OBJECT RECOGNITION AND LOCALIZATION SERVICE USING RFID

• US 20130311519A1
• Filed: 05/19/2012
• Published: 11/21/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited (Trimble Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited (Trimble Inc.)
• Inventors: Iyer, Prakash, Pappu, Ravikanth Srinivasa, Deking, Alois Ludwig
• Granted Patent: US 8,725,777 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 707/803
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/40 of multimedia data, e.g. slideshows comprising image and additional audio data retrieval of still image data G06F16/50; retrieval of audio data G06F16/60; retrieval of video data G06F16/70
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9554 by using bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

Abstract

A method of creating and managing a database of meta_data sets for a plurality of objects is provided. The meta-data set is configured to characterize an object. The meta_data set for a “j”-object is selected from the group consisting of: a first item; a second item; an “i”-th item; and ID-j tag; wherein “i” and “j” being integers. The method comprises: (A) identifying a meta_data set for at least one object; (B) collecting a meta_data set for at least one object; (C) creating the database of meta_data sets for the plurality of objects; (D) storing the database of meta_data sets for the plurality of objects; and (E) accessing the database of meta_data sets for the plurality of objects.

Claims

1. A method of creating and managing a database of meta-data sets for a plurality of objects comprising:

(A) identifying a meta-data set for at least one object;

said meta-data set is configured to characterize a “

j”

-object;

said meta-data set selected from the group consisting of;

a first item;

a second item;

an “

i”

-th item; and

ID-j tag “

i” and

“

j”

being integers;

(B) collecting a meta-data set for at least one object;

and

(C) creating said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

(D) storing said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

(E) accessing said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said

step (A) further comprises:

(A1) selecting a plurality of objects for said database of meta-data sets.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A2) attaching an ID tag to at least one said object.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said step (A2) further comprises:

(A2,

     1) selecting said ID tag from the group consisting of;

a quick response code (QR code) attached to said object;

an RFID tag;

a low power RFID tag;

a barcode;

an infra-red tag; and

an ultra sound tag.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A3) selecting a 3-D picture of an object to comprise a first item in said meta-data set for said object.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A4) selecting a 2-D picture of an object to comprise a second item in said meta-data set for said object.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A5) selecting position coordinates of location of said object to comprise a third item in said meta-data set for said object.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A6) selecting a material of which said object has been made to comprise a fourth item in said meta-data set for said object.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A7) selecting an explicit functional value of said object to comprise a fifth item in said meta-data set for said object.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said step (A7) further comprises:

(A7,

     1) determining said explicit functional value of said object;

said explicit functional value of said object having an objective value.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A8) selecting an implicit functional value of said object to comprise a sixth item in said meta-data set for said object.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said step (A8) further comprises:

(A8,

     1) assigning said implicit functional value of said object;

said implicit functional value of said object having a subjective value.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A9) selecting a purpose of said object to comprise a seventh item in said meta-data set for said object.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A10) selecting a brand of said object to comprise an eighth item in said meta-data set for said object.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A11) selecting an age of said object to comprise a ninth item in said meta-data set for said object.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A12) selecting weight of said object to comprise a tenth item in said meta-data set for said object.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (A) further comprises:

(A13) selecting dimensions of said object to comprise an eleventh item in said meta-data set for said object.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (B) further comprises:

(B1) using a plurality of sensors to collect a meta-data set for at least one said object.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said step (B1) further comprises:

(B1,

     1) selecting said plurality of sensors from the group consisting of;

a position sensor;

an ID tag reader;

an image-capturing sensor;

a material probing sensor;

a 3D scanner including a scale; and

an intelligent engine.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said step (B1, 1) further comprises:

(B1, 1,

     1) selecting said position sensor from the group consisting of;

a radio-based position sensor; and

an image-capturing position sensor.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein said step (B1, 1) further comprises:

