The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
The present invention relates to a system and method for concurrent usage of multi-vendor smart cards and RFID tags in an enterprise. More specifically the invention relates to a system and method for robust data management for data/ information collected from various identification systems incorporated in an enterprise.
Identification systems are being increasingly used in organizations for security and operational efficiency purposes. An identification system can be used for both physical and logical access. The advantages of identification systems include their ease of use, broad application coverage, ease of integration with an existing network infrastructure, and multi-purpose functionality. Organizations of all sizes and in all industries are using identification systems to improve the different processes, applications and security connected to their networked systems. These identification systems are coupled with secure, privacy sensitive information technology architecture and policy framework to provide accurate identification, and information.
Identification systems are being used in various industries for a variety of purposes. These purposes range from verifying identity and eligibility within a healthcare system such as health history, health insurance and medical appointments to accessing a secure network or even for the tracking of goods.
Radio frequency identification (RFID), Smart Cards, Biometric sensors based technologies are most common identification systems used in many enterprises for different purposes and applications.
RFID is a method of remotely storing and retrieving data using called RFID tags. RFID tags are small integrated circuits (1C) connected to an antenna, which can respond to an interrogating RF signal with simple identifying information, or with more complex signals depending on the size of the 1C.
Smart Card includes embedded computer chips that contain either a microprocessor with internal memory or a memory chip alone. The card interacts with a reader with direct physical contact or with a remote contactless electromagnetic interface. Embedded microprocessor enables smart card to store large amount of information and/or data.
Biometric recognition methods are based on the concept that each person has unique and unchanging characteristics, which can be used for identification with the help of electronic methods. These characteristics include but are not limited to fingerprint, face, hand geometry, voice, signature dynamics, iris and retina. Biometrics is used with card technologies such as smart cards, where a biometric template is stored on the card and then verified with the received biometrics at the point of interaction.
Within an enterprise, identification systems may be incorporated in different departments such as IT department, HR department and other departments. With smart cards, cashless purchases can be made at the company cafeteria and vending machines, goods can be tracked using RFID technology in the enterprise. Access control information stored on a smart card can be routed into human resources databases, allowing the department to track the attendance habits of their employees in a more structured manner. Biometric sensors can improve the security identification and access control systems.
Multiple Identification systems such as smart cards, RFID tags, and Biometric sensors from multiple vendors may be implemented in various departments of a large organization. Large amounts of data may be exchanged between these identification systems. An important aspect of deploying such identification systems is to manage the exchange of information among the various identification systems deployed within an organization. This information needs to be converted in some consistent form in order to make it usable for different enterprise applications such as ERP, CRM and others.
Hence there exists a need for a method and a system that can provide robust data management for data or information collected from multiple identification systems incorporated in an organization.
Brief Description of the Drawings
For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures wherein like reference character denote corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein:
Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the smartflo integration network corresponding to the current invention;
Fig. 2 illustrates in-built integration platform and inter operable mechanism solution based on open standards for deployment of different identification systems in an enterprise; i.e integration of distributed applications for data/information exchange
Fig. 3 illustrates in detail the sub-components of the SmartFlo Integration framework; Fig. 4 illustrates the internal architecture of the smartflo system. Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of workflow engine; Fig. 6 shows some of the areas where the SmartFlo solution can be deployed. Detailed Description
The present invention provides a common platform for various identification systems such as RFID systems, Smart cards and Biometric sensors and incorporates inter operable mechanism which integrates information outputs from each of these identification systems in an enterprise. The invention deals with the concurrent usage of smart cards and RFID tags from multiple vendors in an enterprise.
Organizations of all sizes and in all industries are anxious to improve different processes, applications and security. RFID, Smart Cards, Biometric sensors based technologies are being used in many enterprises for different purposes and applications. These technologies are used in tracking goods, identification badges, authorization cards, high security identification and access control cards.
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary configuration for integration of a plurality of identification systems to a computer-based platform in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
In accordance with Fig 1, data/ information from these identification systems is integrated and characterized to control system here onwards termed as SmartFlo.
