Key information

Title: NFC Tag and NFC reader device for detecting an Point of Interest, PoI
Application number: 20190409
Case type: National
Status: 15.06.2020 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed: 26.03.2019
Effective date: 26.03.2019
Publicly available: 15.06.2020
Next annual fee due: 31.03.2027
Applicant: EASYZEEK AS (NO)
Owner: EASYZEEK AS (NO)
Inventor: Kyrre Tangen (NO)
Agent: ZACCO NORWAY AS (NO)
Granted: 15.06.2020
Patent number: 344884
Expiry date: 26.03.2039

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

Device, system and method wherein a NFC reader device and NFC tag device is provided for detecting a hidden point of interest, the NFC tag device comprise an antenna, a processing unit, and a metal element arranged 5 around the NFC tag antenna; the NFC reader device comprise a power source, an antenna, a processing unit and three or more magnetic flux detectors.

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Date

Date	Doc. No.	Process	Case number	In/Out	Journal description	To/from
17.06.2020	05-01	Saksbehandling	20190409	UT	PT Registreringsbrev Nasjonal Patent (15) (PT20190409)
17.04.2020	04-01	Saksbehandling	20190409	UT	PT Meddelelse om patent	ZACCO NORWAY AS
20.03.2020	03-04	Saksbehandling	20190409	INN	Beskrivelse	ZACCO NORWAY AS
20.03.2020	03-03	Saksbehandling	20190409	INN	Krav	ZACCO NORWAY AS
20.03.2020	03-02	Saksbehandling	20190409	INN	Hovedbrev	ZACCO NORWAY AS
20.03.2020	03-01	Saksbehandling	20190409	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	ZACCO NORWAY AS
25.10.2019	02-02	Saksbehandling	20190409	UT	PT_report 08:48:47
25.10.2019	02-01	Saksbehandling	20190409	UT	Realitet patent	ZACCO NORWAY AS
26.03.2019	01-07	Saksbehandling	20190409	INN	P61900432NO00_Figures FINAL	ZACCO NORWAY AS
26.03.2019	01-06	Saksbehandling	20190409	INN	Sammendrag	ZACCO NORWAY AS
26.03.2019	01-05	Saksbehandling	20190409	INN	Krav	ZACCO NORWAY AS
26.03.2019	01-04	Saksbehandling	20190409	INN	Beskrivelse	ZACCO NORWAY AS
26.03.2019	01-03	Saksbehandling	20190409	INN	Overdragelsesdokument	ZACCO NORWAY AS
26.03.2019	01-02	Saksbehandling	20190409	INN	Fullmakt	ZACCO NORWAY AS
26.03.2019	01-01	Saksbehandling	20190409	INN	Søknadsskjema Patent	ZACCO NORWAY AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

Description

TITLE

NFC Tag and NFC reader device for detecting an Point of Interest, PoI.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a transmitter and receiver device, and system, for detection, identification and update status of a hidden point of interest, such as an electrical installation or the like in a building, and a method for achieving this.

BACKGROUND

When building houses and buildings there is a need for a variety of different activities done by for example carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters and the like. All cannot do their job at the same time, and electricians and plumbers must do all work related to hidden elements before for example carpenters close a wall, roof or floor structure with their finishing layers of material. Making sufficient and correct markings of what is behind the wall, roof or floor structure surface is not easy, and often not possible.

It is a problem for electricians and plumbers to locate the exact position of the installation they seek when the surface has been “closed”. Even if specifications and drawings has been updated, it is difficult to achieve an accuracy sufficient to hit target 100% every time when cutting a hole through the surface to reach the underlying construction elements. If fault rate is to be held to a minimum, a lot of resources must be put into the activity of logging and positioning of the points of interest. This is a time consuming and error prone activity which is a challenge in a building process where time and resources are limited.

Electronic sensors based on magnetic field analysis or ultrasound transducer technologies may provide some knowledge of underlying equipment. It is however a problem to achieve reliable information when points of interest lies nearby signal disturbing elements such as power cables, enforced building structures, other points of interest etc.

A further problem in construction is to maintain a correct BIM when work is in progress. Human error is a frequent source of error, and the smallest error or misinterpretation may lead to faulty logging and reports.

In WO 2015/028699 A1 it is provided an extruded profile and a method for retrieving information associated with a panel or panels wherein an extruded profile (100) comprising a near field communication (NFC) tag (200) whereby information related to the extruded profile can be obtained by reading the NFC tag.

In US 7385390 B1 it is shown a blind spot targeting system for establishing a cutting point includes a locator with a housing having an indicator and a signal-sensing device.

In US 2016/0181695 A1 it is shown a near field communication device, and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. The near field communication device includes a receiver configured to convert a received near field signal to an electric signal, a transmitter configured to generate a transmittable near field signal, a dielectric substrate within a housing, an antenna on the dielectric substrate, and a compensating loop within the housing and coupled to the antenna.

Various systems and devices have been developed to provide guidance to find correct location to hidden points of interest. Some are used for electrical cables and junction boxes, some for through holes in walls, and some again for finding gas/water pipes and couplings. Common to most is that these devices require custom made hardware to be incorporated to the installations in question which leads to more expensive hardware and limited choice of vendors. Vendor specific solutions may lead to plurality of systems implemented in the same building, and the need for workmen to be trained and to use equipment for several systems. This is cumbersome, expensive and error prone.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is an aim for the present invention to provide a system, method and device which reduce or eliminate the above discussed problems.

