DESCRI PTI ON

The present invention relates to a method for managing the storage of elements positioned on collecting members.

Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a management system for elements positioned on collecting members.

A tyre for vehicle wheels generally comprises a carcass structure including at least one carcass ply having respectively opposite end flaps in engagement with respective annular anchoring structures, generally referred to as "bead wires", integrated into the regions usually identified as "beads", the inside diameter of which substantially matches a so-called "fitting diameter" of the tyre for fitting it onto a respective mounting rim. The tyre also comprises a crown structure including at least one belt strip located in a radially external position relative to the carcass ply, and a tread band which is radially external to the belt strip. Between the tread band and the belt strip(s) a so-called "underlayer" of elastomeric material may be interposed, the properties of which are suitable for providing a stable union between the belt strip(s) and the tread band. In addition, respective sidewalls of elastomeric material are applied to the side surfaces of the carcass structure, each extending from one of the side edges of the tread band up to the respective annular bead anchoring structure. In tyres of the "tubeless" type, the carcass ply is internally coated with a layer of elastomeric material, preferably a butyl-based one, commonly referred to as "liner", which has optimal air tightness properties and extends from one bead to the other.

The term "elastomeric material" refers to a compound comprising at least one elastomeric polymer and at least one reinforcing charge. Preferably, said compound also comprises additives such as, for example, a cross-linking agent and/or a plasticizer. Thanks to the presence of the cross-linking agent, said material can be cross-linked by heating to form the final product.

A "component" or "structural component" of a tyre is meant to be any portion of the latter which can perform a specific function, or a part thereof. Tyre components include, for example: liner, underliner, sidewall inserts, bead wires, filler inserts, anti-abrasive layer, sidewalls, carcass ply(ies), belt layer(s), tread band, tread band underlayer, underbelt inserts, etc., or a part thereof. In traditional tyre manufacturing, each one of them can generally be referred to as "semifinished product".

A "structural" characteristic of an element is a characteristic related to the type (when different element types exist) and/or the structure of the element.

In the case of tyre components, for example, the structural characteristics of an element may indicate that it is a belt strip (thus differentiating the element from bead wires, carcass plies, tread bands, etc.), made out of cords of a given material arranged with a given orientation.

A "geometric" characteristic of an element is a characteristic related to the shape and/or dimensions of the element.

For example, the geometric characteristics of an element may indicate that it has a parallelepiped shape and a given length, width and height. If the shape and/or one of the dimensions are not significant (or need not be specified), the geometric characteristics of an element may comprise only those which are actually of interest.

The term "collecting member" refers to a frame capable of supporting a plurality of elements. Preferably, said frame is mounted on wheels or rollers. More preferably, said frame is provided with one or more platforms. On each platform, for example, it is possible to position green tyres, components / semifinished products, etc. By way of example, 3 to 5 green tyres can be positioned on each platform.

An "RFID tag" is an identification device provided with a memory and a transceiver module. The memory stores at least one identification code univocally associated with the RFID tag. The transceiver module operates in accordance with the RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology.

A "passive RFID tag" is an RFID tag which, when interrogated by an RFID reading system, will respond by communicating data contained in its own memory. Preferably, a passive RFID tag does not have a battery or an autonomous power supply source. It is powered by the radiation emitted by the RFID reading system.

An "RFID reading system" is a device or a set of devices configured for communicating, via RFID technology, with one or more RFID tags. Preferably, an RFID reading device is configured for emitting, with a certain periodicity, a reading signal. When an RFID tag receives such reading signal, it will respond by communicating data contained in its own memory.

A "reading area" of an RFID reading system is a spatial region where an RFID tag can be reached by the reading signal emitted by the RFID reading system, so that it can respond to said reading signal.

In some industrial contexts, e.g. tyre production for vehicle wheels, plants include storage areas adapted to temporarily receive elements to be used during subsequent processing steps.

By way of example, the elements may be semifinished products, to be subsequently assembled during the building process, and/or green tyres, which are stored prior to being subjected to a moulding and curing process.

The above-mentioned elements may be supported by collecting members. Each collecting member preferably supports a plurality of elements.

EP 2 345 941 A1 describes a system for managing a plant for working natural stones. The system comprises a server, configured for processing data and managing a central database, and terminals distributed over the plant, connected to the server and comprising respective antennas. The system further comprises RFID labels that are readable by the antennas, are applicable to blocks or slabs obtainable from the natural stones, and comprise information identifying the blocks or slabs. Lastly, the system comprises working stations comprising at least one respective terminal associated with the working station. At least a first working station in the system comprises at least two RFID labels applicable to opposite sides of a carriage provided to transport the blocks. The two labels have stored therein a code identifying the side where the label is applied to the carriage, so that the terminal associated with the station is arranged to determine, by means of the antennas, the positions of the blocks on the carriage as a function of the identifying code read from one of the two labels.

US 2013/0060520 A1 describes a method of determining a gauge and a tilt of a rail track at a location. The method includes providing a rail trolley including a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, an RFID reader, a gauge sensor and a tilt sensor, and positioning the rail trolley on the rail track at the location. The method also includes interrogating one or more RFID tags positioned along the rail track and determining, using the processor, a fixed location associated with each of the one or more RFID tags. The method further includes determining, using the processor, the location of the rail trolley in relation to the fixed locations associated with each of the one or more RFID tags and determining the gauge and tilt of the rail track at the location of the trolley.

The Applicant observes that, in tyre production, the elements supported by trolleys or, more in general, by collecting members, must typically be used in a certain order dictated by reasons of geometric/structural nature (some elements must be mounted/used before other elements as required by the production process and/or because the dimensions/characteristics of certain elements prevent their later use) and/or for time-related reasons (the elements must be used within a given time of their manufacturing date, and therefore "older" elements must be used earlier than "younger" elements of the same type).

For example, it may be necessary to manage the use of the elements on the collecting members according to predefined logics, such as a "FIFO" logic (First-In-First-Out), i.e. the element that first entered the storage area must be the first one to be used in the next process), or a "FEFO" logic (First-Expired-First-Out), i.e. the element whose expiry date is closest must be the first element to be used in the next process).

The Applicant observes that failure to comply with the logic and time- related sequences of use of the elements supported by the collecting members may have adverse consequences on the quality of the final product (which is not made in compliance with the designed production sequences and/or is made by using elements that are either too "young" or too "old"), and also on the plant's efficiency (if the elements are not used in accordance with correct logics and times, some of them will expire without having been used and will have to be discarded).

The Applicant has thus perceived that, in order to be able to adequately manage the sequences of use of the elements supported by collecting members in storage areas, it is necessary to accurately identify and locate each collecting member and correlate such data with information necessary for identifying the individual elements and their characteristics.