Fig. 1 depicts a system 100 corresponding to a network structure within an organization with respect to the current invention. In accordance with Fig. 1, blocks 101 (a) to 101 (n) represents a plurality of identification devices associated with system 100. Blocks 103 (a) to 103 (n) represent devices that are capable of reading from or writing on identification devices 101 (a) to 101 (n). Block 105 represents the smartflo system in accordance to the current invention. 107 (a) to 107 (n) represent a plurality of applications within an organization. The applications may include ERP, CRM or HR applications among others.
The process in the integrated system comprises the steps of: coupling each of a plurality of identification systems to a central control system receiving and interfacing data/ information from each of the plurality of identification systems to yield a collection of assembled data; sorting and organizing the assembled data from the plurality of identification systems; representing the data in a consistent form; routing the data through designed channel routes for different applications; providing stepwise notification to a user regarding data flow.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a method of remotely storing and retrieving data using devices called RFID tags/transponders. An RFID tag is a small object, such as an adhesive sticker, that can be attached to or incorporated into a product. RFID tags contain antennas (An electrical device that sends or receives radio or television signals) to enable them to receive and respond to radio frequency (A communication system based on broadcasting electromagnetic waves) queries from a transceiver.
Smart Card includes embedded computer chips that can either be a microprocessor with internal memory or a memory chip alone. The card connects to a reader with direct physical contact or with a remote contactless electromagnetic interface. Embedded microprocessor enables smart card to store large amount of information/ data.
Biometric recognition methods are based on the concept that each person has unique and unchanging characteristics, which can be used for identification with the help of electronic methods. Amongst these characteristics are, such as fingerprint, face, hand geometry, voice, signature dynamics, iris and retina etc. Biometrics is used with card
technologies such as Smart cards, where a biometric template is stored on the card and then verified with the received biometrics at the point of interaction.
In accordance to Fig. 1, the information from identification devices 101 (a) to 101 (n) is read by a CAD or a Card Access Device. A CAD may be any device from among the reading devices 103 (a) to 103 (n). The information collected from the identification devices is then passed through a communication channel shown through arrow blocks in Fig. 1. The information is then forwarded to a host computer system through the communication channel. The communication channels can be from among e-mail, phone, fax, Short Messaging Service (SMS) and internet messaging among others.
A similar process takes place in the reverse direction for writing information from a writing device to identification device 101 (a) to 101 (n). Information travels from the host computer through the communication channel to a writing device, which is then written over to an identification device by the writing device.
In Fig 1, the said data and functionality of an application is represented in a consistent form through an abstraction layer, here onwards termed as Data and Function abstraction layer.
In Fig 1, information is sent between the different applications in the form of messages. Flow of the message and data transformation is managed by messaging engine, here onwards termed as Message Broker.
In Fig 1, data/ information exchange among distributed applications is managed through in-built workflow and rule engine, here onwards termed as Workflow Engine.
In accordance with the Fig 1, it should be appreciated that the number of identification systems are illustrated merely for exemplary purposes, and often many illustrated identification systems will be integrated in an enterprise, in accordance with aspects of the presently disclosed technology.
Fig 2 illustrates concept of in-built integration platform and inter operable mechanism solution based on open standards for deployment of different identification systems in an enterprise. Introduction of identification systems such as Smartcards, RFID technology changes more than the way data is collected. It improves supply chain management and customer interaction management in an enterprise. Organizations can take advantage of
ability to track items in more places, without human intervention, to create more features and applications. It provides new types of actionable information that create opportunities for enterprises to do things differently and more efficiently.
Fig. 3 describes in further details the sub-components associated with the smartflo system and the implementation of the same.
Smartflo system 105 as shown in Fig. 3 further comprises of data events receiver 301, updation block 303, smartflo server 305, smartflo database 307 and smartflo GUI 309.