In one embodiment of present invention a passive NFC tag (sticker) is provided as a sticker, for being arranged in center of a point of interest, the point of interest being hidden behind building elements or the like, and may be one of for example electrical junction box, water outlet, gas outlet, plumbing, electrical cabling, and others. Further, an NFC reader device is provided for communicating with the NFC tag, and for sensing and identify a position aligned with the center of the NFC tag.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided a passive NFC tag that may provide a response to a corresponding NFC reader device insensitive to close by magnetic disturbing elements, these elements being for example a steel beam, a high voltage cable, crossing plumbing or nearby points of interest.

A system for detection, handling and reporting a point of interest in a building construction process is provided wherein BIM synchronization is preformed based on identification of Point of interest and action performed. The system comprising communication to remote/cloud based services and data management.

The present invention seek to eliminate some or all of the above described problems by a NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) as defined in independent claim 1, a system for detecting a hidden point of interest as defined in independent claim 12, and a method for detecting a hidden point of interest as defined in independent claim 16. The associated dependent claim define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following brief description of the figures and the following detailed description, wherein:

Fig.1 – NFC tag

Fig.2 - NFC reader device

Fig.3 - NFC reader device, side view

Fig.4 - NFC reader device from below

Fig.5A - NFC reader device with handle from above

Fig.5B – Prototype NFC reader device with handle from above

Fig.6 - NFC reader device with handle from below

Fig.7A – Example of magnetic field with aligned NFC antennas

Fig.7B – Example of non-aligned NFC antennas

Fig.7C – Example of aligned NFC antennas further apart

Fig.7D – Example of aligned close NFC antennas (same as 7A)

Fig.8 – Schematic layout of NFC reader device with sensors

Fig.9A - NFC tag with encircling metal frame

Fig.9B - NFC tag with encircling metal frame, side view

Fig.9C - NFC tag with backing metal layer

Fig.9D – Magnetic fields through backing metal layer

Fig.10 – System overview

Fig.11 – Flow chart identifying PoI and BIM management

Fig.12 – System overview, real-time locating system

In the following description the use of specific terms shall be interpreted widely and at least in the meaning as defined in the following:

NFC tag: is a passive near field communication tag comprising at least an inductor coil circuit, and a processor circuit powered by the inductor coil circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In figure 1 it is illustrated a first embodiment of an NFC tag 1, in the form of a sticker, that may be used in present invention, comprising an NFC tag antenna 2 for generating a current when a magnetic field is applied over the NFC tag antenna 2, a processor unit 4, the processor unit comprising at least a microprocessor and optionally a memory module, and an orbiting metal element 90, preferably circular. The processor unit and memory is powered by the induced current in the NFC tag antenna 2 when a magnetic field is applied over the NFC tag antenna 2. The processor unit 4 may comprise a load circuit to be used for altering the magnetic load of the NFC tag antenna, and thus able to communicate with the device inducing the magnetic field.

Figure 2 illustrates an NFC reader device 20 in a first embodiment viewed from above at an oblique angle. The NFC reader device may comprise indicators 21, such as light diodes, and push button device 22. The push button device may be used for marking a point of interest.

Figure 3 is a side view of the NFC reader device 20, indicating a flat surface of the bottom surface.

Figure 4 illustrates the NFC reader device 20 seen from below, at an oblique angle. In center of the NFC reader device 20 a channel 23 is provided for hosting an indicator device connected to the push button device 22. The indicator device is used for marking the point of interest on a surface.

Figure 5A illustrates a second embodiment of a NFC reader device 50 according to the present invention. An extension to the housing comprising a display 54 is provided for easy display of relevant information is provided in addition to the diodes 21 of the NFC reader device 50. A further feature of the extended housing is to accommodate many of the components of the NFC reader device a certain distance from sensing components being arranged around the center point for marking a center point of a Pol.

Figure 5B illustrates a further embodiment of a NFC reader device 50 according to the present invention, wherein the channel 27 in the center of the NFC reader device 50 is a through channel for receiving a marker/pen/awl from above and passing through the channel 27 such that a mark can be made on the surface under the NFC reader device 50 when a PoI is found.

Figure 6 shows the NFC reader device 50 in the second embodiment from below.

Figure 7A illustrates a magnetic field 73 as being induced by the NFC reader device 20, 50 coil/antenna 51 and being influenced by the NFC tag antenna 2 of the NFC tag.

Figure 7B, 7C, and 7D illustrates how the magnetic field through the antennas 51, 2 of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and the NFC tag 1 at different alignments.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of some of the NFC reader device’s internal components used for creating a magnetic field, and for sensing variations of the magnetic field when aligned with a NFC tag. Sensors, for example magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84, are sensing the strength of the magnetic field. The NFC reader antenna 51 is used both for communication with the NFC tag, but also for providing the magnetic field applied over the inductive coil/antenna of the NFC tag, and thus creating the current in the NFC tag antenna and thereby powering the NFC tag.

Figure 9A illustrated the NFC tag comprising the metal element as a circular orbiting metal element 90.

