FR2554293A1 - IDENTIFICATION DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION CONCERNS TECHNIQUES FOR AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION OF ARTICLES. AN IDENTIFICATION DEVICE 10 INCLUDES IN PARTICULAR ENERGY COLLECTOR MEANS 16 WHICH RECEIVE ENERGY EMITTED BY AN INTERROGATION DEVICE, AND INFORMATION SIGNAL GENERATION MEANS 30 INCLUDING A CASCADE COUNTER 41 OF WHICH SELECTED OUTPUTS ARE CONNECTED TO AN OUTPUT LINE 44 TO PRODUCE A TRAIN OF IDENTITY DATA PULSES. THIS PULSE TRAIN CONTROLS THE SELECTIVE TRANSMISSION TO A SIGNAL TRANSMITTER 32 OF A CARRIER SIGNAL PRODUCED BY AN OSCILLATOR 45. THE SIGNAL EMITTED IS RICH IN HARMONICS SO THAT THE SIMULTANEOUS DETECTION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL AND OF VARIOUS HARMONICS OF THIS SIGNAL ALLOWS VERIFICATION OF THE INFORMATION TRANSFER OPERATION. APPLICATION TO THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF THE BODY OF ANIMALS.

Description

1 2554293

  The present invention relates to a device

  issuer of information that allows the identification of

  tificaticn of the device or a carrier of the device, or issuing information about the environment or the carrier of the device. For example, the device may be worn by a human, animal or object, and may provide means for identifying the wearer

  individual, for example among a population of human beings

  hands, animals or items. The device can also

  provide a means of transmitting information about the wearer, such as related medical details.

  to a patient, the temperature of an animal's body,

  loading of an article, and an informa-

  baggage recovery. It is also possible to envisage for the device other uses in which

we transfer information.

  Previous solutions to the problem of identity

  a carrier have used the use of markings or labels bearing visible or sometimes magnetic marks, symbols or

  allow unambiguous identification for an observer

  vateur. A recent solution is in the code of pro-

  universal duality which requires the manual operation of a

  reading system to ensure accurate identification

  an article to which a coded label is attached. These

  Known versions required some manual operation

  such as the reading or examination of the device or an

  precise placement of the device at an identification station

clearly defined.

  An object of the invention is to provide a device

  identification system for transmitting information intended to be presented at an identification station to enable

  determination of information concerning the characteristics

  the identity of the device or a carrier of the device

  tif, and that does not require a manual operation such

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  reading or examination of the device, for the purpose of

transmission of information.

  A preferred object of the invention is to provide

  an identification device which does not require the

  tation at a specific location to carry out an information transfer, and which allows the transfer of information to a distance which is for example of the order of one meter,

  while the device is in motion, and without

  manual intervention in the trans-

information.

  The invention provides a device for identifying

  information transmitter which may be presented to a

  identification station to allow reception at

  from this device information concerning the dis-

  positive or a carrier of the device, the device for

  tification being usable with an interrogation

  intended to trigger a transfer operation

  this interrogation apparatus comprising:

  means of emitting energy intended to emit energy

  located in the area of the identification station, a signal receiver at the identification

  from the identification device a signal of informa-

  comprising signal components, each signal component having a respective different frequency, and the

  identification device comprising: collector means

  energy carriers which collect energy from the energy emitting means and intercepted by the collecting means in the region of the identification station, and which generate an electrical energy signal, signal generating means information which, when powered by the electrical energy signal, generates a

  information signal comprising at least two signals

  carriers at respective predetermined carrier frequencies, each carrier signal being modulated in a coded manner to be representative of the information to be transmitted, and

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  a signal transmitter capable of transmitting the signal of in-

  training towards the signal receiver of the

  terrogation. The use of energy collection means

  in the identification device allows the

  it is necessary to transmit the information signal to the interrogation apparatus without it being necessary to precisely position the identification device and without

  necessary to perform a reading or a manual analysis

  device or a reading or analysis with

  a machine under manual control. In addition, the use

  an information signal comprising at least two

  signals at different frequencies makes it possible

  the transferred information, despite, for example,

  ple, the possibility of an external disturbance to one of the

carrier frequencies.

  The information signal generating means may comprise a carrier oscillator operating at a fundamental frequency, this carrier oscillator

  being designed to be overexcited during the use of

  sation to generate a main carrier frequency signal at the fundamental frequency or a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, and also to generate an additional signal among the two carrier signals, or

  moreover, to a subharmonic of the main carrier frequency

Cipale.

  In another possible configuration, the

  means of generating an information signal may include

  a square signal generator capable of operating at a fundamental frequency, the two carrier signals, at least,

  at predetermined respective carrier frequencies

  taking a main carrier frequency generated by the

  square signal generator and at least one signal corresponding to a secondary carrier frequency generated by the generator

  from a square signal to a subharmonic of the carrier frequency

  main frequency, and the main carrier frequency is also

  the at the fundamental frequency of the signal generator

  square or is a subharmonic of this fundamental frequency

mental.

  The means of transmitting energy can function

  to transmit energy at a predetermined interrogation frequency, and the main carrier frequency may be a subharmonic of the interrogation frequency. In this particular embodiment, the information signal generating means may comprise dividing means intended to receive a signal at the interrogation frequency, based on

  means of collecting energy, and these means of dividing di-

  aim at the interrogation frequency so as to give an output signal at the main carrier frequency which

  is used to generate the carrier signals.

  The mode of coding of information may involve the use of means of selective transmission

  as part of the information signal generating means

  these means of selective transmission transmitting

  selectively the carrier signals to the transmitter of

  general, and the temporal configuration of the transmission

  selective constituting a coding of the information to be transmitted.

