WO1995001062A1

WO1995001062A1 - Remote identification system for containers

Info

Publication number: WO1995001062A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/007875
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip R. Troyk
Original assignee: Troyk Philip R
Priority date: 1993-06-28
Filing date: 1994-06-27
Publication date: 1995-01-05
Also published as: AU7398594A

Abstract

A remote identification system for containers or other objects. An electrically closed loop (2) is placed around a container or other object (1). A passive transponder (3) is placed within the vicinity of the electrically closed loop (2). An electronic interrogator (5) may then be positioned anywhere near the electrically closed loop (2) and would be capable of reading the transponder (3) regardless of the orientation of the transponder with respect to the interrogator.

Description

REMOTE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR CONTAINERS

I. TECHNICAL FIELD This new invention relates to the technical field of the electronic identification of certain devices. More particularly, it relates to the electronic identification of a generally cylindrical container containing refuse.

In recent years electronic identification of objects has developed dramatically. There are a wide variety of objects which may now be identified electronically. These objects could include anything from live animals or fish (identified by passive electronic transponders and readers and scanners) to items of food (which may be scanned by electronic bar code readers) . If a particular object, whether it be an animal or a can of peas, is somehow tagged with a unique electronic identification number or other code, the number may be scanned by electronic readers. This unique number, when fed into a computerized data base, can then reveal a large amount of information concerning the individual item scanned. This information could include data such as the origin of the fish, cow or dog, along with any other needed information such as birth weight, pedigree, or other type of data. These devices have been found to be of particular use in the field involving the electronic identification of animals; studies of fish migration; coding of pedigreed pets in the animal market and many other uses. The use of electronic bar code scanners or electronic passive transponder readers has also developed rapidly throughout the world.

Many of the readers currently in use in this particular field involve bar codes which are positioned on the outside of the container. These bar codes are then read as they are passed over a stationary electronic bar code reader. This type of reading device is commonly used in supermarkets or in applications where the object to be identified is both lightweight and mobile and may be easily passed over a stationary scanner.

Another variation of the bar code tag and reader is a mobile bar code scanner which may be moved about the object once a person is in proximity to the object.

Most readers commonly in use in the animal identification field require that the passive transponder pass within about 5 to 20 centimeters of the scanning device. Also, in this particular technical field, the orientation and distance of the transponder or bar code and the reader is of a critical nature.

Heretofore this technical field required that the object to be identified must necessarily be in a particular orientation to the reader. For example, the electronic identification of metal trash cans would require that the transponder or bar code on the trash can be placed in a fixed position on the trash can relative to the reader. The bar code would have to be oriented such that the reader for the bar code would be able to pick up the identifying data. One problem that frequently occurs in this field is that rust, debris or other foreign matter may become attached to the outer surface of the bar code on the trash can, thus obscuring the bar code and eliminating the possibility of an accurate identification of the trash can container. Additionally, the bar code orientation with respect to the scanner places a great limitation on the usefulness of this device in the field of the identification of containers since the containers are frequently placed in a random position with respect to the mobile unit scanning the container and collecting the trash, usually a large and totally unmaneuverable truck. Orienting the bar code or transponder on the trash can or other object into a fixed relationship to the reader is time consuming and difficult to accomplish on a large scale.

II. BACKGROUND ART

A number of identification systems for containers use a bar code type of system, for example, the 1989 patent issued to Hearst, U.S. Patent #4,827,643. Identification systems using bar codes require that the identifying codes be placed in correct orientation to the scanner.

Several other types of electronic reading systems are known in the art. One such type of system involves a passive transponder with first and second electrodes positioned in a tire. The 1990 patent issued to Dunn, U.S. Patent #4,911,217, involves a passive transponder which is capable of transmitting an identifying digital signal in response to interrogation by an R/F electric field emanating from outside the tire. The Dunn device, since it uses capacitive coupling, requires the passive transponder to be capacitively connected to a steel reinforcing component of the tire. Capacitive coupling requires the transponder or transponder electrode to be very near the steel reinforcing member.

Another type of identification system utilizing a passive transponder and a magnetic field is found in the 1991 patent issued to Troyk, U.S. Patent #5,012,236. In the Troyk Patent, the functional readable distance between the passive transponder and reader is greatly increased due to the unique electronics involved in the interrogator. Troyk does not require a close physical proximity between the transponder and tertiary loop as required in Dunn since it is inductively coupled. Both of these systems are typical in the art and involve identifying an object by utilizing the reader to energize a passive transponder. However, both require the interrogator/transponder distance to be relatively small. Furthermore, the orientation of the passive transponder with respect to the interrogator becomes critical at distances above a certain minimum.

