Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W4/70—Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
  • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
  • G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
  • G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
  • G06Q20/203—Inventory monitoring
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
  • G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
  • G06Q20/208—Input by product or record sensing, e.g. weighing or scanner processing
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q30/00—Commerce
  • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
  • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
  • G07F9/026—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
  • G07G1/00—Cash registers
  • G07G1/0036—Checkout procedures
  • G07G1/0045—Checkout procedures with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
  • G07G1/0054—Checkout procedures with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader with control of supplementary check-parameters, e.g. weight or number of articles
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G08—SIGNALLING
  • G08B—SIGNALLING SYSTEMS, e.g. PERSONAL CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
  • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
  • G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
  • G08B13/14—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
  • G08B13/1481—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles with optical detection
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W4/12—Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W4/30—Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes
  • H04W4/35—Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for the management of goods or merchandise
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G08—SIGNALLING
  • G08B—SIGNALLING SYSTEMS, e.g. PERSONAL CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
  • G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
  • G08B25/01—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
  • G08B25/08—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using communication transmission lines

Definitions

• the present invention belongs to the general field of monitoring a given geographical area. It relates, in particular, to a method for detecting the absence of a given hardware element in a determined geographical area, as well as a system configured to implement said detection method.
• the invention finds a particularly advantageous application, although in no way limiting, for the management (both in terms of stocks and of effective availability "on the shelf") of material objects, for example within a factory workshop or well of a trade.
• a first approach consists in using image and/or video acquisition means configured to monitor a geographical area associated with a material element.
• image and/or video acquisition means configured to monitor a geographical area associated with a material element.
• algorithms for pattern recognition to identify the presence or absence of the material element in the acquired images and/or videos.
• a second approach falls within the context of the IoT (acronym of the Anglo-Saxon expression "Internet of Things”) and is based on the ever-increasing deployment of communicating objects in the daily life. More specifically, this second approach, restricted to the use case aiming to detect the presence or absence of a material element on a shelf in a closed environment (typically a shelf in a store), consists of the use of a laser sensor. The material element whose presence/absence is sought is illuminated by a laser beam emitted by the laser sensor, the latter measuring in return the light reflected by said material element. The presence/absence of the material element is deduced from this light measurement, and the result is communicated, via a wireless communication network deployed in said closed environment, to target user terminals (typically smart phones belonging to employees of store and equipped with a dedicated software application).
• target user terminals typically smart phones belonging to employees of store and equipped with a dedicated software application.
• the second approach itself has shortcomings which, in practice, strongly constrain its operation. Indeed, on the one hand, the use of laser beams, even under control, is systematically associated with a risk of exposure of people moving around in the vicinity of the geographical area in which the presence/absence of the material element is sought. And on the other hand, the second approach requires the laser sensor to operate permanently, which makes it particularly energy-intensive. Finally, the second approach is also intended to be particularly expensive due to the very fact of the use of said laser sensor.
• the present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible to detect the absence of a given material element in a given geographical area, in a simpler way, more energy efficient, more respectful of privacy and less expensive than the solutions of the state of the art.
• the invention relates to a method for transmitting a message intended to allow the detection of the absence of a given material element in a determined geographical area, said material element being able to be associated with two distinct states:
• said method is implemented by the transmitter device when the hardware element changes from the first state to the second state and comprises steps of:
• the transmitter device when the electrical energy recovered and stored by the transmitter device has reached a given threshold, the transmitter device is able to transmit an information message representative of said threshold overrun.
• it may be a message indicating that the transmitting device is in the “illuminated” state (i.e. the material element is in the second state).
• the electrical energy which allows the operation of the transmitter device comes from the conversion of the light energy supplied by said at least one light source.
• the transmitter device is powered from external energy (ie said light energy) and only when the material element is in the second state.
• Such arrangements are particularly advantageous in that they make the invention particularly energy efficient, in comparison with the solutions of the state of the art which require a permanent energy supply.
• the detection method according to the invention does not require the acquisition of images/videos of the environment in which the material element is located, and thus provides perfect guarantees as regards compliance with private life.
• the detection method according to the invention is also advantageous in that it does not require the use of expensive materials/elements/devices, such as for example a laser sensor.
• the means making it possible to capture light energy in order to finally convert it into electrical energy are not only well known to those skilled in the art but also easily available at a lower cost.
• the transmission method may also comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations.
• the comparison step is also implemented using the stored electrical energy.
