Building element, and method and system for manufacturing a building element

Abstract

Building element, comprising a basic body (1) provided with at least three RFID tags (2) arranged in mutually different positions. The invention further provides a method for manufacturing a building element, comprising: integrating at least three first RFID tags in a basic body (1), in mutually different positions. In addition, the invention provides a system for manufacturing or processing a building element, comprising at least an assembly structure (10), configured for supporting a basic body (1) which comprises first RFID tags (2), wherein the assembly structure (10) is associated with a respective RFID tag reader (20), wherein the system comprises a digital data processor (G) which is configured to cooperate with the RFID tag reader for, during use, determining the positions of the first RFID tags (2) relative to the assembly structure (10).

Description

[0001] Title: Building element, and method and system for manufacturing a building element

[0002] The invention relates to a building element. In addition, the invention provides a method and system for the manufacture of a building element.

[0003] Building elements are known per se in diverse variants, and can comprise, for example, wall parts, wall elements, ceiling elements, floor elements, roof elements, and / or the like. The building element may be used, for instance, to construct a building, for example a house, office, apartment complex, factory building, or the like. A building element may comprise, for example, a prefab building element or module, of relatively large size (e.g., several meters in length and in height), for example, a plate-shaped element (e.g., having a rectangular or square shape, seen in a front view). In particular, the building element is a bearing construction element, comprising, for example, a rigid frame or the like, and / or an element substantially consisting of - under normal load - undeformable material. The building element may, for instance, comprise a cast building element.

[0004] Preferably, the building element is a modular building element. Such a building element can include, for example, one or more parts that can furnish building functionality, for example, one or more parts that are embedded in the building element and / or are fixed to the building element during the assembly of that building element. Such a modular building element can include, for example, one or more ducts (e.g., for passage of gas, liquid, wastewater or sewage water, or the like), cabling (e.g., for an electricity network or computer network), one or more parts of a heatdistribution grid and / or air conditioning system, one or more sensors (e.g., one or more smoke sensors, fire detection means, one or more temperature sensors, one or more motion detectors, and / or the like). Alternatively or additionally, the modular building element may be provided with one or more relatively large passages (e.g., having a width of at least 0.5 m), for example, a door opening, window opening, floor opening, roof passage, and the like. The building element, provided with those one or more functional parts, can, after assembly, be brought to an end location for the construction of the building.

[0005] A building usually consists of a great number of the building elements mentioned. Thus, one or more floors of the building can be composed from a series of the building elements (i.e., from suitable floor elements). One or more walls of the building (e.g., an inner wall or an outer wall) can be composed from a series of the building elements (i.e., from suitable wall elements). One or more ceilings and / or roofs of the building can be composed from a series of the building elements (i.e., from suitable ceiling or roof elements). In such cases, the building elements can be placed by ends thereof against each other (e.g., on each other and / or next to each other), and be fixed in a final position, to form, for example, one or more walls (e.g., one or more sidewalls), one or more floors, one or more ceilings and / or one or more roof parts.

[0006] During construction, it may be desired to arrange specific building elements at specific building locations, and in predetermined orientations, for instance when relatively complex building elements are used. This may for instance be the case when modular elements are used that contain respective functional parts / components, for instance functional parts that are to be aligned with each other, that are to be coupled to each other during construction, and / or that are to cooperate with each other during use of the building. In addition, a desired final location and orientation of the building element in a building to be constructed may depend on a specific design of that building, for instance a design that uses mutually different building elements. Such building elements may for instance differ mutually in shape, dimensions, color, material, and / or a combination of these or other building element properties. In the case of relatively complex buildings, placing a supplied building element in the right position, and in the right orientation, can be time consuming. For instance, already during the transport phase it can be difficult to determine which building element is to be brought (moved) to which building end location. When the building element has reached a desired end location, it may be difficult to determine a build-in orientation thereof. These difficulties can easily give rise to building faults (where a building element has been arranged in a building in the wrong position and / or in a wrong orientation).

[0007] In addition, the fabrication of the building element may run up against problems, in particular when the building element is to undergo different assembly steps in succession. It may then be necessary to carry out a particular processing operation in an accurate manner, in a specific position of the building element, and / or to arrange one or more functional elements in a specific position (and specific orientation) in or on the building element. If, in succession, several processing operations are to be carried out on the building element to be formed, for instance in different processing stations, the risk of faults is extra high.

[0008] The publication “RFID Tag Antenna-Based Sensing for Pervasive Surface Crack Detection”, Kalansuriya et al., IEEE Sensors Journal Vol. 13 No 5, May 2023, relates to detection of surface cracks in concrete building elements. To this end, according to the pubheation, a 2-D grid of RFID sensors is applied to the building element.

[0009] US20 11 / 0027520 describes application of RFID tags to floor elements, for the purpose of position determination by robot vehicles.

[0010] The present invention contemplates the provision of a solution to the above-mentioned problems. In particular, the invention contemplates the provision of an improved building element, for instance for the efficient construction of a building, whereby building faults can be counteracted. Further, the invention contemplates an improvement of the manufacture of a building element, whereby production faults can be reduced or prevented.

[0011] According to an aspect of the invention, to that end, a building element is characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0012] Advantageously, a building element comprises a basic body provided with at least three RFID tags arranged in mutually different positions.

[0013] By providing the basic body with at least three RFID (radio frequency identification) tags, in different positions and preferably at a relatively large distance from each other, an orientation (position) of the respective building element can be relatively simply determined using a suitable RFID reader. This is advantageous during mounting of the building element, for instance during the building of a structure (e.g., a building) that is to be provided with a number of such building elements that are to be arranged in predetermined orientations, since the integrated RFID tags, during final mounting, can be read out to determine the orientation (and, if necessary, to change it if it appears that the building element is not in a desired final orientation).