As perceived by the Applicant, the position of the collecting member and the information associated with each element are used when it is necessary to supply an element having certain characteristics to a working station operating downstream of the storage area.

The Applicant has thus found that the position of each collecting member can be determined in a sufficiently precise and accurate manner by mounting on each collecting member a plurality of RFID tags at a known distance from each other, and by exploiting the knowledge of such distance to obtain more reliable information than could otherwise be obtained through the sole estimate of the position of the RFID tags provided by the RFID reading system positioned in the storage area and configured for detecting and reading the tags.

More specifically, the Applicant has found that the position of each collecting member can be determined by estimating the position of each one of the RFID tags by means of the RFID reading system, calculating on the basis of such estimate an estimated distance between the various RFID tags, and comparing the estimated distance with the actual distance, which is known a priori. Based on such comparison, which is indicative of the precision of the estimate of the position of the RFID tags provided by the RFID reading system, the position of each collecting member is then reliably computed. Also, an association is stored between each collecting member and the elements supported by it, and each element is thus associated with information concerning at least the time and/or the logic according to which it will have to be used. In this manner, upon reception of a request signal from a working station operating downstream of the storage area, it will be possible to select the element(s) that need to be supplied to that working station, and hence identify the collecting member that will have to be brought in proximity to such working station.

In accordance with a first aspect, the invention concerns a method for managing the storage of elements positioned on collecting members in a storage area.

Preferably, it is envisaged to provide a plurality of collecting members to be positioned in said storage area.

Preferably, it is envisaged to position one or more elements on each one of said collecting members.

Preferably, it is envisaged that each element is associated with a first parameter.

Preferably, it is envisaged that each element is associated with a second parameter. Preferably, it is envisaged that each element is associated with at least one of a first parameter and a second parameter.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said first parameter is representative of structural characteristics of said element.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said first parameter is representative of geometric characteristics of said element.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said first parameter is representative of structural and geometric characteristics of said element.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said second parameter is representative of a time interval of possible use of said element.

Preferably, it is envisaged to store an association between each one of said collecting members and the element(s) positioned on said collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to mount at least two RFID tags on each collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that each RFID tag is associated with an identification code.

Preferably, it is envisaged that each RFID tag is mounted on said collecting member in a respective determined position.

Preferably, it is envisaged to identify, for each collecting member, one or more respective geometric quantities.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said geometric quantities are correlated with the determined positions of said RFID tags.

Preferably, it is envisaged to store a real value for each one of said geometric quantities.

Preferably, it is envisaged to provide at least one RFID reading system in said storage area.

Preferably, it is envisaged that a respective reading area is associated with said RFID reading system.

Preferably, when a given collecting member of said collecting members is in said respective reading area, it is envisaged to read, by means of said RFID reading system, the identification code of the RFID tags mounted on said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine a recognition code of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine the recognition code of said given collecting member as a function of one or more identification codes of said RFID tags.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine an estimated position of each one of the RFID tags of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine an estimated value for said geometric quantities.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine the estimated value for said geometric quantities as a function of the estimated position of each one of the RFID tags of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to compare said estimated value with said real value, thereby obtaining a corresponding result.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine a position of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine the position of said given collecting member as a function of the estimated position of the RFID tags of said given collecting member and said result.

Preferably, it is envisaged to store the position of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to store the position of said given collecting member in association with the recognition code of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to select at least one of the elements.

Preferably, it is envisaged to select said at least one of the elements upon reception of a request signal. Preferably, it is envisaged that said request signal comes from a working station.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said working station is adapted to work on one or more of said elements.

Preferably, it is envisaged to select said at least one element of the elements as a function of the at least one of said first parameter and said second parameter associated with each one of said elements.

Preferably, it is envisaged to identify the collecting member on which said at least one selected element is positioned.

Preferably, it is envisaged to identify the collecting member on which said at least one selected element is positioned as a function of said at least one selected element.

Preferably, it is envisaged to identify the collecting member on which said at least one selected element is positioned as a function of one of said stored associations.

Preferably, it is envisaged to generate a response signal.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said response signal contains indications representative of the position of said identified collecting member on which said at least one selected element is positioned.

The Applicant believes that it is thus possible to correctly and precisely apply the strategies of use envisaged for the elements positioned on the collecting members, because the position of the collecting members is determined in an accurate and reliable manner, and an association is maintained between each collecting member and useful information about each element.

In accordance with a further aspect, the invention concerns a system for managing elements positioned on collecting members in a storage area.

Preferably, a plurality of collecting members are employed, to be positioned in said storage area.

Preferably, one or more elements are employed. Preferably, it is envisaged that each element is associated with a first parameter.

Preferably, it is envisaged that each element is associated with a second parameter.

Preferably, it is envisaged that each element is associated with at least one of a first parameter and a second parameter.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said first parameter is representative of structural characteristics of said element.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said first parameter is representative of geometric characteristics of said element.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said first parameter is representative of structural and geometric characteristics of said element.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said second parameter is representative of a time interval of possible use of said element.

Preferably, a memory is employed.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said memory stores an association between each one of said collecting members and the element(s) positioned on said collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that at least two RFID tags are mounted on each collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that each RFID tag is associated with a respective identification code.

Preferably, it is envisaged that each RFID tag is mounted on said collecting member in a respective determined position.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said memory stores, for each collecting member, a real value for one or more geometric quantities.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said geometric quantities are associated with said collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said geometric quantities are correlated with the determined positions of said RFID tags. Preferably, an RFID reading system is employed.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said RFID reading system in positioned in said storage area.

Preferably, it is envisaged that a respective reading area is associated with said RFID reading system.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said RFID reading system is configured for reading the identification code of the RFID tags mounted on a given collecting member of said collecting members when said given collecting member is in said respective reading area.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said RFID reading system is configured for determining an estimated position of each one of the RFID tags mounted on said given collecting member.

Preferably, a processor is employed.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is associated with said RFID reading system.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining a recognition code of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining a recognition code of said given collecting member as a function of one or more identification codes of the RFID tags of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining an estimated value for said geometric quantities.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining the estimated value for said geometric quantities as a function of the estimated position of each one of the RFID tags of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for comparing said estimated value with said real value, thereby obtaining a corresponding result. Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining a position of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining the position of said given collecting member as a function of the estimated position of the RFID tags of said given collecting member and said result.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for storing the position of said given collecting member into said memory.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for storing the position of said given collecting member into said memory in association with said recognition code of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for receiving a request signal.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said request signal comes from a working station.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said working station is adapted to work on one or more of said elements.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for selecting at least one of the elements.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for selecting said at least one of the elements as a function of said first parameter associated with each one of said elements.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for selecting said at least one of the elements as a function of said second parameter associated with each one of said elements.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for selecting said at least one of the elements as a function of the at least one of said first parameter and said second parameter associated with each one of said elements.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for identifying the collecting member on which said at least one selected element is positioned.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for identifying the collecting member on which said at least one selected element is positioned as a function of said at least one selected element.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for identifying the collecting member on which said at least one selected element is positioned as a function of one of said stored associations.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for generating a response signal.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said response signal contains indications representative of the position of said identified collecting member on which said at least one selected element is positioned.

