Patent Document

The invention is directed to a portable device comprising a reader and detection means connected thereto for generating command signals to control the operation of the reader, a device to be attached to a limb comprising a detection means for generating and transmitting command signals, and to a method for generating and receiving command signals controlling the operation of a reader. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For the purposes of monitoring, data collection or handling, an identification label is attached to a product or other object, and the data on the ID label are read using e.g. a portable reader device such as a data collecting terminal. 
     In prior-art devices, the read operation in the reader device is usually initiated by pushing the appropriate button on the reader device, which button may be trigger-shaped, for example. The user either keeps the button depressed for the whole duration of the read operation, or the read operation is programmed to remain active for a predetermined time after the user has pressed the button. It is awkward for the user if he must press the push-button of the reader device in order to initiate the read operation. For example, when picking products from storage for transportation and when distributing products during transportation, it is more convenient for the user that his hands are free for handling boxes and goods instead of having to constantly press the reader push-button or key with his finger to start and/or stop the read operation. 
     It is also known from prior art that the user may start the reader device by giving a voice command through a microphone in the reader device to a voice recognition unit so that the read operation starts in the read unit in a known manner. Even though a voice command system frees the operator&#39;s hands, he must be careful all the time so that the voice commands are correctly given and at the right moment in relation to the positions of the reader device and the object to be read. For example, when handling goods, boxes and other such objects during a collection and packaging process, the user must not let his senses relax at any point of the read operation so that the process progresses smoothly and without errors. 
     Especially during an inventory, a great number of various product codes has to be read so that starting the read operation through a push-button or voice command becomes very laborious and the worker may start to feel tired in the middle of the operation. Special operations such as pressing the start button or giving a voice command slow down the progress of inventory, collection and packaging processes. 
     A radio-frequency (RF) reader device is capable of reading the RF signals of RF ID tags (antenna and transceiver circuit) on objects located within its reading range also without specifically starting a read operation through a push-button or voice command. Then, however, the RF reader device reads all the RF signals of the objects within its reading range whereby the operator of the reader device cannot in any way direct the read operation to certain desired goods or objects only. In inventory, collection and packaging processes as well as in distribution and other goods handling applications it is specifically important that the objects to be read can be selected as desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the invention is to eliminate the drawbacks mentioned above and to introduce a device in which the operation of the reader device can be activated automatically, without the user having to keep in mind a special action when he wants to activate a function of the reader device. Such a special action could be e.g. the pressing of a push-button or key on the device or giving a voice command to activate operation of the reader device. According to the invention the reader is automatically activated when a given reader operation is to be carried out. 
     In order to achieve this objective, a device according to the invention comprises a control means for receiving command signals and a reader the operation of which is controlled by said command signals in relation to the object to be identified, whereby at least one command signal received by said control means is based on information indicating movement or position received from a detection means. 
     In order to achieve this objective, a device according to the invention attachable to a limb or body comprises at least a detection means to generate command signals and transmit them to the control means or at least a reader and control means whereby at least one command signal received by said control means is based on information indicating movement or position received from the detection means and whereby said command signals control the operation of the reader in relation to the object to be identified. 
     In order to achieve this objective, a method according to the invention for controlling a reader comprises steps to receive information indicating movement or position of a detection means or object to be identified, generate command signals based at least in part on the received information indicating movement or position, and to control through at least one of said control signals the operation of the reader as desired in relation to the object to be identified. 
     In one advantageous embodiment, a detection means connected to the control means of the device detects movement, position or distance, and the detection means is adapted to generate and transmit information which indicates the movement or position of the detection means or the object to be identified. 
     In an advantageous embodiment the device is a device to be held in the user&#39; hand, a device to be attached to the user&#39;s wrist, or a device to be attached onto the user&#39;s waist. 
     In an advantageous embodiment the device comprises a separate unit containing a detection means and a portable device comprising at least a reader and control means, whereby the detection means are connected, in a wired or wireless manner, to the control means for data transmission. 
     For example, a sensor unit is attached to the users wrist to function as a wrist device and the reader device is carried on the user&#39;s hand or belt whereby the wrist device and the reader device, such as a hand or belt reader, communicate with each other. 
