Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The field of the disclosure relates to optical and RFID readers and, more particularly, to a method, system and apparatus of transporting and identifying hazardous materials using optical labels, barcodes and/or RFID tags. 
   BACKGROUND 
   The transportation industry, whether it be highway trucking, rail cars, airplanes, barges and shipping, transport hazardous materials, chemicals, wastes and highly flammable fuels all over the world. These transportation systems move dangerous and sometimes lethal quantities of material through cities, neighborhoods and areas that if an accident occurs could kill hundreds of people. Once thought of as safe transportation devices some of these devices, for example airplanes, have been turned into lethal weapons by terrorists killing thousands of people. 
   The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires all hazardous materials in the workplace be labeled in a manner that warns of any hazards the material may present. There are two methods of labeling, the first using the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond system and the Hazardous Material Identification Guide (HMIG) square system. Both systems identify a health hazard, a specific hazard, a fire hazard and reactivity of the material that is labeled. 
   The United State Department of Transportation (DOT) require that one of these system labels be mounted and located on transportation devices so as to be identifiable to emergency personnel in case of an accident or emergency. The information identified on the NFPA or HMIG label assists emergency personnel in assessing the emergency situation so that they may be able better to contain the situation and/or save lives. However, the labels make identification of a hazardous material in a container or transport device available to everyone. All an individual needs to do is study what the particular label colors and codes mean in the NFPA or HMIG systems. A terrorist could identify, for example, a rail car full of nuclear waste. The terrorist could highjack that rail car and drive it into a city with a bomb and explode it killing and injuring hundreds if not thousands of people. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,251 issued to Landt et al., entitled “Integrated Multi-meter And Wireless Communication Link,” identifies objects through retrieving a template associated with an object. A user must retrieve the template prior to interrogation of the object and then load object identifier information into the template before downloading the data to a host. This patent is not readily adaptable to accept NFPA or HMIG hazardous material labels if used as described in this disclosure. Furthermore, the method and system would consume precious time when emergency personnel need to quickly identify a particular hazardous material. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,746 issued to Brook et al., entitled “System And Method For Tracking Drugs In A Hospital,” uses barcode scanning and printing to reduce errors in tracking drugs. This system uses a keyboard and a barcode scanner to identify a drug and track its use. This requires user interaction on the keyboard which is part of a local area network. This system does transmit locally by RF wireless. It does not use a wide area network allowing the system to transmit or receive NFPA or HMIG information to and from a variety of remote locations as described in this disclosure. Furthermore, the user must interact to update information files if this drug tracking system is to properly operate. The method and system as described in this disclosure for identifying hazardous materials does not require a user to update files, although the user may update files if desired. 
   In another, U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,052 issued to Baillod et al., entitled “System And Method For Authentication Of The Contents of Containers,” teaches the authenticity of container contents is obtained through a RFID marker integrated into a anti-tampering device. This system is not readily adaptable to accept a NFPA or HMIG hazardous material labels if used as described in this disclosure. Furthermore, the NFPA and HMIG system as described in this disclosure does not require a mechanical type anti-tampering device. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,540 issued to Ogawa, entitled “System For Managing dynamic Situations Of Waste Transporting Vehicles,” uses position measurement along with barcodes to identify the location of a vehicle. This system transmits manifest slip information on waste material and is adapted to a particular non-universal format. The system and method of this disclosure uses the HCS universal NFPA or HMIG format for identifying hazardous materials. 
   What is needed is a simple method, system and apparatus for effectively identifying what materials are in containers and transportation devices that would allow only emergency and police personnel to identify what is contained therein. 
   SUMMARY 
   It is an aspect of the preferred embodiment to provide a method, system and apparatus using optical code labels and RFID tags that contain hazardous material information. 
   It is another aspect of the preferred embodiment to provide a method, system and apparatus using optical code readers and RFID readers that allow only emergency and police personnel to identify what hazardous material is contained within containers and transportations devices. 
   It is yet another aspect of the preferred embodiment to provide a method, system and apparatus for updating information in a host computer using optical code labels and RFID tags that contain embedded hazardous material information. 
   It is still yet another aspect of the preferred embodiment to provide a method, system and apparatus to track hazardous material using optical code and RFID systems. 
   A preferred embodiment is directed to a method of identifying hazardous materials using an RFID reader and a RFID tag. A first step is to locate the RFID tag on a transportation device. A second step is to activate a trigger control of the RFID reader to engage power and begin interrogating the RFID tag. Another step is to read the RFID tag to generate a first electromagnetic signal containing code of a hazardous material. Yet another step is to transmit the first electromagnetic signal to a host computer wherein the host computer transmits a second electromagnetic signal. A next step is to receive at the RFID reader the second electromagnetic signal containing information on the hazardous material. The final step is to obtain the information about the hazardous material on a display of the RFID reader. 
   Another preferred embodiment is directed to a method of identifying hazardous materials using an optical reader and an optical label. A first step is to locate the optical label on a transportation device. A second step is to activate a trigger control of the optical reader to engage power and begin scanning the optical label. Another step is to image the optical label to generate a first electromagnetic signal containing code of a hazardous material. Yet another step is to transmit the first electromagnetic signal to a host computer wherein the host computer transmits a second electromagnetic signal. A next step is to receive at the optical reader the second electromagnetic signal containing information on the hazardous material. The final step is to obtain the information about the hazardous material on a display of the optical reader. 
