light flashes concerning new settings are received by the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> from the server arrangement <NUM>, by the reader device's <NUM>, <NUM> light are flashed the new settings to the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> is connected (if it is not already) for data transmission to the radiator, i.e. the external device <NUM>, and the radiator is configured according to the new settings. After this, the electronic device <NUM> can connect directly to the next radiator to be programmed. This next radiator configures without the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> having to do anything any more. Instead of settings, more generally only data can be transmitted to the external device <NUM> / object <NUM>, <NUM> in this way. Here the settings are only one special example of an application of the data.

In this way, an external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured using the server system <NUM>, for example with the aid of a web page created by it, wirelessly and easily through a web page, by using the display <NUM> of the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> and a photo-sensor <NUM>. The data transmitted through flashing lights can further also be encrypted so that erroneous configurations cannot be made from other sources and cloud systems. The aforementioned procedure makes the setting of the settings of the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM> very simple. This is of great significance for the usability of the system, if there are many monitoring and/or control objects. This also simplifies the implementation of the external device <NUM> and/or the object, particularly in the case of their user-interface means. This also does not demand special properties in the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> in order to perform programming of the external device <NUM> and/or the object <NUM>, <NUM>, instead the system can be implemented in part of the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> as a standard QR code reader, which is found ready in several devices. In the case of QR code for example such a functionality is already built-into, for example, an iPhone device.

In addition to this permitting the connection of the electronic device <NUM> and/or the external device <NUM> to a specific monitoring object <NUM>, <NUM>, it can also be used to change the settings of the external device <NUM> and/or object <NUM>, <NUM>, for example during their life cycle. In monitoring applications such a situation can come into question, for example when transferring from one transportation mode to another (truck -> aircraft). Then of course, for example, stages <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (in part) can be dropped from the procedure, because the monitoring object <NUM>, <NUM> has already earlier been linked to the electronic device <NUM> or an external device <NUM>.

The invention permits the authentication of users <NUM>, for example on the basis of a link defined by a QR code <NUM> or a similar readable code <NUM>, so that the user <NUM> cannot be individuated, but it is known, however, that the user <NUM> in question is, or has been physically present at the monitoring object <NUM>, <NUM>. The user <NUM> then reads the QR code <NUM> or similar code <NUM> with a reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. If there is valid encrypted measurement data from a defined period of time, such as, for example, from the last <NUM> minute, then the user is authenticated and authorized by it.

If complete certainty is desired as to whether the user <NUM> was precisely at that moment (for example, a <NUM>-minute time window) at the object <NUM>, <NUM>, when this, for example, sent or sends the object's <NUM>, <NUM> measurement data <NUM>' to the server arrangement <NUM>, an additional confirmation can be requested from the user <NUM>. According to one way to implement this, the server arrangement <NUM> can form web content coded as above, show it on a web page, which in the manner described above in <FIG> is shown in stages <NUM>, <NUM>, and then transmit it to the electronic device <NUM> using the display <NUM> of the reader device <NUM>, <NUM>. The web content can be a coded confirmation-id, which the electronic device <NUM> decodes. Next this confirmation-id is embedded in the QR code's <NUM> data link in an encrypted form and the user <NUM> is prompted to read this QR code <NUM>.

When the user <NUM> reads the QR code <NUM> again, the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> sends the confirmation-id or similar embedded in it to the server arrangement <NUM> and the server arrangement <NUM> can thus confirm that the user <NUM> in question really was, for example, a few seconds ago at the object <NUM>, <NUM> and thus also physically present at the electronic device <NUM>. At the same time as the confirmation-id was transmitted to the electronic device <NUM>, other metadata too can be transmitted to it. The use of this embodiment prevents the user <NUM> from re-opening the link defined by the QR code <NUM>, even through the object <NUM>, <NUM> may have already gone on its way. For example, after confirmation of the user <NUM>, he can be sent, for example, context data <NUM> relating to the object <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus the reader device <NUM>, <NUM> can also be used to implement authentication, without needing additional properties.