Under at least one of the above aspects, the present invention may have at least one of the following preferable features.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said geometric quantities comprise distances between said RFID tags.

Preferably, it is envisaged to compute an estimated location of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to compute the estimated location of said given collecting member as a function of the estimated position of each one of the RFID tags of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine the position of said given collecting member as a function of said estimated location.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine the position of said given collecting member as a function of said result.

Preferably, it is envisaged to repeat the following steps: determining an estimated position of each one of the RFID tags of said given collecting member; determining, as a function of the estimated position of each one of the RFID tags of said given collecting member, an estimated value for said geometric quantities; comparing the estimated value with the real value, thereby obtaining a corresponding result.

Preferably, it is envisaged to obtain a first time sequence of values for said estimated positions.

Preferably, it is envisaged to obtain a second time sequence of values for said result.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine the position of said given collecting member as a function of said first time sequence of values.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine the position of said given collecting member as a function of said second time sequence of values.

Preferably, it is envisaged to compute a third time sequence of values for the estimated location of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to compute the third time sequence of values for the estimated location of said given collecting member as a function of said first time sequence of values.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine the position of said given collecting member as a function of said third time sequence of values.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine the position of said given collecting member as a function of said second time sequence of values and said third time sequence of values.

Preferably, it is envisaged to compute, for each value of said third time sequence of values, a respective weight.

Preferably, it is envisaged to compute said respective weight as a function of corresponding values of said second time sequence of values.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine the position of said given collecting member by combining each value of said third time sequence of values with the respective weight.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said request signal contains information related to at least one element to be worked on.

Preferably, it is envisaged to select said at least one element of the elements as a function of the information contained in said request signal.

Preferably, it is envisaged to select said at least one element of the elements as a function of the information contained in said request signal and the at least one of said first parameter and said second parameter associated with each one of said elements.

Preferably, it is envisaged to determine the position of said given collecting member also as a function of positions of other collecting members.

Preferably, it is envisaged that the positions of said other collecting members have been determined previously.

Preferably, it is envisaged to divide said storage area into a plurality of storage zones.

Preferably, it is envisaged that each storage zone is adapted to receive one collecting member at a time.

Preferably, it is envisaged to associate the recognition code of said given collecting member with one of said storage zones.

Preferably, it is envisaged to associate the recognition code of said given collecting member with one of said storage zones on the basis of the position of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to associate a respective univocal code with each element.

Preferably, in order to store the association between each collecting member and the element(s) positioned on said collecting member, it is envisaged to associate with the recognition code of each collecting member the univocal code(s) associated with the element(s) positioned on said collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged to associate at least one of said first parameter and said second parameter with each univocal code. Preferably, it is envisaged that each one of said collecting members has, in a plan view, a substantially rectangular profile.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said RFID tags are mounted on sides of said substantially rectangular profile.

Preferably, it is envisaged that four RFID tags are mounted on each collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that, on each collecting member, one RFID tag is mounted at each vertex of said substantially rectangular profile.

Preferably, it is envisaged that the identification codes of the RFID tags mounted on a collecting member have an equal portion.

Preferably, it is envisaged that the equal portion of the identification codes of the RFID tags mounted on each collecting member is not present in the RFID tags mounted on other collecting members.

Preferably, it is envisaged that the recognition code of each collecting member corresponds to the equal portion of the identification codes of the RFID tags mounted on said collecting member.

Preferably, the estimated position of the RFID tags of said given collecting member is determined by means of said RFID reading system.

Preferably, said geometric quantities comprise distances between said RFID tags.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for computing an estimated location of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for computing an estimated location of said given collecting member as a function of the estimated position of each one of said RFID tags of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said position of said given collecting member is determined as a function of said estimated location.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said position of said given collecting member is determined as a function of said result. Preferably, it is envisaged that said RFID reading system is configured for repeating over time the determination of the estimated position of the RFID tags of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for repeating over time the operation of determining an estimated value for said geometric quantities.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for repeating over time the operation of determining the estimated value for said geometric quantities as a function of the estimated position of each one of the RFID tags of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for repeating over time the operation of comparing the estimated value with the real value, thereby obtaining a corresponding result.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for obtaining a first time sequence of values for said estimated positions.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for obtaining a second time sequence of values for said result.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining the position of said given collecting member as a function of said first time sequence of values.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining the position of said given collecting member as a function of said second time sequence of values.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for computing a third time sequence of values for the estimated location of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for computing the third time sequence of values for the estimated location of said given collecting member as a function of said first time sequence of values. Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining the position of said given collecting member as a function of said third time sequence of values.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining the position of said given collecting member as a function of said second time sequence of values and said third time sequence of values.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for computing, for each value of said third time sequence of values, a respective weight.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for computing, for each value of said third time sequence of values, a respective weight as a function of corresponding values of said second time sequence of values.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining the position of said given collecting member by combining each value of said third time sequence of values with the respective weight.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said request signal contains information related to at least one element to be worked on.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for selecting said at least one element of the elements as a function of the information contained in said request signal.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for selecting said at least one element of the elements as a function of the information contained in said request signal and the at least one of said first parameter and said second parameter associated with each one of said elements.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for determining the position of said given collecting member also as a function of positions of other collecting members determined previously.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said storage area is divided into a plurality of storage zones.

Preferably, it is envisaged that each storage area is adapted to receive one collecting member at a time.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for associating the recognition code of said given collecting member with one of said storage zones.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for associating the recognition code of said given collecting member with one of said storage zones on the basis of the position of said given collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for associating with the recognition code of each collecting member the univocal code(s) associated with the element(s) positioned on said collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for associating with the recognition code of each collecting member the univocal code(s) associated with the element(s) positioned on said collecting member in order to store the association between each collecting member and the element(s) positioned on said collecting member.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for associating said first parameter with each univocal code.

Preferably, it is envisaged that said processor is configured for associating said second parameter with each univocal code.