Yet another type of electronic identification system is found in U.S. Patent #5,008,661. This system utilizes a high power radio transmitter to read a remotely located active transponder. The radio transmitter/active transponder system is quite expensive and requires that the transponder be independently powered by a battery or other power source (See Raj. Col 6, lines 30-35) .

In many applications, such as that of garbage disposal, it has become beneficial to be able to particularly identify the individual garbage container as the collection truck moves along its route. However, this identification is often time consuming, cumbersome, inexact and expensive. One such system disclosed in U.S. Patent #5,121,853 incorporates a pocket-like receiving means which always remains in a fixed position to the reader. However, the container must always be positioned correctly on the ground in order for the system to function.

Certain drawbacks in the identification of containers or other objects that are not always conveniently oriented in a particular manner have been found. The placement of the container or other object in fixed relation to the interrogator is not always readily accomplished. The permanency of the bar code or transponder, subjected to outside elements, can deteriorate the data encoded. Because garbage containers in particular are used outdoors and are subject to extreme variations in environment, the complications involved in the application of identification tags or transponders to garbage containers is of great importance.

It is an object of this invention to provide a simple and inexpensive means to identify particular containers such as garbage containers. It is a further object of this invention to provide a means for identifying garbage containers which is less sensitive to the positioning of the container with respect to the interrogator. It is a still further object of this invention to provide an identification system for a container which greatly increases the maximum reading distance between the interrogator and the object to be identified.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a unique, inexpensive, and reliable method for identifying all types of objects, including garbage containers, cardboard boxes, industrial barrels, tires, or any number of other objects regardless of the object's exact position with respect to the reader/interrogator. Further and other objects of this invention will become obvious upon reading the following Specification.

III. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Electronically reading identification data on containers or other objects can involve the use of an interrogator attached to a power source and an identifier (passive transponder) attached to the container to be identified. This passive transponder can take the shape of a disc, small credit card size label, or may even be a thin capsule injected into the object. (Capsule injection has been used for the identification of farm animals.) The interrogator in this invention creates a magnetic field which in turn inductively excites the passive transponder which may then be electronically read by the interrogator. An identifying data stream is thus produced.

This invention involves the use of a tertiary loop which is placed around the container to increase the distance at which the passive transponder may be read. The tertiary loop is inductively coupled to the reader and to the passive transponder. The interrogator, loop and transponder need not be physically connected to each other. The tertiary loop, inductively coupled between the interrogator and transponder, provides a much greater distance at which the transponder may be read by the interrogator by increasing the field strength applied to the transponder. Additionally, the orientation of the transponder to the interrogator is less critical at greater distances due to the presence of the tertiary loop. Because of the added distance at which the passive transponder may be read, and the reduced sensitivity to the orientation of the transponder'at such greater distance, it is possible to read the identifying data stream from the transponder, using state-of- the-art interrogators, when the distance between the reader and transponder is greater. Due to the presence of the tertiary loop, reading of garbage cans or other objects becomes possible without the necessity of positioning the transponder and interrogators precisely. IV - BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a circular garbage can showing the tertiary band and disc transponder.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an essentially rectangular garbage can showing the tertiary band and a card-like transponder.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a standard cardboard or other type of box showing the tertiary band and card-type transponder.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the electrical fields involved in this invention showing the interrogator, transponder, and tertiary band.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the disc-shaped transponder.

Figure 6 is a top cutaway view of the card-type transponder showing the card and the windings.

Figure 7 is a top view of a capsule-type transponder.

Figure 8 is a top schematic view of Figure 1 showing the interrogator, transponder, and container in the null position.

V. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the trash collection field, different types of trash cans are often encountered. The individual containers may be circular 1 (Figure 1) or may be essentially rectangular 1' (Figure 2), having wheels. The trash cans may be either metal or be made of molded plastic or other more flexible material.

Typical inductive-type identification systems involve an electronic interrogator or reader 5 which is energized and which in turn may inductively energize a passive transponder. As shown on Figure 1, this passive transponder may take the form of a disc 3. As shown on Figure 2, this transponder may take the form of a flat card 4 having coils around the perimeter of the card. It is also possible for the transponder to take the form of a small capsule which may be injected into animals or other objects. All three types of passive transponders comprise windings connected to a data chip similar to those arrangements shown in Figure 6.