     In one advantageous embodiment, the action of the reader in the device in relation to the object to be identified may be one or more of the following: reading, writing, locking or disabling one or more identifiers on the object or some other predetermined operation on the identifier. 
     In one advantageous embodiment, data transfer between the reader in the device and identifier on the object to be identified may be based on transmission and reception of a radio signal, transmission and reception of an optical signal, or transmission and reception of some other wired or wireless signal. 
     A method according to an advantageous embodiment comprises steps in which at least one of the following actions is carried out in relation to the object to be identified: read from one or more identifiers on the object, write to one or more identifiers on the object, lock one or more identifiers on the object, disable one or more identifiers on the object, or direct some other operation to one or more identifiers on the object. 
     An advantage of the invention is that the user does not need to continuously monitor how the read or other operation progresses, but the reader will be automatically activated according to the situation when a read or other operation is to be carried out. 
     Another advantage of the invention is that the device is quicker and easier to use in many practical situations such as e.g. when making an inventory of products or other objects and in product collection, packaging and distribution processes. 
     In inventory, collection and packaging processes as well as in distribution and other goods handling applications it is important that the objects to be acted on can be selected individually and in the desired manner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described in more detail, referring to the accompanying drawings, where 
         FIG. 1  shows a device according to an example of the invention, 
         FIG. 2  shows a device according to a second example of the invention, 
         FIG. 3  shows an arrangement of devices according to examples of the invention, 
         FIG. 4  shows a method according to an example of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A portable device  10  shown in  FIG. 1  according to an example comprises a reader unit  12  and a transceiver  16 , such as an antenna, for example, which is connected therewith and communicates with an identifier  11 , such as an identifier tag containing an optical or RF transmitter or transceiver, on the object to be identified. The transceiver  16 , such as an antenna, communicates with the reader unit  12  in a manner known as such. In addition, the portable device  10  comprises a control means  14  at least for controlling the operation of the reader unit  12  in a desired manner in relation to the object to be identified. Furthermore, the portable device  10  comprises a detection means  18 , such as a sensor, for detecting and indicating movement, position or distance. The detection means  18  generate information indicating movement or position of the detection means  18 , and/or information indicating movement or position of the object to be identified. The detection means  18  is adapted to transmit this information to the control means  14  in a wireless or wired manner. The control means  14  is adapted to receive command signals for controlling the operation of the reader unit  12  in relation to the object to be identified, wherein one or more of the command signals is/are based on the information indicating movement or position of the detection means  18  and/or the object to be identified. 
     The portable device  10  which is shown in  FIG. 1  as an example may be a handheld terminal or it may be attached to the users limb or body. According to one example, the device  10  is a wrist device which can be attached to the user&#39;s wrist in a manner similar to a wristwatch. According to another example, the device  10  is a belt device which can be attached to the user&#39;s belt, for instance. 
     The portable device  20  shown in  FIG. 2  in accordance with an example comprises a reader unit  22  and a control means  24  at least for controlling the operation of the reader unit  22  in a desired manner in relation to the object to be identified. The reader unit  22  is connected with a transceiver  26 , such as an antenna, which communicates with the identifier  21  on the object to be identified. The transceiver  26 , such as an antenna, may be connected e.g. through a cable with the reader unit  22  and communicates with the reader unit  22  in a manner known as such. The user can communicate with the control means  24  of the portable device  20 . Furthermore, a separate device comprising detection means  28  is connected in a wireless or wired manner with the portable device  20 , the separate device containing e.g. a sensor or sensor unit and being adapted to detect and indicate movement, position or distance. The detection means  28  generate and transmit information indicating movement or position. The control means  24  is adapted to receive command signals for controlling the operation of the reader unit  22  in relation to the object to be identified, wherein one or more of the command signals is/are based on the information indicating movement or position of the detection means  28  and/or the object to be identified. 