• the transmission of the information message takes place by transmission of a radioelectric signal.
• the transmission of the information message takes place by ambient backscatter.
• the ambient backscatter technology is particularly attractive because no additional radio wave is emitted by the transmitter device (in the sense of a wave other than that originating from an ambient signal which is backscattered to transmit the message of information).
• Such provisions are therefore particularly advantageous given that the energy cost of a communication is thereby optimized, which is particularly important in the current context of the IoT where each everyday object is intended to become a communicating object.
• the invention relates to a communication method implemented by a receiver device and comprising steps of: - reception of a message, called "information message", representative of the exceeding of a given threshold by a quantity of electrical energy stored by a transmitter device, said information message being transmitted by said transmitter device,
• the invention relates to a method for detecting a given material element in a determined geographical area, said material element being able to be associated with two distinct states:
• said detection method is implemented when the hardware element changes from the first state to the second state and comprises steps of:
• said detection method further comprises, following receipt of the information message, a step of transmitting, to at least one communication terminal, a message, called " alert message”, representative of said threshold overrun.
• the communication method or the detection method may also include one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations.
• the alert message comprises at least one characteristic datum of the transmitter device.
• Said at least one piece of data offers the possibility of facilitating the identification of the transmitting device, and therefore a fortiori also that of the missing material element.
• said at least one datum corresponds to an identifier or to a location of the transmitter device.
• the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for the implementation of a transmission method according to the invention or of a communication method according to the invention when said computer program is executed by a computer.
• This program can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in no any other desirable shape.
• the invention relates to an information or recording medium readable by a computer on which is recorded a computer program according to the invention.
• the information or recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program.
• the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or even a magnetic recording means, for example a hard disk.
• the information or recording medium can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means.
• the program according to the invention can in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.
• the information or recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.
• the invention relates to a transmitter device comprising:
• comparison module configured to compare the quantity of electrical energy stored with a given threshold
• a transmission module configured to transmit, when the amount of stored electrical energy is greater than said threshold, a message, called "information message”, representative of said threshold overrun.
• said transmission module operates using stored electrical energy.
• the comparison module also operates using stored electrical energy.
• the invention relates to a receiver device comprising:
• reception module configured to receive a message, called "information message”, representative of the overrun of a given threshold by a quantity of electrical energy stored by a transmitter device, said information message being transmitted by said device transmitter,
• a transmission module configured to transmit, to at least one communication terminal, a message, called "alert message", representative of said threshold overrun.
• the invention relates to a system for detecting the absence of a given material element in a determined geographical area, said system comprising a transmitter device according to the invention and a receiver device according to the invention. , said material element being able to be associated with two distinct states:
• FIG. 1 schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a system for detecting the absence of a material element according to the invention
• FIG. 2 represents an example of hardware architecture of a transmitter device belonging to the detection system of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 schematically represents an example of hardware architecture of a receiver device belonging to the detection system of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular mode of an absence detection method, as it is implemented by the transmitter device of FIG. 2 and the receiver device of FIG. 3 .
• Figure 1 schematically shows, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a system 10 according to the invention.
• the system 10 is configured to carry out processing operations making it possible to detect the absence of a given EM material element in a zone geographic ZG determined, by implementing an absence detection method according to the invention.
• a single material element EM is positioned at the level of said geographical zone ZG, which is therefore more specifically defined as being substantially equal to the contact surface between the material element EM and the shelf ETA.
• the geographical zone ZG is not intended to accommodate a plurality of objects of the type of said material element EM between the wall PAR to which the shelf ETA is fixed and the edge of the ETA shelf opposite said PAR wall.
• the system 10 comprises a transmitter device D_TX.
• said transmitter device D_TX is fixedly arranged on the wall wall PAR to which the shelf ETA is fixed.
• the position of the transmitter device D_TX is a position relative to the hardware element EM. More particularly, the transmitter device D_TX and the hardware element EM are arranged so that it is possible to associate said hardware element EM with two distinct states:
• the two light sources correspond to:
• the two states ST_1, ST_2 associated with the hardware element EM also refer, in an equivalent manner, to two states respectively associated with the transmitter device D_TX, namely: a first state in which the hardware element is considered masked (darkened, deprived of illumination) with respect to said two light sources, and a second state in which the material element is illuminated by at least one of said two light sources.
• it can be considered a single light source corresponding to the ambient lighting from the lights, when said store corresponds for example to a closed environment deprived of natural illumination (for example of the shed type without glazed element).
