Sensor Array

Abstract

A sensor array (1) having at least one code reader that is designed for reading codes (3), and having at least one computing unit (7). The code reader with the computing unit (7) constitutes an RFID emulator sensor (2), in that the code reader and the computing unit (7) are connected via an emulator data channel (9), via which exclusively subsystem data and/or transponder emulator data can be written to a memory range of a memory unit of the computing unit (7) by the code reader or subsystem data and/or transponder emulator data can be read from this memory unit by means of the code reader, wherein this memory range is defined by a code (3) read by the code reader.

Claims

1. A sensor array (1) with at least one code reader that is designed for reading codes (3), and at least one computing unit (7), characterized in that the code reader with the computing unit (7) constitutes an RFID emulator sensor (2) in that they are connected via an emulator data channel (9), via which channel exclusively subsystem data and/or transponder emulator data can be written by the code reader to a memory range of a memory unit of the computing unit (7) or subsystem data and/or transponder emulator data can be read from this memory unit by means of the code reader, wherein this memory range is defined by a code (3) read by the code reader.

2. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transponder emulator data is object data.

3. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the object data refers to an object that is labelled with a code (3), which is read by the code reader constituting the RFID emulator sensor 2.

4. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transponder emulator data is sensor data that is generated by sensors (12), which are assigned to the code reader constituting the RFID emulator sensor 2.

5. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that data of the code reader or the units assigned thereto are provided as subsystem data.

6. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that transponder emulator metadata is assigned to the transponder emulator data.

7. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the memory unit can be segmented and scaled.

8. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the memory unit constitutes a database.

9. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication between the code reader constituting the RFID emulator sensor 2 and the computing unit (7) takes place via a secure communication interface.

10. The sensor array (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the communication interface is designed for configuring various communication and security settings of the RFID emulator sensors (2, 2a-2d) and transponder emulator data.

11. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a lock mechanism is provided as access protection for data stored in the memory unit.

12. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has multiple code readers that are assigned to a computing unit (7), wherein each code reader with the computing unit (7) constitutes an RFID emulator sensor (2).

13. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has multiple code readers that are assigned to various computing units, wherein each code reader with the assigned computing unit (7) constitutes an RFID emulator sensor (2).

14. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the computing unit (7) or a computing unit (7) is a cloud computer, a server or a local computer of an automation plant.

15. The sensor array (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the various computing units (7) are connected via network routers (26).

16. The sensor array (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the various computing units (7) are connected via a cloud.

17. The sensor array (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that means for synchronizing the memory units or, respectively, the databases of the individual computing units (7) are provided.

18. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that multiple code readers constitute a multiscan arrangement.

19. The sensor array (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that a code (3) can be read simultaneously from different directions with the code readers of the multiscan arrangement, wherein these code readers are networked in a logic network (11) and only one of these code readers with the assigned computing unit (7) constitutes an RFID emulator sensor (2), and wherein the additional code readers of the multiscan arrangement are simultaneously triggered by means of the code reader constituting the RFID emulator sensor (2) to perform read operations of a code (3), and wherein the first code (3) read by one of the code readers is used for further processing.

20. The sensor array (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that multiple spaced codes (3) are read by the code readers of the multiscan arrangement.

21. The sensor array (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the codes (3) have different start character strings but the same end character strings.

22. The sensor array (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that based on the read codes (3), a filtering is performed or an object orientation is determined.

23. The sensor array (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that different fragments of a code (3) are read by the code readers of the multiscan arrangement, wherein the fragments are compiled in an RFID emulator sensor (2) or in a computing unit (7, 7′) in order to capture the code (3).

24. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an RFID emulator software (8) which constitutes a control and evaluation unit of the RFID emulator sensor is implemented in the computing unit (7) or in each computing unit (7).

25. The sensor array (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that an RFID emulator user interface (18) assigned to the RFID emulator software (8) is provided.

26. The sensor array (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that the RFID emulator software (8, 8′) and the RFID emulator user interface (18) are provided on different computing units (7, 7′).

27. The sensor array (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that the RFID emulator user interface (18) is provided in a cloud system (23).

28. The sensor array (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that access to transponder emulator data and/or transponder emulator metadata stored in a memory unit takes place by means of an RFID emulator application logic (15).

29. The sensor array (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that access to the RFID emulator software (8, 8′) is enabled via the RFID emulator user interface (18).

30. The sensor array (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that an addressing and/or an administration of the RFID emulator software (8, 8′) is enabled via the RFID emulator user interface (18).