[0014] Preferably, the at least three RFID tags are each embedded in the building element, and, for instance, concealed in the building element in a manner so as to be invisible from an environment. One or more of the RFID tags may for instance be encapsulated, for instance cast-in, in the basic body. Additionally or alternatively, one or more RFID tags may be arranged on the basic body, and then be screened off from an environment under one or more covering layers, coatings, or the like. In any case, the configuration of the basic body is preferably such that an embedded RFID tag can be read out from an environment by a suitable RFID reader.

[0015] Different kinds of RFID tags can be applied, for example passive tags which do not themselves contain any power and can be activated and read out under the influence of a suitable RFID reader. Cooperation between RFID tag and RFID reader is generally known, and makes use of wireless data transfer (in particular of information stored on the RFID tags) to the RFID reader via an electromagnetic field or suitable signals on one or more predetermined radio frequencies. Each RFID tag usually contains a digital memory to store information to be read out, and transmitting means with an antenna to send the information to the RFID reader. The reader comprises, for example, communication means (in particular a transceiver, decoder and antenna) for communication with the RFID tag, and to receive the information from the RFID tag and, for instance, to show it to a user (e.g., via a display of the reader, or a display to be coupled to the reader).

[0016] Preferably, each RFID tag of the building element contains unique identification information which can be read out by a suitable RFID reader. The identification information can comprise, for example, a number, alphanumeric code or other information.

[0017] According to a further elaboration, the information readable from the RFID tag is related to the respective building element, for instance for identification of that building element. According to a further elaboration, this information comprises a unique code, for instance a code or number that is linked to a predetermined BIM (Building Information Model) model or production drawing of a construction to be built, or a code number that is available in such a BIM model or production drawing.

[0018] According to a further elaboration, the identification information concerns a specific orientation of the respective building element (e.g., an orientation that corresponds to a desired mounting final position: ‘top’, ‘bottom’, ‘left’, ‘right’, ‘front’, ‘rear’, ‘north’, ‘east’, ‘south’, ‘west’ and / or a combination thereof or the like). It is then preferred that different RFID tags of the building element indicate mutually different orientations. In particular, a first RFID tag of the building element may contain predetermined identification information to indicate a first building element orientation. A second RFID tag of the building element may contain predetermined identification information to indicate a second building element orientation (with the second building element orientation differing from the first building element orientation). A third RFID tag of the building element may contain predetermined identification information to indicate a third building element orientation (with the third building element orientation differing from both the first and the second building element orientation).

[0019] According to a further elaboration, the identification information concerns a specific orientation of a desired building element production position (e.g., an orientation that corresponds to a desired production position during placement in a processing station: ‘top’, ‘bottom’, ‘left’, ‘right’, ‘front’, ‘rear’, ‘north’, ‘east’, ‘south’, ‘west’ and / or a combination thereof, or the like). Such information can be used to position the building element in a processing station in a desired manner, and / or for verification of the position, during a respective processing step. Further, the at least three RFID tags can be used during the production process to accurately determine a position of the respective building element, for instance by using trilateration.

[0020] According to a further elaboration, the information readable from the RFID tag is related to a part or section of a construction to be built with the respective building element, for instance for identification of a space, chamber or part of that construction where the building element is to be mounted.

[0021] Good results can be achieved if the positions of the RFID tags define a polygon, for example a triangle, seen in a top plan view of the building element. Thus, a polygon defined by the RFID tags may for instance be defined by a respective number of angles, which are each in the range of 10 - 170 degrees. Further, the invention provides a method for manufacturing a building element, for example a building element according to the invention, the method comprising:

[0022] -integrating at least three first RFID tags in a basic body, in mutually different positions.

[0023] In this manner, above-mentioned advantages can be achieved. Manufacturing of the building element is preferably carried out in a production location, which, in particular, is at a distance (i.e., is separate) from a final destination of the building element, for instance a building location of a building which the building element is to be a part of. In that case, the building element is preferably moved (i.e., removed) from a production location, at least, after the integration of the at least three first RFID tags in the basic body.

[0024] An aspect of the invention provides a system for manufacturing a building element, for instance for use in a method according to the invention, the system comprising at least an assembly structure, configured for supporting a basic body that comprises first RFID tags, wherein the assembly structure is associated with a respective RFID tag reader, wherein the system comprises a digital data processor which is configured to cooperate with the RFID tag reader for, during use, determining the positions of said first RFID tags relative to the assembly structure.

[0025] The system can manufacture building elements efficiently, whereby the chance of construction faults can be reduced. In particular, the RFID tag reader can be used to align the building element in a suitable manner relative to the assembly structure, for instance relative to one or more second RFID tags of that assembly structure (if present). Note that the assembly structure may for instance be configured to form the basic body as such. The basic body can comprise a cast structure (in which case the assembly structure can comprise a casting mold for forming the basic body). Alternatively, the basic body may be composed from a number of parts (e.g., elements that are manufactured from wood, metal or steel), wherein an above-mentioned assembly structure may be configured to support those parts during composition of the basic body therefrom.

[0026] An aspect of the invention provides a building provided with at least one building element according to the invention, for example a building element manufactured by means of a method according to the invention.

[0027] The building is preferably provided with a (great) number of the building elements, and can make use of above-mentioned advantages.

[0028] The building may for instance be composed by a method, comprising:

[0029] -manufacturing a number of building elements according to the invention in a production location;

[0030] -moving the building elements from the production location to a building location; and

[0031] -composing in the building location at least a part of the building using the building elements.

[0032] Further, extra advantageous elaborations of the invention are described in the dependent claims. The invention will presently be explained on the basis of a number of non-limiting implementation examples and the drawings. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 schematically shows a top plan view of an example of a building element;

[0034] Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of the building element shown in Fig. 1;

[0035] Figure 3 shows a view similar to Figure 1, of a triangle formed by the RFID tags of the building element;

[0036] Figure 4 schematically shows a side view of an example of an assembly and / or processing system; Figure 5 shows a top plan view of a part of the system shown in

[0037] Figure 4;

[0038] Figure 6 shows a top plan view of a part of the system shown in Figures 4-5;

[0039] Figure 7 shows a top plan view of an example of a structure to be arranged in a building element;

[0040] Figure 8 shows a top plan view of an example of a building element, in which the structure shown in Figure 7 is embedded;

[0041] Figure 9 schematically shows a side view of a further implementation of an assembly system;

[0042] Figure 10 schematically shows a top plan view of a part of the system shown in Figure 9;

[0043] Figure 11 schematically shows a first production step using the system shown in Figures 9-10, in top plan view;

[0044] Figure 12 shows a second production step using the system shown in Figures 9-10; and

[0045] Figure 13 shows an example of trilateration.