  The invention also provides an apparatus for

  transfer of information including an identification device

  transmission of information according to the invention, and

  an interrogation apparatus which includes means for transmitting

  energy supply and a signal receiver. The signal receiver can include several detectors, each of them

  able to operate at a respective one of the frequencies

  the signal receiver further comprising indicating means which are connected to the detectors and which provide an indication when more than one of the detectors

  detect the simultaneous reception of

  in the same coded manner, to indicate that the same information was simultaneously issued by the

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  identification on several of the carrier frequencies.

  The invention also provides an information transmitting identification device that can be presented to an identification station to enable reception from this device of information about the device or a carrier of the device.

  identification device being usable with a device

  interrogation circuit for triggering an information transfer operation, the interrogation apparatus comprising: energy transmitting means for

  emit energy at a pre-polling frequency

  determined in the identification station area, a signal receiver at the identification station for receiving from the identification device an information signal comprising a signal component having

  frequency of information, this frequency of information

  being a subharmonic of the frequency of interrogation

  the identification device comprising:

  energy gathering means that collect energy

  from the means of transmitting energy and intercepting

  by the collector means in the region of the identification station, and which generate an energy signal

  electrical means, means for generating an information signal

  which, when powered by the energy signal,

  electricity generation, generate an information signal consisting of

  a carrier signal at the information frequency, this

  carrier signal being modulated in a coded manner so as to

  be representative of the information to be issued, and an

  signal which is capable of transmitting the information signal.

  to the signal receiver of the interrogation

  tion. Here again, the use of energy

  The device allows the device to transmit an information signal without requiring precise positioning or reading or

  manual analysis or a reading or analysis by a machine

  not under manual control. The use of the carrier signal

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  to a sub-harmonic of the interrogation frequency

  synchronous operation of the interrogation device

  identification and identification, largely inde-

  during temperature variations that may affect

  ter the frequency of the signals that are emitted.

  The means for generating an information signal

  may include means of division intended to

  receive a signal at the interrogation frequency,

  the means of collecting energy, these means of dividing

  division of the interrogation frequency so as to

  an output signal at the information frequency

  is used to generate the carrier signal.

  It is preferable that, as in the first embodiment, the information signal generating means also generates at least one additional carrier signal at an additional information frequency which is a sub-harmonic of the information frequency

  principal, the additional carrier signals being

  similarly coded in such a way as to be

information to be transmitted.

  In all embodiments of the device

  identification according to the invention, the means for gen-

  information signal may include a

  clock generator for providing a clock signal at a clock frequency, and a counter connected to receive the clock signal, said counter having a plurality of

  outputs that sequentially provide a signal to the frequency

  quence of clock. Outputs in number and in sequence

  determined are connected to an output line so

  to produce on the output line a pulse train re-

  of the particular sequence and number of

  connected, this train of impulses representing the information

to issue.

  The means of emitting energy can 6met-

  energy in the area of the identification station

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  for a predetermined period of time, and the

  identification system includes means of delay

  connected to the information signal generating means, whose function is to prohibit the operation of the information signal generation means up to the

end of the time interval.

  In a possible use of the identification device, this device may comprise a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature associated with a carrier of the device, such as the body temperature of an animal, and temperature coding means that are connected. to the temperature sensor and that generate

  a coded temperature signal representative of the temperature

  detected, and the coded temperature signal is applied

  the means for generating an information signal of

  the information signal should contain information

  the temperature detected.

  The identification device according to the invention may be used in an identification apparatus or any other information transfer apparatus, this apparatus comprising an interrogation apparatus of the type indicated previously in general, and at least two

  identification devices. Each identification device

  tification can generate a particular identification signal

  bind and respective. To distinguish between

  different identifiers, and therefore between

  of these devices, the interrogation device may

  include identification circuits intended to produce

  re an appropriate output signal under the effect of the reception

  of the information signal by the signal receiver.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the

  following description of preferred embodiments,

  given in a non-restrictive way. The rest of the description is

  refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

  the figure shows a first mode of

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  possible an identification device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

  FIG. 1b represents an apparatus for inter-

  can be used with the device of Figure la, Figure 2a is a diagram of a second embodiment of

  possible device in accordance with a method of

  preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2b is a circuit diagram of an interrogation apparatus for use with the device of Figure 2a; FIG. 3a is a circuit diagram of a

  third possible embodiment of a provision

sitive according to the invention; and

  Figure 3b is a diagram of an apparatus of

  Termination usable with the identification device

of Figure 3a.

  Referring now in detail to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a and 1b, it is noted that the identification device 10 is usable with the interrogation apparatus 11 which, in use,

  would be placed at an identification station. The apparatus of

  Terrogation 11 comprises energy emitting means 12 for emitting energy in the region of the identification station, and a signal receiver 13 for receiving an information signal from the identification device 10. The transmission means 12 generate a

  electromagnetic field that can have an alter-

  born. The energy emitting means 12 may consist of an induction coil 15, as shown, or may consist of an antenna. In the case where the induction coil 15 is used, when this coil is excited, it produces a magnetic field at the identification station, and the identification device 10 can be passed to

  through the coil 15 or close thereto for inter-

  cepter the product field. Similarly, if an antenna is used, it produces a field or radiation

  electromagnetic system in the area of the identifica-

  tion, and this field is intercepted by the collective means

  energy meters 16 of the identification device 10.

  The collector means of energy 16 collec-

  energy from energy emitting means.

  12 and intercepted by these collecting means in the region of the identification station, and they produce a

  electrical energy signal on line 17.