31. The sensor array (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that transponder emulator data and/or transponder emulator metadata can be administered, archived, evaluated or replicated via an RFID emulator application logic (15).

32. The sensor array (1) according to claim 31, characterized in that a programming interface (19) is provided via which the RFID emulator application logic (15) can be addressed.

33. The sensor array (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that a capturing, configuration, diagnosis, monitoring and administration of the RFID emulator sensors (2, 2a-2d) is performed by means of the RFID emulator software (8, 8′).

34. The sensor array (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that an update of firmware or software units of RFID emulator sensors (2, 2a-2d) can be performed by means of the RFID emulator software (8, 8′).

35. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is connected to a host system (4).

36. The sensor array (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is secured by authentication mechanisms.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] The invention is explained below based on the drawings. They show:

[0073] FIG. 1: A first exemplary embodiment of the sensor array according to the embodiment.

[0074] FIG. 2: A second exemplary embodiment of the sensor array according to the invention.

[0075] FIG. 3: A third exemplary embodiment of the sensor array according to the invention.

[0076] FIG. 4: A fourth exemplary embodiment of the sensor array according to the invention.

[0077] FIG. 5: A fifth exemplary embodiment of the sensor array according to the invention.

[0078] FIG. 6: A sixth exemplary embodiment of the sensor array according to the invention.

[0079] FIG. 7: A seventh exemplary embodiment of the sensor array according to the invention.

[0080] FIG. 8: An eighth exemplary embodiment of the sensor array according to the invention.

[0081] FIG. 9: A ninth exemplary embodiment of the sensor array according to the invention.

[0082] FIG. 10: A tenth exemplary embodiment of the sensor array according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0083] FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the sensor array 1 according to the invention. FIG. 1 shows the sensor array 1 in its simplest form.

[0084] The sensor array 1 comprises a code reader that is further developed according to the invention into an RFID emulator sensor 2. The code reader is implemented in the known fashion as an optical sensor, especially as a scanner or camera sensor, with which codes 3, especially 1D or 2D barcodes, can be read. The code 3 serves to identify an object upon which it is applied, i.e. the code 3 forms an ID code.

[0085] The RFID emulator sensor 2 is connected in the known fashion to a host system 4, i.e. connected to at least one host computer, which is, especially, part of an automation system. Generally, the RFID emulator sensor 2 searches its database for the object data and reads the corresponding data and then sends it to the host system 4. In particular, the codes 3 read by the RFID emulator sensor 2 are interpreted and the associated object data is supplied to the host system 4, especially for the purpose of performing automation tasks. To this end, the RFID emulator sensor 2 is connected to the host system 4 via a data cable 5.

[0086] The code reader is part of an RFID emulator system 6, which serves to simulate, i.e. emulate, the RFID emulator sensor 2.

[0087] The RFID emulator system has a computing unit 7 in which an RFID emulator software 8 is implemented. The computing unit 7, i.e. the RFID emulator software 8, is connected to the RFID emulator sensor 2 via an emulator data channel 9.

[0088] The emulator data channel 9 can be part of the physical data cable 5. The emulator data channel 9 forms a secure transmission path.

[0089] It is useful for the data transmission via the data cable 5 to be subject to the OPC UA communication standard with the companion standard (CS) AutoID. The emulator data channel 9 complies with this companion standard and is expanded to include additional service features.

[0090] For the code reader constituting the RFID emulator sensor 2, the function of an RFID sensor is emulated in that a memory unit, especially in the form of a database, is assigned to the code reader in the computing unit 7.

[0091] The memory unit or, respectively, database can be segmented or scaled as desired using the RFID emulator software 8.

[0092] The code 3 read by the code reader serves to indirectly address the memory unit for a reading in and out of data, which especially constitutes transponder emulator data in the form of object data. The object data is assigned to the object that is labelled with the code 3. Moreover, data can be constituted in the form of transponder emulator metadata assigned to the transponder emulator data. This transponder emulator metadata can be quality or statistical data that is captured in a time-indexed manner and assigned to the transponder emulator data.

[0093] When the code 3 is read for the first time, a memory object, i.e. memory range, is created in the memory, which memory object is referenced by the code 3.

[0094] During a subsequent read operation, the RFID emulator sensor 2 reads the code 3 and sends it to the RFID emulator software 8. The RFID emulator software 8 reads out the memory range in this code 3 and sends the data, i.e. transponder emulator data, and as the case may be, transponder emulator metadata, to the RFID emulator sensor 2. The RFID emulator sensor 2 packages this data according to the AutoID profile and sends it to the host system 4.