• the expression “given light source” does not refer to a light source which would be intentionally or even accidentally positioned so as to be able to illuminate the transmitter device D_TX even though the material element EM is still present (for example a light source arranged between the transmitter device D_TX and the hardware element EM).
• the transmitter device D_TX comprises means 20 for obtaining a stock of electrical energy from light energy.
• means of obtaining comprise: - means 21 for converting light energy into electrical energy,
• said means 21 for converting light energy into electrical energy correspond to one or more photovoltaic cells arranged so as to form, at least in part, one face of the transmitter device D_TX. Said face is intended to be placed facing the material element EM, so that the photovoltaic cells can be illuminated when the material element EM is absent. Said means 21 for converting light energy into electrical energy may further comprise material means of design known per se to perform determined electronic functions, such as for example an amplification of an electrical signal delivered by the photovoltaic cell or cells.
• the storage means 23 correspond for example to a battery fitted to the transmitter device D_TX.
• any means configured to obtain a stock of electrical energy from light energy and known to those skilled in the art can be considered (one or more flexible films using semiconductor compounds based on polymers organic, etc).
• the transmitter device D_TX is also configured to perform processing aimed at signaling the absence of the hardware element EM, by implementing a method for transmitting a message according to the invention.
• the implementation of said transmission method is made possible thanks to the electrical energy accumulated by the transmitter device D_TX, due to the absence of the material element EM.
• the transmitter device D_TX comprises circuits dedicated to the implementation of said transmission method and which are self-powered by said electrical energy stored in said storage means 22.
• the transmitter device D_TX is able to transmit an information message MESS_INFO representative of said exceeding of threshold TH.
• the transmission of said MESS_INFO message takes place by ambient backscatter. Consequently, the environment of the transmitter device D_TX comprises a transmitter device SO configured to transmit, according to a transmission frequency included in a given frequency band called “transmission band”, a radioelectric signal called “ambient signal”.
• radioelectric signal reference is made here to an electromagnetic wave propagating by non-wired means, the frequencies of which are included in the traditional spectrum of radioelectric waves (a few hertz to several hundred gigahertz).
• the ambient signal is a 4G mobile telephony signal transmitted in the transmission band [811 MHz, 821 MHz] by the transmitter device SO.
• the invention remains applicable to other types of radioelectric signals, such as for example a mobile telephone signal other than 4G (for example 2G, 3G, 5G), a Wi-Fi signal, etc.
• a mobile telephone signal other than 4G for example 2G, 3G, 5G
• a Wi-Fi signal etc.
• no limitation is attached to the ambient radio signal that can be considered in the context of the present invention as long as the latter can be used to communicate by ambient backscatter.
• the system 10 also includes a receiver device D_RX configured to perform processing allowing it to read the information message MESS_INFO as well as to notify at least one communication terminal UE of the content of said information message MESS_INFO, by implementing a communication method according to the invention.
• a receiver device D_RX configured to perform processing allowing it to read the information message MESS_INFO as well as to notify at least one communication terminal UE of the content of said information message MESS_INFO, by implementing a communication method according to the invention.
• the transmitter device SO is a base station. It is also considered that the receiver device D_RX and the user terminal UE are both cellular telephones, for example of the smartphone type. More particularly, we consider the configuration according to which:
• the UE terminal belongs to a store employee who is responsible for the logistics of the department in which the EM material element is sold (example: a department manager),
• the receiver device D_RX belongs to a customer present in the store and therefore likely to make one or more passages near the material element EM (example: in the radius in which the material element EM is sold) . It should however be noted that no limitation is attached to the forms respectively taken by the SO transmitter and D_RX receiver devices, provided that they are able to communicate with each other.
• the transmitter device SO may correspond to a smartphone, or a touch pad, or a personal digital assistant, or even a personal computer, etc.
• the receiver device D_RX may correspond to a base station.
• the transmitter device SO may correspond to a Wi-Fi terminal
• the receiver device D_RX may correspond to a smartphone, or a touch pad, or a personal digital assistant, or even a personal computer , etc., able to communicate using the Wi-Fi protocol.
• the form taken by the UE terminal is also irrelevant (smartphone, touch pad, personal digital assistant, personal computer, etc.) for the implementation of the invention.