[0046] Like or corresponding features are indicated in this patent application with like or corresponding reference signs.

[0047] Figures 1 and 2 schematically show an implementation example of a building element E. The building element E comprises a basic body 1, provided with at least three RFID tags 2 (in particular, a first tag 2(a), a second tag 2(b) and a third tag 2(c)) arranged in mutually different positions.

[0048] The building element E is suitable in particular to be used in construction, in particular for forming a building (e.g., to form at least a part of a wall, floor or ceiling of the building). The building element E can be, for example, a modular building element E (see also Figure 8), but this is not requisite. The basic body 1 of the building element E preferably has a rigid structure, and can be, for example, a supporting element, plate element, wall element or ceiling element, or a combination of these elements. In particular, the basic body 1 is configured to absorb a predetermined final mounting load (i.e. , a load on the building element after mounting thereof in a final construction composed therewith, for instance in a building), without being damaged or deformed by that final mounting load. The building element E may be configured to be part of a bearing structure of a building, but this is not requisite (for instance in the case where the building element E is intended to be part of a dividing wall of a building to be built).

[0049] According to a further implementation, the basic body 1 of the building element E can comprise a cast element, for example an element manufactured from hardened material, in particular using a mold, for example concrete or plaster. Such a building element E may further comprise, for example, a strengthening structure embedded in the hardened material, in particular a steel reinforcement or the like.

[0050] In addition, the basic body 1 of the building element E can comprise a frame (e.g., a bearing frame construction of a number of elongate frame elements, e.g., frame tubes or frame beams) which is manufactured substantially from wood, steel or plastic. A basic body 1 that consists of a combination of a cast element with a frame as mentioned is also one of the possibilities.

[0051] The basic body 1 may in itself be of massive design, or, for instance, be provided with one or more cavities.

[0052] The basic body 1 can comprise different shapes and dimensions. In particular, the basic body 1 of the building element E has a substantially rectangular or substantially square shape, seen in a front view. The building element E may for instance comprise a (flat) plate shape, having a front side V which is parallel to a rear side L, and, for instance, having a thickness Dz (measured between the front side V and rear side L facing away from that front side) which is at least lOx smaller than an orthogonal length Dx and width DY (see Figures 1 and 2). Longitudinal sides V, L of the building element E, which face away from each other, can comprise straight surfaces, curved surfaces, or a combination of such surfaces. Further, the longitudinal sides V, L may be closed surfaces. Alternatively, one or more passages W may be provided in the building element E, which form openings in each of the longitudinal sides V, L (e.g., to furnish one or more passages to a composed building construction to be formed with the building element E).

[0053] Optionally, the building element E may be provided with positioning structures (not shown), for example tongue / groove structures, to be coupled to or to cooperate with a similar building element, during composition of a building construction to be formed from a number of the building elements. Such positioning structures, known per se, can for instance be arranged along outer edges and / or in end sides of the basic body 1 of the building element E.

[0054] The building element E can have relatively large dimensions. According to a further elaboration, at least one of the dimensions Dx, DY of the basic body 1 of the building element E is at least 1 meter, and preferably at least 2 meters. Both a length Dx and a width DY of the basic body 1 can for instance be at least 1 meter (and in particular at least 2 meters). A thickness Dz of the basic body 1 can for instance be at least 1 cm, in particular at least 5 cm or at least 10 cm, for example 25 cm or more. With such building elements E, a construction, for example a building, can be built up relatively fast and efficiently. The building element E can for instance comprise a prefabricated building element or module, of relatively large size (e.g., several meters in length and in height). An example of such an element is shown in Figure 8.

[0055] As follows from the drawings, a number of (schematically represented) RFID tags 2 are integrated in the building element E, for example, embedded (which can counteract damaging to the RFID tags). One or more of the RFID tags 2 can for instance be inside the basic body 1, at a distance from longitudinal sides V, L of the basic body 1. Alternatively, one or more of the RFID tags 2 may be arranged on a longitudinal side V, L.

[0056] Further, each of the RFID tags 2 may for instance be at or near a longitudinal side of the building element E. At least one of the RFID tags 2 can be at or near a respective exterior angle of the building element E, if an angular building element E is involved.

[0057] According to a further elaboration, the RFID tags 2 are so arranged that, seen from an environment of the building element, they are not visible with the naked eye. Optionally, the basic body 1 may be provided with one or more covering layers to cover the RFID tags 2. In any case, the building element E is preferably configured such that an external RFID reader 20 (schematically represented) can communicate with each of the respective RFID tags 2 using suitable (electromagnetic) RFID communication signals.

[0058] As has already been mentioned, the tags 2 are in mutually different positions. These positions (in a two-dimensional plane with orthogonal x- and y-coordinates) can be indicated as position A(xa, ya) for a first tag 2, position B(xb, yb) for a second tag 2, and position C(xc, yc) for a third tag 2 (see Figure 13). If a 3D position determination is involved, of course, an orthogonal z-coordinate can be added for each of the positions. The three RFID tags 2 may for instance extend in or along a straight virtual plane, for example a virtual plane that is parallel to a longitudinal side V, L of the respective basic body 1.

[0059] The RFID tags 2 may for instance be mutually identically oriented, in particular, for instance, with respective antennas of the tags 2 being in the same antenna orientation relative to the respective basic body 1.

[0060] Preferably, the several RFID tags 2a, 2b, 2c are of the same RFID tag type. The different RFID tags 2a, 2b, 2c of the building element E may be mutually provided with different information which is remotely readable by the RFID reader. Such information contains in particular above- mentioned unique identification information which can be read out by a suitable RFID reader 20. The identification information can comprise, for example, a number, alphanumeric code or other information, for example unique BIM information which is present in a predetermined model of a construction to be built.