Machine-readable code with a low power consumption, which is particularly suitable, for example, for mass products with a relatively short delivery cycle in the logistics chain, can also be created as follows. According to a first embodiment shown in <FIG>, a character display <NUM>' can be used. It is arranged to show main part, for example, of QR code <NUM> using, for example, one bit. Embedded in the QR code <NUM> is, in addition, an area <NUM>" of at least one data-pixel, which is arranged to show data to be transmitted (for example, has temperature remained / not remained within set limits). Instead of QR code <NUM>, for example, some 2d code according to standard, such as aztec code or similar, can equally be used to the creation of a static area <NUM>' and the area <NUM>" containing changing data.

According to a second embodiment, which is shown in <FIG>, most of the QR code <NUM> shown on the output device <NUM> is a preprinted pattern <NUM>‴. In addition, there is in the QR code <NUM>, now in its centre, a data area <NUM>" for data transfer, formed of at least one data-pixel. The preprinted pattern <NUM>‴ can show, for example, most of or entirely the server's address <NUM>, or other similar unchanging information. The preprinted pattern <NUM>‴ can be read and defined, for example, at the first reading. At the first reading, in addition to the server address <NUM> or separately, at the second separate reading, read the data-pixels of the QR code <NUM>, which is now in the middle of the data area <NUM>", in which is at least one pixel. Here or also in the previously presented embodiment, the changing data area <NUM>" can be implemented, for example, using an LCD display or similar.

<FIG> shows one way to implement the changing data area's <NUM>" otherwise statically implemented QR code <NUM>. The data area <NUM>" is now formed using a small LCD display <NUM>, in which data is arranged, for example, in a 3x3 matrix form. It is controlled by a controller <NUM>, from which there are control lines c1 - c9 to the LCD display <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is in turn controlled using, for example, a CPU <NUM>' (<FIG>). The number of elements of the pattern shown on the LCD display <NUM> can be changed as needed. It can be raised to, for example, <NUM> items or be only <NUM> items. In the controller <NUM> there can be one control pin for each element of the pattern <NUM>, <NUM>" and thus the controller <NUM> is arranged to control each directly through the pins. Thus each pixel can be controlled individually by the controller <NUM> independently of each other to show the desired information. If, for example, there are <NUM> segments in the display, then the display can be controlled directly using hexadecimal control. The number of segments can vary. It can be, for example, <NUM>^<NUM>, <NUM>^<NUM>, <NUM>^<NUM>, more generally, <NUM>^x, in which x = <NUM> - <NUM>. The monitoring object's state data, which is thus changing data, is shown in the dynamic data area <NUM>" formed by the LCD display <NUM> and is arranged to be controlled by the controller <NUM> based on data changing pixel by pixel.

One way to implement data collection relating to this is, for example, when starting measurement to read from the code <NUM> or store the measurement's reference point, for example, temperature, which is sent to the server for storage. Limit values can be set for the temperature. Then during monitoring only deviations in temperature relative to the reference value are stored and finally it is stated whether the deviations have remained within the set limit values. Another possibility is to store the temperature measurement's angle coefficient based for example on the initial and final reading and/or maximum/minimum value and/or standard deviation.

In the aforementioned embodiments, either the display controller <NUM> is arranged to form the character display <NUM>' to the QR code <NUM> or the display is arranged to include, for example, a static pattern <NUM>‴ preprinted with ink, both of which can individualize, for example the server's address <NUM>. More generally, the machine-readable code <NUM> is arranged to belong the static part <NUM>', <NUM>‴ formed most of code <NUM>, which is arranged to be formed using the display controller <NUM> belonging to the electronic device <NUM> or as a physical data carrier arranged as the printed and changing part <NUM>" arranged particularly for measurement data <NUM> or similar changing data.

The invention is particularly advantageous in, for example, food-industry applications. Each product package can then be equipped at the factory with an external device <NUM>, which performs measurements on the journey from the factory to the shop and then to the consumer. This very simple and cheap implementation can be used to confirm, for example, to the product's end user, the unbrokenness of the cold chain or the product's origin. Arranging measurement for an individual product will not then substantially affect its price.