• FIG. 1 only mentions a single transmitter device SO, a single receiver device D_RX and a single terminal UE, this is only of an embodiment of the invention. Thus, nothing excludes considering, according to other examples not detailed here, a number of transmitter devices strictly greater than 1 and/or a number of receiver devices greater than 1 and/or a number of communication terminals strictly greater than 1.
• the transmitter device D_TX is in particular configured to backscatter, conditionally (i.e. as soon as the quantity of stored electrical energy is greater than the threshold TH), the ambient signal emitted by the base station SO, so as to transmit the information message MESS_INFO which can then be received by the receiver device D_RX.
• the information message MESS_INFO is broadcast by means of a signal, called “backscattered signal”, obtained by ambient backscattering of the ambient signal transmitted by the base station SO.
• the transmission of the signal backscattered by the transmitter device D_TX is carried out by variation of the backscattering of the ambient signal, this variation being based on the possibility that the transmitter device D_TX has of modifying the impedance presented to an antenna which team (not shown in the figures), depending on the information message MESS_INFO to be transmitted.
• the transmitter device D_TX can be associated with operating states depending on the impedance which is presented to the antenna with which it is provided.
• these states are a so-called state of "backscatter” (the transmitter device D_TX can backscatter the ambient signal), as well as an opposite state called “non-backscatter” (the transmitter device D_TX cannot backscatter the ambient signal, or, in other words, is " transparent” to the ambient signal).
• the impedance associated with the backscatter state typically corresponds to zero or infinite impedance, while the impedance associated with the non-backscatter state typically corresponds to the complex conjugate of the characteristic impedance of the antenna, in the considered propagation medium and at the considered frequency.
• the invention is not limited to this ideal case in which only two states respectively perfectly backscattering and perfectly non-backscattering would be considered. Indeed, the invention also remains applicable in the case where two states (first state and second state) are not perfectly backscattering/non-backscattering, since the variation of the backscattered waves is perceptible by the receiver device D_RX which is intended to receive the information message MESS_INFO.
• the information message MESS_INFO intended to be transmitted by means of the backscattered signal is conventionally encoded according to a set of symbols, comprising for example a so-called "high” symbol (bit of value "1”), or else a so-called “low” (value bit “0”).
• the transmission of the information message MESS_INFO by variation of the ambient backscatter can therefore be carried out, in a manner known per se, by alternating between said backscatter and non-backscatter states, each of said states being dedicated to the transmission of a symbol of a particular type (e.g. high symbol for backscatter state and low symbol for non-backscatter state, or vice versa).
• the information message MESS_INFO is transported by modulation of the waves of the ambient signal (i.e. by retromodulation).
• the processing aimed at backscattering said ambient signal is conventionally performed by the transmitter device D_TX by implementing a backscattering method (not shown in the figures) which forms an integral part of the transmission method mentioned above.
• the transmitter device D_TX comprises for example one or more processors and storage means (magnetic hard disk, electronic memory, optical disk, etc.) in which are stored data and a computer program, in the form a set of program code instructions to be executed to implement said backscatter method.
• the D_TX transmitter device also comprises one or more programmable logic circuits, of the FPGA, PLD, etc. type, and/or specialized integrated circuits (ASIC), and/or a set of discrete electronic components, etc adapted to implement the backscattering method.
• the D_TX transmitter device comprises a set of means configured in software (specific computer program) and/or hardware (FPGA,
• the receiver device D_RX for its part, is configured to perform processing aimed at decoding the signal backscattered by the transmitter device D_TX, so as to obtain the information message MESS_INFO.
• the information message MESS_INFO is obtained by implementing a decoding method (not shown in the figures) which forms an integral part of the communication method mentioned above.
• the receiver device D_RX comprises for example one or more processors and storage means (magnetic hard disk, electronic memory, optical disk, etc.) in which are stored data and a computer program, in the form a set of program code instructions to be executed to implement said decoding method.
• the D_RX receiver device also comprises one or more programmable logic circuits, of the FPGA, PLD, etc. type, and/or specialized integrated circuits (ASIC), and/or a set of discrete electronic components, etc suitable for implementing the decoding method.
• programmable logic circuits of the FPGA, PLD, etc. type, and/or specialized integrated circuits (ASIC), and/or a set of discrete electronic components, etc suitable for implementing the decoding method.