[0095] A write operation takes place in a corresponding manner, wherein in this case data is sent from the RFID emulator 2 to the computing unit 7 and stored in the memory range of the memory unit defined by the code 3.

[0096] With the write/read operations that use the memory unit, the functionality of an RFID sensor is fully emulated by the RFID emulator sensor 2.

[0097] It is advantageous for the data to be protected against unauthorized access by a lock mechanism, i.e. a blocking mechanism. It is advantageous for this protection to be implemented in the form of a password, which the RFID emulator sensor 2 sends to the computing unit 7 with the read code 3. The corresponding memory ranges

[0098] are therefore password-protected.

[0099] Moreover, the memory unit constitutes a database.

[0100] The communication between the code reader and the computing unit 7 takes place via a secure communication interface.

[0101] The RFID emulator software 8 constitutes not only a control and evaluation unit for emulating the functions of an RFID sensor.

[0102] Moreover, capturing, configuration and administration of the RFID emulator sensors 2 is performed by means of the RFID emulator software 8.

[0103] Furthermore, an update of firmware of software units of RFID emulator sensors 2 can be performed by means of the RFID emulator software 8.

[0104] In the sensor array 1 from FIG. 1, the computing unit 7 or a computing unit 7 can be a cloud computer, a server or a local computer of an automation plant.

[0105] The embodiment from FIG. 1 describes the basic functions of the sensor array 1 according to the invention, which are also realized in the other sensor arrays 1 from FIGS. 2 to 9.

[0106] FIG. 2 shows a further development of the embodiment from FIG. 1 that is expanded in that the code reader constituting the RFID emulator sensor 2 is connected to an additional code reader 10 via a logic network 11 and together with this, constitutes a multiscan arrangement.

[0107] Multiple code readers constitute a multiscan arrangement especially such that with them, a code 3 can be read simultaneously from different directions, wherein the code reader is networked in a logic network 11 and only one of these code readers, with the assigned computing unit 7, constitutes an RFID emulator sensor 2, wherein the code reader constituting the RFID emulator sensor 2 simultaneously triggers the other code readers 10 of the multiscan arrangement to perform read operations of a code 3. The first code 3 read by one of the code readers is used for further processing.

[0108] Moreover, multiple spaced codes 3 can be read by the code readers of the multiscan arrangement.

[0109] The codes 3 can have different initial strings but the same end character strings.

[0110] Based on the read code 3, a filtering is performed or an object orientation is determined.

[0111] Moreover, different fragments of a code 3 are read by the code readers of the multiscan arrangement, wherein the fragments are compiled in an RFID emulator sensor 2 or in a computing unit 7, 7′ to detect the code 3.

[0112] FIG. 3 shows an expansion of the embodiment from FIG. 1 that is expanded in that additional sensors 12 are assigned to the RFID emulator sensor 2. The additional sensors 12 are connected to the RFID emulator sensor 2 via a multisensor interface 13. It is advantageous for the additional sensors 12 to be 10-link sensors that can be addressed via an 10-link master. Moreover, the multisensor interface 13 can be realized in the form of a field bus, an Ethernet network or by a radio interface.

[0113] Sensor data that records, for example, characteristic variables of the object, such as weight, volume, position, location or overhangs, are captured by the additional sensors 12 as transponder emulator data. Transponder emulator metadata can be assigned to this sensor data as well.

[0114] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment that shows a further development of the sensor array 1 from FIG. 1.

[0115] The RFID emulator sensor 2 is connected to the RFID emulator software 8 via the secure communication interface elements 9a, 9b constituting the emulator data channel 9.

[0116] The RFID emulator software 8 has a control and evaluation unit for emulating the function of an RFID sensor, which control and evaluation unit has an RFID emulator transponder logic 14, an RFID emulator application logic 15 and an RFID emulator sensor logic 16 as software modules.

[0117] Additionally, an RFID emulator database 17 constituting the memory unit is provided. Moreover, an RFID emulator user interface 18 is provided.

[0118] It is advantageous for transponder emulator data and/or transponder emulator metadata stored in a memory unit to be accessed by means of an RFID emulator application logic 15.

[0119] Furthermore, a programming interface 19 is provided via which the RFID emulator application logic 15 can be addressed and which is connected to an external directory service 20 and an additional external system 21.

[0120] A connection to a cloud system 23 and to a CRM system 24, i.e. a customer relationship management system, is established by means of an RFID emulator cloud connector 22.