     The arrangement shown in  FIG. 2  as an example comprises a portable device  20  and separate device or unit which comprises the detection means  28 . In addition, the transceiver  26 , such as an antenna, may be either integrated in the portable device  20  or a separate device or unit to be connected to the portable device  20 , communicating with the reader unit  22  and an identifier  21  attached to the object to be identified or a transmitter or transceiver in the identifier  21  attached thereto. The portable device  20  which is shown as an example and contains a reader  22  may be a handheld terminal or it may be attached to the user&#39;s limb or body. The separate device or unit shown as an example and containing detection means  28  can be attached to the user&#39;s limb or elsewhere on the users body or it may be a handheld device. A handheld portable device ( 20 ) or terminal can naturally be placed on a table, rack or shelf without disturbing the operation of the device. An arrangement comprising a portable device  20 , detection means  28  and an integrated or separate transceiver  26  can be implemented through any combination mentioned above. In an arrangement according to one example the portable device  20  may be a so-called belt reader which is attached to a belt and communicates in a desired manner with a wrist device, or so-called wrist detector, which is attached to the user&#39;s wrist and contains a detection means  28 . In an arrangement according to another example the portable device  20  may be placed on a table, for instance, and it communicates in a desired manner with a wrist detector which is attached to one wrist and contains a detection means  28  and with a separate transceiver  26 , such as an antenna, attached to the other or the same wrist. 
     The reader  22  in the portable device  20  according to the arrangement of  FIG. 2  has functions and properties that are similar to those of the reader  12  of the portable device  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The reader  12 ,  22  communicates in a known manner with an identifier  11 ,  21  attached to the object to be identified, said identifier containing an optical or RF transmitter or transceiver, for example, and said communication taking place through a transceiver  16 ,  26 , such as an antenna, connected to the reader. The identifier  11 ,  21  may bear optical identification codes or storage capacity for storing the identification data of the object. The reader  12 ,  22  may be e.g. an optical code reader or a reader operating on one or more radio frequencies. Data communication between the reader  12 ,  22  and identifier  11 ,  21  may occur in both directions. The reader  12 ,  22  may be e.g. an RFID reader that communicates with a transmitter or transceiver in an RFID chip attached to or integrated in the identifier  11 ,  21  on one or more frequencies and using one or more communications protocols. An RFID antenna connected to the RFID reader may be integrated in the portable device  10 ,  20  or connected through a cable to an RFID reader in the portable device  10 ,  20 . 
     A radio-frequency (RF) reader is capable of reading the RF signals transmitted by RF identifiers (antenna and transceiver circuit) of objects located within its reading range. The user can force the RF reader to read only certain desired RF signals of objects within its reading range, while at least one of the command signals received by the control means  14 ,  24  is/are based on information indicating movement or position of the detection means  18 ,  28  and/or the object to be identified. In inventory, collection and packaging processes as well as in distribution and other goods handling applications it is specifically important that the objects to be read can be selected as desired within the reading range. 
       FIG. 3  shows in more detail the control means  34  of a portable device  10 ,  20  according to an example and the connections of the reader  32  and detection means  38  with the control means  34 . The reader  32  comprises known means to communicate data with a transceiver  36 , such as an antenna, connected with it. The transceiver  36  communicates with an identifier  11 ,  21  on the object to be identified. The control means  34  is arranged to control at least the operation of the reader unit  32  in a desired manner in relation to the object to be identified. The control means  34  comprises at least a control unit  343 , such as a processor, computer or other controller, and a memory  345  as well as a user interface  341  through which the user of the device can communicate with the other control means, such as the processor, and with the reader  32 . The information associated with the identifier  11 ,  21  can be transferred via the controller  343  and user interface  341  to the user and/or via the controller  343  to some other location, such as e.g. system databases. The detection means  38 , such as a sensor, detect and indicate movement, position or distance and generate information indicating movement or position of the detection means  38  and/or information indicating movement or position of the object to be identified. The control means  34 , advantageously its user interface  341 , is adapted to receive command signals for controlling the operation of the reader unit  32  in relation to the object to be identified, wherein one or more of the command signals is/are based on the information indicating movement or position of the detection means  38  and/or the object to be identified, which information is transmitted in a wireless or wired manner from the detection means  38 . The user interface  341  of the control means  34  is adapted to receive, either wirelessly or through a cable connection, information indicating movement or position transmitted from the detection means  38 . The reader  32  is arranged to communicate with the controller  343 , which belongs to the control means  34 , either wirelessly or in a wired manner through appropriate connection means. For example, the reader  32  receives from the controller  343  control commands to control the operation of the reader  32  in relation to the object to be identified, which control commands are at least in part based on information indicating movement or position received by the user interface  341 , which information has been processed by the controller  343  in a desired manner so as to include it in the control commands. In some cases the controller  343  may be adapted to receive command signals directly from the detection means  38  e.g. when the information indicating movement or position transmitted from the detection means  38  is in digital format. 