   These and other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description, the description being used to illustrate the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates the NFPA diamond identification of hazardous material. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates the HMIS square identification of hazardous material. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an optical code encoded for use with NFPA or HMIS information in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an optical code configuration in the NFPA format in one embodiment of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates an optical code configuration in the HMIS format in one embodiment of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates an optical code configuration in the NFPA format in one embodiment of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 2D  illustrates an optical code configuration in the HMIS format in one embodiment of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an RFID tag preprogrammed with NFPA or HMIS information in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a system for identifying hazardous material in a transportation device in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating a system for identifying hazardous material in a transportation device in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 6  is a logic diagram illustrating a method for identifying hazardous material in a transportation device in an embodiment of the disclosure. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   While the preferred embodiments are described below with reference to an optical or RFID reader and optical labels or RFID tags, a practitioner in the art will recognize the principals described herein are viable to other applications. 
     FIG. 1B  illustrates the prior art of the Hazardous Material Identification Standard (HMIS) square, and  FIG. 1A  illustrates the prior art of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) diamond. In  FIG. 1A  the hazard identification signal is a color-coded array of four number or letters arranged in a diamond (NFPA). In the current art, hazard diamonds are mounted on transportation devices, including, but not limited to, trucks, storage tanks, bottles of chemicals, railroad tankers and cars, pallets and any vehicle or container that stores or transports hazardous materials. The diamond  10  comprises four smaller diamonds using the color red  10   a , the color blue  10   b , the color yellow  10   c  and the color white  10   d . The color red  10   a  represents the flammability of the material wherein a “0” indicates the material will not burn and a “1” indicates the material must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. A “2” indicates the material must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition may occur. A “3” indicates liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. In addition, a “4” indicates materials that will rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature, or that are readily dispersed in air that will readily burn. 
   The color blue  10   b  represents the health hazard and type of possible injury wherein a “0” means material that on exposure under fire condition would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible material. A “1” indicates material that on exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury, and a “2” indicates a material that on intense or continued but not chronic exposure may cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. A “3” indicates material that on short exposure may cause serious temporary or residual injury, and a “4” indicates material that on very short exposure may cause death or major residual injury. 
   The color yellow  10   c  represents the reactivity or the susceptibility of a material to burning wherein “0” indicates a material that is normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions and is not reactive with water. A “1” indicates material that in itself is normally stable, but which can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. A “2” indicates material that readily undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures or which reacts violently with water or which may form explosive mixtures with water. A “3” indicates material that in itself is capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or reaction but requires a strong initiating source or which must be heated under confinement before initiation or which reacts explosively with water. Also, a “4” indicates a material that is readily capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or reaction at normal temperatures and pressures. 
   The color white  10   d  represents special precautions and protective gear that are required. A “W” indicates the material shows unusual reactivity with water and “OX” indicates materials that possess oxidizing properties. In addition, “ACID” indicates the material is an acid, “ALK” indicates the material is a base, “COR” indicates the material is corrosive and “¤” indicates the material is radioactive. 
   In  FIG. 1B  the hazard identification signal is a color-coded array of four number or letters arranged in a square  11  (HMIS). In the current art, hazard squares are mounted on transportation devices, including, but not limited to, trucks, storage tanks, bottles of chemicals, railroad tankers and cars, pallets and any vehicle or container that stores or transports hazardous materials. The square comprises four smaller rectangles using the color blue  11   a , the color red  11   b , the color yellow  11   c  and the color white  11   d . The color red  11   b  represents the flammability of the material wherein a “0” indicates the material will not burn and a “1” indicates the material must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. A “2” indicates the material must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition may occur. A “3” indicates liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. In addition, a “4” indicates materials that will rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature, or that are readily dispersed in air that will readily burn. 
   The color blue  11   a  represents the health hazard and type of possible injury wherein a “0” indicates material that on exposure under fire condition would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible material. A “1” indicates material that on exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury, and a “2” indicates a material that on intense or continued but not chronic exposure may cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. A “3” indicates material that on short exposure may cause serious temporary or residual injury, and a “4” indicates material that on very short exposure may cause death or major residual injury. 
   The color yellow  11   c  represents the reactivity or the susceptibility of a material to burning wherein “0” indicates material that in itself is normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions and is not reactive with water. A “1” indicates material that in itself is normally stable, but which can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. A “2” indicates material that readily undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures or which reacts violently with water or which may form explosive mixtures with water. A “3” indicates material that in itself is capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or reaction but requires a strong initiating source or which must be heated under confinement before initiation or which reacts explosively with water. Also, a “4” indicates material that in itself is readily capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or reaction at normal temperatures and pressures. 