Further features and advantages will become more apparent in the light of the following detailed description of a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of the invention. Such description is provided herein with reference to the annexed drawings, which are also supplied by way of non limiting example, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a management system according to the invention; - Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of a collecting member employed in the system of Figure 1;

- Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of the collecting member of Figure 2;

- Figure 4 shows a part of the system of Figure 1 in operation;

- Figures 5-8 show data used in the system of Figure 1;

- Figure 9 schematically shows one possible operating condition of a part of the system of Figure 1;

- Figures lOa-lOb show a flow chart representative of operations carried out by the system of Figure 1.

In the following description, a plurality of units of any kind (e.g. RFID tags, identification codes, real values, geometric quantities, estimated positions, positions, estimated values, etc.) A,B,C,D,E, ... ,N are synthetically indicated by using the A-N designation.

With reference to the annexed drawings, 1 designates as a whole a management system for elements positioned on collecting members in a storage area SA in accordance with the present invention.

The management system 1 may be used, for example, in plants for tyre production. It is however envisaged that the management system 1 may be used in other contexts as well, preferably industrial ones, wherever it is necessary and/or advantageous to manage elements positioned on collecting members in an accurate and effective manner.

The management system 1 comprises a plurality of collecting members to be positioned in said storage area SA.

Preferably, each collecting member TR is associated with a respective recognition code XID, which will be further described hereinafter.

Preferably, the storage area SA is divided into a plurality of storage zones SZ. Each storage zone SZ is adapted to receive one collecting member TR at a time. In other words, when a storage zone SZ is occupied by a collecting member, it is not substantially possible to position an additional collecting member in the same storage zone SZ, i.e. it is not possible to have another collecting member occupy a significant portion of the same storage zone SZ.

Preferably, each storage zone SZ is associated with coordinates defining its position. For example, as schematically shown in Figure 1, each storage zone SZ may have a substantially rectangular shape, the position of which is correlated with the position of the four vertices. Preferably, the management system 1 stores the position of the various storage zones SZ into a memory M, which will be further described below.

When using the management system 1, one or more elements E are suitably prearranged.

The elements E are positioned on the collecting members TR. On each collecting member TR one or more elements E may be positioned (Figure 2).

Each element E is associated with at least one parameter. Preferably, each element E is associated with at least one of a first parameter PI and a second parameter P2.

The first parameter PI is representative of structural and/or geometric characteristics of the element E.

In the case of tyre components, for example, the structural characteristics may indicate that it is a belt strip (thus differentiating the element from bead wires, carcass plies, tread bands, etc.), made out of cords of a given material arranged with a given orientation.

For example, the geometric characteristics of an element may indicate that it has a parallelepiped shape and a certain length, width and height. If the shape and/or one of the dimensions are not significant (or need not be specified), the geometric characteristics of an element may comprise only those actually of interest.

The second parameter P2 is representative of a time interval of possible use of the respective element E. More in detail, the element E must be used within a given time interval: the element E cannot be used earlier than a given time (e.g. a first date) and/or cannot be used later than another given time (e.g. a second date).

The interval of usability of the element E may depend on the fact that the characteristics of the element E that make it suitable for use change over time. For example, when the element E is a green tyre, it cannot be used, i.e. subjected to a curing and moulding process, when it is "too young" or when it is "too old". Otherwise, the resulting finished tyre will not have adequate structural and functional characteristics and may have to be discarded.

In one embodiment it is envisaged to use the first parameter PI only. In this case, preferably, the time of use of the elements E is unimportant. What matters are the structural/geometric characteristics of each element E.

In one embodiment it is envisaged to use the second parameter P2 only. In this case, preferably, the elements E are substantially equal or interchangeable from a structural/geometric viewpoint, and what matters is the time when they are used.

In one embodiment it is envisaged to use both the first parameter PI and the second parameter P2. Therefore, when using an element E both the structural/geometric characteristics and the time interval of possible use are taken into account.

Preferably, each element E is associated with a respective univocal code ID. Such respective univocal code ID may be applied, for example, onto a barcode or RFID tag affixed to the element E.

Figure 6 schematically shows the logic association between each element E (identified through the respective univocal code ID) and the respective first and/or second parameters PI, P2.

As mentioned above, the management system 1 comprises a memory

M. The memory M stores an association between each one of the collecting members and the element(s) E positioned on such collecting member TR.

Figure 5 schematically shows a table representative of a logic association between each collecting member TR (identified through the respective recognition code XID) and the element(s) E positioned thereon (each identified through the respective univocal code ID).

Preferably, the table of Figure 5 is populated when each collecting member TR is loaded with the respective elements E.

Preferably, the memory M also stores the association between each element E and the respective first and/or second parameters PI, P2.

At least two RFID tags are mounted on each collecting member TR. Preferably, four RFID tags T1-T4 are mounted on each collecting member TR (Figure 3).

Each RFID tag T1-T4 is mounted on the collecting member TR in a respective determined position.

Preferably, each collecting member TR has, in a plan view, a substantially rectangular profile. The RFID tags T1-T4 may be mounted on the sides of such substantially rectangular profile. For example, one RFID tag may be mounted on each side or at each vertex of said substantially rectangular profile. It is however envisaged that the RFID tags may be positioned in other manners, provided that they are compatible with the processing that will be described hereinafter.

For each collecting member TR, one or more geometric quantities Dl- D6 are defined, which are correlated with the positions of the respective RFID tags T1-T4.

Preferably, the distances between the various RFID tags T1-T4 mounted on the collecting member TR may be taken into account.

For example, in the case of four RFID tags T1-T4 the following may be considered: a first distance D1 between a first RFID tag T1 and a second RFID tag T2; a second distance D2 between the second RFID tag T2 and a third RFID tag T3; a third distance D3 between the third RFID tag T3 and a fourth RFID tag T4; a fourth distance D4 between the fourth RFID tag T4 and the first RFID tag Tl; a fifth distance D5 between the first RFID tag Tl and the third RFID tag T3; a sixth distance D6 between the second RFID tag T2 and the fourth RFID tag T4.

For example, if the RFID tags T1-T4 are positioned at the vertices of the substantially rectangular profile of the collecting member TR, the sides and the diagonals of such profile may be taken into account.

In other embodiments, it is envisaged that either the sides or the diagonals of such profile are only taken into account.

In addition or as an alternative, other characteristics of the collecting member TR may be taken into consideration as well, such as, for example, the fact that it is substantially impossible (or anyway very unlikely) that the collecting member TR is positioned transversally to the storage zones SZ. In other words, one can assume a priori that two distances (e.g. D2, D4 in the diagram of Figure 3) must be greater than the other two (Dl, D3 in the diagram of Figure 3).

Each RFID tag T1-T4 is associated with a respective identification code TID1-TID4.

Preferably, the identification codes TID1-TID4 of the RFID tags T1-T4 mounted on a collecting member TR have an equal portion, which is not present in the RFID tags mounted on other collecting members. The recognition code XID of said collecting member TR may correspond to, and in particular may be defined by, such equal portion.