Figure 9B, 9C and 9D illustrate a further embodiment of the NFC tag according to the present invention, wherein a further backing layer 91 of an inductive field leading material, such as soft ferrites, is attached to a portion of the backside of the NFC tag. The backing layer 91 is typically of a circular ring shape having an inner diameter, equal or less to the inner diameter of the NFC tag antenna coil 2, and an outer diameter, equal to or larger than the NFC tag antenna coil 2. An NFC tag with a backing layer 91 will provide an advantageous design when the NFC tag is to be installed onto or close above an electrical/magnetic conducting material, and will provide a medium for leading the magnetic field 73 being sent from the NFC reader antenna 51 into the NFC tag antenna coil in an evenly distributed manner, making the magnetic field more insensitive of other close by magnetic field disturbing installations. It may be advantageous to arrange an optional distance elements 92, 93 to ensure a space 92’, 93’ between the backing layer 91 and the NFC tag antenna 2 and the metal element 90, such that a uniform behavior of the magnetic field may be obtained even in scenarios where the NFC tag is attached to Pol having a strong magnetic influencing material. The metal element 90 may in this embodiment be substituted by a larger outer diameter of the backing layer 91 to provide insensitiveness of the magnetic field due to installations arranged close to the NFC tag, such as metal beams, pipes, conducting wires etc.

It is in an even further embodiment of the invention provided an NFC tag 1 as described in figure 9A, comprising the NFC tag antenna 2, and the metal element 90 arranged on a thin sticker backing, the sticker having an adhesive material layer on one side enabling the sicker to be ”glued” to a surface. Optionally may the backing layer 91 itself be provided with the spacer element 95 to ensure a space 95’ between the backing layer 91 and the NFC tag antenna 2. The backing layer 91 and the optional spacer element 95 maybe be assembled either as a standalone sticker with an adhesive layer on one side for use in combination with the NFC tag, or as an integrated portion behind the adhesive material layer of the NFC tag 1.

Fig.9D is an illustration of how a magnetic leading backing layer of an NFC tag may influence a magnetic field.

Figure 10 is a schematic drawing of a system according to present invention wherein a Building Information Model, BIM, is used for managing and keeping track of handled Point of Interest, PoI. The BIM may be remote or onsite.

Figure 11 shows a flow diagram of using the NFC reader device and NFC tag to find and effectuate a PoI, including how to integrate the use of a BIM/dB, retrieve information and update.

Figure 12 illustrate how a real-time locating system may be used together with NFC tag and NFC reader device of present invention.

The present invention is described in a first embodiment comprising an NFC tag and an NFC reader device 20. The NFC reader device is defined by a disclosure comprising a device side 24, a device top 25 and a device bottom 26. The disclosure comprise a controlling unit 86, a power source 80 such as a battery, an NFC antenna 51, and one or more sensors 81, 82, 83, 84, such as magnetic flux detector units. Further components may be filters 81’, 82’, 83’, 84’, and/or Analog/Digital Converters (ADC) 81’’, 82’’, 83’’, 84’’, associated with for example respective one or more detectors 81, 82, 83, 84. The controlling unit 86 may also comprise a dedicated NFC reader control unit 85, and further optional components/features of the NFC reader device may be a communicating unit 87 comprising wired 53 and/or wireless 88 communication interfaces, a display 54, one or more switches 52, and connectors 53 for physical interphase to other equipment/chargers.

The communication unit 87 may be provided for communicating with a local and/or remote computer means over wired or wireless communication protocol, remote power source or other. Remote power source may drive the components directly or be attached to charge the battery 80.

Further features comprised in the NFC reader device is indicators 21, for example LED lights, arranged to guide the operator when moving the NFC reader device. The characteristics of the indicators 21 is that the operator shall be able to move the NFC reader device in a position exactly aligned with a point of interest, PoI, the PoI being the center 74 of the NFC tag arranged on the PoI. This is identified by the indicators when NFC reader device is at the correct position.

A further feature of the NFC reader device may be the ability of marking the PoI on the surface under which the PoI is hidden. A marking device may be an assembly comprising for example a push button marker 22, a channel 23 and a marker pen/knife which protrude out of the channel 23 when the push button marker 22 is pushed. Thus, it is able to mark the surface when a PoI is identified by the indicators. Another way to facilitate the marking of a PoI is to provide a through channel 27 in center of the NFC reader device, the through channel being adapted to receive a pen or the like, and the user can mark a center point under the NFC reader device by pushing a pencil or the like through the trough channel 27 and make a marking on the surface under the NFC reader device corresponding to the Pol.

The detectors 81, 82, 83, 84 may be small coils tuned to detect the magnetic flux in a specific position inside the NFC reader device 20, 50 where it is arranged. At least 3 detector units may be arranged symmetrically around the center of the NFC reader device, and the magnetic flux measured in each detector units is compared. When all detectors 81, 82, 83, 84 indicates equal magnetic flux, it is assumed that the PoI is found at a cross section between the detector units. Indicators 21, such as LED lights, may be linked to each detector 81, 82, 83, 84, such that indicator pattern may be linked to the position of the NFC reader device relative the PoI. For example may a LED light 21 be turned on in one color if the corresponding detector 81, 82, 83, 84 detects a weaker magnetic flux than in some of the other detectors 81, 82, 83, 84, and a different color may be turned on in all the LED lights if the detectors 81, 82, 83, 84 detect equal magnetic flux, with the effect that when one or more indicators indicate closeness by being activated, the operator move the NFC reader device in the direction of the inactive indicators until all indicators being active in a correct position mode/color. Different indicator patterns may be implemented to guide the operator.

The detectors 81, 82, 83, 84, which typically comprise magnetic flux sensor coils, is connected to a detector circuit measuring the current induced in the sensor coil by an applied magnetic field. The source of the magnetic field is typically induced by the NFC reader device antenna 51, and the variances in the detected magnetic field is influenced by external inductor devices, such as a receiving coil on an NFC tag, the NFC tag antenna 2.

