KR20110052192A - Rfid system for cold chain management - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An RFID system for managing a cold chain is provided to completely prevent the occurrence of a problem by driving a temperature maintenance device in real time or reporting an alarm to a manager in real time. CONSTITUTION: An RFID(Radio Frequency IDentification) tag(100) includes a temperature sensor(130), and a reader(200) receives information from the RFID tag. A control unit(300) receives information from the reader, and the information includes the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. If the measured temperature is out of the set temperature range, the control unit activates a temperature maintenance device(500) or an alarming unit(400) in real time.

Description

RFID system for cold chain management

The present invention relates to an RFID system for cold chain management. More particularly, the present invention relates to an RFID system for cold chain management that can operate a temperature holding device and / or a warning unit in real time when a temperature measured using an RFID tag having a temperature sensor is outside a preset temperature range.

"Cold chain" generally refers to a food distribution system that requires low temperature control. In other words, the low-temperature management of the food flow from production to consumption is systemized.

Items that require low temperature control may include foods such as fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, and processed foods, as well as precision-sensitive devices such as temperature-sensitive drugs or IT parts, which means a broader meaning than the past. Should be understood as.

On the other hand, the dictionary meaning of "low temperature" is a temperature lower than the outside temperature. However, distribution conditions and economics must be taken into account, so in some cases they are distributed at temperatures other than optimal for long-term storage. Moreover, items such as fruits and vegetables that are to be distributed without freezing may be transported at temperatures higher than outside temperatures in areas with low outside temperatures. Therefore, the cold temperature in the cold chain is more precisely referred to as "optimal distribution temperature range depending on the target item".

Thus, the recent “cold chain” should be understood to refer not only to the management of frozen food at low temperatures, but also to a system that manages any kind of item in the optimum temperature range.

There is a patent that applies the RFID system for such a cold chain management.

Korean Patent Application No. 2007-0126567 discloses a system for managing temperature and humidity using an RFID system. As shown in FIG. 1, the RFID tag 10 is attached to the product 70, and when the delivery is completed by the transportation vehicle 80, the reader checks this so that the temperature and humidity are outside the allowable temperature range or the humidity range during transportation. You can check whether or not.

However, in the case of the prior art, the present invention implements a logging method rather than a real time detection method, and afterwards, whether or not there was a problem in the logistics processing process, and after the fact that there was a problem, There is a problem in that it is not possible to prevent the problem in advance because it is a way to discard the entire amount.

Korean Patent Application No. 2007-0006465 discloses a temperature sensing and control system using an RFID system. However, in the case of the prior art, the RFID tag module is merely for retrieving an identifier and thus cannot be regarded as utilizing an RFID system for cold chain management itself.

Korean Patent Application No. 2008-0036122 discloses a technique for tracking a temperature change state by detecting and correcting a temperature on a check point in an RFID tag chip. However, in the prior art, it is possible to check the temperature by setting a temperature address in the RFID tag chip, but there is a problem that the temperature is managed only on a checkpoint, not a real-time management method, and furthermore, specific cold chain management that is used for logistics management. No technique is presented.

Therefore, the present invention is not a system for judging whether there was a problem in the logistic processing after the disposal, but to determine whether there is a problem in real time in the logistic processing process to immediately warn the administrator or to automatically operate the temperature maintenance device. We want to provide a cold chain management system that can solve problems in real time.

The most effective for cold chain management is real time management of temperature. By measuring the temperature around the product in real time, if the measured temperature exceeds the preset temperature range for product management, it warns the carrier or activates a separate temperature maintainer to bring the temperature around the product into the preset temperature range. By adjusting in real time, effective cold chain management can be achieved.

Real-time temperature measurement and determination may be performed by allowing the temperature information measured in the RFID tag to be stored in real time so that the reader reads it and determines in real time whether the controller exceeds a preset temperature range.

In addition, the same may be applied to other parameters such as humidity, such as temperature.

One embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems in more detail, RFID tag having a temperature sensor; A reader capable of receiving information from the RFID tag; And a controller for receiving the received information from the reader, wherein the received information includes a temperature measured by the temperature sensor, wherein the controller is configured to measure the measured temperature. When the temperature is out of the predetermined temperature range it provides an RFID system for cold chain management, characterized in that it is possible to operate the temperature holding device in real time.

In addition, the preset temperature range may be stored in the controller. Here, the control unit may store a plurality of preset temperature ranges each allocated according to a plurality of product codes in advance, and the received information includes a product code, and the control unit may store the product code from the reader. It is more preferable to be able to check the predetermined temperature range assigned thereto upon receipt.

In another embodiment, the predetermined temperature range may be stored in the RFID tag.

In addition, it is desirable to be able to receive a wake-up signal to the RFID tag.

The RFID tag may further include a humidity sensor, and the received information further includes a humidity measured by the humidity sensor, and the controller may further include a humidity maintaining device when the measured humidity is outside a preset humidity range. It is desirable to be able to operate. Here, it is more preferable that the controller can operate a warning unit when the measured temperature is outside the preset temperature range or when the measured humidity is outside the preset humidity range.

According to the present invention as described above, by measuring the temperature in real time to pass to the control unit has the advantage that can be managed in cold chain in real time.

More specifically, such management can identify problems as soon as they occur and alert the administrator in real time, or activate the temperature maintainer in real time, so that the problem itself is the source of the problem rather than a post-treatment of the problem product. It has an excellent effect that can be prevented.

The "product" described below collectively refers to all the articles of interest, such as transportation, distribution, and management, or a pallet, or a box for packaging such products. In other words, "RFID tag may be attached to a product" as described below, which should be understood that the RFID tag may be attached directly to the item to be managed or to a pallet or box of the item.

The "product code" described below is information stored in a chip of an RFID tag as a product-specific code number for each product. In other words, the reader reads the RFID tag information so that the reader can identify what the product is.

The "preset temperature range" described below refers to a temperature range that is optimal for the product to be transported, distributed, managed, and the like. These temperature ranges vary from product to product and are preset according to the characteristics of the product.

Description of RFID System for Cold Chain Management

The RFID tag used in the present invention can use any active and passive RFID tag.

The RFID tag may be classified into a passive RFID tag and an active RFID tag according to a power supply method. Passive RFID tags do not require external power supply and have a semi-permanent lifespan and require a short read distance and a high output reader. Active RFID tags, on the other hand, use a built-in battery, but can be read and written and connected to the sensor. Recently, passive RFID tags that have a long read distance and can be connected to sensors have also emerged.

On the other hand, as a semi-passive RFID tag, a kind of battery assisted battery tag (BAP tag) capable of using an internal battery and an external power supply at the same time is also possible. Although the BAP tag will be described as an embodiment to be described below, it should be noted that the RFID tag of the present invention may be in any form.

In addition, the RFID frequency used in the present invention may be a microwave frequency (UHF).

As the classification according to the frequency band of the RFID that can be used in the air interface (air interface), there are low frequency system (LF, HF) of 13.56MHz band, high frequency system of 433MHz band, microwave method of 860 ~ 960MHz band.

Among these, the present invention describes the UHF scheme in the 860 to 960MHz band defined in ISO / IEC 18000-7 as an embodiment.

Of course, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in Japan, the frequency band is assigned to a mobile phone and is not easy to be applied to a logistics system. Instead, a frequency of 956 to 964 MHz is used as a similar UHF band. Note that is implemented.

In addition, the RFID tag chip may store a product code and measured temperature information. In one embodiment, the product code stored in the RFID tag chip may conform to the EPCglobal standard.

The measured temperature information may be included in either the digital block or the analog block in the RFID tag chip, or a separate address may be assigned.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the RFID tag chip may also store a predetermined temperature range according to the product. Related embodiments are described below.

2 to 4, an embodiment of an RFID system according to the present invention will be described in more detail.