     According to one example, the user interface  341  of the control means  34  comprises a switch device, receiver or a similarly functioning means which is switched on or off on the basis of a command signal indicating movement or position received from the detection means  38 . As the switch device is switched on the user interface  341  transmits information indicating movement or position in the command signal to the controller  343  which then processes the control commands for the reader  32 . The user interface  341  can also receive other command signals e.g. via a keyboard, touchscreen, handset, microphone or other similar data input or output means potentially included in the user interface. In addition, the user interface  341  may include e.g. a display, LEDs, loudspeaker or other means for indicating the status of the portable device  10 ,  20  and/or reader  32  in relation to the object to be identified, the reception of command and other signals. The means of indication may also be used e.g. to acknowledge a successful and/or completed action carried out by the reader  32  or a possible error. 
     According to one example, when the user interface  341  of the control means  34  has received from the detection means  38  a command signal based on information indicating movement or position, control commands are generated for the reader  32  by software stored in the memory  345  and executed in the controller  343 , for example, so as to make the reader  32  to carry out a desired function in relation to the object to be identified. The reader  32  in the portable device  10 ,  20  may be e.g. in a standby or wait state by default so that the command signal will activate or switch on the actual operation of the reader  32  in relation to the object to be identified. Such actual operation of the reader  32  in relation to the object to be identified may comprise e.g. the reading, writing, locking or disabling one or more identifiers  11 ,  21  on the object or some other operation directed to an identifier  11 ,  21 . 
     The reader  32  of a portable device  10 ,  20  according to one example stays in the operating state (operational in relation to the object to be identified) until the reader  32  issues an acknowledge for a successful operation in relation to the object and the indication means of the user interface  341  produces a corresponding visual or audible acknowledge indication. After the command signal (acknowledge from reader) received by the user interface  341  and acknowledge indication the reader  32  may remain in operating mode or return into wait or standby state, or if a certain period of time elapses after the reception by the user interface  341  of the command signal (acknowledge message) and acknowledge indication, during which time no new command signal based on information indicating movement or position is received, the reader  32  may return into wait or standby state, for example. 
     In the above-described examples the control means  34  and reader  32  are described as components of their own, but equally well all or some of the control means  34  may be integrated in the reader  32 . 
     The detection means  18 ,  28 ,  38  comprises a sensor that detects movement, position or distance and generates information indicating absolute movement or position of the sensor. The detection means  18 ,  28 ,  38  may also comprise a sensor that detects movement, position and distance of the object to be identified, advantageously the movement, position and distance of the identifier  11 ,  21  on the object to be identified in relation to the sensor itself, whereby the sensor generates and transmits information indicating movement or position of the object to be identified relative to the sensor. A detection means  28 ,  38  implemented as a separate entity may also comprise a sensor which detects movement, position and distance of a reader device  22 ,  32 , which is another separate entity, relative to the sensor, whereby the sensor generates and transmits information indicating movement or position of the reader device  22 ,  32  relative to the sensor. The detection means  18 ,  28 ,  38  may comprise a plurality of sensors some of which may detect movement, some position and some distance in the above-mentioned cases and some of which may be integrated in the portable device and some in the sensor unit which is a separate entity. For example, various acceleration sensors detect absolute or relative movement or distance, position sensors detect absolute or relative position, and distance or range sensors detect distance. Proximity sensors/switches, for instance, are used for detecting that an object to be read approaches from a certain direction or that it is at a certain distance from the sensor/switch. 
