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