  In the case where the induction coil is used

  15 as energy emitting means 12, the

  energy collecting means 16 of the identification device

  10 consist of an antenna or an inductor

  which is placed in such a way as to cut or

  cepter the product field, so that a current is in-

  in the antenna or receiver inductor 18, and the induced current constitutes the electrical energy signal

on line 17.

  The energy that is applied to the means of emitting

  energy 12 is produced by an oscillator 20 whose

  the output signal goes through a power amplifier

  21 and is then applied to the antenna or inductan-

  15. It is not necessary that the generation of energy

  from the field to the identification post by the means

  energy emission 12 is continuous. In fact, it is

  it is possible for the energy-emitting means 12 to operate under the control of a switch 22. The switching of the energy applied to the energy-emitting means 12 to create the field can be done under the manual control of an operator at the identification station. According to one variant, the

  switching of energy applied to the energy emitting means

  12 can be done under an automatic command. By way of example, when the identification device 10 is presented at the identification station by a human carrier, the interrogation apparatus 11 can be operated in such a way that

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  to apply energy to the energy emitting means 12. Alternatively, in the case where animals or inanimate objects are conveyed, for example along a path or a defined corridor, it is possible to providing a photocell or other presence detector (not shown) for triggering the closing of the switch 22, which has the effect of applying energy to the energy emitting means 12 when

  the animal or item reaches the identification station.

  The switching of the energy applied to the emitting means

  12 can be controlled by a timer.

  23, so that the transmission means 12 generates

  the field for a predetermined time interval, suffi-

  that the energy-gathering means 16 of the

  Positive Identification 10 collect enough energy

  to operate the remaining components of the

  positive identification 10. When timer 23 is in operation and energy is applied

  energy emitting means 12, it is also possible to use

  read this timer to turn off the circuit

  identification device 25 of the interrogation apparatus 11,

  I will describe it below in a more complete way.

  As mentioned above, the collecting means

  16 of the identification device 10 can

  take a receiving antenna or inductor 18. In

  the case where the transmission means 12 produce an alternating field

  native, an alternating current is induced in the collector

  energy readers 16 of the identification device 10 when

* that the antenna or inductor 18 intercepts the field, to the

sinage of the identification station.

  The identification device 10 comprises information signal generation means 30 which generate

  an information signal on line 31 when they are

  by the signal of electrical energy present on the

  17. The information signal 31 comprises at least two

  the carrier signals at respective predetermined carrier frequencies, and each carrier signal is modulated by

  coded way to represent the information to be

  be. The mode of generating the carrier signals and the coding will be described later. The information signal

  present on line 31 is transmitted to an issuer of

  General 32 (constituted in this embodiment by the

  energy collecting means 16), which emits the signal of

  training towards the signal receiver 13 of the apparatus

of interrogation 11.

  The identification device 10 comprises energy storage means 33 for the purpose of storing sufficient energy to operate the remainder of the circuits of the identification device 10, while the

  device is located at the identification station and intercep-

  you the field. The energy storage means 33 may comprise a capacitor connected so as to be charged

  while a current is induced in the antenna or the in-

  18. In the mode of realization

  In a preferred embodiment, the alternating current that is induced in the antenna or inductor 18 is rectified, for example, by a full-wave rectifier or a single diode 34 producing a half-wave rectification, and the rectified voltage is applied to the capacitor 33. for

  load this one. The energy storage means 33 com-

  also take a load limiter 34 capable of

  miter the charge stored in the capacitor. The limit

  The charging device 34 consists of a Zener diode which is

  connected inversely across the capacitor, and one chooses the reverse breakdown voltage of the Zener diode 34 so as to limit the voltage produced to the maximum voltage at which the components of the identification device can operate under safety conditions. The

  Zener diode for limiting the load 34 thus limits the voltage

  power supply which is applied on line 35 for

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  the identification device 10. The means of

  energy generation 33 are connected to the generation means

  identification signal 30 to provide them with energy.

necessary for operation.

  The identification device 10 also includes

  transmission delay means 36 capable of preventing

  the operation of the identification signal generating means 30 for a predetermined duration. More specifically, the transmission delay means 36 invalidate

  or disable the means of generation of

  identification until the means of

  energy supply 12 stop emitting energy to the substation

  Identification. The transmission delay means 36 comprises

  take a signal generator 37 that is able to

  maintain the identification signal generating means

  30 in a condition of waiting until the cessation

  of the emission of energy. The signal generator 37

  te into a restoration signal generator which produces a waiting or restoring pulse on line 38, and the duration of the pulse is chosen so that the energy emitting means 12 is turned off

  under the control of the timer 23 of the inter-

  rogation 11 before the signal generating means

  identification numbers 30 are operated to produce the

  information on line 31. The signal generator

  restoration 37 is controlled by a triggering device

  39 which is activated when the storage means

  of energy 33 have stored a predetermined quantity of energy

  (less than the limit which is set by the load limiter 34). The trigger device 39 consists for example of a Zener diode connected in reverse and connected between the energy storage means 33 and the generator

  restoration signal 37, and this trigger Zener diode

  39 has a reverse breakdown voltage which is

  selected to be above the operating threshold

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  In this configuration, when the voltage on the capacitor which constitutes the energy storage means 33 reaches the breakdown voltage of the tripping Zener diode 39, the signal generator restoration 37 is actuated to produce a non-repetitive restoring or waiting pulse,

  predetermined duration, and this pulse is applied

  the identification signal generating means 30 to maintain these means off (but in

  their conditions of restoration or waiting).