• the D_RX receiver device comprises a set of means configured in software (specific computer program) and/or hardware (FPGA,
• the possibility of transmitting data by ambient backscatter by the transmitter device D_TX depends on its distance from the source of the ambient signal, i.e. the base station SO. It is also known that the possibility of decoding a signal backscattered by the receiver device D_RX depends on its distance from the transmitter device D_TX at the origin of said backscattered signal.
• FIG. 2 schematically represents an example of hardware architecture of the transmitter device D_TX belonging to the system 10 of FIG. 1, for the implementation of steps of said transmission method.
• the transmitter device D_TX has the hardware architecture of a computer.
• the transmitter device D_TX comprises, in particular, a processor 1_TX, a random access memory 2_TX, a read only memory 3_TX and a non-volatile memory 4_TX. It also includes a 5_TX communication module.
• the read only memory 3_TX of the transmitter device D_TX constitutes a recording medium in accordance with the invention, readable by the processor 1_TX and on which is recorded a computer program PROG_TX in accordance with the invention, comprising instructions for the execution of steps of the transmission method according to the invention.
• the PROG_TX program defines functional modules of the transmitter device D_TX, which are based on or control the hardware elements 1_TX to 5_TX of the transmitter device D_TX mentioned above, and which include in particular:
• MOD_COMP comparison module configured to compare the quantity of electrical energy stored with the threshold TH
• a transmission module MOD_TX1 configured to transmit, when the amount of stored electrical energy is greater than the threshold TH, the information message MESSJNFO.
• the communication module 5_TX allows in particular the transmitter device D_TX to communicate with the receiver device D_RX, and therefore integrates the means configured in hardware and/or software to implement the backscattering method described above, these means themselves integrating said transmission module MOD_TX1.
• the electrical energy stored by the transmitter device D_TX is that from which the transmission method is implemented. More particularly, in the context of this embodiment, the comparison module MOD_COMP and the transmission module MOD_TX1 operate by using said stored electrical energy.
• the MOD_COMP comparison module is of analog design.
• the MOD_COMP comparison module is of digital design (i.e. as opposed to an analog design). In any case, whatever the type of design envisaged, the person skilled in the art knows how to make it, so that the quantity of stored electrical energy can be compared with the threshold TH.
• MOD_COMP comparison module is of analog design (and operates by using stored electrical energy, as already mentioned above).
• the present invention does not exclude considering that only the MOD_TX transmission module operates by using the stored electrical energy. In other words, nothing excludes considering other embodiments in which the operation of the MOD_COMP comparison module does not require the use of stored electrical energy (nor, moreover, any other energy likely to be onboard and/or stored by the transmitter device D_TX). To this end, any means known to those skilled in the art capable of carrying out such other modes can be envisaged.
• FIG. 3 schematically represents an example of hardware architecture of the D_RX receiver device belonging to system 10 of FIG. 1.
• the receiver device D_RX has the hardware architecture of a computer.
• the receiver device D_RX comprises, in particular, a processor 1_RX, a random access memory 2_RX, a read only memory 3_RX and a non-volatile memory 4_RX. It also includes a 5_RX communication module.
• the read only memory 3_RX of the receiver device D_RX constitutes a recording medium in accordance with the invention, readable by the processor 1_RX and on which is recorded a computer program PROG_RX in accordance with the invention, comprising instructions for the execution of steps of the communication method according to the invention.
• the PROG_RX program defines functional modules of the D_RX receiver device, which are based on or control the hardware elements 1_RX to 5_RX of the D_RX receiver device mentioned above, and which include in particular:
• reception module MOD_RX configured to receive the information message MESSJNFO
• a transmission module MOD_TX2 configured to transmit, to the terminal UE, a message, called “alert message” MESS_ALERT, representative of said exceeding of threshold TH.
• the communication module 5_RX allows in particular the receiver device D_RX to communicate with the transmitter device D_TX, and therefore integrates the means configured in hardware and/or software to implement the decoding method described above, these means themselves integrating said reception module MOD_RX.
• the communication module 5_TX is also configured to allow the transmitter device D_RX to communicate with the terminal UE, and for this purpose incorporates said transmission module MOD_TX2.
• the exchanges between the transmitter device D_RX and the terminal UE take place via a wireless communication interface according to any protocol known to those skilled in the art (Wifi, Bluetooth, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc. .). However, nothing excludes considering a wired communication interface (for example to use the Ethernet protocol).
• the alert message MESS_ALERT is representative of the threshold overrun, and thus aims to warn the user of the terminal UE of the absence of the material element EM.