[0061] According to a further elaboration, the identification information concerns a specific orientation of the building element E (e.g., an orientation that corresponds to a desired mounting final position: ‘top’, ‘bottom’, ‘left’, ‘right’ ‘front’, ‘rear’, ‘north’, ‘east’, ‘south’, ‘west’ and / or a combination thereof or the like). It is then preferred that different RFID tags 2a, 2b, 2c of the building element E indicate mutually different building element positions and / or different building element orientations. To this end, the building element E may for instance comprise different sections E(a), E(b), E(c), or be subdivided into different sections, which is schematically indicated in Figure 1 with broken lines. The different RFID tags 2(a), 2(b), 2(c) can then be individually associated with those sections E(a), E(b), E(c), and may for instance be located in the respective building element sections E(a), E(b), E(c) (i.e., a first building element section E(a) contains the first tag 2(a), a second building element section E(b) contains the second tag 2(b), and a third building element section E(c) contains the third tag 2(c)). Preferably, each tag 2a, 2b, 2c then contains specific identification information (readable by the reader 20), for example, a unique number or a unique code, to enable the respective building element section E(a), E(b), E(c) to be identified.

[0062] RFID is known as such from common general knowledge (see for instance https: / / en.wd ipe ia.org / wi i / Ra io-freqriency identification), it will be clear to the skilled person that different types of tags that are known per se can be used in the present invention. As has been mentioned, each tag 2 may comprise a digital memory to store information to be read, and transmitting means with an antenna to send the information to the RFID reader 20. The reader 20 comprises, for example, communication means (in particular a transceiver, decoder and antenna) for communication with the RFID tag 2, and to receive the information from the RFID tag 2 and for instance to supply it to a data processor G and / or optionally to show it to a user (for instance via a display of the reader or of an above-mentioned data processor G).

[0063] The example of a building element E as shown includes only three RFID tags 2. Alternatively, for instance, four, five, or more of such RFID tags 2 may be provided in or on the building element E.

[0064] Preferably, the positions of the at least three RFID tags 2 define a polygon, for example a triangle, seen in a top plan view of the building element E (i.e., in a direction at right angles to respective longitudinal sides V, L). Figure 3 shows a triangle T, in this example formed by the RFID tags 2, having a first angle a, a second angle B, and a third angle y- The polygon defined by the RFID tags 2 may for instance be defined from a number of angles a, 6, y, each being in the range of 10 - 170 degrees.

[0065] Preferably, a (minimum) distance kl, k2, k3 between neighboring RFID tags is at least 50 cm, and more preferably at least 1 m. In this manner, building element orientation determination can be performed relatively accurately, in particular using a suitable reader 20.

[0066] Figure 13 schematically shows a method known per se of determining the positions A(xa, ya), B(xb, yb), C(xc, yc) of three RFID tags 2 relative to the position P(20) of an external reader disposed at a distance, based on trilateration. Figure 13 shows a two-dimensional variant; as has already been mentioned, a z-coordinate can be added in a 3D -trilateration determination. In particular, an RSSI (“received signal strength”) value determined by the reader 20 can be used for the purpose of the trilateration determination, which will be clear to the skilled person, since the RSSI value is a measure of the distance da, db, dcbetween the reader 20 and the respective read-out tag 2(a), 2(b), 2(c) of which that RSSI value has been determined. In particular, the RFID reader 20 is configured to determine in each case the RSSI value of a received tag signal and, for instance, to store it and / or to pass it on to a respective data processor G.

[0067] In particular, Figure 13a shows the determination of possible positions of a first tag 2a relative to the reader 20, on the basis of a respective RSSI signal (which corresponds to the distance dabetween the first tag and the reader 20). Figure 13b shows the determination of possible positions of the first tag 2b relative to the reader 20, on the basis of a respective RSSI signal (which corresponds to the distance db between that tag and the reader 20). Figure 13c shows the determination of possible positions of the first tag 2c relative to the reader 20, on the basis of a respective RSSI signal (which corresponds to the distance dcbetween the tag and the reader 20). As follows from Figure 13c, the trilateration then yields the position, and orientation, of the three tags 2 relative to the reader 20, and thus also the position and orientation of the building element E, which contains those three tags 2, relative to the reader 20. For the purpose of the orientation determination, further, use can be made of (preferably unique) RFID identification information which may be stored on the tags 2 and is passed on to the reader 20 during readout of the tags 2.

[0068] The RFID reader 20 may for instance be provided with, or coupled to, an electronic (schematically represented) data processor G, for example a computer or control unit or work station, for instance comprising suitable software, configured for executing the RFID position determination mentioned.

[0069] The data processor G may, for instance via suitable communication means, for example wireless or wired communication lines, a communication network, or the like, be coupled to one or more RFID readers 20 for reception of respective RFID measuring data. The data processor G may be disposed at a distance from a respective RFID reader 20, or, for instance, be integrated therewith.

[0070] The measuring data to be supplied (by the RFID reader 20) to the data processor G can comprise, for example, measured RSSI data and associated RFID identification information from each RFID tag 2 of the building element E read out by the reader 20.

[0071] The building element E shown in Figures 1-2 can, during use, in particular during the building of a building construction, be efficiently brought into a desired final position, by making use of a suitable RFID reader 20. The reader 20 can then be brought near the building element E to communicate with each of the integrated RFID tags 2a, 2b, 2c and, in particular, to receive respective identification information from those tags 2a, 2b, 2c. The reader 20 can pass the received identification information on to a user, for instance via a respective user interface, display, or the like, so that the user can thereupon, for instance, determine how the building element E is oriented and / or whether respective building element sections E(a), E(b), E(c), associated with the tags 2a, 2b, 2c read out are actually in a desired final mounting position. If it appears from the RFID tag information read out that, for instance, the building element E is not in a predetermined (for instance, by a construction drawing or a building design of the building construction to be built) orientation, the orientation can still be adjusted, before the building element E is fixed in a final position to form the building construction.