4 or more detectors may advantageously be used. Using 4 detectors 81, 82, 83, 84 equally spaced around the center of the NFC reader device they would typically be paired diagonally, such that when for example only one detector pair 81, 83 detects equal level, it can be decided that the center point of the line between the detector pair has been found, but the NFC reader device must be moved along the line between the second detector pair 82, 84 to find the exact center point of the NFC tag. When both detector pairs 81, 83, 82, 84 detects equal level the center point 74 of the NFC tag has been found.

The NFC reader device further comprise a communication unit for communicating with a sticker, such as an NFC/RFID sticker, such that when the NFC reader device antenna 51 is activated and an NFC tag is powered up by the magnetic field induced. The activated NFC tag may transmit an activation signal. When powered the NFC tag processing unit 4 may communicate stored data comprising for example an identification number and a status such that the communication unit in the NFC reader device 20, 50 can identify the NFC tag and decide if the process to find the exact localization of the NFC tag can begin. The NFC reader device may also send information to be stored in the NCF tag.

The NFC reader device may further comprise a communication unit 87 for communicating with a remote and/or local computer device. Examples of computer device may be: cloud computer resource, laptop, Tablet, Smart phone, Custom computer, or other.

A local computer device such as a laptop, Tablet, Smart phone, or other, may also communicate with both the NFC reader device, and a cloud computer resource/network computer resource. If the local computer support NFC it can even communicate directly with the NFC tag. Communication between local computer and NFC reader typically is performed over a Bluetooth interface which may be supported by both. Any other wireless, or even wired, communication protocol may be used if supported by both.

Communication between local computer and network/cloud resource is typically supported by communication over internet. Other protocols/media may be chosen if supported by both.

Very often there are a multiple PoI localized close by each other, or construction beams of magnetic material, for example steel beams, or water piping, electrical wiring and other may disturb the magnetic field provided by the NFC reader antenna 51. These disturbances may influence the detector data, and the analysis of these data may thus be erroneous.

The present invention NFC tag comprise a element 90 of a metal material, preferably an encircling ring, uniformly arranged around the NFC tag antenna as illustrated in figure 9A. In order to reduce or eliminate the effect on the magnetic field by disturbing elements close to the PoI, it has been found that a NFC tag designed to comprise element 90 of a metal material as illustrated in figure 9A will influence the magnetic field around the NFC reader antenna in a uniform manner irrespectively of what other magnetically disturbing elements are arranged close by. The uniformity of the encircling ring 90 impacts the magnetic field uniformly and isolates other disturbing elements such that the resulting magnetic field being detectable by the NFC reader device detectors may ignore disturbance from other disturbing elements. Thus, the detector output may be analyzed and an error free detection of exact center point of the NFC tag may be found. The element 90 of a metal material may have other forms with a known impact pattern on the magnetic field, and the NFC reader device detectors and/or the NFC reader microcontroller 86 may be calibrated to account for these other forms when detecting PoI.

In a further embodiment of the NFC tag, a circular ring shaped backing layer 91 of a magnetic field conducting material, such as soft ferrites, is included in the NFC tag, or arranged, aligned between the NFC tag antenna 2 and the surface to which the NFC tag is attached, the magnetic field conducting material of the backing layer 91 at least covering the area of the NFC tag antenna 2 coil. The backing layer 91 provides an even further isolation of the NFC tag towards elements found directly below the NFC tag. For example can the NFC tag be arranged directly on a PoI being constructed of a metal material of a form not known. This will influence the magnetic field induced by the NFC reader device in an unknown manner, with the effect that the detectors in the NFC reader device may show a faulty result. The backing layer 91 will act as a transfer medium for the magnetic flux under the NFC tag, and other materials below the backing layer 91 will not have any, or ignorable, impact on the resulting magnetic field.

The NFC tag antenna 2, processing unit 4, the metal element 90 and optionally the backing layer 91 are arranged on a thin sticker backing wherein the total height of the sticker and the arranged components is less than 4 mm, or even less than 3 mm, or even less than 2 mm.

The NFC tag 1 comprises a NFC tag antenna 2 for generating a current from an induced inductive field 73 created by a NFC reader device antenna 51. The NFC reader antenna 51 being arranged in the NFC reader device.

The NFC tag 1 according to present invention further comprise a processing unit 4 and an antenna 2 for communicating with the NFC reader device 20, 50.

The NFC tag of present invention is such that it is designed as a thin sticker with adhesive properties, for example the underside of the sticker may be covered by a layer of adhesive material being able to “glue” the sticker to a surface when pressed onto it. The integrated circuit may comprise memory being programmable on site by the NFC reader device or other handheld computer devices, for example a smart phone. The NFC tag may also be preprogrammed with data related to a PoI it is intended to be used. Data can include information such as, details of PoI, installation guide, wiring diagram, tool requirements, fabrication, type, serial number, BIM reference, web site address, and other.

The programmable NFC tag may thus be attached, centered, to a PoI during installation in for example the wall structures of a house, given a unique id, and linked to a predefined PoI type in a BIM or other building management system. When the wall is later closed, by for example a carpenter installing wall panels over the PoI, the exact position of the PoI is hidden from view. Exact localization of the PoI might be a difficult task, but a NFC reader device according to present invention may be used to localize the PoI.

The present invention in the first embodiment use the resulting magnetic field induced by the NFC reader antenna 51, and the magnetic field 73 being influenced by the NFC tag antenna 2, in such a way that the magnetic field is not uniform around the NFC reader antenna 51 unless the NFC tag antenna 2 is directly in line with the transmitter coil as illustrated in figure 7A.