In order for the reader to collect the data from the passive transponder, the interrogator must normally be held within a few centimeters of the location of the transponder. While it is not critical to know the exact location of the transponder in the object to be identified, it is critical for the interrogator to come within a few centimeters of that location. This is due to the low power used in the interrogator/passive transponder inductively coupled identification systems.

In the instant invention, a garbage container 1 is encircled by a tertiary band or loop 2. This tertiary band 2 could be circular, as shown in Figure 1, or essentially rectangular as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The tertiary loop 2 can take essentially any geometrical shape even though that shape is non- symmetrical. However, the tertiary loop 2 must have an electrically closed path. This can be accomplished by fastening the ends of the electrically conductive material of the loop together. The ends of the loop may also be electrically closed by means of a capacitor. The electrically closed loop is inductively coupled to the interrogator once the interrogator is energized anywhere near the tertiary loop 2. As shown on Figure 4, an interrogator 5 is energized and creates a magnetic field 6. This magnetic field 6, when placed in the proximity of the tertiary loop 2, produces another magnetic field 7 around the tertiary loop 2. If a passive transponder is placed in the vicinity of the tertiary loop 2 , the interrogator 5 may then read the identifying data stream of the passive transponder. If the tertiary loop 2 is used, the transponder may be at a distance greater than that normally allowed in the application of the interrogator/passive transponder inductively coupled identifying systems now in existence.

Under current technological conditions, the magnetic field strength of the interrogator 5 would be insufficient to read the passive transponder unless the transponder would be in close proximity to the interrogator 5. The mutual inductance between interrogator 5 and passive transponder 3 would be too low to operate the system at distances of more than a few centimeters. Additionally, as the distance between the interrogator and transponder increases, the geometric orientation of the transponder to the interrogator becomes more critical. In the instant invention, the distance at which a remote transponder 3 may be read greatly increases. Additionally, the orientation of the transponder with respect to the interrogator becomes less critical at large distances due to the presence of the tertiary loop 2.

The typical measurement of the ability of the interrogator to energize a passive transponder and collect the identifying data from the transponder is measured as a coefficient of coupling.

In that measurement, a zero reading would represent no coupling whatsoever while a reading of 1 would indicate a transponder and interrogator that are completely coupled. In the typical applications described in the Specification, a transponder located approximately the distance across the diameter of an average size trash container from an interrogator would have a

-4 coefficient of coupling of approximately 0.00002 (2 x 10 ). This coefficient of coupling is unacceptable for obtaining the identifying data from the transponder at such a distance.

However, when the tertiary loop 2 is introduced into the system, the system is capable of reading the transponder. Using the tertiary loop, the coefficient of coupling between the interrogator and transponder, through the tertiary loop,

-4 improves to approximately 0.0002 (2 x 10 ). This improves the ability of the interrogator to obtain the identifying data from the transponder by a factor of approximately 10.

An additional improvement to the existing identification systems includes reducing the orientation sensitivity of the transponder with respect to the interrogator. The magnetic field generated by the interrogator 5 in the tertiary loop 2 (Figure 4) will be equal along the shape of the loop. This means that the transponder 3 may be located anywhere along the tertiary loop 2.

As a result of this non-sensitivity to location a garbage can or other container may be picked up mechanically by a mechanical lifter regardless of its position on the ground. The mechanical lifter would pick up the garbage can or other container at a selected distance along the length of the can from the bottom of the container. If the interrogator is located at a specified distance from the mechanical arms of the collection device, a particular circumference along the length of the can, retrieved by the mechanical arms, would always be at a specified distance from the interrogator. This means that the interrogator can be easily located within a specified few centimeters from the tertiary loop which would be located a specified distance along the length of the can. As long as the interrogator is within this specified few centimeters from the tertiary loop, the transponder may be located anywhere on the specified circumference of the container and still be read. Precise rotational positioning of the transponder with respect to the interrogator would thus be unnecessary.

Since the tertiary loop 2 increases the field density of the interrogator at a remote distance, the coefficient of coupling increases. Because the coefficient of coupling is now greater, the exact orientation of the loop with respect to the interrogator is not as critical as it would be in the absence of the tertiary loop 2.

Due to the unique geometry and configuration of the tertiary loop 2, trash cans or other containers or objects may be picked up at any rotational position and the identifying data from the passive transponder may still be read by the interrogator.