In particular, the identification codes TID1-TID4 of the RFID tags Tl- T4 mounted on one collecting member may be written, during an initial setup phase, in such a way that they are all equal except for just one bit (e.g. the last bit). As aforesaid, the common code portion of the RFID tags defines the recognition code XID of the collecting member TR. In one embodiment, the identification code TID1-TID4 of each RFID tag T1-T4 is defined in accordance with the technical specifications of the GS1 standard.

Preferably, the plant where the management system 1 operates is equipped with a dedicated station for writing the RFID tags: after the RFID tags have been mounted on a collecting member TR and before the latter is used for supporting the elements E, the collecting member TR is brought to said dedicated station. Flere the identification codes TID1-TID4 are written to the respective RFID tags TID1-TID4, as described above. In this manner, the RFID tags and the collecting member will be correctly identified and recognized during use. When the step of writing the RFID tags is complete, the collecting member can be used, e.g. it can be brought to a loading zone for receiving one or more elements E.

Preferably, the RFID tags T1-T4 mounted on each collecting member TR are passive RFID tags. The Applicant believes that it is thus possible to limit the costs of the components employed and to facilitate the installation and use of the RFID reading system 100, which will be described hereinafter.

Preferably, the RFID tags T1-T4 mounted on the collecting members TR are UFIF (Ultra High Frequency) RFID tags, e.g. made and used in accordance with the ISO/IEC 18000-63:2015 specification.

The memory M stores, for each collecting member TR, a real value RV1-RV6 for each one of the geometric quantities D1-D6 associated with said collecting member TR and correlated with the determined positions of said RFID tags T1-T4. Figure 7 schematically shows the logic association between each collecting member TR (identified through the respective recognition code XID) and the real values RV1-RV6 for the geometric quantities D1-D6 associated therewith.

If the RFID tags are positioned in substantially the same positions on all collecting members TR, it is envisaged that the real values RV1-RV6 can be stored once for all collecting members TR.

The management system 1 comprises an RFID reading system 100.

The RFID reading system 100 is positioned in the storage area SA.

A respective reading area RA is associated with the RFID reading system 100.

The RFID reading system 100 is configured for reading the identification code TID1-TID4 of the RFID tags T1-T4 mounted on the collecting members TR when the latter are in the respective reading area RA.

Preferably, the RFID reading system 100 includes and utilizes the RAIN (RAdio frequency IdentificatioN) technology, in accordance with the ISO/IEC 18000-63:2015 specification.

From a practical viewpoint, the RFID reading system 100 is configured for emitting continuously - or with a given periodicity, e.g. comprised between approx once per second and approx once every three seconds - a reading signal. If there are no collecting members in the reading area RA, the reading system will receive no response. Conversely, if one or more collecting members are present in the reading area RA, the respective RFID tags will be powered by the reading signal and be able to respond by providing their own identification code. Flereafter, for simplicity's sake, we will consider the case of a given collecting member TR' (equipped with respective RFID tags Tl'-T4', as schematically shown in Figure 4) that is present in the reading area RA. When more collecting members are present in the reading area RA, the following description is applicable to each one of them.

The RFID reading system 100 is also configured for determining an estimated position EP1-EP4 of each one of the RFID tags Tl'-T4' mounted on the given collecting member TR' that is present in the reading area RA.

Preferably, the RFID reading system 100 is equipped with a plurality of antennas, spatially distributed according to a predetermined scheme. In this manner, receiving from different positions the signal emitted by every single RFID tag T1-T4, it will be possible the determine its position - thus computing the estimated positions EP1-EP4.

The RFID reading system 100 is configured for covering, with its reading area RA, all the zones of interest (storage zones SZ) of the storage area SA. If necessary, it is envisaged that the RFID reading system 100 is made up of a plurality of emission/reading modules spatially distributed in such a way as to completely cover the storage area SA. Each module is preferably equipped with a plurality of antennas (e.g. 64 antennas), so as to be able to determine the estimated positions of the RFID tags entering its reading area.

The Applicant observes that the antennas of the RFID reading system 100 may be positioned, for example, at a height of about 4-5 meters; each module may have a reading area of approx. 90-100m ² . Based on these indications, it is possible to evaluate the number of modules that will need to be installed, as a function of the dimensions of the storage area SA.

The management system 100 comprises a processor 200, associated with the RFID reading system 100.

Preferably, the processor 300 is configured for determining the recognition code XID of the given collecting member TR' as a function of one or more of the identification codes TID1-TID4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4'; as aforesaid, the recognition code XID of a collecting member may be defined by a common portion of the identification codes TID1-TID4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4' mounted on such collecting member; after reading the identification codes TID1-TID4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4' of the given collecting member TR', it is possible to univocally determine the recognition code XID of the collecting member TR'.

From a practical viewpoint, the processor 300 may verify the presence of the RFID tags Tl'-T4' and then, based on even just one of the identification codes TID1-TID4, it may determine the recognition code XID of the given collecting member TR' by simply removing the last bit from one of the identification codes TID1-TID4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4'.

Preferably, the processor 300 is configured for executing a preliminary verification of the presence/readability of a minimum number of RFID tags of one collecting member TR. In particular, in order to ensure that the next processing activities will provide sufficiently reliable results, the processor 300 verifies that, for example, at least two (or at least three or at least four) RFID tags of the given collecting member TR' respond to the reading signal.

By determining the recognition code XID of the given collecting member TR', the processor 300 can prepare and update an inventory of the collecting members that are present in the storage area SA.

More in detail, a list of the collecting members that are present in the storage area SA is maintained (preferably in the memory M). Preferably, the respective position within the storage area SA is associated with each collecting member included in the list. Once the recognition code XID of the given collecting member TR' has been determined, it is compared with the codes already included in the list. If the recognition code XID is already included, this means that the given collecting member TR' was already in the storage area SA. Conversely, if the recognition code XID is not included in the list, this means that the given collecting member TR' has just been positioned in the storage area SA. The processor 300 will then provide for adding the recognition code XID of the given collecting member TR' to the list. Preferably, the operations necessary for computing the position XP of the given collecting member TR' are only carried out when the given collecting member TR' has just been positioned in the storage area SA, i.e. when its recognition code XID has just been added to the stored list. In other words, the operations for computing the position of the given collecting member TR' are carried out when the position of such given collecting member is not stored in the inventory list.

Preferably, the processor 300 is configured for determining, as a function of the estimated position EP1-EP4 of each RFID tag Tl'-T4' of the given collecting member TR' (preferably obtained, as aforesaid, through the RFID reading system 100), an estimated value EV1-EV6 for the geometric quantities D1-D6; for example, starting from the estimated position EP1- EP4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4' of the given collecting member TR' (expressed as a pair of Cartesian coordinates in a common reference system) and applying known mathematical methods (e.g. the Pythagorean theorem, analytical geometry formulae, etc.), it is possible to calculate the respective estimated values EV1-EV6.