   The color white  11   d  represents special precautions and a symbol system A–H identifies the personal protective equipment (PPE) required for a user to be adequately protected from the hazardous material. The symbol “A” indicates safety glasses, “B” indicates safety glasses and gloves, “C” indicates safety glasses, gloves and an apron and “D” indicates a face shield, gloves and an apron. In addition, the symbol “E” indicates safety glasses, gloves and a dust respirator, “F” indicates safety glasses, gloves, an apron and a dust respirator and “G” indicates safety glasses, gloves and a vapor respirator. Finally, the symbol “H” indicates splash goggles, gloves, an apron and vapor respirator. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates an optical code  12  in the form of a barcode. The color HMIS square and the color NFPA diamond system is substitutable and incorporatable into a barcode system comprising a label with many formatted bars and spaces. The bars form various widths and the spaces are of various widths wherein together they represent a string of digits. These digits may be used to identify all hazardous materials according to the NFPA and HMIS standards. The barcode  12  consists of various widths, such as  13 ,  18  and  9 , and a number of spaces of varying widths, such as  14 ,  15  and  16 , that are prearranged to represent a string of digits in a form that will identify particular information in a host computer. The barcode  12  may identify a hazardous material using the HMIS or NFPA standard. For example, if the hazardous material was high grade jet fuel the barcode label would be formed so that the bars and spaces of various widths would represent digits to identify what is the name and chemical composition on the hazardous material. These digits would be processed by a host computer to identify the particular hazardous material after a user takes a reading from an optical reader. In addition, the bar code digits may be formed so as to identify with transportation bill of lading wherein the actual bill of lading may be in the memory of a host computer whereby the host computer is updatable with current transportation information. The information may take the form of where the shipment originated and the destination of the shipment. The updateable bill of lading may also include information on the shipments route and/or information related to suspicious illegal or terrorist activity. In any event, a plurality of digits (barcodes) may be assigned various descriptions representing HMIS or NFPA standards depending upon the desired software programming. 
     FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment of the disclosure using an optical code (barcode) as a NFPA diamond barcode label  12   a . The first area  14   a  would have a red background with barcode  13   a  representing a string of digits to identify the flammability of the hazardous material according to the NFPA standard. For example, if the material was highly flammable the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “1” and “3.” The first digit “1” may indicate that the precursor is red which illustrates a flammable material. The digit “3” may indicate the material was flammable under any condition as provided by the NFPA standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “1” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The second area  14   b  would have a blue background with barcode  13   b  representing a string of digits to identify the health hazard of the hazardous material according to the NFPA standard. For example, if the material was mildly corrosive the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “2” and “3.” The first digit “2” may indicate that the precursor is blue which illustrates a health hazard material. The digit “3” would indicate the material on short exposure may cause serious temporary or residual injury as provided by the NFPA standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “2” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The third area  14   c  would have a yellow background with barcode  13   c  representing a string of digits to identify the reactivity of the hazardous material according to the NFPA standard. For example, if the material was jet fuel the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “3” and “4.” The first digit “3” may indicate that the precursor is yellow which illustrates the reactivity of the material. The digit “4” would indicate the material in itself is readily capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or reaction at normal temperatures as provided by the NFPA standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “3” and “4,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The fourth area  14   d  would have a white background with barcode  13   d  representing a string of digits to identify the protective equipment needed to handle the hazardous material according to the NFPA standard. For example, if the material was caustic soda the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “4” and “3.” The first digit “4” may indicate the precursor is white which illustrates the protective equipment needed to handle the material. The digit “3” would indicate the material was and acid and the needed protective equipment would include eye shields, gloves and apron as provided by the NFPA standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “4” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. In the fourth area representing PPE, the digits with corresponding bar and space widths on the optical label would include, “1” in place of a ¤ where the material reacts with water and “2” in place of an OX where the material possesses oxidizing properties. In addition, other digits would include a “3” in place of ACID where the material is an acid, a “4” in place of AKL where the material is a base, a “5” in place of COR where the material is corrosive and a “6” in place ¤ where the material is radioactive. Furthermore, the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 may represent what protective equipment is needed for a particular hazardous material after software processes the digits with information stored in memory of a host computer. 
     FIG. 2B  illustrates an embodiment of the disclosure using an optical code as a HMIS square barcode label  12   b . The first area  15   a  would have a blue background with barcode  16   a  representing a string of digits to identify the health hazard of the hazardous material according to the HMIS standard. For example, if the material was mildly corrosive the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “1” and “3.” The first digit “1” may indicate that the precursor is blue which illustrates a health hazard material. The digit “3” would indicate the material on short exposure may cause serious temporary or residual injury as provided by the HMIS standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “1” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The second area  15   b  would have a red background with barcode  16   b  representing a string of digits to identify the flamability of the hazardous material according to the HMIS standard. For example, if the material was highly flammable the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “2” and “3.” The first digit “2” may indicate that the precursor is red which illustrates a flammable material. The digit “3” indicating the material was flammable under any condition as provided by the HMIS standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “2” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The third area  15   c  would have a yellow background with barcode  16   c  representing a string of digits to identify the reactivity of the hazardous material according to the HMIS standard. For example, if the material was jet fuel the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “3” and “4.” The first digit “3” may indicate that the precursor is yellow which illustrates the reactivity of the material. The digit “4” would indicate the material in itself is readily capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or reaction at normal temperatures as provided by the HMIS standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “3” and “4,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The fourth area  15   d  would have a white background with barcode  16   d  representing a string of digits to identify the protective equipment needed to handle the hazardous material according to the HMIS standard. For example, if the material was caustic soda the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “4” and “3.” The first digit “4” may indicate that the precursor is white which illustrates the protective equipment needed to handle the material. The digit “3” would indicate the needed protective equipment would include safety glasses, gloves and apron as provided by the HMIS standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “4” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. In the fourth area (PPE) the digits with corresponding bar and space widths on the optical label would include, “1” in place of an A where the protective equipment (PPE) is safety glasses and “2” in place of a B where the PPE are safety glasses and gloves. In addition, other digits would include a “3” in place of a C where the PPE are safety glasses, gloves and an apron, a “4” in place of a D where the PPE are a face shield, gloves and an apron and a “5” in place of an E where the PPE are safety glasses, gloves and a dust respirator. Others digits would include a “6” in place of a F where the PPE are safety glasses, gloves, an apron and a dust respirator, a “7” in place of a G where the PPE are safety glasses, gloves and a vapor respirator and a “8” in place of a H where the PPE are splash goggles, gloves, and apron and a vapor respirator. Furthermore, the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 may represent what protective equipment is needed for a particular hazardous material after software processes the digits with information stored in memory of a host computer. 
