System and method for identifying component parts in an assembly
First Claim
1. A method of identifying stolen component parts contained within an assembly, said method comprising the steps of:
- attaching a passive integrated transponder to at least some component parts in an assembly, wherein each of said passive integrated transponders transmits an identification code when activated;
providing a database;
recording the identification codes of the passive integrated transponders for different assemblies in said database;
indicating in said database which identification codes belong to stolen assemblies, as assemblies are reported stolen;
scanning assemblies, thereby activating said passive integrated transponders in said assemblies and reading identification codes transmitted by said passive integrated transponders;
comparing said identification codes read during scanning to said database; and
providing an indication if an identification code read during scanning matches an identification code of a stolen component.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for identifying stolen component parts contained within an assembly and/or identifying the origin of a component part. To utilize the system, a passive integrated transponder is attached to at least some component parts within an assembly. Each of the passive integrated transponders transmits an identification code when activated. In a database, the identification codes of the passive integrated transponders are recorded along with the identification of the assembly into which they were originally installed. Assemblies in the marketplace are periodically scanned. As assemblies are scanned, the passive integrated transponders contained in those assemblies are activated and transmit their identification codes. The identification codes are read and compared to the data in a database. If a scan reveals a component part listed as stolen, an indication is provided.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of identifying stolen component parts contained within an assembly, said method comprising the steps of:
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attaching a passive integrated transponder to at least some component parts in an assembly, wherein each of said passive integrated transponders transmits an identification code when activated;
providing a database;
recording the identification codes of the passive integrated transponders for different assemblies in said database;
indicating in said database which identification codes belong to stolen assemblies, as assemblies are reported stolen;
scanning assemblies, thereby activating said passive integrated transponders in said assemblies and reading identification codes transmitted by said passive integrated transponders;
comparing said identification codes read during scanning to said database; and
providing an indication if an identification code read during scanning matches an identification code of a stolen component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of identifying an origin of a component part in an assembly, comprising the steps of:
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attaching a passive integrated transponder to at least some component parts in an assembly, wherein each of said passive integrated transponders transmits an identification code when activated;
providing a database;
recording the identification codes of the passive integrated transponders of different assemblies in said database;
scanning a component part of a questionable origin that contains a passive integrated transponder, therein activating said passive integrated transponder in said component part and reading the identification code transmitted by said passive integrated transponder; and
comparing the identification code read during scanning to said database to identify an origin of said component part. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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- 13. A vehicle comprised of component parts, wherein at least some of said component parts contain passive integrated transponders that transmit an identification code when activated.
Specification