Typically an operator decides, alternatively programs the device to, which PoI is to be found. This can be found according to Blueprints or general markings/building regulations and practice, or found in a SW tool for a BIM system or the like. Once the NFC reader device is activated it will start inducing a magnetic field by the NFC reader antenna. Once an NFC tag antenna in an NFC tag is close enough to generate enough power to transmit an identity to the NFC reader device, the NFC reader device will analyze if the transmitting NFC tag is the one being looked for. If so, information about the NFC tag may be received, analyzed and displayed. If the NFC reader device comprise a display 54 as illustrated in figure 5A and figure 5B, this may be used to display relevant information receive from, or linked to by, the NFC tag, and if a network connected device 100, such as a smart phone, is communicating with the NFC tag and/or the NFC reader device, the network connected device 100 may receive an Url/Web page address transmitted from the NFC tag, to display the identified homepage, either on a supported display, or if comprised the NFC reader display 54.

When an NFC tag is localized, but information stored and transmitted from the NFC tag is limited, a further feature of the NFC reader device according to the present invention may be to comprise a GPS or RTLS tracking module which can identify the exact position of the NFC reader device. The GPS/RTLS position may be used as a lookup identity in a BIM model, and thus identify which PoI is found by comparing which PoI is register on the exact same GPS/RTLS position in the BIM model. Information retrieved from the BIM model may then be displayed on the display 54 on the NFC reader device 50. If the NFC reader device 50 is communicating with a network connected device 100 , such as a smart phone, which comprise a GPS/RTLS tracking module, the NFC reader device 50 may take advantage of the GPS/RTLS module on the attached network connected device 100 to retrieve correct GPS/RTLS position, and also alternatively use the network connected device 100 for communicating with a BIM model in a remote network connected site. By enabling the NFC reader device 50 to communicate with a network connected device 100, such as a smart phone, the NFC reader device 50 may be constructed a lot less complicated, and features such as: dialog with BIM model services, connection to remote or cloud based services, display and operator input, retrieval and input of information, may be performed by the network connected device 100. In the case a smart phone is used as network connected device 100, features may be constructed and downloaded as an app for the services required. Communication between a network connected device 100 and the NFC reader device 20, 50 may be performed using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other standard communication protocols. Corresponding communication modules may be comprised in the NFC reader device 20, 50 of the present invention.

The NFC reader device 20, 50 may find the exact location of the NFC tag by transmitting the magnetic field by the NFC reader antenna 51 simultaneously to activating the sensors, for example magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84, and the variances in the detected magnetic field over the detectors will be analyzed and used to guide the operator to correct position of Pol.

BIM CONNECTION; Status report directly into the BIM model as exemplified in figure 11. Typically will a cloud/network service be provided to comprise a BIM service. The BIM may also be supported by local computing resources.

A connection to BIM models opens a possibility of status reporting of equipment and processes. If a wall mounted installation box with the NFC tags is to be integrated. The person performing the installation can detect the installation box using a BIM program installed on a network connected device 100, such as a tablet or smart phone, the network connected device 100 may comprise an NFC module and use this to communicate directly with the NFC tag, or an NFC reader device as discussed above is used to communicate both with the network connected device 100 and the NFC tag, as well as identifying exact center point of PoI if necessary. Communication with a BIM may be performed before, under and after action or communication with the NFC tag of PoI is performed. After assembly the installer may mark the installation box as “box installed” in the BIM program which may update the BIM model, which again may show for example the carpenters on the project when the wall is ready to close. When the wall is closed, the installation box may be found using the NFC reader device 20, 50 and the wall can be opened in the exact correct spot for equipment to be installed into the installation box. After handling the installer may use the connection to the BIM program from the network connected device 100 to update the BIM model, for example by marking it as “equipment installed”. The BIM program may communicate with the transmitter 20, 50 over a dedicated communication protocol, for example Bluetooth, or it may fetch information directly from the NFC tag if it still is intact in the installation box. This time it may give for example electricians an overview of when the circuit is complete and ready for final inspection. The results of the final inspection can then be entered in the BIM model and used for further actions.

Figure 11 illustrates the following activities where an exact center position of a PoI marked by a unique NFC tag: Firstly the NFC reader device is initiated and activated 101. The operator or NFC reader device communicates with the BIM service to check which PoI is to be found/handled. A BIM may have position information for example in the form of either from a construction drawing/room plan/other, RTLS coordinates or GPS coordinates. NFC reader device is put in search mode 102, and will indicate 103 when a NFC tag is found nearby. If the NFC tag is not correct 104 the operator must search for new NFC tag. If correct 104 NFC tag is found the operator starts to search for the center point 105 of the found NFC tag. When center is found 106 this is identified by a predefined indicator pattern, for example light diodes all light up at same level and color. The center point of the PoI may then be marked 107 on the surface being searched. Communication to the BIM 108 may then update the PoI entry in the BIM according to the action being performed.

RTLS; Real-time locating system

This use example is illustrated in figure 12, and by combining indoor position from an RTLS with data from the detected NFC tag, this data may be compared to what is projected in the BIM model. If there is a match between the detected and the projected data, the detected PoI is identified and after completing work the status may be changed from, for example, “not installed” to “installed” in the BIM model. RTLS may be comprised in a network connected device 100, such as a tablet or smart phone. It may also be an option to combine or substitute RTLS with GPS data, in the BIM and/or the a mobile computing device. A mobile device application , APP, may convert GPS coordinates to fit a system comprising custom RTLS coordinates.