     FIG. 2C  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the disclosure using an optical code as a NFPA diamond barcode label  12   c . The first barcode  17   a  would represent a string of digits to identify the flammability of the hazardous material according to the NFPA standard. For example, if the material was highly flammable the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “1” and “3.” The first digit “1” may indicate “flammability” as the material precursor. The digit “3” may indicate the material was flammable under any condition as provided by the NFPA standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “1” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The second barcode  17   b  would represent a string of digits to identify the health hazard of the hazardous material according to the NFPA standard. For example, if the material was mildly corrosive the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “2” and “3.” The first digit “2” may indicate “health hazard” as the material precursor. The digit “3” would indicate the material on short exposure may cause serious temporary or residual injury as provided by the NFPA standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “2” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The third barcode  17   c  would represent a string of digits to identify the reactivity of the hazardous material according to the NFPA standard. For example, if the material was jet fuel the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “3” and “4.” The first digit “3” may indicate “reactivity” as the material precursor. The digit “4” would indicate the material in itself is readily capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or reaction at normal temperatures as provided by the NFPA standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “3” and “4,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The fourth barcode  17   d  would represent a string of digits to identify the protective equipment needed to handle the hazardous material according to the NFPA standard. For example, if the material was caustic soda the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “4” and “3.” The first digit “4” may indicate “personal protective equipment (PPE)” as the precursor for exuipment needed to handle the hazardous material. The digit “3” would indicate the material was and acid and the needed protective equipment would include eye shields, gloves and apron as provided by the NFPA standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “4” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. In the fourth area (PPE) the digits with corresponding bar and space widths on the optical label would include, “1” in place of a W where the material reacts with water and “2” in place of OX where the material possesses oxidizing properties. In addition, other digits would include a “3” in place of ACID where the material is an acid, a “4” in place of AKL where the material is a base, a “5” in place of COR where the material is corrosive and a “6” in place of where the material is radioactive. Furthermore, the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 may represent what protective equipment is needed for a particular hazardous material after software processes the digits with information stored in memory of a host computer. 
     FIG. 2D  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the disclosure using an optical code as a HMIS square barcode label  12   d . The first barcode  18   a  would represent a string of digits to identify the health hazard of the hazardous material according to the HMIS standard. For example, if the material was mildly corrosive the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “1” and “3.” The first digit “1” may indicate “health hazard” as the material precursor. The digit “3” would indicate the material on short exposure may cause serious temporary or residual injury as provided by the HMIS standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “1” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The second barcode  18   b  would represent a string of digits to identify the flamability of the hazardous material according to the HMIS standard. For example, if the material was highly flammable the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “2” and “3.” The first digit “2” may indicate “flammability” as the material precursor. The digit “3” would Indicate that the material was flammable under any condition as provided by the HMIS standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “2” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The third barcode  18   c  would represent a string of digits to identify the reactivity of the hazardous material according to the HMIS standard. For example, if the material was jet fuel the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “3” and “4.” The first digit “3” may indicate “reactivity” as the material precursor. The digit “4” would indicate the material in itself is readily capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or reaction at normal temperatures as provided by the HMIS standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “3” and “4,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. 