[0072] In addition, the use of a building element E’, E” having at least three first RFID tags 2 is advantageous during production or processing of the building element E, which is further explained in the following.

[0073] Figures 4-5 schematically show an assembly and / or production system (e.g., a production line), comprising a number of processing stations Si, S2, S3 (being mutually separate, for instance disposed at a distance from each other). The system is provided with one or more RFID readers 20, with, for instance, a central data processor G to process measuring data supplied by those RFID readers 20. In this case, the one or more readers 20 are each disposed relatively centrally relative to respective building element processing stations Si, S2, S3. Each of those processing stations Si, S2, S3 may for instance be configured to carry out a production step of and / or work on an above-mentioned building element E’, E”.

[0074] Thus, one of the processing stations Si may be configured to carry out a first step of the manufacture of the building element E’, E”, for instance a step comprising composing a basic body 1, or a part of the basic body 1, of the building element E’, E” to be furnished. The at least three first RFID tags 2 may be added to the basic body 1 at the first processing station Si, or may already have been provided on that basic body 1 upon reception of that basic body 1 by that processing station Si. Means for producing or composing the basic body 1 in the processing station Si may comprise, for example, mechanical production means, one or more assembly robots, welding means, casting means (see below), and / or the like, depending on a type of basic body 1 to be produced. In addition, assembly in the processing station Si may be wholly or partly carried out manually (again depending on a type of basic body 1 to be produced).

[0075] Assembly (production) may for instance comprise bringing together or joining together in the processing station Si at least a part of the basic body 1 and the at least three first RFID tags 2, and then preferably comprises positioning those at least three first RFID tags 2 relative to the basic body 1 or part thereof, and thereupon fixing the at least three first RFID tags 2 to the basic body 1 or part thereof (see also Figures 8-9).

[0076] One of the processing stations S2 may for instance be configured for processing the basic body 1 of a building element E’, E” to be furnished, for example, a processing comprising one or more of sawing, milling, drilling, cutting, removing, and / or another mechanical processing step, and / or a thermal processing step (e.g., heating or cooling), and / or a chemical processing step, and / or the like. A respective processing apparatus for carrying out such a processing step is schematically represented in Figure 4 and denoted with reference sign 40.

[0077] One of the processing stations S3 may for instance be configured to provide the building element E’, E” with one or more coatings, one or more covering elements and / or the like. A respective processing apparatus for carrying out such a processing step is schematically represented in Figure 4 and denoted with reference sign 50.

[0078] It will be clear that an above-mentioned processing station may be implemented in various (other) manners, depending on a desired production step or processing step. Further, the assembly and / or production system can comprise more than three such processing stations, or fewer (e.g., only one or two). Further, preferably, at least one of these processing stations is provided with an above-mentioned, associated RFID reader 20 for the purpose of local position and / or orientation determination of a building element E’, E” to be processed.

[0079] Preferably, conveying means 30 (schematically represented with a broken line in Figure 4) are provided to convey the basic body 1 between the several processing stations Si, S2, S3 (e.g., in a conveying direction denoted by arrow T), comprising, for example, a suitable conveyor 30, conveyor belt, roller conveyor, a hoisting element and / or the like. Optionally, such conveying means 30 may at least partly be integrated in one or more of the processing stations Si, S2, S3.

[0080] Each processing station Si, S2, S3 may for instance comprise at least an assembly structure 10, configured for supporting a basic body 1 (in particular, a basic body that comprises the respective first RFID tags 2). Such an assembly structure 10 may for instance comprise a supporting assembly frame or assembly table, and / or be part of, or be furnished by, an above-mentioned conveyor for conveyance of the basic body 1. The assembly structure 10 of each processing station Si, S2, S3 is preferably associated with a respective RFID tag reader 20. The reader 20 (that is, at least an antenna thereof) may for instance be arranged above or under a processing station supporting surface BS, furnished by the respective processing station Si, S2, S3, for supporting a building element basic body 1 to be produced or processed (e.g., a substantially horizontal supporting surface, a top surface, an assembly surface or mounting surface). A reader 20 may for instance be disposed opposite an above-mentioned processing station supporting surface BS, for instance above or under the supporting surface BS, centrally relative to the supporting surface BS, and / or extend along that supporting surface BS or the like.

[0081] Preferably, the system comprises an (above-mentioned) digital data processor G, configured to cooperate with each RFID tag reader 20 for, during use, directly or indirectly determining the positions of the first RFID tags 2 (of a basic body 1) relative to the respective assembly structure 10 (and hence the position or orientation of each associated basic body E’, E” that is provided with those tags). As follows from the above, the data processor G may, to this end, for instance be configured to apply trilateration, in particular together with a predetermined (three- dimensional) position of the respective RFID reader 20 relative to the assembly structure 10, which will be clear to the skilled person.

[0082] An above-mentioned predetermined (three-dimensional) position of an RFID reader 20 relative to an associated assembly structure 10 may for instance be stored in a memory of the data processor G.

[0083] Figure 6 schematically shows a top plan view of a further elaboration of an assembly structure 10 of an above-mentioned processing station Si. As the drawing shows, the assembly structure 10 is preferably provided with a number of second RFID tags 11 which are arranged in mutually different positions and, for instance, are identically oriented. Preferably, each of the above-mentioned processing stations Si, S2, S3 is provided with such second RFID tags 11.

[0084] The system is preferably provided with three (or four, in this case) second RFID tags 11 which may be disposed, in particular, along or near edges or a contour of the assembly surface BS of a respective assembly structure 10. Preferably, the second RFID tags 11 are disposed at a distance from angles of the assembly surface BS. Further, the second RFID tags 11 are preferably disposed in a mutually symmetrical arrangement, seen in top plan view.