As aforesaid, the geometric quantities D1-D6 may correspond to the distances between the RFID tags Tl'-T4' of the given collecting member TR'. Based on the estimated positions EP1-EP4, the estimated values EV1- EV6 can be readily obtained.

Preferably, the processor 300 is configured for comparing the estimated values EV1-EV6 with the respective real values RV1-RV6, thereby obtaining a corresponding result Y; the obtainment of such result Y will be described more in detail hereinafter.

Preferably, the processor 300 is configured for determining, as a function of the estimated position EP1-EP4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4' of the given collecting member TR' and the result Y, a position XP of the given collecting member TR'.

Preferably, the processor 300 is configured for storing into the memory M the position XP of the given collecting member TR' in association with the respective recognition code XID.

As aforesaid, it is envisaged to compute a result Y, based on a comparison between the estimated values EV1-EV6 and the respective real values RV1-RV6. Such comparison may be carried out, for example, by means of one or more subtraction operations, so as to evaluate the difference between each estimated value EV1-EV6 and the respective real value RV1-RV6.

In this way it is possible to determine the accuracy of the estimated values EV1-EV6 in comparison with the real values RV1-RV6.

Preferably, a result Y is determined, which represents, as a whole, all the estimated values EV1-EV6 (determined at a certain time instant, as will be further explained below). In other words, a single result Y is calculated from the estimated values EV1-EV6 determined at a certain time instant.

For example, in the case of four RFID tags Tl'-T4', the following formula can be used: where:

- D1 is the difference between EV1 and RV1; EV1 and RV1 are, respectively, the estimated value and the real value of the distance D1 between the first RFID tag Tl' and the second RFID tag T2';

- D2 is the difference between EV2 and RV2; EV2 and RV2 are, respectively, the estimated value and the real value of the distance D2 between the second RFID tag T2' and the third RFID tag T3';

- D3 is the difference between EV3 and RV3; EV3 and RV3 are, respectively, the estimated value and the real value of the distance D3 between the third RFID tag T3' and the fourth RFID tag T4'; - D4 is the difference between EV4 and RV4; EV4 and RV4 are, respectively, the estimated value and the real value of the distance D4 between the fourth RFID tag T4' and the first RFID tag Tl';

- D5 is the difference between EV5 and RV5; EV5 and RV5 are, respectively, the estimated value and the real value of the distance D5 between the first RFID tag Tl' and the third RFID tag T3';

- D6 is the difference between EV6 and RV6; EV6 and RV6 are, respectively, the estimated value and the real value of the distance D6 between the second RFID tag T2' and the fourth RFID tag T4';

- Bi is a Boolean value associated with the i-th RFID tag (where "i" is variable between 1 and 4, if there are four RFID tags), and expresses the presence of the detection of such tag: in practice, S, will be zero if the estimate of the position of the i-th RFID tag is not available, and will be 1 if such estimate is available.

Each one of the subtraction operations in the denominator constitutes a comparison between an estimated value EVk and the respective real value RVk - with k variable from 1 to 6.

As can be noticed, when the estimated values EV1-EV6 are close to the real values RV1-RV6 (i.e. the respective differences are relatively small), the value of the result Y is high - since the denominator is a low number. Vice versa, when the estimated values EV1-EV6 are far from the real values RV1-RV6 (i.e. the respective differences are relatively large), the value of the result Y is low - since the denominator is a high number.

In brief, the result Y expresses the accuracy of the estimated values EV1-EV6 with reference to the corresponding real values RV1-RV6.

The result Y is used, in combination with the estimated position EP1- EP4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4', for determining the position XP of the given collecting member TR'.

In one embodiment, the result Y can be used for individually evaluating each estimated position EP1-EP4. In other words, based on the result Y and each estimated position EP1-EP4, it is possible to compute the real position of each RFID tag Tl'-T4'. Based on such real positions, the position XP of the given collecting member TR' is then computed. For example, as a function of the real positions of the RFID tags, the geometric center (in a plan view) of the given collecting member TR' is determined, and such geometric center is considered as the position XP of the given collecting member TR'.

In one embodiment, an estimated location XL of the given collecting member TR' is first computed as a function of the estimated position EP1- EP4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4'.

For example, the following formulae may be used: ) where: EPix represents the abscissa of the generic estimated position EP/; EPiy represents the ordinate of the generic estimated position EP/; XLx and XL _y represent, respectively, the abscissa and the ordinate of the estimated location XL.

The position XP of the given collecting member TR' is then determined as a function of the estimated location XL and the result Y. For example, based on the estimated position EP1-EP4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4', an estimated position of the geometric center (in a plan view) of the given collecting member TR' is computed. The estimated position of such geometric center is considered as the estimated location XL of the given collecting member TR'. The estimated location XL, processed by using the result Y, then permits obtaining the position XP of the given collecting member TR'.

The above calculation of Y is substantially "static", i.e. referred to a single time instant - i.e. the instant of determination of the estimated positions EP1-EP4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4' of the given collecting member TR' and the estimated values EV1-EV6 of the quantities D1-D6.

Preferably, the estimated position EP1-EP4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4' and the consequent result Y are determined repeatedly over time.

In particular, the following operations are preferably repeated: determining, by means of the RFID reading system 100, an estimated position EP1-EP4 of each one of said RFID tags Tl'-T4' of the given collecting member TR'; determining, as a function of the estimated position EP1-EP4 of each one of the RFID tags Tl'-T4' of the given collecting member TR', an estimated value EV1-EV6 for the geometric quantities D1-D6; comparing the estimated value EV1-EV6 with the real value RV1-RV6, thereby obtaining a corresponding result Y.

In this manner, a first time sequence SI of values for the estimated positions EP1-EP4 and a second time sequence S2 of values for the result Y are obtained.

From a practical viewpoint, the reading by the RFID reading system 100 and the subsequent processing activities for estimating the position of the RFID tags are carried out with a given periodicity (e.g. from once per second to once every three seconds). A set of values, detected over time, is thus available to the processor 300 for each estimated position EP1-EP4. The set of values for such estimated positions is designated as a whole as the first time sequence SI of values.

The second time sequence S2 of values for the result Y is calculated on the basis of the sequence of estimated positions EP1-EP4 for the RFID tags Tl'-T4'. In particular, starting from the estimated positions EP1-EP4 referred to one same time instant, the estimated values EV1-EV6 are computed and compared with the respective real values RV1-RV6. In practical terms, this may involve computing a value of the result Y, e.g. by means of the above formula (i), for each detection in time of the estimated positions EP1-EP4.