   The fourth barcode  18   d  would represent a string of digits to identify the protective equipment needed to handle the hazardous material according to the HMIS standard. For example, if the material was caustic soda the barcode would contain bars and spaces with various widths corresponding to two digits “4” and “3.” The first digit “4” may indicate “PPE” as the precursor for equipment needed to handle the hazardous material. The digit “3” would indicate the needed protective equipment would include safety glasses, gloves and apron as provided by the HMIS standard. A host computer would have in memory information pertaining to the digits “4” and “3,” wherein processing in the host computer would quickly provide the user this information about the hazardous material. In the fourth area (PPE), the digits with corresponding bar and space widths on the optical label would include, a “1” in place of an A where the personal protective equipment is safety glasses and a “2” in place of a B where the PPE are safety glasses and gloves. In addition, other digits would include a “3” in place of a C where the PPE are safety glasses, gloves and an apron, a “4” in place of a D where the PPE are a face shield, gloves and an apron and a “5” in place of an E where the PPE are safety glasses, gloves and a dust respirator. Others digits would include a “6” in place of a F where the PPE are safety glasses, gloves, an apron and a dust respirator, a “7” in place of a G where the PPE are safety glasses, gloves and a vapor respirator and a “8” in place of a H where the PPE are splash goggles, gloves, and apron and a vapor respirator. Furthermore, the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 may represent what protective equipment is needed for a particular hazardous material after software processes the digits with information stored in memory of a host computer. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a RFID tag  20  in an embodiment of the disclosure. The RFID tag system, that is a device which is used to identify an object when queried remotely by an RFID interrogating circuit, is programmable using the color HMIS square and the color NFPA diamond standard. The RFID tag  20  may comprise a substrate  21 , a semiconductor circuit  22  and a transmitting/receiving antenna  26 . The semiconductor circuit  22  (programmable RF chip) further comprises a programmable memory  23 , logic circuits  24  and RF circuits  25 . Circuits like this used in RF tags are well known and a variety of circuits are commercially available that are suitable to form an essential building block of a RFID tag. The semiconductor  22  has a first connection  27  and a second connection  28 . The connections  27  and  28  provide an input/output connection to the RF circuitry in the semiconductor  22 . The connections  27  and  28  each have impedance that may be varied by the logic circuits  24 . When an RF signal is transmitted from an RFID interrogator (reader), the RF tag is sensed by a circuit in the semiconductor  22 . A logic circuit  24  causes the impedance to change between the connections  27  and  28 . The impedance change modulates the RF signal reflected from the tag  20 . This modulation allows the RF tag  20  to send information back to the RFID interrogator. The RFID tag  20  memory  23  is preprogrammed with information pertaining to HMIS or NPFA standards on a particular hazardous material. 
   For example, the memory  23  of the RFID tag  20  may be preprogrammed with information pertaining to hazardous material such as high grade jet fuel. The memory  23  would be preprogrammed to provide a modulated backscatter signal. This signal would identify the information on the tag as that of high grade jet fuel flammability when processed in a host computer after being interrogated by an RFID reader. The preprogramming would be such that a backscatter signal after processing in a host computer may identify the jet fuel health hazard. Thus by the HMIS standard, the jet fuel health hazard is a material that on intense or continued but not chronic exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. The preprogramming would be such that a backscatter signal after processing in a host computer may identify the jet fuel reactivity. Thus by the HMIS standard, jet fuel reactivity is a material that is readily capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or reaction at normal temperatures and pressures. Finally, the preprogramming would be such that a backscatter signal may identify the jet fuel PPE requirements. Thus by the HMIS standard, the jet fuel PPE needed are safety glasses, gloves and a vapor respirator. All hazardous materials may be preprogrammed onto RFID tags using the NFPA and HMIS standard. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of system  100  which identifies hazardous materials in transportation devices (not shown), including, but not limited to, trucks, storage tanks, bottles of chemicals, railroad tankers and cars, pallets and any vehicle or container that stores or transports hazardous materials. The system  100  includes a host computer  112  with associated memory, a first display  114 , a keyboard  115  or other input device, connection to a wide area network (WAN)  118  and an optical reader  120 . Alternately, the WAN is substitutable for a local area network (LAN), internet or satellite communication. The WAN  118  includes the capability of wireless communication through a radio frequency (RF) interface  119 . The RF interface  119  allows the host computer  112  on the WAN  118  to communicate with the portable optical reader  120 . The host computer  112  with wireless communication capability maintains in its memory the records of all possible hazardous materials formatted with the HMIS or NFPA standard. The portable optical reader  120  allows identification and tracking of all hazardous materials that are either transported from place to place or maintained in a storage facility. 
   The portable optical reader  120  is a hand-held optical unit. A user may operate the optical reader  120  by pointing and sweeping the unit at and across a target  102  located on either a transportation device or container. Alternately, the hand-held optical reader is substitutable with a fixed optical reader for stationary reading of, for example, small containers, bottles and the like. In a fixed optical reader system, the container may be brought into reading range and swept across the optical reader range of field. The target  102  may be a barcode or other optical label that is formatted with various bars and spaces. These bars and spaces of varying widths represent digits that when imaged and processed in a host computer  112  will provide the user with information pertaining to a hazardous material. The portable optical reader  120  begins to image the target  102  at the second input (imager)  124  and generates a first signal  122  after reading the target  102 . The user pushes the trigger  138 , located at the handle  136  of the optical reader  120 , to begin reading the target  102  through an imager (second input)  124 . All the circuitry of the optical reader  120  is located within the portable housing  139  including a portable battery  131  that powers the optical reader  120 . The host computer  112  receives the first signal through the RF interface  119  and the wide area network  118 . The host computer  112  receives the first signal  122  comprising a string of digits that when processed will identify a hazardous material according to NFPA and HMIS standards. The host computer  112  internally processes the first signal  122  by searching its memory comparing the received string of digits to stored information on the hazardous material. When the host computer  112  finds a match, the internal processing continues wherein the host computer generates a second signal  122   a  and transmits the second signal  122   a  containing current NFPA or HMIS information on the hazardous material. This information is then read by a user on a second display means  123  of the optical reader  120  so that the user may identify by NFPA or HMIS standards the hazardous material. Alternately, the second signal may be transmitted by cable  122   b  to a first display  114 . The second signal may concurrently be transmitted to both display means, that is, the first and second display. The RF communication interface  119  with the associated antenna  127  includes a receiver and transmitter or transceiver to allow two-way communication between the portable optical reader  120  and the host computer  112  via the wide area network  118 . The display means may include devices that are visual, printed and/or audio. 