  The means for generating an identification signal

  30 of the identification device 10 comprise a coded signal generator which generates in coded form the information signal present on the line 31. The generator

  the coded signal of FIG. 1a is preset or pre-programmed

  to generate a particular code for each

  identification system constructed in accordance with the invention.

  The coded signal generator could of course be programmed to generate the same coded identification signal in a number of identification devices, such devices being intended for use with similar or identical carriers, such as identical products to be identified at the time of their

  identification post. The information signal can also

  include variable coded information provided by

  example by a sensor associated with the device, such as a cap-

body temperature.

  - The coded information signal is preferably a

  signal in binary form. For this purpose, the means of general

  identification signal 30 include an oscillator

  clock 40 which operates at a predetermined clock frequency

  completed, and this clock oscillator 40 is powered by

  energy from the energy storage means 33.

  The coded signal generator includes a cascaded counter

14 2554293

  41 having a plurality of outputs 42, with a configuration such that the appearance and sequence of the signals on selected outputs of the counter represent the information

  to be issued. The cascaded counter 41 is designed to be held off by the transmit delay means 36 until the energy emitting means 12 has been turned off. In the particular embodiment shown, the output of the restoration signal generator 37 which constitutes

  the transmission delay means 36 is connected to the

  The cascade counter 41 may consist, for example, of a thirty-stage Johnson cascade counter, whose outputs selected from its outputs 42 are connected to an output line 44 to provide during operation an output pulse train representing

  a binary number. Outputs selected from

  42 of the cascaded counter 41 are in open circuit,

  while the connected outputs are connected to the

  output gene 44 via diodes.

  Considering that the thirty outputs of the

  Johnson's Cascading Fort 41 are numbered from QO to Q29,

  note that the first QO output is not connected to the

  output gene 44, so that there is no signal on this line 44 while the restoration pulse is applied to the restoration input 43. The four outputs

  following of the cascaded counter Q1 to Q4 may be connected

  in the same way to each identification device

  according to the invention so as to define a validity signal.

  the first part of the information signal.

  tion. By way of example, the outputs Q1 and Q3 are

  connected to the output line 44 by diodes, and the outputs Q2 and Q4 are in open circuit, so that at the moment of activation of the cascaded counter 41, the first part of the information signal constitutes a signal of validity

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  in the form of the binary number 1010. This configuration

  initial basis for all identifica-

  The remaining outputs Q5 to Q29 are active (high state) when diodes are installed between the outputs 42 and the line. output 44, and they are inactive (low state) when the outputs 42 are not connected to the output line 44. The outputs. remaining Q5 to Q29 thus provide a 24-bit binary code, in the form of a signal

  identification number following the validity signal

  this allows 224 particular combinations of

identification numbers.

  The signal transmitter 32 of the identification device

  Application 10 comprises a carrier oscillator 45 which is powered by the energy storage means 33, and which generates a fundamental carrier frequency signal modulated by the signal present on the output line 44. The initial validity signal is thus used. followed by the 24-bit identification number signal to modulate the output signal of the carrier oscillator. We can order

  this oscillator 45 by a quartz or ceramic resonator

  only to ensure stable frequency operation on

  a wide range of supply voltages. We select

  do the fundamental frequency of the carrier oscillator

  on the basis of economic considerations and

  physical components. We excite the oscillator

  carrier 45 so as to produce a signal rich in

  which gives a signal of the main carrier frequency

  Cipal to the fundamental frequency (or a harmonic of the fundamental frequency) and to also produce additional carrier signals to subharmonic

  of the main carrier frequency. The overexcited oscillator

  Tee 45 thus generates a frequency comb including many harmonics of the fundamental frequency. It is

16 2554293

  it is possible to obtain by this means up to ten frequencies, or even more, and each of them can supply the signal of identification to the signal receiver 13. In practice, the frequency of the oscillator 45 is chosen so that it can be used worldwide without interference. This normally requires the choice of a free channel to allow a clear detection of the very low level of signal that is expected. The output signal of the oscillator 45, modulated by the identification signal, is applied to a gate 46, powered by the energy storage means 33, and

  to an antenna of the signal transmitter 32. The transmitting antenna

  sion 18 which is shown is that used in

  as an energy collector 18.

  The identification device 10 can be

  realized in the form of a label or a card

  both the functional circuits, consisting for example of

an integrated circuit.

  The interrogation apparatus 11 of FIG. 1b which can be used with the identification device 10

  of FIG. 1a comprises a signal receiver 13. The

  signal receiver 13 comprises a receiving antenna 50 capable of detecting the information signal produced by the signal transmitter 32. The receiving antenna 50 can be any suitable component, and the output signal of this antenna 50 is applied to an amplifier

  51. The output of the amplifier 51 is

  connected to phase lock loop detectors 52, in a number of up to ten, and each of them

  detects the respective carrier frequency or harmonic

  dividual of the carrier frequency. With this configuration, the signal receiver 13 is capable of detecting up to ten radiated frequencies and thus providing up to ten output signals on respective input lines.

  53, each line conveying the information signal.

  The identification circuit 25 of the charging apparatus

17 2554293

  Terrogation 11 comprises a logic circuit 55 capable of identifying the identification number in the signal received by the signal receiver 13. The logic circuit 55 also identifies the validity signal constituted by the first four bits of the identification signal (1010). ), so that an identification signal can be recognized

  valid. The logic circuit 55 also determines the number

  ro identification. To carry out this determination, the logic circuit 55 compares the signals present on the various output lines 53, coming from the phase-locked loop detectors 52, in order to recognize

  the moment when the signals on at least two, and

  at least three, exit lines 53 from

  phase lock keys are identical. The logic circuit 55 is thus designed to process the information signals corresponding to ten of the radiated frequencies

  and treat them in a comparator section of this circuit.

  logic fired, so as to react when any of the three signals simultaneously have an identical signal format. Logic circuit 55 rejects all other signals, which may include spurious interfering signals produced by other local services on any of the frequencies of the frequency comb being transmitted.

