METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A CONTAINER

• US 20100066501A1
• Filed: 12/03/2007
• Published: 03/18/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
• Original Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
• Inventors: Wilms, Stefan, Ulrich, Keith
• Application Number:
  US12/517,660
• Publication Number:
  US 20100066501A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/10.100
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

Abstract

There is provided a method for monitoring a container for holding at least one object. An exemplary method comprises acquiring measured data about an object with a sensor and transmitting the measured data to a transponder, the transponder being separated from the sensor by an interlayer that absorbs or reflects electromagnetic radiation. The exemplary method also comprises transmitting status information from the transponder to a reading unit as a function of the measured data. The exemplary method additionally comprises supplying energy to the transponder from the reading unit, and relaying the energy from the transponder to the sensor.

Claims

1-27. -27. (canceled)

28. A method for monitoring a container for holding at least one object, the method comprising:

acquiring measured data about an object with a sensor;

transmitting the measured data to a transponder, the transponder being separated from the sensor by an interlayer that absorbs or reflects electromagnetic radiation;

transmitting status information from the transponder to a reading unit as a function of the measured data;

supplying energy to the transponder from the reading unit; and

relaying the energy from the transponder to the sensor.

29. The method recited in claim 28, comprising evaluating the status information using the reading unit.

30. The method recited in claim 28, comprising storing the status information.

31. The method recited in claim 28, comprising storing the status information in a storage medium installed in the container.

32. The method recited in claim 28, comprising storing the status information in the reading unit and/or in a data processing unit that is in communication with the reading unit.

33. The method recited in claim 28, comprising evaluating the status information in a data processing unit that is in connection with the reading unit.

34. The method recited in claim 28, comprising performing a handling procedure of the container as a function of an evaluation of the status information.

35. The method recited in claim 28, comprising performing a logistical process in a logistics system as a function of an evaluation of the status information.

36. The method recited in claim 35, wherein the logistical process comprises diverting the container out of a given transportation process.

37. The method recited in claim 35, wherein the logistical process comprises a selection of another mode of transportation.

38. The method recited in claim 28, comprising determining a position of the transponder.

39. The method recited in claim 38, comprising storing the position of the transponder.

40. The method recited in claim 38, comprising storing the position of the transponder in a data processing unit in communication with the reading unit.

41. The method recited in claim 38, comprising associating the position of the transponder with the status information.

42. The method recited in claim 28, comprising establishing a signal line between the sensor and the transponder via a connection element.

43. The method recited in claim 42, wherein the connection element comprises at least one wire.

44. The method recited in claim 42, wherein the connection element comprises at least one optical waveguide.

45. The method recited in claim 28, wherein the sensor is closer to the object than the transponder is.

46. The method recited in claim 28, wherein the interlayer has a thermally insulating effect.

47. The method recited in claim 28, wherein the interlayer has a shock-absorbing effect.

48. A logistics system for transporting a container holding at least one object from a sending location to a receiving location, the logistics system comprising:

a sensor associated with the container;

a transponder associated with the sensor, the transponder being separated from the sensor by an interlayer that absorbs or reflects electromagnetic radiation; and

a reader that interacts with the transponder, the reader being arranged in the container in such a way that measured data about an object acquired by the sensor is transmitted to a reading unit, the reader being adapted to supply energy to the sensor via the transponder.

49. A system for monitoring a container for holding at least one object, the system comprising:

means for acquiring measured data about an object with a sensor;

means for transmitting the measured data to a transponder, the transponder being separated from the sensor by an interlayer that absorbs or reflects electromagnetic radiation;

means for transmitting status information from the transponder to a reading unit as a function of the measured data;

means for supplying energy to the transponder from the reading unit; and

means for relaying the energy from the transponder to the sensor.