(B 1, 1,

     2) selecting said ID tag reader from the group consisting of;

a radio transmitter/receiver RFID tag reader;

an optical transmitter/receiver bar code reader;

an IR tag reader; and

an ultra sound tag reader.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein said step (B1, 1) further comprises:

(B 1, 1,

     3) selecting said image-capturing position sensor from the group consisting of;

a digital camera;

a digital video camera;

a digital camcorder;

a stereo digital camera;

a stereo video camera;

a motion picture camera;

a television camera; and

a non-photometric 3D scanner.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said step (B1, 1, 3) further comprises:

(B 1, 1, 3,

     1) selecting said non-photometric 3D scanner from the group consisting of;

a laser sensor;

a contact and proximity sensor; and

a magnetic resonance sensor.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein said step (B1, 1) further comprises:

(B 1, 1,

     4) selecting said material probing sensor from the group consisting of;

a probe material analyzer;

a bio organic sensor;

a bio inorganic sensor;

a nano organic sensor;

a nano inorganic sensor;

a micro-electrochemical sensor;

a bio-electrochemical sensor; and

an integrated analytical system.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein said step (B1, 1) further comprises:

(B 1, 1,

     5) selecting said functional intelligent engine from the group consisting of;

a manual functional intelligent engine configured to assign an explicit functional value of said object;

a manual functional intelligent engine configured to assign an implicit functional value of said object;

an automatic functional intelligent engine configured to assign an explicit functional value of said object; and

an automatic functional intelligent engine configured to assign an implicit functional value of said object.

28. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (C) further comprises:

(C1) updating said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

29. The method of claim 2, wherein said step (D) further comprises:

(D1) tracking at least one said object in said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects by using an access code.

30. The method of claim 2, wherein said step (D) further comprises:

(D2) providing a reminder service for at least one said object in said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects;

wherein said reminder service is selected from the group consisting of;

expiration of warranty reminder for a selected object;

service intervals reminder for a selected object; and

factory call-backs reminder for a selected object.

31. The method of claim 2, wherein said step (D) further comprises:

(D3) placing at least one object from said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects on a used goods market to obtain its objective value.

32. The method of claim 2, wherein said step (D) further comprises:

(D4) selecting at least one object from said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects for a charitable origination.

33. The method of claim 2, wherein said step (D) further comprises:

(D5) estimating a total worth of all objects in said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

34. The method of claim 2, wherein said step (D) further comprises:

(D6) estimating a partial worth of a subset of selected objects in said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

35. The method of claim 2, wherein said step (D) further comprises:

(D7) estimating a depreciation of a subset of selected objects in said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

36. The method of claim 3, wherein said step (E) further comprises:

(E1) providing an access code to said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

37. The method of claim 30, wherein said step (E1) further comprises:

(E1,

     1) encrypting said access code to said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

38. The method of claim 30, wherein said step (E1) further comprises:

(E1,

     2) changing said access code to said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects according to a predetermined schedule.

39. The method of claim 3, wherein said step (E) further comprises:

(E2) providing a service to a customer of said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said step (E2) further comprises:

(E2,

     1) providing recognition/identification of parameters of an object;

at least one said parameter is selected from the group consisting of;

a purpose of said object;

a brand of said object;

an origin of said object;

a material composition of said object; and

an age of said object.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein said step (E2) further comprises

(E2, 2) searching for user manuals for at least one said object.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein said step (E2) further comprises

(E2, 3) searching for at least one said object product specifications.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein said step (E2) further comprises

(E2, 4) searching for replacements parts for at least one said object.

44. The method of claim 39, wherein said step (E2) further comprises

(E2, 5) providing an Automatic synchronization of at least one intelligent object with the database.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein said step (E2, 5) further comprises

(E2, 5, 1) obtaining at least one parameter of said intelligent object select from the group consisting of:

location coordinates of said intelligent object;

a wear of said intelligent object; and

status information about said intelligent object.