  We can treat in any way de-

  the output signal of the logic circuit 55. For example, the output signal which represents the number

  identification device of the particular identification device

  bind can be transmitted by a line 56 to a recorder

  for example to perform a tran-

  saction. It is also possible to transmit the signal to an

  digital processor 57 for processing by an operator.

  As mentioned earlier, the identification circuit

  tification is turned off while the energy emitting means 12 is on. The timer

18 2554293

  23 of the interrogation apparatus 11 is connected to the circuit

  logic circuit 55 of the identification circuit via

  of a validation circuit 58, so that the cir-

  logic cook 55 is kept off while the energy emitting means 12 is on. In the operation of the system of Figure la and Figure lb, an article carrying the device

  identification 10 can be moved on a conveyor.

  When the item approaches the identification station or

  reached this one, the induction coil emitting energy

  15 is excited to establish an alternating field which is intercepted by the inductor or collector antenna

  18. The induced current is rectified and the capacitance

  sator 33 is charged to a level which is set by the

  34. Before this level of charge is reached

  dyed, the transmission delay means 36 are activated so as to apply a restoration pulse to the cascade counter 41, and the duration of the restoration pulse is sufficient for the generation of the field to end, under the control of the timer, before the counter

  in cascade 41 enters into operation.

  When the restoration pulse ends,

  the cascaded counter 41 sequentially produces an im-

  output pulse on each of its output terminals, at the

  clock frequency. Since only selective exits

  among the outputs 42 of the cascaded counter 41 are connected to the output line 44, the signal present on this line is a binary coded number formed by a 4-bit initial validity signal, followed by a number

24-bit identification.

  The signal is used on line 44 to transmit

  selectively put the output signal of the oscillator

  overexcited 45 on the transmitting antenna 18.

  The transmitted signal is received and amplified in the

  interrogation thread 11, and selected harmonics

19 2554293

  are isolated to give several output signals on lines 53 which, in the ideal case, all carry the same identification signal. The logic circuit 55 compares the received signals on the selected frequencies (harmonics) to detect the simultaneous reception of an identical signal on for example three frequencies. Such simultaneous signal reception, also with respect to the 4-bit initial validity signal, results in the output of the identification number to

  24 bits, for display or processing.

  We will now consider the second possible embodiment, shown in Figures 2a and 2b, in which like circuit components have been designated by the same reference numerals as in Figures 1a and 1b. The embodiment of FIGS. 2a and

  2b was designed to allow control of the synchronization

  by the interrogation apparatus 11, and to eliminate the need for frequency determining devices

  in the identification device 10. More particularly

  specifically, the interrogation apparatus 11 includes

  means of emission of energy 12 intended to emit energy

  to a predetermined interrogation frequency, and the

  identification device 10 generates a signal of

  which includes a carrier signal at a frequency of

  mation. The information frequency is produced from the received interrogation frequency and, in particular, the

  frequency of information is a subharmonic of the frequency

quence of questioning.

  When it is necessary to identify a carrier of the

  tif identification 10 shown in Figure 2a, or read

  data concerning the carrier or the device, the carrier

  approaching the identification station. The approach can be detected and a proximity switch device of any suitable type can be used (eg a capacitive or light beam or actuated switch

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  by weight, or other), to trigger the information transfer operation. In particular, the proximity switching device can trigger the circuit of

  startup 60 which in turn applies energy to the os-

  oscillator 20 operating at the interrogation frequency. The output signal of the oscillator 20 is applied to the power amplifier 21 which in turn supplies power to the tuned antenna circuit 61 which constitutes the energy emission means 12. antenna 61 induces an alternating field in the post area

  identification, for example in a door or structure

  the same way in which the wearer of the device

Identification number 10.

  When the identification device 10

  the field produced by the antenna circuit 61,

  the energy is induced in the inductance 62 of the collector means

  16. This inductor 62 is tuned by a capacitor 63 so as to resonate at the frequency

  interrogation produced by the means of emission of energy

  12, which allows for an energy transfer op-

  timal means of energy emission 12 to the device

identification number 10.

  The voltage that is developed at the terminals of the cir-

  resonant bake formed by the inductor 62 and the capacitor 63 is rectified by the diode 34 so as to provide

  the energy continues for the circuits of the identification

  10. Capacitor 64 filters the rectified voltage

  and forms energy storage means 33 for the circuits

  cooked from the identification device 10.

  When the identification device 10 enters the field that is produced by the energy emitting means 12 and receives the induced voltage, two actions occur. First, the rectified voltage across the

  capacitor 64 rises and feeds the circuits of the

  identification 10. The application of this voltage

21 2554293

  continue to the restoration generator 37 (such as a

  Schmitt method) causes the application of a restoration pulse, of a duration determined by the capacitor and the resistor 66, so as to restore the divider 70 and the cascaded counter 41. Secondly, the alternating voltage which appears at terminals of collecting means

  energy 16 is transmitted by the capacitor 67 to a cir-

  pulsed shaping 68 (for example a basement

  of Schmitt) which produces a rectangular shaped

  appropriate for attacking divisors 70 and 71.

  The divider 70 divides by a predetermined number

  the signal at the interrogation frequency to produce a clock pulse train appropriate for the cascaded counter 41. The cascaded counter 41 may be

  example a Johnson counter or any other co-

  appropriate. Counter 41 provides the data signal

  which represents the information to be emitted. The manner in which the data signal applied to the output line 44 is produced may be substantially identical to that previously described in connection with the counter

  41 of Figure la. The data signal present on the

  Figure 44 is applied to gate 46.