[0085] The several second RFID tags 11 may, for instance, be disposed outside a supporting area SG, indicated in Figure 6 with broken lines, for receiving a basic body 1, at least such that these tags 11, during use, are not covered by a basic body 1 to be processed on the assembly structure 10 (to allow the tags 11 to be properly read out by the respective RFID reader 20 of the station Si). Preferably, each of the several second RFID tags 11 contains (preferably unique) identification information readable by the respective reader 20, for example, a code and / or information concerning a position of that tag 11 on, or relative to, the supporting surface BS of the processing station Si concerned.

[0086] During use, the several second RFID tags 11 can be read out by the RFID reader 20 of the respective processing station Si, in particular to determine (or to verify) a position of the reader 20 relative to the respective assembly structure 10. To this end, for instance an above-mentioned trilateration method may be applied, and an above-mentioned data processor G can be used for processing the information, read out by the RFID reader 20, of those second RFID tags 11 (in particular together with associated RSSI information for the purpose of respective distance determinations between the second tags 11 and the reader 20).

[0087] A position of the RFID reader 20 relative to the associated assembly structure 10 as determined (or verified) on the basis of the second RFID tags 11 may for instance be stored in a memory of the data processor G, for instance for use during processing on that assembly structure 10 of a basic body 1 (with first RFID tags 2) of a building element E’, E”.

[0088] Use of the system shown in Figures 4-6 comprises, for example, a method for manufacturing a building element E’, E”. The method comprises, in particular, integrating at least three first RFID tags 2 in the basic body 1, in mutually different positions. Integration can for instance be carried out in a processing station Si of the system.

[0089] Thus, the method can for instance comprise the steps of:

[0090] -joining together the first RFID tags 2 and a basic body 1 on the assembly structure 10 of the processing station Si; and

[0091] -determining positions of the first RFID tags 2 relative to the assembly structure using the associated RFID tag reader 20 (of the processing station Si).

[0092] The joining together may be done in different manners, and may comprise, for example, a casting process which is further explained hereinbelow on the basis of Figures 9-12. Determining the positions of the first RFID tags 2 may for instance be carried out automatically by an above- mentioned data processor G, in particular through a suitable processing of information read out by the RFID reader 20, stemming from the several RFID tags. If desired, the method can comprise a positioning step, wherein each of the first RFID tags 2 is brought into predetermined positions relative to the assembly structure 10 using position determinations supplied by the RFID reader 20 (and respective data processor G). To this end, the at least three first RFID tags 2 are preferably mutually fixed, for instance via one or more connecting parts (see the example in Figure 7) of a building element part P.

[0093] Further, the method can for instance comprise the steps of: -providing a basic body 1, having at least three integrated first RFID tags 2, on the assembly structure 10 of the processing station Si; and -determining positions of the first RFID tags 2 relative to the assembly structure using the associated RFID reader 20 (of the processing station Si).

[0094] Thus, the at least three first RFID tags 2 may already be mutually fixed in position, for instance by the respective basic body 1 as such, before those tags 2 are read out by an RFID reader 20 of a processing station Si, S2, S3. In that case, tag positions determined via the reader 20 can be used by the data processor G to verify a position (and orientation) of the basic body 1 relative to the associated RFID tags 2 (i.e., to carry out a position verification step). Optionally, the data processor G may be implemented to issue a check signal and, for instance, to supply that signal via a user interface to a user, concerning the outcome of such a position verification step. Such a check signal may for instance comprise a warning signal if it follows from the position verification step that the basic body 1 is not in a desired position (and / or orientation) on the supporting surface BS of the processing station Si, S2, S3. In case of such a negative outcome of the position verification (i.e., if the position and / or orientation does not correspond to a desired, predetermined position and / or orientation of the basic body 1 in the processing station Si, S2, S3), the position of the basic body 1 may for instance be adjusted (for instance manually, or via drivable positioning means if available), and the verification step may be repeated.

[0095] If it follows from the position verification step that the basic body 1 does have a desired position (and / or orientation) on the supporting surface BS of the processing station Si, S2, S3, the processing station Si, S2, S3 can for instance carry out a (preferably automated) processing operation on the basic body 1, for instance under the influence of a check signal supplied by the data processor G. In this manner, the occurrence of faults during the process of production and / or processing of the respective building element E’, E” can be effectively reduced. Preferably, the at least three first RFID tags 2 with respective antennas are arranged in the same orientation in / on the associated basic body 1. In this way, optimal reading out via a nearby RFID reader 20 can be achieved.

[0096] As has been mentioned, the assembly structure 10 (itself) may be provided with a number of above-mentioned second RFID tags 11 (see Figure 6). In that case, the RFID tag reader 20 (with respective data processor G) can determine or verify positions of the first RFID tags 2 by also detecting the second RFID tags 11 and, in particular, processing respective detection data. Preferably, the second RFID tags 11 are disposed in fixed positions relative to an associated supporting surface BS of the respective processing station Si, S2, S3, and, for instance, at a relatively large mutual distance (e.g., at least 1 meter apart).

[0097] According to a further elaboration, the second RFID tags 11 can be used to determine or verify a position of the associated supporting surface BS relative to the reader 20 of the corresponding processing station Si, S2, S3, for instance prior to detection of first RFID tags 2 of a basic body 1 supported on that supporting surface BS. Such a position determination (which can furnish a position and orientation of the respective assembly structure 10 relative to the reader 20 of that station Si, S2, S3) can for instance be carried out periodically.

[0098] According to a further elaboration, the data processor G may be configured to define a virtual supporting plane (e.g., a virtual plane in a 3D coordinate system) on the basis of identification information of second RFID tags 11, furnished by the respective reader 20, which virtual supporting plane can for instance coincide with a physical supporting surface BS of the processing station Si, S2, S3, or extends parallel relative to the physical supporting surface BS of the processing station Si, S2, S3. Thereupon, a basic body 1 with the respective integrated first RFID tags 2 can be placed on the physical supporting surface BS, whereupon those first RFID tags 2 can be read out by the reader 20 and tag positions can be determined (by the data processor G). The data processor G may be configured to then match the determined positions of the first tags 2 to the virtual supporting plane mentioned, for instance to predetermined virtual positions on that plane which are to correspond to the first tags 2 upon a correct positioning of the basic body 1 on the associated physical supporting surface BS.