In addition to the system <NUM>, the invention also relates to the use of the system <NUM> and/or electronic device <NUM> described above to monitor and/or control an object <NUM>, <NUM>. The object <NUM>, <NUM> can be fixed or also moving. One very typical moving object is objects relating to logistics, transported articles or transport units composed of them. The variable being monitored can be any variable at all or something calculated from it, such as, for example, temperature, moisture, pressure, illumination, position, VOC, radon, pH, etc. More particularly, the monitored variable can be such, in which changes can take place. One point-like example of this is refrigerated transportations.

Finally, a few examples of practical applications of the invention are presented.

Control / monitoring of a heat radiator implemented using the electronic device <NUM> and an external device <NUM> requires such a marginal investment that it can be put even into all products (no longer any need to store separate basic and professional models). The invention permits data collection and also two-way data transmissions and thus the easy transmission of settings to the radiator. The radiator can be configured using a smart device <NUM>, <NUM> directly on the manufacturer's website (scan qr -> open link -> select new settings -> display the smart device's <NUM>, <NUM> flashing display <NUM> to the tag <NUM>). The manufacturer can also produce content for customers on its website (marketing, additional sales, recalls, information, manuals).

The settings of frequency converter rarely need to be changed, but parametrizing is complicated when it must be done. The need is not clear (ramps up/down, logical IOs etc.). Settings are many, they are complex and thus errors easily happen. Configuring complicated matters using a simple user interface with a few buttons and a small display is difficult. There is a need for a very comprehensive user interface, which is, however, economical to produce. The invention also permits easy control of frequency converters and similar using a reader device <NUM>, <NUM>, an electronic device <NUM>, and by an external device <NUM>, in which there are at least data-transmission means <NUM> and an interface to the frequency converter (unless they are already built in to the frequency converter).

During flights passengers are served food and drinks, which should be temperature monitored. Radio devices to be taken into an aircraft are extremely tightly regulated. The tight aviation radio regulations can be met using a system implemented by an electronic device <NUM> and an external device. The low-power electronic device <NUM> (only a little lithium - small battery) nevertheless brings the benefits of the IoT even during flight, for example, the temperature monitoring of food. The ecosystem can be used during the entire flight. Manufacturers of catering equipment also need not have the system <NUM> according to the invention approved for aviation use, as it does not produce interfering radio signals.

In blocks of flats, for example, water meters are often read by the residents themselves and the readings notified to the water provider (In Finland the house-management company) on paper, by email, or using an electronic system. This, however, leaves the reader an opportunity to notify wrong readings, wittingly or unwittingly. A smart water meter can be compatible with the system <NUM>, measurement can be notified more rapidly, easily, and completely reliably when necessary. In the QR code <NUM> the water reading is encrypted and time-stamped. By scanning the QR code <NUM> the data moves to the system <NUM> and is available in the water provider's interface. At the same time, the water provider can exploit the web view opening to the reader <NUM>, <NUM>, for example for marketing purposes.

Claim 1:
An electronic device, which includes
- memory (<NUM>) for storing data (<NUM>),
- processor means (<NUM>) for processing the data (<NUM>),
- an output device (<NUM>, <NUM>') for showing machine-readable code (<NUM>) containing the data (<NUM>) for reading using a reader device (<NUM>, <NUM>),
- receiver means (<NUM>') for a two-way data transmission from the reader device (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the electronic device (<NUM>) which are arranged to detect content (<NUM>) fed to the electronic device (<NUM>) by the reader device (<NUM>, <NUM>),
characterized in that
- the electronic device (<NUM>) further includes a data-transmission interface (<NUM>) for arranging a two-way data-transmission link (<NUM>) with one or more external devices (<NUM>), to which the said electronic device (<NUM>) is to be arranged to act as a user interface,
- the processor means (<NUM>) are arranged to decode (<NUM>) from the content (<NUM>) detected by the receiver means (<NUM>') settings and/or data intended for the external device (<NUM>) and to be transferred to the external device (<NUM>) by the data-transmission interface (<NUM>) through the two-way data-transmission link (<NUM>).