Smartflo server 305 is the central component of smartflo system 105. Database 307 is an integral component of smartflo system 105. Database 307 stores all the relevant information that includes data read from identification devices as well as data to be written onto the identification devices. Database 307 is connected to smartflo server 305 to allow data transmission in both the directions. Smartflo GUI 309 is a graphical user interface that allows the user to interact with smartflo system 105 and customize it according to the requirements of the user.
Data events receiver 301 further comprises agents 311 (a) to 311 (n), each agent corresponding to a reading or writing device 103(a) to 103(n). Agent 311 (a) interacts with the device drivers 313(a) and adapter 315(a). The function of agent 311 (a) is to interact with its corresponding device 103(a) with the help of adapters. Device 103(a) may be a reading device or a writing device. In case device 103(a) is a reading device, agent 311 (a) collects the data read by device 103(a) from identification device 101 (a) and provides the collected data to smartflo server 305. Smartflo server 305 stores this data in smartflo database 307. Alternatively, if device 103(a) is a writing device, agent 311 (a) collects data from smartflo server 305 and provides it to device 103(a) to be written to identification device 101 (a). Hence, agent 311 (a) acts as an intermediary between the reading or writing devices and the smartflo server. Device driver 313(a) residing within agent 311 (a) is the driver corresponding to device 103(a). The function of device driver 313(a) is to help agent 311 (a) to interact with device 103(a) in a language understood by device 103(a). Device Driver is a software module that manages access to a hardware device, taking the device in and out of service, setting hardware parameters, transmitting data between memory and the device, sometimes scheduling multiple uses of the device on behalf of multiple processes, and handling I/O errors.
Adapter is a layer over Device Driver which is provided by SmartFlo to perform various operations on Devices. Adapter is set of software objects and functions that interface a particular type of device with the platform. Generally, objective of Adapter is to localize the changes that will happen to the platform if the device type is changed or evolved.
Updation block 303 consists of application wrappers 317(a) to 317(n). Each application wrapper is connected to a corresponding application such as application wrapper 317(a) is connected to application 107(a) and application wrapper 317(n) is connected to application 107(n). The function of application wrapper 317(a) is to accommodate best suitable mode of communication to support communication between smartflo server 305 and application 107(a).
Application 107(a) further comprises of an application wrapper 319(a) and database 321 (a). Application wrapper 317(a) and application wrapper 319(a) are interchangeable in the sense that the presence of either of the application wrapper is enough to accommodate communication between the smartflo server and the corresponding application. Depending upon Application Technology some time application wrapper 319 may be required or not required but application wrapper 317 is required to interface the application. The objective of 319 is to make application workable with platform gracefully. Application 107(a) is also connected to screens 323(a). The function of screens 323(a) is to act as a graphical interface to the user to interact with application 107(a).
Fig. 4 describes the internal architecture of smartflo server 305.
As shown in Fig. 4, smartflo server 305 consists of various blocks that assist it to perform its functions. These blocks include business rules block 401, workflow block 403, data transformation block 405 and message broker 407.
Business rules block 401 consist of pre-defined rules to decide how the data read from an identification device will impact various applications within the enterprise. Workflow block 403 is associated to business rules block 401 to connect the data from the identification devices to the intended application.
The data collected from an identification device needs to be converted to a consistent format that can be understood by the remaining components of the smartflo system. This
step of converting the acquired data into a consistent format is carried out by data transformation block 405. Data transformation block 405 use J2EE and/or XML and/or web services to represent the data and functionality of existing applications in some consistent form. The relevance of data transformation block 405 is heightened by the fact that applications 107 (a) to 107 (n) in an organization may use different protocols, data and programming models.
Applications 107 (a) to 107 (n) transmit information among them through messages. The flow of messages within the system is managed by message broker 407. Message broker 407 is also responsible for guaranteed delivery, data transformation and intelligent routing of messages.
The SmartFlo's communication channel enables information from identification devices 101 (a) to 101 (n) to connect to applications 107 (a) to 107 (n) such as warehouse management system (WMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM).
