High level RFID solution for rental tools and equipment

摘要

A system for monitoring use of a tool. The system may include an RFID tag coupled to the tool. A collar may be removably coupled to the tool and configured to be de-coupled from the tool prior to the tool being used. An RFID reader may be coupled to the collar and configured to transmit a first alert signal when the RFID reader is out of transmission range from the RFID tag.

主权项

1. A method for monitoring use of a tool, comprising:
transmitting an RF signal from an active RFID tag coupled to the tool, the active RFID tag comprising:
a microprocessor configured to collect and process data relating to the use of the tool;memory configured to store the data relating to the use of the tool; anda battery configured to power the microprocessor and the memory; receiving the RF signal with an RFID reader coupled to a collar, the collar being removably coupled to the tool; transmitting a first alert signal from the RFID reader to a communication device coupled to the collar when the RFID reader fails to receive the RF signal, the first alert signal indicating that the collar has been de-coupled from the tool; transmitting the data relating to the use of the tool to the active RFID tag via a sensor coupled to or integral with the active RFID tag; transmitting a monitor signal from the communication device to a monitor; and transmitting an indirect distributor signal from the monitor to a distributor of the tool, the indirect distributor signal indicative of the time the collar was de-coupled from the tool.