Description:A METHOD OF DETECTING/LOCATING INVENTORY AT OPEN YARDS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT SITES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to an inventory detecting and locating system for material stacked in open yards of a construction project site. In particular, it is directed to a method of detecting/locating inventory at open yards of construction project sites using self-responsive RFID tags, GPS techniques and Photograph of stacked material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[003] Any construction site typically engaged in erection, testing and commissioning of the machinery/equipment/systems etc. by a team of erection crew working right at site make use of variety of input materials for construction.

[004] The required resources like material/machinery/equipment etc. are supplied to site prior to start of construction of any typical factory (like a power plant, cement plant, gas plant etc..). The site management team organizes the incoming material/machinery etc. in the open yards in the premises of the construction site. If the cited construction takes few years, it becomes necessary for the site material management crew to sequentially input the required material to the construction site to enable good progress of construction activity. If the material is not locatable/traceable, many delays encountered in the process and sometimes the construction activity stops for want of material/machinery which leads to delay in the project schedules which in turn incurs additional expenditure and time.

[005] To overcome this situation, a method is invented for easily detecting / locating the assets stacked in the open yards by using self-responsive RFID tags combined with GPS technology and image /photo of the material such that searching /locating any items will be easier with help of

a. Image/photo of the equipment
b. GPS location of the equipment
c. Self-responsive RFID tags

[006] Now, reference may be made to the following Patents: -

[007] The patent US20070120736A1 titled a Method and system for discrete location triggering for enhanced asset management and tracking reveals and needs an electronic discrete location triggering system to identify the location of an asset. It also needs a processing module to receive and process the signal transmitted by the discrete location tracking device into a location communication signal, wherein the electronic location trigger processing module is affixed to an asset whose discrete location and information are to be managed.

[008] The patent US7323981B2 titled container tracking system according to which the containers are networked together with help of shipping container sensors and the data transmitted is verified by the database for its contents.

[009] The patent US20080086508A1 titled systems and method for providing asset management information to a customer reveals that receiving information from a first reporting source about an asset and receiving information from a second reporting source about an asset and database identifies the asset location and operational data based on the above two inputs and report is generated and reported.

[010] The patent US20080086509A1 is also similar to the above and the asset information from reporting sources and represents it on graphic user interface. This information is parsed on to provide a user modifiable geo-fence on a portion of said map image, said geo-fence for providing a selectable boundary on said map image. It also provides near real-time location and operation monitoring capabilities for said asset to said database.

[011] None of the above can fulfill the requirements of the present invention, for which it is designed.

[012] The present invention relates to a novel method of detection and locating of assets stacked in the open yards of a construction project site using RFID, GPS, Image/phot od assets with Google maps integrated to a user friendly GUI for search/locate/manage entire inventory/assets throughout the project duration.

[013] A new system has been developed and implemented at our project sites. An application software developed and integrated with an easy user interface to help site crew to quickly respond to the site construction team. The material management team can view the location of the material on the Google maps and can directly go to the location to pick the required quantity of material quickly and in short time.

[014] Implementation of this system will reduce cycle time of detecting/location of any asset with accuracy.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[015] The principal objective of this invention is to provide a method of detecting/locating inventory at open yards of construction project sites using self-responsive RFID tags, GPS techniques and Photograph of stacked material.

[016] Another object of the invention is to provide a method of detecting/locating inventory at open yards of construction project sites to capture GPS co-ordinates of any material when it is stacked/stored in the open yards.

[017] A further object of this invention is to provide a method of detecting/locating inventory at open yards of construction project sites to capture the image/photo of the material stacked in the open yards to add the same to the database for easy identification while searching.

[018] Still further object of this invention is to provide a method of detecting/locating inventory at open yards of construction project sites which is to show the location of the assets on Google maps with a navigation facility using RFID handheld reader.

[019] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a method of detecting/locating inventory at open yards of construction project sites which is simple and efficient.

[020] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[021] One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.