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a business management system that integrates all facets of the business, including planning, manufacturing, sales, and marketing. It is implemented in business activities such as inventory control, order tracking, customer services, finance and human resources.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) includes the strategies, processes, people and technologies used by companies to successfully attract and retain customers for maximum corporate growth and profit. CRM initiatives are designed with the goal of meeting customer expectations and needs in order to achieve maximum customer lifetime value and return to the enterprise.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is software that integrates mechanical and human activities with an information system to effectively manage warehouse business processes and direct warehouse activities.
Fig 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of workflow engine. SmartFlo offers the feature of electronic workflow. It integrates distributed applications for data/information exchange. It is designed to streamline collaboration and accelerate the completion of critical organizational tasks. Workflow includes easy to use, graphical
user design tool here onwards termed as designer that allows workflow user to design the workflow and routing rules.
A workflow engine comprising of four functions: routing function, processing function, documentation and notification and logging function. Workflow engine integrates distributed applications for data/ information exchange. The data is routed through designed workflow. Data/ information messages are routed through designed workflow in form of workflow documents. Upon completion of each step, the workflow document is automatically routed to the next step. Upon completion of each step, email notification is sent to user. Workflow automatically logs all the workflow activities what documents are assigned to each group, how long it took to process each action, and what items are rerouted. Log data can be exported to other programs for statistical analysis, providing a valuable tool for evaluating work process efficiency. Complete workflow chart can be designed and monitored using graphical user design tool. Workflow has a user-friendly interface that features drag and drop icons for rule definition. Workflow can also be processed via the internet/ intranet/ extranet, allowing for worldwide processing of workflow and leading to advanced e-CRM and fulfillment process.
Such data is integrated and made useable together via workflow engine inbuilt in the control system. A workflow can be split to have two or more flows running concurrently.
Fig. 6 shows a variety of applications where the smartflo system can be implemented. The various applications in an organization that can be integrated include financial, administrative, employee access, medical, transportation, education and leisure among others. The smartflo system may be further expanded to include a variety of applications and accommodate identification systems from a variety of vendors.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for the benefit of the reader to clearly disclose the basic principles of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

We claim:
1. A system for deployment of a plurality of identification devices in an enterprise to
control end applications, the system comprising of
a server;
a database;
a user interface;
a device interface; and
an application interface.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the identification systems maybe a RFID tag or a
smart card or a biometric device.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the server is the central component of the system
and is connected to all other components of the system.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the database stores information read from the
identification devices.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the database stores information to be written on the
identification devices.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the device interface interacts with the identification
devices and connects them to the server.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the application interface interacts with the end
applications and connects them to the server.
8. A method for deployment of a plurality of identification devices, in an enterprise to
control end applications, the method comprising the steps of
connecting each of a plurality of identification devices to a central server through
a communication channel;
collecting information from the identification devices;
understanding the instructions collected from the identification devices; and
updating corresponding end applications relating to the instructions from the
identification devices.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the identification systems maybe a RFID tag or a
smart card or a biometric device.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the end applications are connected to the central
server through a communication channel.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of understanding the instructions collected
from the identification devices further comprises the step of converting the collected
instructions to a consistent format.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the instructions collected from the identifications
devices are understood on the basis of pre defined rules residing within the central
server.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the end applications are updated in accordance with
the instructions from the identification devices through a connecting data flow engine.
14. A data flow engine for designing rules by a user, for integrating distributed end
applications with inputs from identification devices, the engine comprising:
means for routing the instructions collected from the identification devices;
means for processing the instructions collected from the identification devices;
and
means for logging the steps of the processing.
15. The engine of claim 14, wherein the instructions are routed in the form of work flow
documents.
16. The engine of claim 14, wherein the instructions are processed through pre defined
steps.
17. The engine of claim 14, wherein the work flow documents are automatically routed to
the next step upon completion of any step.
18. The engine of claim 14, wherein an e-mail or other notifications are sent to the user
upon completion of each step.