It would not make any difference whether or not the trash can shown in Figure 1 would be picked up by the handles, by a mechanical arm, or by other mechanical means as long as the interrogator 5 was placed within a few centimeters (approximately 5-15 centimeters) of the loop or band 2 located near the top of the container. Utilizing the instant system, it would be irrelevant whether the transponder were located on the side of the trash can near the interrogator or on the opposite side of the can, or at any other location about the circumference of the container. This lack of sensitivity to the exact location of the transponder on the trash can or other container would enable efficient collection of trash and the correct identification of the source of such trash. Should such an identification also include measurement of the weight of the trash, an easy, inexpensive and fool-proof method of ascertaining the exact amount of trash collected from a particular source may be provided to the trash hauler without the hauler ever leaving the cab of his truck.

The method of installing the tertiary loop or band 2 onto the container may vary while still keeping within the spirit and contemplation of this invention. For example, the electrically closed loop 2 may be embedded in plastic trash cans by being actually molded into the can itself. An alternative method for use around existing trash cans would be to provide an electrically closed loop 2 around the outer circumference of existing cans. This could be done by placing the closed loop around the can and then fastening the ends with a metal fastener. It could also be done by a means of an electrically conductive tape which is placed around the outer circumference of the trash can.

Many different methods of applying the closed loop to existing or new containers are all within the spirit of this invention. Further, any container or object that already has an electrically closed metal loop around its volume could accept a passive transponder and function as above described.

Similarly, placement of the transponders on new or existing trash cans may also be economically and easily accomplished. If the trash can is specially made for purposes of this identification system, the disc 3, card 4 or capsule 9 may be conveniently located near the closed loop in the manufacturing molding process. Both the loop and transponder would thus be within the wall of the container and not subject to deterioration from outside elements. In this regard, it is to be noted that it is important for the passive transponder to be near (within a few centimeters of) the tertiary loop or band 2. Physical contact is not necessary.

Another convenient method of applying this identification system to existing trash cans or other containers or objects would come in the form of a self-adhesive card. This card, approximately the length, height and width of a standard credit card, could have a self-adhesive backing on one side of the card. As best shown in Figure 6, a credit card size flat surface would have a number of electrical coils 8 secured about the perimeter. These coils 8 would be electrically connected to a data chip 10. Another card-size surface would then be placed over the coils and chip thus creating the appearance of a standard flat credit card. The data chip 10 would contain the identifying data while the coils 8 would pick up the magnetic field of the interrogator by means of the tertiary loop 2. This card-type transponder could be conveniently located on the outer surface of the container near the tertiary band 2, as best shown in Figure 2. The transponder, whether it be in the form of a disc 3, card 4, or other form may also be conveniently and easily attached near the tertiary band 2 by means of plastic rivets or other types of fasteners. If the object to be identified were compatible with the injection of a small capsule transponder 9 as shown in Figure 7, a capsule-type transponder 9 may also be placed within a few centimeters of the tertiary band 2. Each type of transponder above described is electrically similar to the transponder card of Figure 6.

It is important to note that the exact location of the transponder with respect to the reader in this system utilizing the tertiary loop 2 is not important. However, without the use of the tertiary band 2 placement of the passive transponder with respect to the interrogator 5 can become critical in very narrow situations.

Every magnetic field, whether it is the primary magnetic field 6 generated by the interrogator 5 or the secondary magnetic field 7 generated by the tertiary loop 2 has a null point. At this point the flux lines of the magnetic field generated by the interrogator 5 move equally into and out of the transponder thus creating a null point. In this narrow situation, it is impossible to read any identifying data from the transponder. Such a null point would be found if the transponder were located as shown in Figure 8 without the tertiary loop 2. However, with tertiary loop 2 in place, this null point would not exist and the transponder 3 could be read by the interrogator. Without the tertiary loop 2, the transponder 3 could not be read from its null point by interrogator 5. Since the orientation of the container, and hence the transponder, on the circumference of the container will vary a great deal with respect to an interrogator located near the mechanical pick up arms of the trash hauler, the tertiary band 2 adds a very important dimension to the problem encountered in picking up trash cans in random positions.

In using this new device on existing metal trash cans, one would simply attach the tertiary loop about the existing can being careful that the new loop and transponder is electrically insulated from the metal can. The metal can itself would require too much energy to induce a magnetic field to be of practical use.

The tertiary loop 2 must be an electrically closed path. The band 2 should also be made of material such that electron flow is easily obtained. The tertiary band 2 would be made optimally of electrically conducting 14 gauge wire or other similar low amperage loss material. Copper wire, aluminum wire or steel loops such as that found in the manufacture of automobile tires would be very appropriate mediums to use in this remote identification system.