[0099] As has been mentioned, for instance trilateration may be applied to determine the relative positions of the first RFID tags 2, (and optional second tags 11), in particular relative to an RFID reader 20, disposed in a fixed position, of a processing station 20. Thus, an accurate positioning of the associated building element E’, E” in the processing station 20 can be achieved.

[0100] Figure 7 schematically shows an example of a part P to be integrated in a building element, for instance to form a modular building element EM (see Figure 8). The part P may for instance comprise one or more of the following parts P: a duct (e.g., a pipe for passage of gas, liquid, waste water or sewage water, or the like), cabling (e.g., for an electricity network or computer network), one or more parts of a heat-distribution grid and / or air conditioning system, one or more sensors (e.g., one or more smoke sensors, fire detection means, one or more temperature sensors, one or more motion detectors, and / or the like). The building element EM, provided with those one or more functional parts P, may, after assembly, be brought to an end location for the construction of the building.

[0101] The part P can for instance be a composite part P, which comprises a number of interconnected sub-parts pl, p2, p3, p4, but this is not requisite. The part P to be integrated is, in this case, preferably provided with the at least three first (mutually spaced apart) RFID tags 2M. Positions of the at least three first RFID tags 2M are preferably fixed relative to each other, in particular by fixation to the part P. The part P is intended to be integrated (for example, embedded) in a basic body 1 of a building element EM to be formed, schematically shown in Figure 8. The basic body 1 can for instance comprise a cast / molded element.

[0102] Figures 9-10 schematically show a further elaboration of an assembly station Si’, which may for instance be part of the system shown in Figures 4-6. In this case, the assembly structure 10 of the station Si’ may be provided with a schematically shown casting mold M, configured for receiving a hardenable material (in a respective mold cavity H) for forming a basic body 1. Optionally, the assembly structure 10 of the station Si’ may be provided with second RFID tags 11, which are for instance arranged in suitable positions relative to the mold M.

[0103] Figure 11 shows use of the station Si’ shown in Figures 9-10, with the first RFID tags 2 being positioned in the casting mold M, preferably in desired, predetermined positions. Preferably, the at least three first RFID tags 2 are mutually fixed in position. To this end, the tags 2 may for instance be connected to a common element P (see the example of Figure 7). The RFID reader 20 (and data processor G) may be used to verify a position of placed first RFID tags 2 relative to the casting mold M (analogously to what has been described hereinabove concerning the system shown in Figures 4-6).

[0104] When it appears that the at least three first RFID tags 2 have been positioned in a desired position in the mold M, the mold cavity can be filled with hardenable material for forming a respective basic body IM of the modular building element EM. The hardenable material may be hardened in a suitable manner, depending on the type of material, which will be clear to the skilled person. The thus formed building element EM, with integrated first RFID tags 2, may then be processed by one or more other processing stations S2, S3 and / or be removed to an end location, to be incorporated in a building construction. In this manner, for example, production lines can be provided for industrial (prefabricated) house-building, having one or more suitable RFID stations Si, S2, S3. Such a production line can for instance comprise a production line of the wood industry or also include concrete industry, or other type of production line. In particular, the production line concerns industrial (prefabricated) house-construction, and each building element E mentioned is intended for house-building.

[0105] As follows from the above, with help of the invention (and, for example, a suitable RFID reader), information about a building element E can become available in various locations, in particular in a production location of the element E as well as in a (typically remote) end location (i.e., building location) of a building construction to be composed with the element E. An aspect of the invention provides for the composing in a correct manner of each of the elements E as such (e.g., for forming an above-mentioned modular element), during production. Further, the invention provides a solution for the coupling in a correct manner (e.g., in a desired orientation) of a number of the elements E during construction (in an above-mentioned building location).

[0106] By scanning the building element E or the product P in the element (e.g., floor or wall) with a reader 20, the building element E can be followed (monitored), for instance during a production process but also during coupling of the elements on the construction site.

[0107] According to a further elaboration, for every processing step an ‘event’ can be created by an above-mentioned data processor G, for instance by suitable software of that data processor (e.g., comprising Enterprise Resource Planning software). Associated with such an ‘event’ is, for example, a processing station Si, S2, S3 of a production line. Preferably, the first RFID tags 2 are automatically recognized at respective processing stations Si, S2, S3 (by the data processor G). This can provide a user, such as a producer, with insight into a production status, an exact location of a product both in a warehouse and in an element itself. This can contribute to a ‘materials passport’ and, for instance, provide for a simplified processing of the legal registration obligation concerning demonstrable working.

[0108] Each processing (event) preferably has its own antenna of a respective reader 20. The antennas can for instance be mounted both under and above a production line. Preferably, different antennas of successive processing stations Si, S2, S3 are not arranged in a straight line, but, for instance, triangulated from each other. An RFID triangulation (or trilateration) makes a trigonometric operation on a respective production line possible, so that also a correct position of a product element P of a basic body EM can be provided, and can thus be ensured in an inexpensive, efficient manner.

[0109] To the skilled person it will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described. Various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention, as defined in the claims.

[0110] For instance, the term building element should be taken relatively broadly.

[0111] A position of a body, element, tag, part, supporting surface, RFID reader, and the like, may, in particular, be a three-dimensional position, for example a position in a suitable 3D coordinate system (e.g., in an orthogonal x-, y-, z-coordinate system), which will be clear to the skilled person. An orientation of a body, an element, tag, part, supporting surface, RFID reader, and the like, may for instance comprise a rotational position of such a feature, for example a rotational position in an above-mentioned 3D coordinate system.

[0112] RFID tags and respective readers 20 are known per se. Thus, the reader may for instance be provided with several (e.g., at least three) antennas to communicate with each of the RFID tags, which will be clear to the skilled person. According to a further elaboration, an assembly system may for instance be provided with several processing stations Si, S2, S3 that are each associated with an own RFID reader 20. Alternatively, a single RFID reader 20 may be provided, which reader 20 is coupled to different antennas that are associated with the different processing stations Si, S2, S3 to read out tags at each of those stations.

