SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING RFID TAGS TO MANAGE AUTOMOTIVE PARTS

• US 20070094089A1
• Filed: 10/26/2005
• Published: 04/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kyndryl Incorporated
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Wilbrink, Tijs, Kelley, Edward
• Granted Patent: US 7,400,268 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/933
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/085 using electronic data carriers

Abstract

A system and method for utilizing RFID tags to manage automotive parts. A system is provided that includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to read data from RFID tags affixed to parts located throughout a vehicle, wherein each RFID tag uniquely identifies a part; a data processing system configured to process the data obtained by the RFID reader; and a service application that provides service related information to an end user based on an installation or removal of a part from the vehicle.

Claims

1. A system for managing parts information in a vehicle, comprising:

a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to read data from RFID tags affixed to parts located throughout the vehicle, wherein each RFID tag uniquely identifies a part;

a data processing system configured to process the data obtained by the RFID reader; and

a service application that provides service related information to an end user based on an installation or removal of a part from the vehicle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each RFID tag includes a part number and data regarding whether the part is new or refurbished.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID reader is configured to read data from RFID tags affixed to packaging of fluids suitable for use in the vehicle.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a graphical user interface for displaying service related information to the end user.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the data processing system is linked to a network to provide additional information relating to the part.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database for storing parts information.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the service application includes a parts tracking application that reports what parts were changed during a performed service.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the service application includes a billing application for providing a cost estimate and a cost comparison for a performed service.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the service application includes a reference application for obtaining parts documentation for parts affected by a performed service.

10. A method for managing parts information in a vehicle, comprising:

reading data from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags affixed to parts located throughout the vehicle, wherein each RFID tag uniquely identifies a part;

storing the data obtained by the RFID reader in a database; and

generating service related information to an end user based on an installation or removal of a part from the vehicle.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein each RFID tag includes a part number and data regarding whether the part is new or refurbished.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of generating service related information includes reporting what parts were changed during a performed service.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of generating service related information includes providing a cost estimate and a cost comparison for a performed service.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of generating service related information includes obtaining parts documentation for parts affected by a performed service.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of generating service related information includes generating the information over a graphical user interface contained within the vehicle.

16. A vehicle having a system for managing parts information, comprising:

a plurality of parts, each having an radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that uniquely identifies the part;

an RFID reader configured to read data from the RFID tags;

a computer system having;

a data processing system configured to process parts data obtained by the RFID reader;

a database for storing parts data; and

a service application that provides service related information to an end user based on a detected part installation in or removal from the vehicle.

17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the service application includes a parts tracking application that reports what parts were changed during a performed service.

18. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the service application includes a billing application for providing a cost estimate and a cost comparison for a performed service.

19. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the service application includes a reference application for obtaining parts documentation for parts affected by a performed service.

20. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the RFID reader is configured to read data from RFID tags affixed packaging of fluids suitable for use in the vehicle.