  The signal at the interrogation frequency which pro-

  comes from the pulse shaping circuit 68 is also

  applied to the divider 71 which divides the frequency of

  by a small number, to give a signal of

  carrier frequency on line 72. With this method of geo-

  neration of the carrier frequency, it will obviously be a subharmonic of the interrogation frequency. The signal

  of the carrier frequency on line 72 is applied to the

  46 so as to be modulated by the pre-existing data signal.

  on line 44, which produces a signal pulse train which is radiated by the antenna 73 constituting the signal transmitter 32. The gate 46 may be a flip-flop

  Schmitt which is validated and invalidated by the data signal.

22 2554293

  present on line 44, which generates square pulses at the carrier frequency, which produces an output signal having components at the carrier frequency

* and sub-harmonics of the carrier frequency.

  The signal receiver 13 is tuned to the carrier frequency which is itself a subharmonic

  synchronized frequency of interrogation. The signal

  it is amplified by a low noise amplifier 51,

  appropriate type, and is applied to a synchro-

  80. A divider 81 produces a reference frequency signal for the synchronous detector 80, and this divider receives the interrogation frequency signal from the oscillator 20 and divides the interrogation frequency signal by the same number. than the divider 71 of the identification device 10, which gives a frequency

synchronous carrier on line 82.

  The output signal of the synchronous detector 80

  is a train of impulses identical to that which the

  41 applies on line 44 as a signal of

  data. This series pulse train is applied to a

  first impulse test, 83, which does not validate the regis-

  after the first pulse has been received. The register 84 converts the following serial pulses into a group of data in parallel and applies them to the network

  latch 85 which stores the data and allows them to be

  by the display device 57. The data can be

  to be kept until the system is shut down.

  function or be restored by the next carrier of a

  identification circuit which triggers the start circuit 60. The particular circuit configurations which

  shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b make it possible to

  easily monitor the various operating frequencies of interrogation and identification devices, and they also provide some immunity from the quality of

23 2554293

  information transfer with respect to temperature variations

  temperature. We will now consider the third embodiment, represented in FIGS. 3a and 3b, in which the information transfer operation can be triggered by the approach of a carrier of an identification device 10, as in FIG. the embodiment of Figures 2a and 2b. The start circuit 60 operates

  under the effect of the detection of the approach or pre-

  the presence of a carrier of the device 10, to provide energy

  to operate the circuits of the

Termination 11.

  The crystal oscillator 20 of FIG. 3a can operate for example at 1.6 MHz, and its output signal

  is divided by 8 in the divider circuit 90, whose output

  tie is connected to the power amplifier 21.

  200 kHz output signal is transmitted to the loop antenna 15 which constitutes the energy emission means

  12, so as to produce an alternating electromagnetic field

  in the area of the identification post.

  A voltage is induced in the resonant circuit

  91 which constitutes the energy gathering means 16 of the dis-

  positive identification 10, when this circuit is exposed

  the electromagnetic field produced by the antenna 15. Frequency

  quence is the one that is determined by the oscillator to

  quartz 20 and the divider 90 (200 kHz).

  Diode 34 rectifies the voltage induced to

  to draw a DC voltage which is limited by the diode

  Zener 34 and is stored by capacitor 33.

  A Schmitt trigger 37 produces a reset pulse which is determined by the combination RC 66, 65,

  as in Figure 2. This impulse restores to their

  the divisors 70, 71 and the counter 41.

  The Schmitt rocker 68 shapes the signal present at the terminals of the resonant circuit 91, to give a

  square wave at the interrogation frequency (200 kHz).

  The signal at the interrogation frequency on line 93 is divided in divider 71 to produce a carrier frequency signal on line 72. In the embodiment shown, divider 71 divides the interrogation frequency by 8. , to give the carrier frequency (25 kHz). This carrier frequency constitutes the fundamental carrier frequency of the device

Identification number 10.

  The signal at the interrogation frequency present

  on line 93 is divided into divider 70 to produce

  the clock frequency signal on the line 38. In the embodiment shown, the divider 70 divides the interrogation frequency by 214, which gives

  a clock frequency of approximately 12 Hz. The frequency signal

  clock is applied to the counter 41 which is

  an encoder, so that this encoder generates the identification signal.

  pre-programmed capacity, as described above in re-

  lation with Figures la, lb. The general data signal

  by the encoder 41 is applied to the line 44 and then to the Schmitt flip-flop 46 which is connected so as to operate as a gate for modulating the carrier frequency signal on the line 72. The carrier frequency signals on the line 72 are thus transmitted selectively under the control of the data signal pulses on line 44. The identification device of FIG. 3a also comprises a temperature sensor 100 which is intended to detect a temperature associated with a carrier of the device, such as the temperature of the body of an animal. of the

  temperature encoding means 101 are connected to the capacitor

  100 and generate a temperature signal encoded on line 102, and the temperature signal coded on

  line 102 is applied to gate 46 so that the

  information document issued contains relative information

at the detected temperature.

  The particular temperature sensing configuration of FIG. 3a comprises temperature coding means which consist of comparators 103, 104, connected to form a "window comparator." The temperature sensor 100 consists of an element 105 which, during use, is in

  thermal coupling with the object or animal to be controlled.

  The thermal element 105 is designed to form a branch of each of the two resistance bridges 106, 107

  the comparators 103, 104 are

  nected. Assuming that a normal temperature of

  37 C, the high value comparator 103 or 104 may

  obtain a signal if the temperature detected by the element 105 exceeds for example 39 C. The other comparator 104 or

  103 can then produce an output signal if the temperature

  ture detected by the element 105 exceeds for example 35 C.