• the action consisting in transmitting the alert message MESS_ALERT, from the receiver device D_RX to the terminal UE, can be seen as a relay of the information according to which the hardware element EM is absent (or, equivalently, information that the transmitting device is in the “illuminated” state).
• the alert message MESS_ALERT is representative of said threshold overrun and includes one or more characteristic data of the transmitter device D_TX. Said data correspond for example to an identifier or to a location of the transmitter device D_TX. Such data is for example initially encoded in the information message MESS_INFO (because it is known to the transmitter device D_TX), so that the receiver device D_RX can read it and relay it to the terminal UE.
• Such data make it possible to facilitate the identification of the transmitter device D_TX, and therefore a fortiori also that of the missing hardware element EM. Indeed, within the framework of the embodiment considered here (sale in a store), the precise identification of the missing material element is facilitated by these data if several material elements corresponding to one and the same model are offered for sale. (example: several computer screens of the same model). Identification is all the more facilitated in the case where these elements corresponding to one and the same model are sold in several places in the store.
• alert message MESS_ALERT representative as such of the exceeding of threshold TH, it may be identical to that of the information message MESS_INFO. None, however, excludes considering a content that is different, since the latter is representative of said exceeding of threshold TH.
• the transmission method (executed by the transmitter device D_TX) and the communication method (executed by the receiver device D_RX) are both implemented during the execution, by the system 10, of the detection method of absence of the previously mentioned EM hardware element. Said method of detecting the absence of the hardware element EM can therefore be seen as a general method combining said transmission and communication methods.
• FIG. 4 represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular mode of the absence detection method, as it is implemented by the transmitter device D_TX of FIG. 2 and the receiver device D_RX of FIG. 3.
• the hardware element EM which was initially in the first state ST_1 i.e. the hardware element EM is present in the geographical area ZG, so that the transmitter device D_TX is masked
• the second state ST_2 i.e. the hardware element EM is absent in the geographical area ZG, so that the transmitter device D_TX is illuminated
• the absence detection method is triggered, and initially comprises, as illustrated by FIG. , a step E10 of obtaining a stock of electrical energy RES_ELEC from light energy (i.e. from the light energy coming from said two light sources).
• Said step E10 belongs to the transmission method and is implemented by the means 20 for obtaining fitted to the transmitter device D_TX.
• said step E10 comprises a sub-step E10_1 of converting the light energy captured into electrical energy (“CONV ENER LUM ® ENER ELEC” in FIG. 4).
• Said sub-step step E10_1 belongs to the transmission method and is implemented by the conversion means 21 equipping the transmitter device D_TX.
• Said step E10 further comprises a sub-step E10_2 of storing said electrical energy (“STOCK ENER ELEC” in FIG. 4).
• Said sub-step E10_2 belongs to the transmission method and is implemented by the storage means 22 equipping the transmitter device D_TX.
• the detection method also includes a step E20 of comparing the quantity of stored electrical energy RES_ELEC with the threshold TH.
• Said step E20 belongs to the transmission method and is implemented by the comparison module MOD_COMP equipping the transmitter device D_TX.
• the detection method includes a step E30 of transmitting the message MESS_INFO.
• Said step E30 belongs to the transmission method and is implemented by the transmission module MOD_TX1 equipping the transmitter device D_TX.
• the transmission module MOD_TX1 equipping the transmitter device D_TX.
• the detection method also includes a step E40 of receiving the information message MESS_INFO.
• Said step E40 belongs to the communication method and is implemented by the reception module MOD_RX equipping the receiver device D_RX.
• the information message MESS_INFO is transmitted by ambient backscatter of the ambient signal emitted by the base station SO. Consequently, the transmission step E30 (respectively the reception step E40) implements the processing operations of the backscattering method (respectively the processing operations of the decoding method) described above.
• the detection method also comprises a step E50 of transmission, to the terminal UE, of the alert message MESS_ALERT.
• Said step E50 belongs to the communication method and is implemented by the transmission module MOD_TX2 equipping the receiver device D_RX.
• the user in possession of said terminal UE is informed of the absence of the material element EM, and can decide to set up appropriate actions.
• Such actions correspond for example to:
• the invention has been described so far considering that an alert message MESS_ALERT is transmitted from the receiver device D_RX to the terminal UE. It is nevertheless possible to envisage other embodiments, in which the receiver device D_RX is considered to be the only communication terminal receiving a message.