2 illustrates a transportation vehicle 800 for transporting a product 700 with an RFID tag 100 attached as an embodiment of the RFID system according to the present invention. The RFID system according to the present invention can be used not only for transportation of products but also for overall cold chain management, but the illustrated embodiment describes cold chain management in one of them.

If the product 700 is to be transported while maintaining the proper temperature, a receiver / operator 600 with a temperature maintainer 500 may be located within the transport vehicle 800.

This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

The RFID tag 100 attached to the product 700 may include a chip 110 in which information may be stored, an antenna 120 capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a reader 200 and an antenna 250, and a temperature thereof. It may include a temperature sensor 130. The RFID tag 100 may further include a battery. The BAP tag is included therein as described above.

The temperature sensor 130 may measure the ambient temperature, and the measured temperature is stored in the chip 110 so that the reader 200 and the controller (through the antenna 120 on the tag side and the antenna 250 on the reader side) are measured. 300).

In addition, the product code stored in the RFID tag 100 is also transmitted to the reader 200 and the control unit 300.

The reception / operation apparatus 600, which may be located in the transportation vehicle 800, includes an antenna 250, a reader 200, and a controller 300 capable of receiving information from the RFID tag 100. If necessary, it may include a warning unit 400 and / or a temperature maintaining device 500, if necessary may further include an input unit (not shown).

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the receiving / operating apparatus 600 is illustrated as being integrated with the reader 200 and the temperature maintaining apparatus 500, but the reader 200 and the temperature maintaining apparatus 500 and / or the warp portion ( 400 is manufactured separately, it is also possible to say that the method of being electrically connected.

The controller 300 receives information through the antenna 120 on the tag side, the antenna 250 on the reader side, and the reader 200. The information received includes the product code and the measured temperature.

In one embodiment, the information received by the controller 300 is a product code, measured temperature and a predetermined temperature range. The preset temperature range is preset and stored in the RFID tag 100 according to the attached product, and the control unit 300 receives the reader 200 through the reader 200.

In another embodiment, the information received by the controller 300 is a product code and a measured temperature. The controller 300 previously stores a plurality of preset temperature ranges assigned to a plurality of product codes. When the controller 300 receives a specific product code from the RFID tag 100, the controller 300 may check the preset temperature range.

In another embodiment, an input unit (not shown) may be connected to the controller 300, so that a user may directly input a preset temperature range into the controller 300.

The controller 300 may operate the warning unit 400 and / or the temperature maintaining apparatus 500 by comparing the measured temperature with a preset temperature range.

The warning unit 400 may be any method that warns the product manager that the temperature around the current product is outside the preset temperature range. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, when the warning unit 400 operates, the driver of the transport vehicle 800 may check this.

Temperature maintaining device 500 is a device that can maintain a constant temperature of the space the product is managed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, when the transportation vehicle 800 is a refrigeration truck, the temperature maintaining apparatus 500 may be a freezer.

4 illustrates one embodiment of an RFID tag 100 and a reader 200 in more detail.

The RFID tag 100 may include a battery and a temperature sensor 130. In other embodiments, the battery and / or temperature sensor 130 may be attached to the exterior of the tag and connected separately.

The RFID tag 100 may include a microcontroller, a base band, a frequency shift keying modulator, a band pass filter, a wake-up director, and the like. It may include.

The reader 200 may include a baseband / process unit, a frequency shift modulator, a band pass filter, and the like.

In addition to the illustrated structure, it is noted that any structure of an RFID tag and a reader capable of transmitting and receiving information according to the present invention is possible.

In particular, the reader 200 may transmit a sleep signal and a wake-up signal to the RFID tag 100 to save battery of the RFID tag 100.

Meanwhile, although only the temperature management system is illustrated in the illustrated embodiment, other parameters such as humidity may also be managed in a similar manner. That is, a humidity sensor may be used instead of the temperature sensor 130, and the warning unit or the humidity maintaining unit may be operated by comparing the measured humidity with a preset humidity range. Of course, temperature and humidity can be managed at the same time.