[0121] Usage features can be evaluated in the CRM system 24 for product improvements, especially for business models.

[0122] Moreover, an RFID emulator database synchronization module 25 is provided. The RFID emulator database synchronization module 25 serves to synchronize databases of different RFID emulator softwares 8 for different computing units 7 in complex sensor arrays 1 with multiple RFID emulator sensors 2.

[0123] Such a complex sensor array is shown in FIG. 5.

[0124] FIG. 5 shows two identically constructed RFID emulator systems 6, 6′, each with two RFID emulator sensors 2a, 2b, respectively, 2c, 2d, each of which is connected to a computing unit 7, 7′ with an RFID emulator software 8, 8′.

[0125] The RFID emulator systems 6, 6′ are connected to host systems 4, 4′. The RFID emulator systems 6, 6′ are coupled via a network router 26. The number of components shown is not compulsory, of course.

[0126] This variant is especially well suited for multiple RFID emulator systems 6, which are housed at one site.

[0127] FIG. 6 shows a concrete embodiment of the sensor array 1 from FIG. 5 with the system components according to FIG. 4.

[0128] The RFID emulator database synchronization modules 25 are connected to the network router 26 and ensure synchronization of the RFID emulator systems 6, 6′ by replicating the RFID emulator databases 17. A uniqueness of all RFID emulator sensors 2a-2d and their data of the sensor array 1 is achieved thereby.

[0129] FIG. 7 shows another exemplary embodiment of the sensor array 1 according to the invention. It differs from the embodiment from FIG. 5 in that the RFID emulator systems 6, 6′ are connected via a cloud system 23. The number of the RFID emulator systems 6, 6′ shown can be chosen as desired.

[0130] The RFID emulator systems 6, 6′ can be arranged at various sites, especially in different factories F1, F2. Each RFID emulator system 6, 6′ has a firewall 27 for secure coupling to the cloud system 23.

[0131] A digital map is created in the cloud system 23 for the computing units 7 with the RFID emulator software 8 implemented therein, including the RFID emulator database 17 present therein, wherein a cloud infrastructure 28 is used for this purpose.

[0132] FIG. 8 shows a variant of the embodiment from FIG. 7. In this case, an RFID emulator user interface 18 is provided only in the RFID emulator software 8′ of an RFID emulator system 6′, which RFID emulator user interface 18 is used for both RFID emulator systems 6, 6′. A synchronization of the RFID emulator databases 17 is performed by means of the RFID emulator database synchronization modules 25.

[0133] FIG. 9 shows yet another variant of a sensor array 1. An RFID emulator system 6 with RFID emulator sensors 2 (not shown) is arranged in a factory F1. The RFID emulator software 8 of this RFID emulator system 6 has an RFID emulator cloud connector 22 for connection to a firewall 27 in this factory F1. Here as well, the number of the RFID emulator systems 6, 6′ can vary.

[0134] From the firewall 27, a connection to a cloud system 23 proceeds via a cloud infrastructure 28 present therein. The connection to an RFID emulator software 8′ in the cloud system 23 takes place via an RFID emulator cloud connector 22 and an RFID emulator user interface 18.

[0135] FIG. 10 shows an additional variant of a sensor array 1 that represents an extension of the embodiment according to FIG. 9 such that both in the RFID emulator software 8 of the factory F1 as well as in the RFID emulator software 8′ of the cloud system 23 an RFID emulator database synchronization module 25 is provided for synchronizing the RFID emulator databases 17.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0136] (1) sensor array [0137] (2) RFID emulator sensor [0138] (2a-2d) RFID emulator sensor [0139] (3) code [0140] (4, 4′) host system [0141] (5) data cable [0142] (6, 6′) RFID emulator system [0143] (7, 7′) computing unit [0144] (8, 8′) RFID emulator software [0145] (9) emulator data channel [0146] (9a, 9b) communication interface element [0147] (10) code reader, additional [0148] (11) network [0149] (12) sensor [0150] (13) multisensor interface [0151] (14) transponder logic [0152] (15) RFID emulator application logic [0153] (16) RFID emulator sensor logic [0154] (17) RFID emulator database [0155] (18) RFID emulator user interface [0156] (19) programming interface [0157] (20) directory service [0158] (21) external system [0159] (22) RFID emulator cloud connector [0160] (23) cloud system [0161] (24) CRM system [0162] (25) RFID emulator database synchronization module [0163] (26) network router [0164] (27) firewall [0165] (28) cloud infrastructure [0166] F1 factory [0167] F2 factory