  The output signals of comparators 103, 104 are applied to gates 108, 109 which are validated

  by the last two output bits 110, 111 of the encoder 41.

  With this configuration, no signal is applied to the

  line 102 if the detected temperature is below 35 C.

  If the detected temperature is between 35 C and 390 C,

  a comparator provides an output signal and a single

  appropriate pulse is applied to line 102, by the

  of the appropriate gate among gates 108, 109, and this pulse is applied after the encoder has explored all of its outputs and thus first generated the identification data signal on line 44. If the detected temperature is greater than 39 C, both

  comparators produce output signals and two im-

  impulses are applied to line 102 when the outputs

  , 111 of the encoder sequentially receive a pulse.

  So with this configuration, the last two positions

  the information signal bit can be used to

  information on whether the detected temperature

  is less than 35 C, is between 35 C and 39 C or is

less than 39 C.

  Once the encoder 41 has fully explored the outputs, thus allowing the generation of the signal of

  identification data and the generation of

  temperature formation, we can automatically put

  this encoder off by directly connecting its last

  output terminal to an invalidation terminal 112.

  This means that the information signal is transmitted

  once and only once, which avoids a repetition

  which may cause interference in situations

  corresponding to a high level of traffic.

  When the 10-ray identification device

  the signal information from the signal transmitter 32, this signal is in the form of packets

  of energy at a fundamental information frequency of

  25 kHz. The signal is also rich in harmonics due to the use of the Schmitt trigger 46 as a modulation gate, which gives signals

  conveying usable information to many sub-

  harmonics of the fundamental frequency.

  The signals detected in the receiver of

  13 are amplified in the broadband and low noise amplifier 51 and are applied to phase lock loop detectors 52 which are tuned to

  the fundamental carrier frequency and on sub-harmonics

of this one.

  The interrogation frequency that comes from the

  viewfinder 90 of the energy emission portion of the interrogation apparatus 11 is divided by 8 into the divider 81

  to apply frequency synchronization pulses

  this carrier to the logic circuit 55. In addition, the interrogation frequency is applied to the divider 120 which divides the

  interrogation frequency by 214 to produce impulse

  synchronized clock pulses on clock pulses

  age of the identification device 10. The logic circuit

  works in the manner described above in relation to

  with Figure lb. By way of example, the output signal of the logic circuit may consist of the coded pulse train received from the phase-locked loop detectors 52, which has been verified by

  the logic circuit 55, and the coded pulses are

  entered in the Register 121. The data present in the

  register 121 may be transmitted to processing means

  122 to be recorded or to undergo another treatment. If desired, one can also present in 57

  the data contained in the register

  121, for reading by an operator.

  The circuit of FIGS. 3a and 3b transmits the information

  on a carrier frequency and sub-harmonics, allowing easy verification of the reception of the

  signal. In addition, the circuits use the frequency of

  to generate the carrier frequency, which

  cilite synchronization and improves the independence of

  the information transfer operation with respect to the

  ture. There are more general benefits

  preferred embodiments described herein and represent

  on the drawings: (1) the ability to unambiguously identify large numbers of items, (2) the ability to identify items as they move along a path or corridor, (3) identification of items at a distance of 1m or more,

  (4) the independence of the identification device

  with regard to internal energy sources, although it is obviously possible to incorporate in the identification device a source of energy such as a chemical battery,

  (5) the possibility of integrating the system into a system

  computerized computer system, (6) the possibility of setting up or implementing identification devices in a wide variety of

  carrier types (human, animal, inanimate).

  It goes without saying that many changes can be made to. device described and shown,