Explanation of Cold Chain Management Method Using RFID System

5 illustrates a cold chain management method using an RFID system according to the present invention.

When the product 700 to which the RFID tag 100 is attached is loaded in a storage location where the reception / operation apparatus 600 is located, the RFID tag 100 receives a wake-up signal from the reception / operation apparatus 600 (S100). ), Start the operation. The time and method of transmitting and receiving the wake-up signal may be performed by any other method, and may be omitted in some cases.

When the RFID tag 100 attached to the product 700 starts to operate, the temperature sensor 130 measures the ambient temperature in real time (S200).

The reader 200 receives the product code and the measured temperature around the product from the RFID tag 100.

The controller 300 checks a preset temperature range. As described above, the preset temperature range is pre-stored in the RFID tag 100, so that the control unit 300 may receive it directly through the reader 200, or the control unit 300 is assigned to each product code. Since the preset temperature ranges are stored in advance, when a specific product code is received, the preset temperature range may be checked. Alternatively, an input unit (not shown) may be connected to the control unit 300 so that the user may directly set the preset temperature range. You can enter

The controller 300 compares the measured temperature with a preset temperature range (S300). If the measured temperature is within the preset temperature range, it is determined that there is no abnormality, and the real-time temperature measurement and comparison is continued until the sleep signal is received.

When the measured temperature is out of the preset temperature range, the temperature maintaining apparatus 500 may be operated in real time and / or the warning unit 400 may be operated in real time to give a warning to the manager (S350).

In this manner, the temperature measurement and the comparison of the measured temperature and the preset temperature range are continued until the RFID tag 100 receives the sleep signal. When the sleep signal is received (S400), the operation of the RFID tag is stopped.

Meanwhile, in the illustrated embodiment, only the temperature management system is illustrated, but as described above, the parameters such as humidity may be managed.

So far I looked at the center of the preferred embodiment for the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

1 shows an RFID system according to the prior art.

2 schematically illustrates an RFID system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating the inside of an RFID system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating an inside of an RFID tag and a reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a cold chain management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of Main Reference Signs>

100: RFID tag 110: chip

120: antenna 130: temperature sensor

200: reader 250: antenna

300: control unit 400: warning unit

500: temperature maintainer 600: receiver / operator

700: product 800: transport vehicle

Claims (8)

An RFID tag having a temperature sensor; A reader capable of receiving information from the RFID tag; And An RFID system for cold chain management, comprising a control unit for receiving the received information from the reader, The received information includes a temperature measured by the temperature sensor, The controller may operate a temperature maintaining device in real time when the measured temperature is outside a preset temperature range. RFID system for cold chain management. The method of claim 1, The predetermined temperature range may be stored in the controller. RFID system for cold chain management. The method of claim 1, The controller may store in advance a plurality of preset temperature ranges, each allocated according to a plurality of product codes, and The received information includes a product code, and when the control unit receives the product code from the reader, it is possible to check the predetermined temperature range assigned thereto, RFID system for cold chain management. The method of claim 1, The predetermined temperature range may be stored in the RFID tag. RFID system for cold chain management. The method of claim 1, The RFID tag includes a battery, and The RFID tag may receive a wake-up signal, RFID system for cold chain management. The method of claim 1, The RFID tag further includes a humidity sensor, The received information further includes a humidity measured by the humidity sensor, The controller may operate a humidity maintaining device when the measured humidity is outside a predetermined humidity range. RFID system for cold chain management. The method of claim 6, The controller may operate a warning unit when the measured temperature is outside the preset temperature range or when the measured humidity is outside the preset humidity range. RFID system for cold chain management. An RFID tag having a temperature sensor; A reader capable of receiving information from the RFID tag; And An RFID system for cold chain management, comprising a control unit for receiving the received information from the reader, The received information includes a temperature measured by the temperature sensor, The control unit may operate the warning unit in real time when the measured temperature is outside the preset temperature range. RFID system for cold chain management.

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