[022] According to this invention there is provided a method of detecting/locating inventory at open yards of construction project sites using self-responsive RFID taps, GPS techniques and Photograph of stacked material comprises steps of:-

- assigning self-responsive RFID battery assisted passive (BAP) tags (3) to various material /group of material, packages of crates /bundles, packages of closed boxes;

- capturing the GPS co-ordinates using a hand held reader of material and storing the same in database to help user for easy identification of correct component’s location;

- capturing the image/photo of the stacked material/components/crates/boxes using a hand held reader to store the same in database to help user for easy identification of correct component without having any component’s drawing in hand;

- recording the details of the material and storing the same in database using a hand held reader to help user for easy identification of correct component;

- automatic maping the RFID tag ID to the material details using a hand held reader;

- automatic syncing of the local memory of the hand held device (4) to the central database based on network availability;

- searching a material using one of the various available fields;

- navigating to the material location using google maps while searching/detecting/locating an intended item/material;

- detecting a correct RFID tag in a pool of number of tags using the self-responsive feature of the tag;

- Identifying the intended item/material by comparing the item with the captured image available in the hand held reader;

- depicting overall details of created database lists for the user reference during detecting/locating activity to avoid confusion of detecting un-intended material/component/crate/box.

[023] Automatic updation of the databases with a date stamp of material issues, updating current balances in case of part/full issues and updating the main server with an alert of all material exhausted.

[024] Guiding user to generate various reports by manufacturing source wise, date wise, issue wise, product group wise to eliminate errors and to help accurate stock update.

[025] Obtaining the updated list of material on the local memory of the hand held device from the central database through wireless connectivity.

[026] The self-responsive RFID Bap tags include audio and visual sensor which are activated when the tag is read by the hand held reader.

[027] The RFID hand held reader includes 865 MHz RFID feature, GPS and camera sensors.

[028] The RFID handheld reader application software modules is provided which comprises of material receipt, search and issue, update/delete features with a facility to view the GPS location of the stacked material on Google maps and also the photo/image of material while searching the required material.

[029] After getting the details of the material, the user can directly go to the material location using GPS navigation facility, in the handheld reader, which guides the user to reach the material location.

[030] The user can activate audio and visual sensor placer in the RFID TAG using LED/Buzzer feature available in hand held reader, to enable required RFID tags to respond, in which the Visual sensor blinks and the audio sensor generates sound in response to the query sent by the RFID handheld reader.

[031] The web based desktop application software is used for controlling the inventory, updating data and also to generate reports as per the user requirement.

[032] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

[033] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[034] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[035] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein: -

Figure-1 shows a view of RFID BAP (Battery Assisted Passive) tags to be tied/stuck to material in the yards

Figure-2 shows a view RFID handheld reader with GPS, GSM and Camera features

Figure-3 shows a view of the server application software

Figure-4 shows the Map view of the construction site and material stacking at construction site

Figure-5 depicts the assignment of RFID tags to material using RFID reader

Figure-6 depicts the flow diagram of the search and receipt method

Figure-7 shows screenshots of Hand Held Reader Application

Figure-8 shows a view of web based desk top application

[036] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[037] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[038] The present invention makes a disclosure regarding a technology pertaining to a method of detecting/locating inventory at open yards of construction project sites.

[039] The present invention relates to the invention of a method for detecting / locating the material/asset stacked in the open yards of a project construction site using self-responsive RFID tags (3), GPS co-ordinate system and the image/photo of the material/asset with the help of application software/GUI (5).

[040] The embodiment of the present invention comprises of self-responsive RFID Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) Tags (3), RFID Handheld readers (4), an android based hand held reader application (41), a web based application software with database for managing the assets in the open yards (5).

[041] In the embodiment of the present invention the self-responsive RFID Bap tags (3) include audio (2) and visual (1) sensor which are activated when the tag (3) is read by the Hand Held reader (4).

[042] In the embodiment of the present invention the RFID Hand Held Reader (4) includes 865 MHz RFID feature, GPS and camera sensors.

[043] In the embodiment of the present invention the RFID Tags (3) are attached to the materials (7) stored in construction site (6,7). The construction site (6,7) is identified and the ground is prepared for staking the incoming material/machinery (8) from various input sources Material is received in trucks/trailers and other modes of transport to construction site (6,7) and the site material management crew receives the same and stack them properly covering the entire available yard.

[044] On receipt of material, each item or group of items is tagged with RFID BAP Tags (3) by tying or pasting them on the material as (8). RFID handheld readers (4) is used for entering basic details of material, and the GPS module/facility is used for capturing the GPS co-ordinates of the stacked material (8) location. The camera feature of RFID handheld reader (4) is used for capturing photo of the tagged material and all this data is saved in the database.

[045] In the embodiment of the present invention the RFID handheld reader (4) application software modules (41) comprises of for material receipt (11), search (12) and issue, update/delete (13) features with a facility to view the GPS location (16) of the stacked material (8) on Google maps (15) and also the photo/image of material while searching the required material. After tagging the material with RFID BAP Tags (3) the complete details of the material is captured by the user usin the Hand Held Reader (4). Initially all the detials are stored in the local memory of the Hand Held Reader (4). Once the Hand Held Reader (4) comes in the local/ wide area network the details stored in the local memory of the hand held reader (4) are transferred to the central server.