It is also within the scope of the invention to provide a NFC reader device 20, 50 that may comprise one or both of network connected communication unit having a BIM program installed, and a realtime locating system being able to for example retrieve an indoor GPS position.

The present invention may be used to mark PoI and track activities and aid maintenance workers in a wide variety of Facility Management, Operation, and Maintenance. For example may maintenance audits be guided by installed unique NFC tags according to present invention be used to mark individual check points, and a network connected check lists and/or service logs/history may be consulted/updated according to performed action.

It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide an automated interface between a network service maintaining a BIM, a work plan, a service plan or the like, and a work robot comprising an NFC reader device as discussed above. For example may a drilling robot receive from a network connected BIM application a location of an electrical junction box presently hidden behind a wall having a unique NFC tag according to present invention attached. The drilling robot may navigate to an approximate location, and initiate the NFC reader device to find the exact position of the PoI. The indicators 21 of the NFC reader device will in this embodiment be signaling indicators readable by the drilling robot. When center point is identified, the drilling robot can drill the hole according to the specification identified by the unique NFC tag. When operation is finished, the BIM, work plan, service plan or the like can be updated accordingly.

A further use of the NFC tag 1, the NFC reader device 20, 50, and optionally a network connected BIM service, is to mark and identify PoI that identifies points, levels, stretches between two NFC tags, entire sections of constructions, and other as critical/important. For example can this mark an area not to be drilled in because of presence of gas pipes, electrical conducting cabling, fiber optics, water pipes, important construction details not to be corrupted and others.

A further feature of the NFC tag 1 is to program the NFC tag as a relative PoI, for one or more concrete Pols. For example where there is no possibilities to attach an NFC tag on the Pol, but possible 20 cm to the left of the actual Pol, the NCF tag can be programmed with a relative displacement of right 0,2 m, and this information will typically be displayed on the display 54 of the NFC reader when relative PoI is located over the NFC tag 1.

An NFC tag 1may also be used as a “hub” Pol, the NFC tag being programmed to identify more than one actual Pol being located relative the NFC tag. For example can a one NFC tag comprise the information of relative distance to nearest electrical junction box, and relative distance to nearest cold water outlet, and relative distance to nearest warm water outlet.

The embodiments and variations described herein is examples of the invention and its use, and shall not be limiting the usage and technical features of the invention, as the different features may be used in any combination or even substituted with other feature providing the same technical effect described. It is the attached claims that define the protection scope.

The present invention may further be described by the following embodiments:

A first device embodiment comprising an NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 for detecting a hidden point of interest,

the NFC tag device 1 comprise an antenna 2,

a processing unit 4, and

a metal element 90 arranged around the NFC tag antenna 2;

the NFC reader device 20, 50 comprise a power source 80, an antenna 51, a processing unit 86 and three or more magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84.

A second device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to the first device embodiment, wherein the components in the NFC tag device are arranged on a sticker surface comprising an adhesive surface on its underside.

A third device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to the first or second device embodiment, wherein the metal element 90 is an encircling ring uniformly arranged around the NFC tag antenna 2.

A fourth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to any one of the first to third device embodiment, wherein a further circular ring shape layer 91 of an inductive field leading material is attached to the backside of the NFC tag device 1.

A fifth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to the fourth device embodiment, further comprising distance element 92, 93, 95 to ensure a space 92’, 93’, 95’ between the further layer 91 of an inductive field leading material and the NFC tag antenna 2 and the metal element 90.

A sixth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to the fourth or fifth device embodiment, wherein the inductive field leading material of the further circular ring shape layer 91 is soft ferrites.

A seventh device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to any one of the first to sixth device embodiment, wherein the total height of the sticker and the arranged components is less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm.

An eighth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to any one of the first to seventh device embodiment, wherein the processing unit in the NFC reader device comprise a comparator unit for comparing the magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84.

A ninth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to the eighth device embodiment, wherein NFC reader device further comprise a plurality of indicators 21 and the processing unit controlling the indicators.

A tenth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to the ninth device embodiment, wherein the indicators are controlled to indicate a result, according to a predefined pattern, of the compared magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors.

An eleventh device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to the tenth device embodiment, wherein the indicators uniquely identifies a situation wherein the magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors are equal.

A first system embodiment comprising a system for detecting a hidden point of interest, the system comprising an NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to any one of the first to eleventh device embodiment, a network connected device 100 and a network connected computing resource.

A second system embodiment for detecting a hidden point of interest according to the first system embodiment, wherein the network connected device 100 is one of a computer, a smart phone , a tablet or a custom made network connected device.

A third system embodiment for detecting a hidden point of interest according to the first or second system embodiment, wherein the network connected device 100 comprise a communication module with support for a first communication protocol for communicating wired or wireless with the NFC reader device 20, 50, and with support for a second communication protocol for communicating wired or wireless with the network connected computing resource.

A fourth system embodiment for detecting a hidden point of interest according to any one of the first to third system embodiment, wherein network connected computing resource comprise a BIM service, and the network connected device 100 or the NFC reader device 20, 50 comprise a navigation application, the navigation application being one of GPS- or RTLS- tracking module.

A first method embodiment comprising a method for detecting a hidden point of interest, wherein the method comprising the steps:

- installing an NFC tag 1 as defined in one of the first to seventh device embodiment, - generating a magnetic field 73 by activating an antenna 51 of an NFC reader 20, 50 as described in any one of the first to eleventh device embodiment,

- measuring differences in the three or more magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84 resulting from the magnetic field 73 being influenced by the NFC tag antenna 2, - indicating by displaying a predefined pattern in the plurality of indicators 21 of the result of the compared magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84.