While this remote identification system is most suitably used in the trash collection industry, the application of this system utilizing the tertiary loop 2 is quite broad. For example, this tertiary loop and passive transponder mechanism may be placed around boxes, industrial size barrels, portable gasoline cans or nearly any other type of container or object. The containers or object may then be identified without positioning the container or objects precisely to the proximity of the interrogator. The tertiary loop/passive transponder inductively coupled identification system would greatly facilitate identification of objects positioned randomly with respect to the interrogator.

Yet another application of this remote identification system would come in the tire industry. A passive transponder may be located on the inner side of a tire by means of a patch or other attaching means. This passive transponder, located near the steel loop of the inner bead of the tire, would enable an interrogator to read an identifying data stream from the passive transponder with the reader placed near any portion of the steel loop bead. The steel loop bead is located on the inner circumference of the tire near the rim. The positioning of the tires moving on an assembly line belt with respect to the interrogator need not include adjusting the position of the transponder to the position of the interrogator. It would be sufficient if the interrogator were near the steel loop of the tire.

Many other applications of this system would be well within the spirit and disclosure of this invention. The above examples are meant as a means of illustration only and not as a limitation on the scope of this invention.

VI. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY This invention has applicability in many areas of industry. In particular, the trash hauling industry, oil industry, or other industries using containers would greatly benefit from this new device. The trash hauling industry, as described, could use the electronic identification tag and tertiary loop to identify trash cans. Once the trash can is identified from the cab of a truck, another device could be utilized to weigh the contents of the trash. The trash thus collected could be measured by means of input data to a computer and the customer billed for the amount of trash hauled away. Another good use for this particular electronic identification tag and tertiary loop would be in the oil industry or in any industry utilizing containers such as natural gas, gasoline, or other fuels. The electronic identification tag and tertiary loop could be attached to the outside of the barrels and individual barrels could be read as they passed down an assembly line regardless of the orientation of the tag to the scanner. The bottling industry could also utilize this electronic identification tag and tertiary loop in the same manner as that utilized in the oil industry. Furthermore, anything placed into cans could have this electronic identification system attached to it since the orientation of the container, bottle or can as it passes past the scanner on the assembly line would not be critical to the accurate reading of the identification number of the can. Essentially, any industry which utilizes individual units may benefit from this particular invention. If the individual units, whether they be animals, refuse containers, oil drums, bottles, or metal cans need to be individually identified, the particular device described in this application would benefit that particular industry. The device herein is readily manufactured by electronic component manufacturers. Once the electronic tag is actually manufactured it then may be attached as shown in this application by standard tools. The tertiary loop may be as simple as a common electrically insulated copper wire placed around the container. The tag and tertiary loop may be attached with standard industrial equipment and tools. Quick, economical and efficient application of this electronic tagging system to units to be monitored may thus be accomplished. The installation of this device on individual units allows a high degree of accurate identification and tracking of individual units.

Claims

VII. CLAIMS Having fully described my invention I claim: Claim 1: A method of identifying randomly positioned containers or objects utilizing an interrogator/passive transponder inductively coupled system comprising:

(a) placing an electrically conducting loop around the circumference of a container or object;

(b) placing a passive transponder near said conducting loop; and

(c) reading the transponder anywhere along said conducting loop.

Claim 2: A method of identifying randomly positioned containers utilizing an interrogator/passive transponder inductively coupled system as in Claim 1, wherein said conductive loop is molded within the wall of said container.

Claim 3: A method of identifying randomly positioned containers utilizing an interrogator/passive transponder inductively coupled system as in Claim 1, wherein said conductive loop is mechanically placed around an existing trash container and wherein said passive transponder is mechanically fastened to the outside of said container near said loop.

Claim 4: An apparatus for remotely reading a randomly positioned passive transponder on a container or other object from an inductively coupled interrogator comprising:

(a) an interrogator which electronically energizes a tertiary loop;

(b) a tertiary electrically closed loop located around the volume of a container or object; and (c) a passive transponder placed near said electrically closed loop.

Claim 5: An apparatus for remotely reading a randomly positioned passive transponder as in Claim 4, wherein said passive transponder is positioned no more than 15 centimeters from said tertiary loop.

Claim 6: An apparatus for remotely reading a randomly positioned passive transponder as in Claim 5, wherein said tertiary loop is electrically insulated and placed around the circumference of the container, whereby said passive transponders may be read by said scanner regardless of the rotational orientation of said transponder and said interrogator.

Claim 7: A method of identifying a randomly positioned tire, utilizing an interrogator/passive transponder inductively coupled identification system, comprising:

(a) affixing a passive transponder on the inner side of a tire near the steel loop of the tire bead;

(b) reading the identifying data of said passive transponder by placing said interrogator anywhere along said steel loop.