[0113] As follows from the above, the building element is, in particular, a movable (i.e., one or more of transportable, loose, non-fixed) building element, which - after production in a production location - is bringable to a building location to build a building with it. So, the building element can be a loose (separate) building element, which is not yet part of a building to be composed therewith (and is not yet fixed to other building elements).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A building element, in particular a movable building element, comprising a basic body (1) provided with at least three RFID tags (2) arranged in mutually different positions.

2. A building element according to claim 1, wherein the positions of the RFID tags (2) define a polygon, for example, a triangle, seen in a top plan view of the building element.

3. A building element according to claim 2, wherein the polygon defined by the RFID tags is defined by a respective number of angles (a, B, y), which are each in the range of 10 - 170 degrees.

4. A building element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the basic body (1) has a rigid structure, and is, for example, a supporting element, plate element, wall element, and / or ceiling element.

5. A building element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the RFID tags (2) are mutually identically oriented.

6. A building element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a minimum distance between neighboring RFID tags is at least 50 cm and preferably at least 1 m.

7. A building element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the basic body (1) has a length of at least 1 m, and preferably a width of at least 1 m, and, for example, a thickness of at least 1 cm.

8. A building element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the basic body (1) comprises a cast element.

9. A building element according to any one of the preceding claims, the basic body (1) comprising a frame which is manufactured substantially from wood, steel or plastic.

10. A building element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building element (E) is a modular building element (E) which isprovided with at least one functional part (P), for example a part (P) composed from sub-parts (pl, p2, p3, p4), wherein the functional part (P) is provided with the at least three first RFID tags (2M) disposed at a distance from each other.

11. A building element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one part (P) is integrated in the basic body (1) of the building element (E), wherein the part (P) is selected from:-a duct, for example for passage of gas, liquid, wastewater or sewage water;-cabling, for example for an electricity network or computer network;-one or more parts of a heat-distribution grid and / or air conditioning system; and-one or more sensors, for example one or more smoke sensors, fire detection means, one or more temperature sensors, one or more motion detectors; wherein positions of said RFID tags (2) are preferably fixed relative to each other by fixation to the part (P).

12. A method for manufacturing a building element, for example a building element (E) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:-integrating at least three first RFID tags in a basic body (1), in mutually different positions, wherein the building element (E) is preferably moved from a production location after the integration of the at least three first RFID tags in the basic body (1).

13. A method according to claim 12, comprising:-joining together the first RFID tags (2) and a basic body (1) on an assembly structure (10); and-determining positions of the first RFID tags (2) relative to the assembly structure (10) using an RFID tag reader (20).

14. A method according to claim 12, comprising:-providing the basic body (1), having at least three integrated first RFID tags (2), on an assembly structure (10); and-determining positions of the first RFID tags (2) relative to the assembly structure (10) using an RFID tag reader (20).

15. A method according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the assembly structure (10) is provided with a number of second RFID tags (11), wherein the RFID tag reader (20) is used to determine and / or to verify positions of the first RFID tags by also detecting the second RFID tags (11) and, in particular, processing respective detection data.

16. A method according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein trilateration is applied to determine the position of each first RFID tag (2) relative to the assembly structure (10).

17. A method according to any one of claims 13-15, comprising: -positioning the first RFID tags (2) in a casting mold (M); and-filling the casting mold (M) with hardenable material to form the basic body (1).

18. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 12-17, wherein the at least three first RFID tags with respective antennas are arranged in the same orientation.

19. A method according to any one of claims 12-18, comprising integrating at least one part (P) in the basic body (1), the part (P) being selected from:-a duct, for example for passage of gas, liquid, wastewater or sewage water;-cabling, for example for an electricity network or computer network;-one or more parts of a heat-distribution grid and / or air conditioning system; and-one or more sensors, for example one or more smoke sensors, fire detection means, one or more temperature sensors, one or more motion detectors; wherein the first RFID tags (2) are preferably fixed to the at least one part (P).

20. A system for manufacturing a building element, for example for use in a method according to any one of claims 13-19, comprising at least an assembly structure (10), configured for supporting a basic body (1) which comprises first RFID tags (2), wherein the assembly structure (10) is associated with a respective RFID tag reader (20), wherein the system comprises a digital data processor (G) which is configured to cooperate with the RFID tag reader for, during use, determining the positions of said first RFID tags (2) relative to the assembly structure (10).

21. A system according to claim 20, wherein the assembly structure defines an assembly surface, wherein the RFID tag reader (20) is disposed above or under the assembly surface, for example centrally.

22. A system according to one of claims 20-21, wherein the assembly structure (10) is provided with a number of second RFID tags (11) which are arranged in mutually different positions and are preferably identically oriented, wherein the system is preferably provided with three or four second RFID tags (11), which are disposed, in particular, along or near edges of the assembly surface, preferably at a distance from angles of the assembly surface, and preferably in a mutually symmetrical arrangement seen in top plan view.

23. A system according to any one of the preceding claims 20-22, comprising at least one processing apparatus (40, 50) for carrying out a machining operation on the basic body.

24. A building, provided with at least one building element (E) according to any one of claims 1-11, for example a building element (E) manufactured by means of a method according to any one of claims 12-19.

25. A building according to claim 24, wherein the building is provided with at least one functional part (P) selected from:-a duct, for example for passage of gas, liquid, wastewater or sewage water;-cabling, for example for an electricity network or computer network;-one or more parts of a heat-distribution grid and / or air conditioning system; and-one or more sensors, for example one or more smoke sensors, fire detection means, one or more temperature sensors, one or more motion detectors; wherein the at least one functional part (P) is part of said building element (E) and is preferably provided with said RFID tags (2).

26. A method for composing a building according to claims 24 or 25, comprising:-manufacturing in a production location a number of building elements (E) according to any one of claims 1-11;-moving the building elements (E) from the production location to a building location; and-composing in the building location at least a part of the building using said building elements (E).

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