   The hazardous material identification system  100  includes a first display  114  that is controlled by displaying prompts to the user to enter particular information through the first input  115  so as to lead the user through a hazardous material tracking operation. The system  100  includes an internal processing unit in the host computer  112  with one or more microprocessors for controlling the collection of data in the memory. The software and processing unit collects data in the memory by selectively associating input means information received from the first input  115 , the second input  124  and the RF interface  119 . Typically, the first input  115  may enter tracking information such as departing time from a particular location of hazardous material, for example, hazardous material that was loaded onto a truck tanker in Los Angeles, Calif. Furthermore, additional information such as arrival time of the hazardous material and destination, such as Portland, Oreg., may be entered into the host computer at the first input  115 . In particular, the selective association of data in the memory allows the processing unit to transmit and/or display selected portions of the associated data. This helps emergency personal who may ask for only HMIS or NFPA standard information after reading the target  102 . 
   In  FIG. 4 , there is shown a typical optical code reader  120  on a label  102 , which may be attached to an item and identifies that item on a transportation device. The data representing the item is obtained by a terminal such as an imager contained in the housing  139  of the optical reader  120 . The optical reader  120  provides barcode image signals which are digitized as by an analog to digital converter contained with the housing  139 . The digitized signal is transmitted to the decoder in the housing  139  of the optical reader  120 , generating a first signal  122  to provide serial binary data representing the bar code. This data is inputted into a microprocessor of the host computer  112 . The microprocessor exercises several functions. These functions include, but are not limited to, a scan control signal generation for enabling the barcode or optical imager to scan across the code of the target  102 , when the optical reader  120  comes into proximity of the target. 
   The wireless radio communications features are provided by a RF interface  119  including a receiver, a transmitter and modulator. The transmitter and modulator provide transmission where a carrier is moved between states, according to different binary bits of a message. For example, the output frequency in an embodiment of the invention may be in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band, in the very high frequency (VHF) band or other bands at a relatively low power. In one embodiment, such as reading a target in a remote location, high power transmitters are needed to cover a large enough area for remote collection of the data from barcode or optical code readers. In another embodiment, such as reading a target in a warehouse, low power transmitters are sufficient to cover a large enough area for remote collection of the data from the barcode or optical code readers. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of system  100  which identifies hazardous materials in transportation devices (not shown), including, but not limited to, trucks, storage tanks, bottles of chemicals, railroad tankers and cars, pallets and any vehicle or container that stores or transports hazardous materials. The system  100  includes a host computer  112  with associated memory, a first display  114 , a keyboard  115  or other input devices, a connection to a wide area network (WAN)  118  and a RFID reader  120 . Alternately, the WAN is substitutable for a local area network (LAN), internet or satellite communication. The WAN  118  includes the capability of wireless communication through a radio frequency (RF) interface  119 . The RF interface  119  allows the host computer  112  on the WAN  118  to communicate with the portable RFID reader  120 . The host computer  112  with wireless communication capability maintains in its memory the records of all possible hazardous materials formatted with the HMIS or NFPA standard. The portable RFID reader allows identification and tracking of all hazardous materials that are either transported from place to place or maintained in a storage facility. 
   The portable RFID reader  120  or interrogator is a hand-held optical unit. A user can operate the RFID reader  120  by pointing the unit at a RFID tag  102  located on either a transportation device or storage container. The RFID tag  102  is preprogrammed with information pertaining to a hazardous material. The portable RFID reader  120  begins to interrogate the tag  102  at the second input (interrogator)  124  and generates a first signal  122  which is a modulated backscatter signal after interrogating the RFID tag  102 . The user pushes the trigger  138  located at the handle  136  of the RFID reader  120  to begin interrogating the tag  102  through an interrogator (second input)  124 . All the circuitry of the RFID reader  120  is located within the portable housing  139  including a portable battery  131  that powers the RFID reader  120 . The host computer  112  receives the first signal through the RF interface  119  and the wide area network  118 . The host computer  112  receives the first signal  122  comprising a preprogrammed algorithm containing information on a hazardous material according to NFPA and HMIS standards. The host computer  112  internally processes the first signal  122  by searching its memory comparing the received modulated backscatter signal to stored information on the hazardous material. When the host computer  112  finds a match, the internal processing continues wherein the host computer generates a second signal  122   a  and transmits the second signal  122   a  containing current NFPA or HMIS information on the hazardous material. This information is then read by a user on a second display means  123  of the RFID reader  120  so that the user may identify by NFPA or HMIS standards the hazardous material. Alternately, the second signal may be transmitted by cable  122   b  to a first display means  114 . The second signal may concurrently be transmitted to both display means, that is, the first and second display. The RF communication interface  119  with the associated antenna  127  includes a receiver and transmitter or transceiver to allow two-way communication between the portable RFID reader  120  and the host computer  112  via the wide area network  118 . The display means may be devices that are visual, print and/or audio. 