46. The method of claim 39, wherein said step (E2) further comprises

(E2, 6) providing a reminder service for at least one said object;

said reminder service is selected from the group consisting of;

an availability of a firmware upgrade;

an availability of new accessories for a pimping tool;

an availability of an updated product; and

an availability of trade-in offers.

47. An apparatus for creating and managing a database of meta-data sets for a plurality of objects comprising:

(A) a means for identifying a meta-data set for at least one object;

said meta-data set is configured to characterize a “

j”

-object;

said meta-data set selected from the group consisting of;

a first item;

a second item;

an “

i”

-th item; and

ID-j tag;

“

i” and

“

j”

being integers;

(B) a means for collecting a meta-data set for at least one object;

and

(C) a means for creating said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

48. The apparatus of claim 47 further comprising:

(D) a means for storing said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

49. The apparatus of claim 47 further comprising:

(E) a means for accessing said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

50. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said means (A) further comprises:

(A1) an ID tag attached to at least one said object;

wherein said ID tag is selected from the group consisting of;

a quick response code (QR code) attached to said object;

an RFID tag;

a low power RFID tag;

a barcode;

an infra-red tag; and

an ultra sound tag.

51. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said means (A) further comprises:

(A2) a meta-data set of said object comprising a plurality of items;

at least one said item selected from the group consisting of;

a 3-D picture of said object;

a 2-D picture of said object;

position coordinates of location of said object;

a material of which said object has been made;

an explicit functional value of said object;

an implicit functional value of said object;

a purpose of said object;

a brand of said object;

an age of said object;

a weight of said object; and

dimensions of said object.

52. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said means (B) further comprises:

(B1) a plurality of sensors configured to collect a meta-data set for at least one said object.

53. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said means (B) further comprises:

(B2) at least one said sensor selected from the group consisting of;

a position sensor;

an ID tag reader;

an image-capturing sensor;

a material probing sensor;

a 3D scanner including a scale; and

an intelligent engine.

54. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said means (B) further comprises:

(B3) at least one said sensor selected from the group consisting of;

a radio-based position sensor; and

an image-capturing position sensor.

55. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said means (B) further comprises:

(B4) at least one said sensor selected from the group consisting of;

a radio transmitter/receiver RFID tag reader;

an optical transmitter/receiver bar code reader;

an IR tag reader; and

an ultra sound tag reader.

56. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said means (B) further comprises:

(B5) at least one said sensor selected from the group consisting of;

a digital camera;

a digital video camera;

a digital camcorder;

a stereo digital camera;

a stereo video camera;

a motion picture camera;

a television camera; and

a non-photometric 3D scanner.

57. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said means (B) further comprises:

(B6) at least one said sensor selected from the group consisting of;

a laser sensor;

a contact and proximity sensor; and

a magnetic resonance sensor.

58. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said means (B) further comprises:

(B7) at least one said sensor selected from the group consisting of;

a probe material analyzer;

a bio organic sensor;

a bio inorganic sensor;

a nano organic sensor;

a nano inorganic sensor;

a micro-electrochemical sensor;

a bio-electrochemical sensor; and

an integrated analytical system.

59. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said means (B) further comprises:

a functional intelligent engine selected from the group consisting of;

a manual functional intelligent engine configured to assign an explicit functional value of said object;

a manual functional intelligent engine configured to assign an implicit functional value of said object;

an automatic functional intelligent engine configured to assign an explicit functional value of said object; and

an automatic functional intelligent engine configured to assign an implicit functional value of said object.

60. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said means (C) further comprises:

(C1) a means for updating said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.

61. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said means (D) further comprises:

(D1) a means for tracking at least one said object in said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects by using an access code.

62. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said means (D) further comprises:

(D2) a means providing a reminder service for at least one said object in said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects;

wherein said reminder service is selected from the group consisting of;

expiration of warranty reminder for a selected object;

service intervals reminder for a selected object; and

factory call-backs reminder for a selected object.

63. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said means (E) further comprises:

(E1) an access code to said database of meta-data sets for said plurality of objects.