SIMI RFID identification system in FMS logistics.

Ivan, Ioana Carmen ; Ghinea, Mihai ; Enciu, George 等

1. INTRODUCTION

The omnipresent barcode labels that triggered a revolution in identification systems some considerable time ago, are being found to be inadequate in an increasing number of cases including the Flexible Machining Systems (FMS) logistics. The technically optimal solution is RFID systems (Radio Frequency Identification) (Gunther et al., 2008; Seslija & Tesic, 2006).

The potential applications for this technology are numerous for FMS logistics including in modern terms AGVs, robots, conveyors, etc. (Enciu, 2002; *** ASAP Hitchcock Publishing). For example the RFID system increases flexibility and improves throughput in factories, significantly reducing the capital tied up in materials in the manufacturing processes. This flexibility catered for very limited installation efforts with low educational costs for the production staff (Lau et al., 2000).

2. SIMI--ROMANIAN RFID SYSTEM

SIMI is an integrated software and hardware system, designed and realized by dr. George Enciu, which is able to identify, locate and manage industrial parts, devices, equipments and personnel (inside classic machining systems or inside FMS) a defined area using RFID technology; is able to connect access control, alarm and locking systems. The system offers simple practical, easy to use interface that allows you to control allocation, movement and security of any asset. The system employs the latest Radio Frequency (RF) technology applying it in a simple form to pinpoint an event. Using miniature transmitters physically secured on a part, device, tool it can recognise the current whereabouts, who owns or uses it and where in the building plant it is allowed to go and at what times. This allows the user to fully customise the systems entire operation. A unique transmitter 'tag' is installed onto or into a high value item and its details are programmed into a database together with all the details pertaining to the make, and other comparable model number, serial number, parts allocation and office allocation etc of the tagged asset(s). Even pictures of the parts manufactured or owner can be included.

3. SIMI HARDWARE STRUCTURE

Through the network of readers-ReaderNet, which are all allocated positions on a scale floor plan of the factory, any of the following transmissions states are relayed to the database.

The types of data transmissions typically available in the system are:

* the part management transmission

* the security transmission

* the maintenance transmission

The sophisticated software modules TagARTIdent, TagARTMon analyses the received data and will, depending on the system set up & configuration, log the event, raise any appropriate alarm, or track the asset and display its zoned location on a pre defined map, among many other possible operations. This is done by active tags that each transmits a unique ID at a factory pre-set time interval. Multifunction readers, appropriately situated in the area where position monitoring has to be conducted, interpret signals transmitted by the tags. Through the receiver network it is possible to develop an audit / management trail of the item as it moves within the monitored area. Various comprehensive reports can be tailored and produced from this audit trail.

4. SIMI STRUCTURE

In the Fig.1 is presented a real ReaderNet designed and installed by us in a Romanian plant in two phases, the hardware being under the general control of SIMI.

The Reader (Fig.3) has the following functionality and properties:

* RF Module (RF Receiver and Demodulator),

* Micro-controller,

* LED indicators on the output connectors.

The unit receives RF data on a frequency of 433.92MHz. Such data is demodulated, interpreted and validated by the microprocessor. If the data is valid, relevant data is output to in a serial format at a baud of 57 600 bps. Although the voltage levels are 5V TTL levels, it is compatible with all RS232 devices.

More than one reader can be connected on a ReaderNet. The device is aligned to receive RF at a frequency of 433.92MHz. The bandwidth is 20MHz. Size 84mm x 40mm x 19mm. Input/Output Connections 2 x RJ45 Sockets.

[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]

[FIGURE 2 OMITTED]

[FIGURE 3 OMITTED]

5. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SOFTWARE

The application suite is comprised of 3 software modules:

5.1. ReaderNet Server (Administrator Application)

This application is the live link to the ReaderNet. There will be a physical connection between the ReaderNet and the Server PC, either via a COM Port or USB port. This application needs to be started with a Parameter indicating the COM Port to connect to, whether it is a Physical COM Port or a Logical one.

A sample start-up for the application is "TagArtident_Readernet_Server.exe <COM=1>" (indicating that the PC will be connect to the ReaderNet using COM1).

Other Start-up parameters include: <AUTO=Y> Sets the application to Auto-Start monitoring the ReaderNet <DELAY=n>, Sets the application to start monitoring the ReaderNet n seconds after it opens (this must be used in conjunction with <AUTO=Y> above).

The ReaderNet Server is an application that needs to be installed on a SECURE Server PC.

5.2. Readernet Monitor (Administrator Application)

This application is the Rules Monitor application. It monitors ALL activity detected by the ReaderNet Server and performs any operations specified by the user according to the rules specified.

The rules are set using the User Application, under the Group Rules Screen. Here the user can specify what activities can be monitored, (e.g. a tag entering a zone), and what actions to take.

This application also needs to be installed on a SECURE Server PC. It can be installed on the SAME PC as the ReaderNet Server, but this is NOT a requirement.

5.3. User Application

The user application is the user's interface to the SIMI. This application is used to do the following: add users and other tagable parts, tools etc, monitor violations in the system (i.e. broken rules), view tags in zones, report on Activity, set Rules and actions relating to users and assets.

SIMI can be customised to meet user's specific requirements. SIMI uses an open MS-SQL database and has the ability to call other programs allowing users to perform their own system integration; can be a completely wireless system, hard wired or a combination of the two RFID tags are assigned to people and parts, tools, devices, so that they can be located in real time.

[FIGURE 4 OMITTED]

6. CONCLUSIONS

For the first time we introduce in Romanian mechanical field and particularly in flexible assembling systems the RFID concepts. We consider that this will be one of the most important ways to improve the FMS performances. Like in PC's, there is a trend towards application programmable and intelligent units implemented with database and modern protocols like TCP/IP (e.g. for Internet connection).

Features of SIMI for improving logistics in manufacturing:

* it uses high and medium distance communication (50100m),

* it is very difficult to fake,

* it allows the identification and management of a great number of devices, parts, etc without a human operator,

* it allows localization and identification of assets in large areas,

* online localization of items,

* history of movement and inventory of parts for any desired time interval.

The research, the realisation and the implementation presented in this paper allow for the future the application in different fabrication structures of the concept and technology of the RFID.

7. REFERENCES

Enciu, G. (2002). Transport and assembly systems and RIFD. Basics and applications, International Conference on Manufacturing Systems ICMaS 2002, pp. 385-389, ISBN 973-27-0932-4, Bucharest, October 2002, The Romanian Academy Publishing House, Bucharest

Gunther, O.; Kletti, W. & Kubach, U. (2008). RFID in Manufacturing, Publisher Springer Berlin Heidelberg, ISBN 978-3-540-76453-3, Berlin

Lau, H.C.W.; Ning, A.; Chan, F.T.S. & Ip, R.W.L (2000), Design and development of a flexible workflow supply chain system. Proceedings of the 2000 IEEE International Conference on Management of Innovation and Technology ICMIT2000. Vol. 2, pp.792-796, ISBN: 0-7803-6652-2,

Seslija, D. & Tesic, Z. (2006). RFID Middleware as a connection between manufacturing processes and enterprise level information system, FACTA UNIVERSTATIS, Series Mechanical Engineering, Vol. No.1, pp.63-74, UDC 681.518:65.011.56, Publisher SCIndeks, Novi Sad November 2000, Singapore

*** RFID machine vision drive gains at Sony (1995), ASAP Hitchcock Publishing Company Assembly, pg.68, ISSN: 1050-8171, Vol. 38, No.4, April 1995

IVAN, Ioana Carmen; GHINEA, Mihai & ENCIU, George *