   The hazardous material identification system  100  includes a first display  114  that is controlled to display prompts to the user to enter particular information through the first input  115  so as to lead the user through a hazardous material tracking operation. The system  100  includes an internal processing unit in the host computer  112  with one or more microprocessors for controlling the collection of data in the memory. The software and processing unit collects data in the memory by selectively associating input means information received from the first input  115 , the second input  124  and the RF interface  119 . Typically, the first input  115  may enter tracking information such as departing time from a particular location of hazardous material, for example, hazardous material that was loaded onto a truck tanker in Los Angeles, Calif. Furthermore, additional information such as arrival time of the hazardous material and destination, such as Portland, Oreg., may be entered into the host computer at the first input  115 . In particular, the selective association of data in the memory allows the processing unit to transmit and/or display selected portions of the associated data. This helps emergency personal who may ask for only HMIS or NFPA standard information after reading the target  102 . 
   In  FIG. 4 , there is shown a typical RFID reader  120  and a RFID tag  102 , which may be attached to an item and identifies that item on a transportation device. The data representing the item is obtained by a terminal such as an interrogator contained in the housing  139  of the RFID reader  120 . The reader  120  provides RF backscatter signals from the tag  102  which are digitized as by an analog to digital converter contained with the housing  139 . The digitized signal is transmitted to the decoder in the housing  139  of the RFID reader  120 , generating a first signal  122  to provide serial binary data representing the modulated backscatter signal from the tag. This signal and the data contained therein are inputted into a microprocessor of the host computer  112 . The microprocessor exercises several functions. These functions include, but are not limited to, a control signal generation for enabling the interrogator to read the tag  102 , when the RFID reader  120  comes into proximity of the RFID tag  102 . 
   The wireless radio communications features are provided by a RF interface  119  including a receiver, a transmitter and modulator. The transmitter and modulator provides transmission where a carrier is moved between states, according to different binary bits of a message. For example, the output frequency in an embodiment of the invention may be in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band, in the very high frequency (VHF) band or other bands at a relatively low power. In one embodiment, such as reading a RFID tag in a remote location, high power transmitters are needed to cover a large enough area for remote collection of data from the RFID reader. In another embodiment, such as reading a RFID tag in a warehouse, low power transmitters are sufficient to cover a large enough area for remote collection of data from the RFID reader. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates hazardous materials identification system  200  using the internet  206  or WAN and providing hazardous material information for at least two remote locations  234  and  236 . At the first location  234 , an optical code reader  216  images an optical code or barcode  218  generating a first signal. The first signal is transmitted by a first antenna  214  through a first RF interface  212  via a first local area network (LAN)  210  to a first host computer  208 . At the second location  236 , an RFID reader  230  interrogates a RFID tag  232  generating a second signal. The second signal is transmitted by a second antenna  228  through a second RF interface  226  via a second local area network  224  to a second host computer  222 . Although two remote areas are discussed, many remote areas may be used in system  200  wherein there may be a plurality of optical readers and/or RFID readers. The data collected by the first host computer  208  through the first LAN  208  is processed locally. Likewise, the data collected by the second host computer  222  through the second LAN  224  is processed locally. To the extent the received data requires a response, the first host computer  208  retrieves data, processes information and retransmits the data as a third signal through the first RF interface  212  to the optical reader  216 . Likewise, to the extent the received data requires a response, the second host computer  222  retrieves data, processes information and retransmits the data as a fourth signal through the second RF interface  226  to the RFID reader  230 . Both the optical reader  216  and RFID reader  230  have local displays so that the user may obtain the desired hazardous material information. 
   In the event the RFID reader or optical reader requests should require retrieval of data not stored on the first or second host computer, the first and second host computer may retrieve data from external sources. The second host computer  222  through a third RF interface  220  may communicate with a satellite or wireless communication, and retrieve data from IP addressable severs  202  and  204  through a wide area communications network or internet  206 . Likewise, the first host computer  204  may communicate through a land line  207 , such as through telephone dial-up connections or dedicated optical cable. The first host computer may retrieve data from IP addressable servers  202  and  204  through a wide area communications network  206 . Thus system  200  is useful to a user to locate and find updated information on a particular hazardous material shipment. For example, a user may try and read a target at remote area  234  or  236 , wherein a container of hazardous material has spilled and partially destroyed the optical label  218  or RFID tag  232 . In this case, the user may need to remotely locate the origin of the container and request information regarding the hazardous material that only the origination location might have. The user would request through the optical reader  216  or RFID reader  232 , information about the hazardous material retrieving data from IP addressable severs  202  or  204 . 