Preferably, as a function of the first time sequence SI of values, a third time sequence S3 of values is computed for the estimated location XL of the given collecting member TR'. For example, the position of the given collecting member TR' is estimated for each group of values of the first sequence SI of values detected at substantially the same time instant and corresponding to the estimated positions EP1-EP4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4' at that time instant. A set of values is thus obtained for the estimated location XL of the given collecting member TR', which defines the third time sequence S3 of values.

Preferably, the third time sequence S3 of values consists of a set of values VS3. Each value VS3 is representative of an estimated location XL, at a given time instant, for the given collecting member TR'.

In order to determine the position XP of the given collecting member TR', a weight W3 is computed for each value VS3 of the third time sequence S3 of values.

Each weight W3 is determined on the basis of one or more corresponding values of the second time sequence S2 of values. For example, each weight W3 may correspond to a result Y at a given time instant.

The position XP of the given collecting member TR' can thus be determined by combining each value VS3 of the third time sequence S3 of values with the respective weight W3.

For example, let us assume a sequence of time instants tl-tN.

For each time instant tj (j being comprised between 1 and N), the estimated position EP1-EP4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4' is determined. In this way, considering all time instants tl-tN, the first time sequence SI of values is formed.

The estimated positions EP1-EP4 determined at each time instant tj (i.e. the values that make up the first time sequence SI of values) are used in order to calculate corresponding estimated locations XL of the given collecting member TR'. Each estimated location XL is associated with the respective time instant tj.

The estimated positions EP1-EP4 determined at each time instant tj (i.e. the values that make up the first time sequence SI of values) are also used in order to obtain corresponding results Y, e.g. according to the above formula. The succession of results Y, each one associated with the respective time instant tj, forms the third time sequence S3 of values.

The position XP of the given collecting member TR' can then be determined, for example, by means of the following equation: where:

- XL _t represents the estimated location XL at the instant t, and therefore the generic value VS3 of the third time sequence S3 of values;

- Y _t represents the result Y at the instant t, and therefore the weight W3 associated with the estimated location referred to the same time instant t;

- N is the number of time instants taken into account.

In light of the above, the Applicant observes that, in general, the position XP of the given collecting member TR' is computed as a function of the first time sequence SI of values and the second time sequence S2 of values, i.e. as a function of the detections of the estimated positions EP1- EP4 and the results Y. More in detail, as aforesaid, the third time sequence S3 of values is computed as a function of the first time sequence SI of values, and then, using also the second time sequence S2 of values, the position XP of the given collecting member TR' is obtained.

In one embodiment, the results Y are not used as weights for the estimated locations XL, but may be used for identifying, among the estimated locations XL, the most accurate one. The position XP of the given collecting member TR' is then made to coincide with such most accurate estimated location XL.

Preferably, the position XP of the given collecting member TR' is expressed as a pair of Cartesian coordinates x,y in a reference system predefined for the storage area SA.

Advantageously, the coordinates representative of the position XP are compared with coordinates representative of one or more storage zones SZ. In this manner, it is possible to determine which storage zone SZ the given collecting member TR' is in.

In one embodiment, it is envisaged that the recognition code XID of the given collecting member TR' is associated with one of the storage zones SZ, so as to memorize the storage zone SZ where the given collecting member TR' is located.

Preferably, the position XP of the given collecting member TR' is determined also as a function of positions XP1, XP2, ..., XPz of other collecting members, determined previously. For example, the following scenario may occur: the management system 1 has already stored, with a certain degree of reliability, the position of the collecting members TRa, TRb, TRc, which are located in the storage zones SZ1, SZ3, SZ4, respectively (Figure 9). The position XP theoretically computed for the given collecting member TR' does not exactly correspond to any storage zone, and partially overlaps the storage zone SZ3 occupied by the collecting member TRb. Since the storage zone SZ2 is clear, and in particular is the only one available around the theoretical position XP of the given collecting member TR', the management system 1 - and in particular the processor 300 - decides that the given collecting member TR' is positioned in the storage zone SZ2.

Advantageously, the position XP determined for each collecting member TR is associated with a respective reliability value. Such reliability value descends directly from the result Y (in case of single detections over time) or from the values contained in the second time sequence S2 of values. In practical terms, the reliability value may express the percentage at which the position XP computed for a given collecting member TR is indeed the real position of that collecting member.

The reliability value may conveniently be employed when the position XP of the given collecting member TR' is determined also as a function of the positions XP1, XP2, ..., XPz of other collecting members, determined previously. Should any conflicting situation arise (e.g. substantially the same position for two distinct collecting members), the processor 300 is configured for using the reliability value in order to attribute the most likely position to each collecting member.

The processing described herein with reference to the generic given collecting member TR' is carried out, in practice, for all collecting members TR that are brought to the reading area RA.

By means of the above-described method it is possible to identify each collecting member TR that is present in the storage area SA and determine its position XP.

This information proves useful when the elements E supported by the collecting members TR have to be used.

In particular, it is envisaged that the processor 300 receives a request signal REQ from a working station 200.

The working station 200 is adapted to work on one or more elements E.

For example, when the elements E are green tyres, the working station 200 may be a moulding or curing station. Preferably, the working station 200 belongs to the same plant where the storage area SA is located.

Preferably, the request signal REQ contains information related to at least one element E to be worked on.

In particular, the request signal REQ may be representative of specific characteristics of the element E requested by the working station 200, which make it possible to discriminate one element E (or at least one category of elements E) from the other elements that are present in the storage area SA.

In the case of green tyres, the working station 200 may include in the request signal REQ, for example, details concerning the model and/or size of the tyre whereon it is configured to work.

The processor 300 provides for comparing such information contained in the request signal REQ with the first parameter PI associated with each element E.

Once at least one possible element corresponding to what is indicated in the request signal REQ has been identified, the processor 300 takes a reading of the second parameter P2 associated with such at least one possible element.

Based on the time expressed by such parameter P2, the processor 300 selects the most appropriate element Ex - e.g. that element which is closest to its expiry date - and identifies the collecting member TRx on which such element is positioned by using, advantageously, the table schematized in Figure 5.

Finally, the processor 300 generates a response signal RESP, containing indications representative of the position XP of the identified collecting member TRx.

Therefore, in brief, the processor 300 selects an element Ex among those that are present in the storage area SA, on the basis of at least one of the first and second parameters PI, P2 associated with each element E and, preferably, also as a function of any information contained in the request signal REQ.