  without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

  1. Identification device transmitting   training (10) that can be presented at an identification   to enable reception from the   tif information about the device (10) or a carrier of the device, the identification device being usable with an interrogation apparatus (11) for triggering an information transfer operation, characterized in that the interrogation apparatus comprises: energy transmitting means (12) for transmitting   energy in the area of the identification post, a   signal receiver (13) at the identification station for receiving from the identification device (10)   an information signal comprising components of   general, each signal component having a frequency   different perspective; and that the identification device   cation comprises: energy collecting means (16) which collect the energy from the energy emitting means (12) and intercepted by the collecting means in the region of the identification station, and generating a signal electrical energy, information signal generating means (30) which, when powered by the electrical energy signal, generates an information signal comprising at least two carrier signals at respective predetermined carrier frequencies, each carrier signal being modulated in a coded manner so as to   be representative of the information to be issued, and an   signal transmitter (32) which transmits the information signal to the signal receiver (13) of the interrogation apparatus (11).   2. Identification device according to the   cation 1, characterized in that the means for generating   information signal (30) comprises a gate oscillator   the carrier oscillator (45) is overexcited during its use so as to generate a main carrier frequency signal at the fundamental frequency or at a harmonic of the frequency fundamental, and also to generate another of the two or more carrier signals to a subharmonic of the main carrier frequency.   3. Identification device according to the claim   1, characterized in that the generalization means   information signal (30) comprise a general   a square wave signal (45) which can operate at a frequency of   The fundamental quence, and the two carrier signals, at least, at the respective and predetermined carrier frequencies comprise a main carrier frequency signal which is generated by the square signal generator (45) and at least one subcarrier secondary carrier frequency signal. harmonic of the main carrier frequency,   which is also generated by the signal generator car-   re, and the main carrier frequency is equal to the fundamental frequency of the square signal generator or   is a subharmonic of this frequency.   4. Identification device according to the claim   3, characterized in that the transmitting means   of energy (12) emit energy at a frequency of   predetermined terrogation, and in that the frequency   principal is a sub-harmonic of the frequency question.   5. Identification device according to the   cation 4, characterized in that the information signal generating means (30) comprises dividing means (71) for receiving a signal at the interrogation frequency from the energy collecting means (16). , and these dividing means (71) divide the interrogation frequency so as to give an output signal to the   main frequency, which is used to generate the carriers.   6. Identification device according to the   1, characterized in that the information signal generating means (30) comprises means for   selective transmission (46) that selectively transmit   the carrier signals to the signal transmitter (32), and the time-selective transmission configuration   constitutes the coding of the information to be transmitted.   7. Information transfer apparatus,   taking an identification device transmitting information   tion (10) according to claim 1, and an apparatus for   terrogation (11), characterized in that the apparatus for in-   terrogation comprises energy emitting means (12) for emitting energy into the region of the identification station, andun. signal receiver (13) located at   identification station to receive the information signal   from the identification device (10), the signal receiver comprising a plurality of detectors (52),   each of them operating at a respeotive frequency   carrier, and the signal receiver further comprises indicating means (55) which are connected to the detectors (52) and which indicate when several   these detectors detect the simultaneous reception of   carrier models modulated in the same coded way, to indi-   quer and the same information was issued simultaneously   by the identification device (10) to more than one carrier frequency.   8. Identification device transmitting information   (10) which may be presented at an identifica-   to allow reception from this device   information about the device (10) or a device   device, the identification device being usable with an interrogation apparatus (11) for   initiate an information transfer operation,   characterized in that the interrogation apparatus comprises: energy transmitting means (12) for transmitting energy at a predetermined interrogation frequency in the region of the identification station, a receiver   signal (13) located at the identification station to receive   see from the identification device (10) a sign   information signal comprising a signal component having an information frequency, this frequency of   formation being a sub-harmonic of the frequency of in-   terrogation, and in that the identification device (10) comprises: energy collecting means (16) which collect energy from the energy emission means (12) and intercepted by the collecting means in the region of the identification station, and which generate an electrical energy signal, generating means   information signal (30) which, when   by the electrical energy signal, generate a   an information signal which comprises a carrier signal at the information frequency, said carrier signal being modulated   in a coded manner so as to be representative of the   training to be transmitted, and a signal transmitter (32) which transmits the information signal to the signal receiver   (13) of the interrogation apparatus (11).   9. Identification device according to the claim   8, characterized in that the generalization means   information signal (30) comprises dividing means (71) for receiving a signal at the interrogation frequency from the energy collecting means   (16), and these dividing means divide the frequency of   terrogation so as to produce an output signal at the information frequency, which is used to produce the carrier signal.   10. Identification device according to the   8, characterized in that the information frequency comprises a main information frequency, and the   information signal generation means (30) also generate   at least one additional carrier signal at a frequency   additional information, the frequency of informa-   supplementation, or each of them, being a sub-   harmonic of the main information frequency, the   additional carrier signal, or each of them being   coded so as to be representative of the information to be transmitted, and the information signal comprising the carrier signal at the information frequency   principal and one or more additional carrier signals   at the additional information frequency.   11. Identification device according to the   10, characterized in that the generalization means   information signal (30) comprise an oscillation   carrier (45) which operates at a fundamental frequency   damentally, and this carrier oscillator is designed to be overexcited during use to generate the carrier signal at the information rate   main frequency, this main information frequency cor-   corresponding to the fundamental frequency or a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, and in order to also generate   the additional carrier signal (s) at a sub-harmo-   or sub-harmonics of the frequency information.   12. Identification device according to the   10, characterized in that the information signal generating means (30) comprises a signal generator   square signal (45) which can operate at a fundamental frequency   ment, and the information signal includes the signal   to the main information frequency, which is generated   square signal generator, and the signal or signals   additional frequencies to the additional information frequency   which is a sub-harmonic of the frequency of informa-   tion, and which are also generated by the general   of the square signal, the main information frequency being equal to the fundamental frequency of the generator of the   square signal or being a subharmonic of this frequency.   13. Identification device according to the   8, characterized in that the information signal generating means (30) comprises means for   selective transmission (46) that selectively transmit   the carrier signal to the signal transmitter (32) and the time-selective transmission configuration   constitutes the coding of the information to be transmitted.   14. Identification device according to one   any of claims 1 or 8, characterized in that   that the information signal generating means (30) comprises a clock generator (40) which provides a clock signal at a clock frequency, and a counter   (41) which is connected to receive the clock signal   this counter has a plurality of outputs (42) which sequentially provide a signal at the clock frequency, some of these outputs (42), in sequence and in predetermined number, being connected to an output line (44) so as to produce on the output line a pulse train representative of the particular sequence and number of outputs (42) connected, this train   pulses representing the information to be transmitted.   15. Identification device according to one   any of claims 1 or 8, characterized in that   that the energy emitting means (16) emit energy   in the area of the identification station during a   predetermined time, the identification device   tion (10) comprises delay means (36) which are   connected to the information signal generating means (30), and the delay means (36) prevents operation of the information signal generating means (30) to   the end of the predetermined time interval.   16. Identification device according to any one   conque of claims 1 or 8, characterized in that   further comprises a temperature sensor (100) for   to detect a temperature associated with a carrier of the device   tif (10), and temperature coding means (101)   connected to the temperature sensor (100) and which generate a   encoded temperature signal representative of the temperature   detected, and the coded temperature signal is applied   information signal generating means (30) so that the information signal contains information   the temperature detected.