Managing hidden objects using RFID technology
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An RFID based location identifier (RFIDLI) for managing Hidden Objects, the RFIDLI comprising:
- an RFID tag, said RFID tag including a tag identifier (tagId) that is used as a reference for storing Location Data of said RFIDLI; and
a protective enclosure surrounding said RFID tag, said protective enclosure suitable to protect said RFID.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention teaches a variety of mechanisms, techniques and systems for managing, labeling, detecting, locating, and utilizing Hidden Objects utilizing RFID technology, handheld data processing units, and a centralized server computer maintaining a database of information related to a plurality of Hidden Objects. The teaching of the present invention has application across a wide variety of industries including constructions, utility, governmental, military, waste water management, etc.
80 Citations
27 Claims
-
1. An RFID based location identifier (RFIDLI) for managing Hidden Objects, the RFIDLI comprising:
-
an RFID tag, said RFID tag including a tag identifier (tagId) that is used as a reference for storing Location Data of said RFIDLI; and
a protective enclosure surrounding said RFID tag, said protective enclosure suitable to protect said RFID. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A handheld data processing unit (HDPU) for use in managing hidden objects, said HDPU used in conjunction with at least one radio frequency identification based location identifier (RFIDLI) associated with at least one hidden object, said HDPU comprising:
-
an RFID reader operable to locate and read data from said at least one RFIDLI;
a handheld device (HD) coupled to and controlling said RFID reader in order to read data retrieved from said RFIDLI;
a communications device operable to communicate with a Server computer; and
software executing on said HD to store said data retrieved from said RFIDLI and forward to the Server computer.
-
-
18. A server suitable for use in tracking and managing a plurality of Hidden Objects that have been associated with a plurality of RFIDLIs, said server comprising:
-
a database storing information related to said plurality of Hidden Objects, said information related to said plurality of Hidden Objects including at least location information related to said plurality of Hidden Objects;
a communication device operable to communicate with one or more handheld data processing units (HDPUs) utilized on location of said plurality of Hidden Objects; and
software operable to access and provide data to said HDPUs through said communication device, as well as retrieve data from said HDPUs. - View Dependent Claims (19)
-
-
20. A system for tracking and managing a plurality of objects at least some of which are hidden, said system comprising:
-
a plurality of RFIDLIs, wherein each RFIDLI is associated with at least one of said plurality of objects, each of said plurality of RFIDLIs including;
an RFID tag, said RFID tag that has a unique tagId that is used to store and retrieve Location Data for one or more Hidden Objects; and
a protective enclosure surrounding said RFID tag, said protective enclosure suitable to protect said RFID tag;
a handheld data processing unit (HDPU) including an RFID reader operable to locate and read data from said plurality of RFIDLIs;
a HD (handheld device) coupled to and communicating with said RFID reader in order to read data retrieved from said RFIDLI; and
software executing on said HD for storing data obtained from the RFID Reader or a server locally and also to send data to the RFID Reader and said server as needed; and
said server including;
a database storing data related to said plurality of Hidden Objects;
a communication device operable to communicate with said HDPU utilized on location of said plurality of Hidden Objects;
software operable to access and provide data to said HDPU through said communication device, as well as retrieve data from said HDPUs; and
business intelligence software executing on said server operable to utilize said database and data retrieved from said HDPU.
-
-
21. A method for managing a Hidden Object comprising:
-
providing a plurality of RFIDLIs attached to or in the vicinity of said Hidden Object;
storing information against a tagId for each RFID tag including Location Data of Location Points related to said Hidden Object, Location Data of the RFIDLI itself, and Location Data of other RFIDLIs;
reading said information using HDPU on said RFIDLI; and
utilizing said information to locate the Hidden Object. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
-
-
24. A method for managing a Hidden Object wherein the act of utilizing said information to locate the Hidden Object includes:
-
moving to an approximate location of a Hidden Object;
obtain location data of one or more proximate RFIDLIs given a current location;
locate and read some or all RFIDLs that are in range;
place visual markers on all located RFIDLs. If the RFIDLIs are located directly above the Hidden Object on the surface, these are also the location points on the Hidden Object if RFIDLIs are in the vicinity of the Hidden Object but not always directly above it on the surface or on it, obtain the location data of multiple location points on the Hidden Object use two or more RFIDLIs and measuring instruments (survey instrument or other) to locate the location points on the Hidden Object. - View Dependent Claims (25)
-
-
26. A method for managing a plurality of Hidden Objects comprising:
-
utilizing a plurality RFIDLIs associated with said plurality of Hidden Objects as smart labels to easily collect maintenance history, make and other information about said Hidden Objects, wherein said maintenance history is retrieved using a Handheld Device HD to enable smart decision making during maintenance;
sending maintenance history and other information related to said plurality of Hidden Objects to a Server.
-
-
27. A method for monetizing a hidden object database comprising:
-
maintaining a database of information regarding a plurality of Hidden Objects;
providing remote access to said database of information regarding a plurality of Hidden Objects according to a subscription basis; and
coupling said database to remote users based on said subscription basis, enabling said remote users to take action accordingly in light of the presence and nature of Hidden Object found in the vicinity of said remote users.
-
Specification