The Applicant observes that scenarios may occur wherein it is not indispensable to use both the first parameter PI and the second parameter P2:

- if the elements E can be used at any time without being subject to any time constraints, the second parameter P2 may not be used; the table shown in Fig. 6 will contain, therefore, for each element E, only the univocal code ID and the first parameter PI;

- if the elements E are all substantially equal and must be selected only on the basis of their age/expiry date, then the table of Fig. 6 will contain, for each element E, only the univocal code ID and the second parameter P2. In this case, the request signal REQ may not contain any specific information about the element to be processed because, as aforesaid, in this scenario the elements E are all substantially interchangeable.

The response signal RESP is preferably sent to a receiver device 400.

For example, the receiver device 400 may be a visualization device 400, operable by an operator, which provides for retrieving the identified collecting member TRx and bringing it to the working station 200.

In one embodiment, wherein the transport of the collecting members is automated - e.g. by means of so-called AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) - then the receiver device 400 may be a transport device, e.g. an AGV, so that the latter can autonomously go to the identified collecting member TRx and transport it to the working station 200. In the same context, the receiver device 400 may be a control apparatus that, upon reception of the response signal RESP, provides for generating a corresponding command for an AGV.

In one embodiment it is envisaged to check the operation of picking up the identified collecting member TRx. The processor 300 knows, in fact, both the recognition code XID of that identified collecting member TRx and the list of collecting members in the storage area SA (referred to above as "inventory").

Therefore, after some time has elapsed from the generation of the response signal RESP, the processor verifies that the identified collecting member TRx - preferably, that only such identified collecting member TRx - is missing from the list of collecting members in the storage area SA.

Should the identified collecting member TRx be still present in the list, and should another collecting member be missing for which no pick-up instruction was issued, the processor 300 would generate a notification/alarm signal.

Figures lOa-lOb show an illustrative flow chart of the operations carried out in order to determine the position XP of the given collecting member TR'.

At block 1000 a counter is initialized. The latter will later be useful for counting the detections made and for evaluating when it is appropriate to compute the position XP of the given collecting member TR'. For example, the counter value may be initially set to zero.

At block 1010, the given collecting member TR' is in the reading area RA. From this moment onwards, the tags Tl'-T4' of the given collecting member TR' can be detected by the RFID reading system 100.

At block 1020, the RFID reading system 100 receives, following the reading signal, a response from the RFID tags Tl'-T4' and then detects the identification codes TID1'-TID4'.

At block 1030 a check is made on the number of RFID tags that have been read for the given collecting member TR'. If the number is greater than or equal to a predefined minimum value (e.g. two, three or four), the process continues to block 1040.

Otherwise, the process returns upstream of block 1020 for further detections. At block 1040, the recognition code XID of the given collecting member TR' is determined as a function of the identification codes TID1'- TID4'. As aforesaid, the recognition code XID of the given collecting member TR' may coincide with a common portion of the identification codes TID1'-TID4' of the RFID tags Tl'-T4'.

At block 1050, the estimated position EP1-EP4 of the RFID tags Tl'- T4' is computed. Preferably, such estimated position EP1-EP4 is computed by the RFID reading system 100.

At block 1060, an estimated location XL of the given collecting member TR' is computed. In particular, the estimated location XL is computed on the basis of the estimated positions EP1-EP4 of the RFID tags Tl'-T4'. For example, the estimated location XL may be computed by using the above relations (ii) and (iii).

At block 1070, the counter is incremented, preferably by a value of one.

At block 1080, it is verified if N estimated locations XL have been computed, so that the position XP of the given collecting member TR' can be calculated. The number N may correspond to, for example, the desired number of values in the second time sequence S2 of values (relating to the results Y).

If not, the cycle returns upstream of block 1020 for further detections of the RFID tags Tl'-T4', further computations of the estimated positions EP1-EP4, and further computations of the estimated location XL.

Conversely, if at block 1080 it is verified that a number N of estimated locations XL have been computed, then, at block 1090, the process continues by computing the estimated values EV1-EV6 of the geometric quantities D1-D6 as a function of the estimated positions EP1-EP4. This calculation is made for each group of estimated positions EP1-EP4 determined at one same instant. In practical terms, for each group of estimated positions EP1-EP4 pertaining to a given time instant, the system computes an estimated location XL of the given collecting member TR' and a respective group of estimated values EV1-EV6 for the geometric quantities D1-D6.

At block 1100, the estimated values EP1-EP4 are compared with the respective real values RV1-RV6, and at block 1110 the respective weights W3, i.e. the results Y of the comparisons just made, are computed.

The operations indicated at blocks 1090-1110 are preferably carried out by using the above relation (i).

At block 1120, each value V3 for the estimated location XL is combined with the respective weight W3, preferably by using the formula (iv), thereby obtaining, at block 1130, the position XP of the given collecting member TR'.

The Applicant observes that it is also possible to use different time sequences to obtain the same result.

In one embodiment, the verification of the number of detections made may also occur at a later time, e.g. after one of blocks 1090-1120.

It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, reference has been made in the above description to a single processor 300. The Applicant points out that it is nevertheless possible, within the scope of the invention, to employ two or more processors - whether integrated into one device or distributed over distinct devices - in order to carry out the described operations. Likewise, the memory M may be implemented as one or more storage devices, appropriately associated with the processor(s) in use.

In light of the above, the method of the present invention can be applied to a tyre production process.

Preferably, the management system of the present invention can be applied to a tyre production plant.

In particular, the elements E may be green tyres.

The green tyres are arranged in the storage area SA.

One or more green tyres are positioned on each collecting member TR.

The working station 200 is preferably a moulding and curing station. The working station 200 processes the green tyres to obtain finished tyres.

The working station 200 generates said signal REQ to request one or more elements E, i.e. one or more green tyres, to be processed.

The request signal REQ is generated, for example, by a control unit associated with or incorporated into the working station 200; the request signal REQ may be generated, for example, at the end of a moulding and curing operation, when a finished tyre is removed and the working station 200 is ready for processing another green tyre.

Preferably, the request signal REQ is received from the processor 300.

In accordance with the above description, the processor 300 then identifies the collecting member TRx on which the element Ex corresponding to the request signal REQ is positioned.

The identified collecting member TRx is then brought to the working station 200; the selected element Ex is loaded into the working station 200.

Preferably, the plant comprises one or more transport means for bringing the element Ex to the working station 200.

In one embodiment, the transport means may essentially consist of the identified collecting member TRx, which, moved by an operator either manually or through a motorized apparatus, brings the identified collecting member TRx to the working station 200.

In one embodiment, the transport means may comprise an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), which, as previously described, is configured for automatically bringing the identified collecting member TRx, and hence the selected element Ex, to the working station 200.

The working station 200 processes the element Ex - i.e. a green tyre - by executing a moulding and curing operation, so as to obtain a finished tyre.