A second method embodiment according to the first method embodiment, wherein the NFC reader 20, 50 prior to activating the antenna 51, communicates with a network connected device 100 to receive an identification of a preprogrammed NFC tag 1, and the method further comprise to:

after generating a magnetic field 73 by activating the antenna 51: detect and measuring differences in the three or more magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84 resulting from the magnetic field 73 being influenced by the NFC tag antenna 2 only when correct NFC tag is identified.

A third method embodiment according to the first or second method embodiment, the network connected device 100 communicating with a network based BIM system and the NFC tag1 to communicate NFC tag parameters and data between the BIM system and the NFC tag 1.

Claims

1. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) for detecting a hidden point of interest,

the NFC tag device (1) comprise an antenna (2),

a processing unit (4), and

a metal element (90) arranged around the NFC tag antenna (2);

the NFC reader device (20, 50) comprise a power source (80), an antenna (51), a processing unit (86) and three or more magnetic flux detectors (81, 82, 83, 84).

2. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1 )according to claim 1, wherein the components in the NFC tag device are arranged on a sticker surface comprising an adhesive surface on its underside.

3. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the metal element (90) is an encircling ring uniformly arranged around the NFC tag antenna (2).

4. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein a further circular ring shape layer (91) of an inductive field leading material is attached to the backside of the NFC tag device (1).

5. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to claim 4, further comprising distance element (92, 93, 95) to ensure a space (92’, 93’, 95’) between the further layer (91) of an inductive field leading material and the NFC tag antenna (2) and the metal element (90) .

6. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the inductive field leading material of the further circular ring shape layer (91 is soft ferrites.

7. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to any one of claim 1 to 6, wherein the total height of the sticker and the arranged components is less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm.

8. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according any one of claim 1 to 7, wherein the processing unit in the NFC reader device comprise a comparator unit for comparing the magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors (81, 82, 83, 84).

9. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to claim 8, wherein NFC reader device further comprise a plurality of indicators (21) and the processing unit controlling the indicators.

10. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the indicators are controlled to indicate a result, according to a predefined pattern, of the compared magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors.

11. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the indicators uniquely identifies a situation wherein the magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors are equal.

12. System for detecting a hidden point of interest, the system comprising an NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to any one of claim 1 to 11, a network connected device (100) and a network connected computing resource.

13. System for detecting a hidden point of interest according to claim 12, wherein the network connected device (100) is one of a computer, a smart phone , a tablet or a custom made network connected device.

14. System for detecting a hidden point of interest according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the network connected device (100) comprise a communication module with support for a first communication protocol for communicating wired or wireless with the NFC reader device (20, 50), and with support for a second communication protocol for communicating wired or wireless with the network connected computing resource.

15. System for detecting a hidden point of interest according to any one of claim 12 to 14, wherein network connected computing resource comprise a BIM service, and the network connected device (100) or the NFC reader device (20, 50) comprise a navigation application, the navigation application being one of GPS- or RTLS- tracking module.

16. Method for detecting a hidden point of interest, wherein the method comprising the steps:

- installing an NFC tag (1) as defined in one of claims 1 to 7,

- generating a magnetic field (73) by activating an antenna (51) of an NFC reader (20, 50) as described in any one of claims 1 to 11,

- measuring differences in the three or more magnetic flux detectors (81, 82, 83, 84) resulting from the magnetic field (73) being influenced by the NFC tag antenna (2), - indicating by displaying a predefined pattern in the plurality of indicators (21) of the result of the compared magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors (81, 82, 83, 84).

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the NFC reader (20, 50) prior to activating the antenna (51), communicates with a network connected device (100) to receive an identification of a preprogrammed NFC tag (1), and the method further comprise to:

after generating a magnetic field (73) by activating the antenna (51):

detect and measuring differences in the three or more magnetic flux detectors (81, 82, 83, 84) resulting from the magnetic field (73) being influenced by the NFC tag antenna (2) only when correct NFC tag is identified.

18. Method according to claim 16 or 17, the network connected device (100) communicating with a network based BIM system and the NFC tag (1) to communicate NFC tag parameters and data between the BIM system and the NFC tag (1).

PATENTKRAV

1. NFC-leserenhet (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) for å oppdage et skjult interessepunkt, NFC-tag anordning (1) omfatter en antenne (2),

en behandlingsenhet (4), og

et metallelement (90) anordnet rundt NFC-tag antennen (2);

NFC-leserenheten (20, 50) omfatter en strømkilde (80), en antenne (51), en prosesseringsenhet (86) og tre eller flere magnetiske fluksdetektorer (81, 82, 83, 84).

2. NFC-leserinnretning (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) ifølge krav 1, hvor komponentene i NFC-tag anordningen er anordnet på en overflate av et merke med en på undersiden klebende overflate.

3. NFC-leserenhet (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) ifølge krav 1 eller 2, hvor metallelementet (90) er en omkringliggende ring som er ensartet anordnet rundt NFC-tag antennen (2).

4. NFC-leserenhet (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) ifølge et av kravene 1 til 3, hvor et ytterligere sirkulært ringformlag (91) av et induktivt feltførende materiale er festet til baksiden av NFC-tag anordningen (1).

5. NFC-leserenhet (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) ifølge krav 4, videre omfattende avstandselement (92, 93, 95) for å sikre et mellomrom (92 ', 93', 95 ') mellom det ytterligere laget (91) av et induktivt feltførende materiale og NFC-tag antennen (2) og metallelementet (90).