• the message in question is therefore said information message MESS_INFO which may, for example, be identical to the alert message MESS_ALERT described previously (ie the information message MESS_INFO may include, in addition to the content representative of the overrun of threshold TH, one or more data, such as identification data, location data, time data, etc.).
• the detection method includes the steps E10 to E40 already described, but on the other hand does not include the step E50.
• Such arrangements can be illustrated by taking the example described previously with reference to FIG. 1, and for which it is considered that the material element EM is an object sold in a store.
• the receiver device D_RX is a communication terminal belonging to the head of the department, and that the latter can be notified of the absence of the material element EM by moving around the store, more particularly at proximity of the D_TX transmitting device.
• the transmission of a message allowing the detection of absence of the material element EM is not carried out via a relay by a receiver device D_RX in possession of a client of the shop.
• the invention has also been described so far considering that the transmission of the information message MESS_INFO is carried out by ambient backscatter.
• the transmitter device D_TX is configured to emit a radioelectric signal which forms the medium for transmitting the information message MESS_INFO, which contrasts with communications implemented by ambient backscatter in which no additional wave ( compared to those emitted by the source of the ambient signal) is generated.
• radioelectric signal is a mobile telephone signal (for example 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G), a Wi-Fi signal, etc.
• the information message MESS_INFO can be relayed, via the receiver device D_RX (example: a base station), to one or more communication terminals (example: one or more mobile phones belonging to users).
• the receiver device D_RX is considered to be the only communication terminal receiving the information message MESS_INFO (ie no relay is implemented).
• the detection system 10 has been described so far as comprising the transmitter device D_TX and the receiver device D_RX. This being the case, nothing excludes considering modes in which the system 10 still comprises other elements.
• the system 10 can for example also include the transmitter device SO and the detection method can include a step of transmitting the ambient signal and /or one or more communication terminals UE.
• the system 10 can for example also include, when an alert message MESS_ALERT is transmitted by the receiver device D_RX, one or more communication terminals such as the terminal UE described with reference to FIG. 1. Therefore, the detection method may comprise a step of receiving the alert message MESS_ALERT by each of said communication terminals.
• the only configuration considered so far is that according to which the material element EM is the only object placed on the shelf ETA in the geographical area ZG. It is nevertheless understood that the invention also covers configurations close to these, for example in the case where several material elements of the same type are arranged one behind the other on the ETA shelf, so as to form a row of material elements.
• the detection method according to the invention makes it possible to detect the absence of the last hardware element of the row, which means in particular that all the other hardware elements which precede it in the row are also absent (example: packets of cereals are arranged one behind the other on a shelf in a grocery store, and when the cereal packet closest to the D_TX transmitter device is sold, it means that there are no more cereal packets. cereal on the shelf).
• the invention also covers configurations in which the material element is not an object sold in a store.
• the invention can be applied in the following cases:
• the material element is a painting placed in a museum (the D_TX transmitter device is then fixed to the wall, behind the painting), so as to be able to detect a possible theft of said picture,
• the material element corresponds to the contents of a package (the D_TX transmitter device is fixed in the bottom of the package), so as to be able to detect that the correct delivery or even the theft of said content,
• the material element is an opening/detachable/removable part of an object, such as for example a letterbox door/a door of an electrical cabinet (the D_TX transmitter device is then fixed in the bottom of the mailbox letters/of the electrical cabinet, etc.), so as to be able to detect the opening (accidental, malicious, etc.) of said object,
• the material element is a front shell of a smartphone (the D_TX transmitter device is then fixed inside the smartphone, at the level of the rear shell), so as to be able to detect that the smartphone has been opened, which may have consequences in terms of warranty,
• the material element is a vehicle, such as for example a car parked in a parking space (the D_TX transmitter device is fixed to the ground, in the area defined by the parking space), so as to be able to detect whether said parking space parking space is free or occupied.
• the invention also covers configurations in which the material element is not an object that can be manufactured, but corresponds for example to:
• the transmitter device is attached to a seat intended to be occupied by said natural person for a given period (example: a ski lift seat, an armchair in a work office, etc.), so as to be able to monitor the occupancy of said seat,
• the material element corresponds to snow in a geographical area delimited in front of a pole.
• the transmitter device D_TX is fixed on said post, at a determined height, so as to be able to detect the level of snow cover according to the accumulation or the melting of snow.

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• 2021
  • 2021-03-16 FR FR2102586A patent/FR3120976A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
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