   The first host computer  208  at remote site  234  may also use the wide area communications network  206  to communicate to the second host computer  222  at remote site  236 . The two sites may be linked to provide pass through communication between the optical reader  216  and the RFID reader  230 . In one embodiment, the first host computer  208  and the second host computer  222  communicate over the wide area network  206  with open standard protocols and data types as used by an Internet server. The system  200  would permit the first host computer  208  to retrieve and utilize hazardous material data from the servers without complex data conversion and translation routines. An open architecture standard is designed into the optical and RFID readers so that data files may be transparently retrieved. In addition, system  200  may use encryption technology or use a secure closed communication link to transmit and receive the sensitive and confidential hazardous material data. A secure system would ensure that terrorist would not be able to gain access to the hazardous material information. Furthermore, the preprogramming of the RF tag and digitization of the barcode labels may be periodically changed reorganizing hazardous material information. This would improve the security of system  200 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates one embodiment of method  300  which identifies hazardous materials in transportation devices (not shown), including, but not limited to, trucks, storage tanks, bottles of chemicals, railroad tankers and cars, pallets and any vehicle or container that stores or transports hazardous materials. The method  300  includes, at step  302 , locating an optical label  102  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) on a transportation device to be read by an optical reader  120 . At step  304 , the trigger  138  control is activated on the optical reader  120  for engaging power to begin imaging the optical label  102 . The portable optical reader  120  may be a hand-held optical unit, wherein a user operates the optical reader  120  by pointing and sweeping the unit at an optical label  102  located on either a transportation device or storage container. The optical label  102  may be a barcode or other optical label that is formatted with bars and spaces representing digits and upon processing in the host computer  112  will identify information pertaining to a hazardous material. At step  306 , the portable optical reader  120  begins to read, that is image, the optical label  102  at the second input (imager)  124  generating a first electromagnetic signal  122  after complete imaging of the optical label  102 . The first electromagnetic signal  122  represents a barcode string of digits from the optical label  102  for correlating the digits to hazardous material information when processing in the host computer  112 . 
   The method  300  allows identification and tracking of all hazardous materials that are either transported from place to place or maintained in a storage facility. At step  308 , the first electromagnetic signal  122  is transmitted to the host computer  112  wherein, at step  310 , the host computer processes the first electromagnetic signal  122 . The processing generates a second electromagnetic signal  122   a  containing information on a particular hazardous material. The host computer  112  internally processes the first electromagnetic signal  122  by searching its memory comparing the received string of digits to stored information on the hazardous material. When the host computer  112  finds a match, the internal processing continues wherein the host computer generates a second electromagnetic signal  122   a . At step  312 , the second electromagnetic signal  122   a  is transmitted to a second display means  123 . The second display receives the second electromagnetic signal  122   a  containing current NFPA or HMIS information on the hazardous material. Finally, at step  314  the information on the hazardous material is displayed. Alternately, the second electromagnetic signal may be transmitted over cable  122   b  to the first display means  114 . The display means, that is the first and second display may include, but not be limited to, visual, printed and audio. It should be further understood that method  300  may include a display means that are a plurality of display units with remote locations such as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of method  300  which identifies hazardous materials in transportation devices (not shown), including, but not limited to, trucks, storage tanks, bottles of chemicals, railroad tankers and cars, pallets and any vehicle or container that stores or transports hazardous materials. The method  300  includes, at step  302 , locating an RFID tag  102  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) on a transportation device to be read by an RFID reader  120 . At step  304 , the trigger  138  control is activated on the RFID reader  120  for engaging power to begin interrogating the RFID tag  102 . The portable RFID reader  120  is a hand-held interrogator unit, wherein a user may operate the RFID reader  120  by pointing the unit at a RFID tag  102  located on either a transportation device or storage container. The RFID tag  102  may be either active or passive and is preprogrammed with information pertaining to a hazardous material. At step  306 , the portable RFID reader  120  begins to interrogate the RFID tag  102  at the second input (interrogator)  124  and generates a first electromagnetic signal  122  after reading, that is interrogating, the RFID tag  102 . The first electromagnetic signal  122  represents a modulated backscatter of preprogrammed code from the RFID tag  102  for correlating the modulated backscatter to hazardous material information when processing in the host computer  112 . 
   The method  300  allows identification and tracking of all hazardous materials that are either transported from place to place or maintained in a storage facility. At step  308 , the first electromagnetic signal  122  is transmitted to the host computer  112  wherein, at step  310 , the host computer processes the first electromagnetic signal  122 . The processing generates a second electromagnetic signal  122   a  containing information on a particular hazardous material. The host computer  112  internally processes the first electromagnetic signal  122  by searching its memory comparing the received modulated backscatter to stored information on the hazardous material. When the host computer  112  finds a match, the internal processing continues wherein the host computer generates a second electromagnetic signal  122   a . At step  312 , the second electromagnetic signal  122   a  is transmitted to a first display means  123 . The first display receives the second electromagnetic signal  122   a  containing current NFPA or HMIS information on the hazardous material. Finally, at step  314  the information on the hazardous material is displayed. Alternately, the second electromagnetic signal may be transmitted over cable  122   b  to the first display means  114 . The display means, that is the first and second display may include, but not be limited to, visual, printed and audio. It should be further understood that method  300  may include a display means that are a plurality of display units with remote locations such as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
   While there has been illustrated and described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be appreciated that numerous changes and modifications are likely to occur to those skilled in the art. It is intended in the appended claims to cover all those changes and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims and their equivalents.

Technology Category: 3