6. NFC-leseanordning (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) ifølge krav 4 eller 5, hvori det induktive feltførende materialet i det ytterligere sirkulære ringformede laget (91) er myke ferritter.

7. NFC-leserenhet (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1 til 6, hvor den totale høyden på merket og de anodnede komponentene er mindre enn 4 mm, eller mindre enn 3 mm, eller mindre enn 2 mm.

8. NFC-leserenhet (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1 til 7, hvori behandlingsenheten i NFC-leserenheten omfatter en komparatorenhet for å sammenligne magnetisk fluks detektert i de tre eller flere magnetiske fluksdetektorer (81, 82, 83, 84).

9. NFC-leserenhet (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) ifølge krav 8, hvor NFC-leserenheten videre omfatter et antall indikatorer (21) og behandlingsenheten som kontrollerer indikatorene.

10. NFC-leserenhet (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) ifølge krav 9, hvori indikatorene er kontrollert for å indikere et resultat, i henhold til et forhåndsdefinert mønster, av den sammenlignede magnetiske fluks detektert i de tre eller flere magnetiske fluksdetektorer.

11. NFC-leserenhet (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) ifølge krav 10, hvor indikatorene på en unik måte identifiserer en situasjon hvor magnetisk fluks detektert i de tre eller flere magnetiske fluksdetektorene er like.

12. System for å oppdage et skjult interessepunkt, k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at systemet omfatter en NFC-leserenhet (20, 50) og NFC-tag anordning (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1 til 11, en nettverkstilkoblet enhet (100) og et nettverk tilkoblet dataressurs.

13. System for å detektere et skjult interessepunkt ifølge krav 12, hvor den nettverkstilkoblede enheten (100) er en av en datamaskin, en smarttelefon, et nettbrett eller en spesialtilpasset nettverkstilkoblet enhet.

14. System for å detektere et skjult interessepunkt ifølge krav 12 eller 13, hvor den nettverkstilkoblede enheten (100) omfatter en kommunikasjonsmodul med støtte for en første kommunikasjonsprotokoll for kommunikasjon av kablet eller trådløs med NFC-leserenheten (20, 50), og med støtte for en andre kommunikasjonsprotokoll for kablet eller trådløs kommunikasjon med den nettverkstilkoblede databehandlingsressursen.

15. System for å detektere et skjult interessepunkt ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 12 til 14, hvor den nettverkstilkoblet databehandlingsressursen omfatter en BIM-tjeneste, og den nettverkstilkoblede enheten (100) eller NFC-leserenheten (20, 50) omfatter en navigasjonsapplikasjon, der navigasjonsapplikasjonen er en av en GPS- eller RTLS-sporingsmodul.

16. Fremgangsmåte for å oppdage et skjult interessepunkt, hvor fremgangsmåten omfatter trinnene:

- installere en NFC-kode (1) som definert i ett av kravene 1 til 7,

- å generere et magnetfelt (73) ved å aktivere en antenne (51) til en NFC-leser (20, 50) som beskrevet i hvilket som helst av kravene 1 til 11,

- måling av forskjeller i de tre eller flere magnetiske fluksdetektorene (81, 82, 83, 84) som følge av at magnetfeltet (73) er påvirket av NFC-tag antennen (2), og

- indikere ved å vise et forhåndsdefinert mønster i antall indikatorer (21) for resultatet av den sammenlignede magnetiske fluks detektert i de tre eller flere magnetiske fluksdetektorene (81, 82, 83, 84).

17. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 16, karakterisert ved at NFC-leseren (20, 50) før aktivering av antennen (51) kommuniserer med en nettverkstilkoblet enhet (100) for å motta en identifikasjon av en forhåndsprogrammert NFC-tag anordning (1), og fremgangsmåten videre omfatter:

- etter å ha generert et magnetfelt (73) ved å aktivere antennen (51):

- oppdage og måle forskjeller i de tre eller flere magnetiske fluksdetektorene (81, 82, 83, 84) som følge av at magnetfeltet (73) bare er påvirket av NFC-tag antennen (2) når riktig NFC-kode er identifisert.

18. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 16 eller 17, hvor den nettverkstilkoblede enheten (100) kommuniserer med et nettverksbasert BIM-system og NFC-tag anordning (1) for å kommunisere NFC-tag parametere og data mellom BIM-systemet og NFC-tag anordning (1).

Drawings

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classes

H04B 5/00

G01R 33/02

G06K 19/077

H04W 4/80

H02G 3/12

G01B 7/00

G01V 3/08

CPC classes

H04B 5/0056

H04B 5/0043

G01R 33/02

G06K 19/07749

H04W 4/80

H02G 3/12

G01B 7/003

G01V 3/081

Citations

WO 2015028699 A1 (A1)

US 7385390 B1 (B1)

US 2016181695 A1 (A1)

EP 1758221 A1 (A1)

US 2017256927 A1 (A1)

US 2017153350 A1 (A1)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners

EASYZEEK AS

Trolldalen 6A

1676 KRÅKERØY

NO (FREDRIKSTAD Municipality, Østfold county)

Org. number: 921052235

Inventors

Kyrre Tangen

Valhalls gate 13b

1608 FREDRIKSTAD

NO (FREDRIKSTAD Municipality, Østfold county)

Agent

ZACCO NORWAY AS

Postboks 488

0213 OSLO

NO (OSLO Municipality, Oslo county)

Org. number: 982702887

Reference: P61900432NO00

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