     A device  20  according to an example which is attachable to a limb or body comprises at least a detection means  28  to generate and transmit command signals whereby at least one of the command signals received by the control means  24  in a separate device is based on information indicating movement or position received from the detection means  28  and whereby said command signals control the operation of the reader  22  in relation to the object to be identified. A device  20  according to another example attachable to a limb or body comprises at least a reader  22  and control means  24  whereby at least one of the command signals received by the control means  24  is based on information indicating movement or position received from a detection means  28  located in a separate device and whereby said command signals control the operation of the reader  22  in relation to the object to be identified. A transceiver  26  can be integrated or connected in a wired manner in the latter device  20  in connection with the reader  22 . The devices  20  mentioned in the examples above which are attachable to a limb or body communicate with each other in a wireless or wired manner as described above. 
     According to one example, the reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  of a portable device  10 ,  20  starts to carry out a predetermined operation in relation to the object to be identified when at least one command signal received by control means  14 ,  24 ,  34  is based on information indicating movement or position received from a detection means  18 ,  28 ,  38 . Information indicating movement or position generated and transmitted by the detection means  18 ,  28 ,  38  is based e.g. on absolute movement or position of the detection means  18 ,  28 ,  38  itself or on relative movement or position of the detection means  18 ,  28 ,  38  relative to the object to be identified or a separate device  20  that contains a reader  22 . According to one example, when the user lifts up in his hand a product to be identified, a detection means  18  in the device  10  detects this movement or position and a control means  14  receives a command signal containing information indicating the movement or position, whereby the control means  14  activates the reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  so as to carry out a predetermined operation in relation to the object to be identified as described above. According to another example, when the user lifts up in his hand a product to be identified, a separate belt device containing a detection means  28  detects this movement or position and a control means  24  in the portable device  20  receives a command signal containing information indicating this movement or position, whereby the control means  24  activates the reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  so as to carry out a predetermined operation in relation to the object to be identified as described above. The reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  issues a notification of a successful operation e.g. through the user interface  341 . According to the above examples, operation of the reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  starts automatically when the user is collecting products into a box in a storage, for example, whereby the reading of an identifier  11 ,  21  placed on the product does not require any separate action of the user, which speeds up the collection and packing process. 
     An arrangement according to one example comprises a portable device  20 , which can be placed on a table, held in hand or attached to a belt, for instance, and contains at least a reader  22  and control means  24  as well as a separate device or unit comprising a detection means  28  which is attached to the user&#39;s wrist, for example. According to one example, when the user swings the wrist device that is attached to his wrist and contains a detection means  28 , the control means  24  of the portable device  20 , such as a belt reader, receives information indicating the movement or position of the wrist device and activates the reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  so as to carry out a predetermined operation in relation to the object to be identified as described above. The reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  issues a notification of a successful operation e.g. through the user interface  341 . The user can thus control the operation of the reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  just by waving his hand; any actions more complex than that are not needed. 
     A method shown in  FIG. 4  for controlling the reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  according to one example comprises a step  401  in which the detection means  18 ,  28 ,  38  detect and indicate movement, position or distance and a step  403  in which they generate information indicating movement or position of the detection means  18 ,  28 ,  38  and/or information indicating movement or position of the object to be identified. Command signals are generated in step  405  based at least partly on the information indicating movement or position. In step  407  command signals are transmitted or transferred, wherein all or some of the command signals are based on information indicating movement or position of the detection means  18 ,  28 ,  38  or the object to be identified. In step  409  command signals are received, whereby the reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  which is e.g. in standby or wait state by default, is activated, and in step  411  at least one of the command signals is used to control the operation of the reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  in relation to the object to be identified. In step  413  the successful operation carried out by the reader  12 ,  22 ,  32  in relation to the object to be identified is acknowledged. 
     In step  411  at least one of the following operations in relation to the object to be identified can be carried out: read from one or more identifiers  11 ,  21  on the object, write to one or more identifiers  11 ,  21  on the object, lock one or more identifiers  11 ,  21  on the object, disable one or more identifiers  11 ,  21  on the object, or direct some other operation to one or more identifiers  11 ,  21  on the object. 
     It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that various embodiments of the invention are not limited to the examples described here but can vary according to the claims attached hereto.

Technology Category: g