[046] In the embodiment of the present invention for issue or search of the material, the user can search the material details in Hand Held Reader (4) and get its GPS location (16) and image of the material (7).

[047] In the embodiment of the present invention after getting the details of the material, the user can directly go to the material location using GPS navigation facility (17), in the handheld reader, which guides (18) the user to reach the material location (16). Since many other tagged material/items may be available at the same location , the user can identify the correct material by populating the image/photo of the material.

[048] In the embodiment of the present invention to know the exact location of the material, the user can activate audio (2) and visual (1) sensor embedded in the RFID Tag (3) using LED/Buzzer feature (19) available in Hand Held Reader (41), to enable required RFID tags to respond. The Visual sensor (1) blinks and the audio sensor (2) generates sound in response to the query sent by the RFID handheld reader (4).

[049] In the embodiment of the present invention the web based desktop application software (5) is used for controlling the inventory, updating data and also to generate reports as per the user requirement. In additon to use of RFID handheld reader (4), the user can also use web based desktop application (5). When the user searchs a particular material, the details of different material is populated. The complete details of the material (7) can be viewed by clicking the view details link (21). Data related to searched material is populated which shows the image/photo (22) of the material stacked in yards hence it is easy for the user to locate and identify the material for issuing to the construction agency in short time and with less effort. The application is also capable of handling variety of material like loose items, boxed items and crate items separately and very effectively as it is user friendly. A detailed stock register can also be generated using the web based application software (5).

[050] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[051] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[052] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.
[053] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.

[054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

[055] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

[056] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims:We claim
1. A method of detecting/locating inventory at open yards of construction project sites using self-responsive RFID taps, GPS techniques and Photograph of stacked material comprises steps of:-

- assigning self-responsive RFID battery assisted passive (BAP) tags (3) to various material /group of material, packages of crates /bundles, packages of closed boxes;

- capturing the GPS co-ordinates of material and storing the same in database to help user for easy identification of correct component’s location;

- capturing the image/photo of the stacked material/components/crates/boxes to store the same in database to help user for easy identification of correct component without having any component’s drawing in hand;

- recording the details of the material and storing the same in database to help user for easy identification of correct component;

- automatic maping the RFID tag ID to the material details using a hand held device;

- automatic sync of the local memory of the hand held device (4) by the central database based on network availability;

- searching a material using one of the various available fields;

- navigating to the material location using google maps while searching/detecting/locating an intended item/material;

- detecting a correct RFID tag in a pool of number of tags using the self-responsive feature of the tag;

- depicting overall details of created database lists for the user reference during detecting/locating activity to avoid confusion of detecting un-intended material/component/crate/box.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 comprises automatic updation of the databases with a date stamp of material issues, updating current balances in case of part/full issues and updating the main server with an alert of all material exhausted.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprises guiding user to generate various reports by manufacturing source wise, date wise, issue wise, product group wise to eliminate errors and to help accurate stock update.

4. The method as claimed in claims 1-3, comprising obtaining the updated list of material on the local memory of the hand held device from the central database.

5. The method as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein the self-responsive RFID Bap tags (3) include audio (2) and visual (1) sensor which are activated when the tag (3) is read by the hand held reader (4).

6. The method as claimed in claims 1-5, wherein the RFID hand held reader (4) includes 865 MHz RFID feature, GPS and camera sensors.

7. The method as claimed in claims 1-6, wherein the RFID handheld reader (4) application software modules (41) is provided which comprises of material receipt (11), search (12) and issue, update/delete (13) features with a facility to view the GPS location (16) of the stacked material (8) on Google maps (15) and also the photo/image of material while searching the required material.

8. The method as claimed in claims 1-7, wherein after getting the details of the material, the user can directly go to the material location using GPS navigation facility (17) in the handheld reader, which guides (18) the user to reach the material location (16).

9. The method as claimed in claims 1-8, wherein the user can activate audio (2) and visual (1) sensor placer in the RFID TAG (3) USING LED/Buzzer feature (19) available in hand held reader (41) to enable required RFID tags to respond, in which the visual sensor (1) blinks and the audio sensor (2) generates sound in response to the query sent by the RFID handheld reader (4).

10. The method as claimed in claims 1-9, wherein the web based desktop application software (5) is used for controlling the inventory , updating data and also to generate reports as per the user requirement.