System for tamper-proof documentation of physical on-site presence

The system uses RFID and sensor technology to verify user presence and timestamp on-site activities, providing tamper-proof documentation by integrating digital checklists.

DE202025004111U1Active Publication Date: 2026-04-09SCHILLER VALERIJ
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-23
Publication Date
2026-04-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current methods for documenting on-site activities lack reliable proof of physical presence and are susceptible to manipulation, failing to ensure accurate location and timestamp verification.

Method used

A system comprising a mobile electronic device with RFID reading, optical detection, and sensor units, along with stationary RFID transponders, records user presence, location, and timestamp, integrating digital checklists for tamper-proof documentation.

Benefits of technology

Ensures verifiable on-site presence and accurate timestamping, preventing manipulation, and enhancing existing documentation processes with reliable, time- and location-specific data storage.

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Abstract

(Main claim) System for tamper-proof documentation of physical on-site presence, including: a mobile electronic device with • an RFID reading function, • an optical detection unit, • an input unit, • a data transmission unit and • at least one sensor unit, a stationary RFID transponder located at a specific location, which may have at least one integrated sensor unit or be connected to one, wherein the system is designed such that scanning the RFID transponder: • verifies the physical on-site presence of a user, • a system-side timestamp is generated and • the measurement data recorded by at least one sensor unit are clearly assigned to the respective location and stored.
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Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The utility model relates to a technical system for carrying out and documenting on-site activities, in particular control, inspection, maintenance or support procedures.

[0002] The system can be used across industries, particularly in industrial plants and healthcare facilities, and serves to verifiably record the physical on-site presence of a person acting on behalf of the company. 2. State of the art

[0003] In current technology, on-site activities are often documented using paper-based checklists or mobile software.

[0004] However, these known solutions do not provide reliable proof that a person documenting the information was actually physically present at the specified location. Optical identification methods such as QR codes or purely software-based solutions are easily manipulated and not ideally suited to ensuring actual proximity to a location. Task 3

[0005] The purpose of a utility model is to provide a technical system that: • reliably proves the physical on-site presence of a user, • this presence is clearly documented in terms of time, • Unambiguously assigns measurement and status data to a location, • existing checklists and documentation processes technically enhanced, • Prevents manipulation and negligence. 4. Solution

[0006] The problem is solved by a system with the features of claim 1. 5. System Description

[0007] The system comprises a mobile electronic device, in particular a smartphone, tablet or industrial-grade handheld device, with: • an RFID reading function, • an optical detection unit, • an input unit, • a data transmission unit, • and at least one sensor unit.

[0008] A stationary RFID transponder is located at at least one site. This transponder may have at least one integrated sensor unit or be connected to one. The sensor unit is designed to detect at least one physical state variable, in particular temperature, vibration, humidity, or noise level. The sensor unit may be located either in the mobile electronic device and / or in or on the RFID transponder. The acquired measurement data is uniquely assigned to the respective location by scanning the RFID transponder. The mobile electronic device is equipped with digital checklist software that provides a spatial and hierarchical representation of systems, departments, stations, or units. 6. On-site attendance and timestamp

[0009] When the RFID transponder is scanned, the following is automatically done: • the location, • the user's identity, • and a system-generated timestamp is recorded and stored.

[0010] The timestamp cannot be changed by the user and is stored inextricably with the location and the recorded data, thus creating tamper-proof documentation. 7. Cross-industry application Industrial application 7.1 Industry:

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the system is used in industrial plants, particularly in power plants, the chemical and paper industries, production facilities, conveyor systems, water and energy supply systems, and comparable technical installations. The system serves to perform and document tamper-proof control, inspection, and maintenance procedures required for preventive maintenance, operational safety, or compliance with regulatory requirements. At defined measuring points within the plant, for example, on plant sections, machine areas, pump groups, rollers, control cabinets, or safety-relevant zones, at least one stationary RFID transponder is attached, which may have at least one integrated sensor unit or be connected to one. An employee carries a mobile electronic device with RFID reading capability.When physically visiting a measuring point, the employee scans the RFID transponder, thereby:. • the physical on-site presence of the employee, • the location within the facility, • a system-side timestamp as well as • The employee's identity is automatically recorded and stored.

[0012] After the RFID scan, a digital checklist is displayed to the employee on their mobile device, which is linked to the respective plant area, unit, or... This checklist can be used to, among other things: • Visual inspections, • Operating conditions, • Abnormalities, • Noise or vibration behavior, • Temperature or humidity values ​​are recorded and documented.

[0013] The physical state variables are recorded either via sensor units integrated into the mobile electronic device and / or via sensor units in or on the RFID transponder, whereby all measurement data are uniquely assigned to the respective location and the timestamp.

[0014] A single RFID measuring point can be assigned to several main or secondary units, provided that these can be visually or acoustically verified from the measuring point. All recorded data is stored in a time- and location-specific, audit-proof manner and transmitted to a central data processing unit.

[0015] Continuous data storage allows for comparisons over longer periods, trend analyses, and root cause analysis in case of malfunctions or damage.

[0016] The system thus ensures that inspection and maintenance rounds are actually carried out on site, completely and verifiably, and reduces the risk of unplanned breakdowns, safety-related incidents or liability consequences. 7.2 Healthcare:

[0017] In healthcare facilities, the system serves to supplement existing nursing and medical checklists and documentation.

[0018] RFID transponders are installed in patient rooms, ward areas, and security-relevant rooms. Nursing and medical staff carry a mobile device with an RFID reader. An RFID scan is mandatory before completing a checklist. This clearly documents the staff member's physical presence, location, and a timestamp.

[0019] After the RFID scan, vital parameters, nursing measures, visual checks or comments, for example, can be documented.

[0020] The existing documentation processes will remain in place, but will be inextricably linked to the attendance record.

[0021] This is particularly important during nighttime patrols, drug checks, or incidents relevant to liability, as it allows for verification at any time of whether prescribed measures have been carried out correctly. 8. Advantages

[0022] The system offers the following advantages in particular: • Verifiable physical on-site presence • Automatic time tracking • High tamper resistance • Combination of technology and human judgment • Supplementing rather than replacing existing processes • Cross-industry applicability • High legal and economic benefits 9. Summary

[0023] The invention relates to a technical system for the tamper-proof execution and documentation of control, maintenance, or support processes. The system comprises a mobile electronic device with RFID reading capability, at least one location-specific RFID transponder, and digital checklist software. Scanning the RFID transponder verifies a user's physical presence at a location and generates a system-generated timestamp. Additionally, measurement data from at least one sensor unit and user input are recorded and uniquely assigned to the respective location. The recorded data is stored with reference to time and location, enabling complete, traceable, and tamper-proof documentation of the processes performed.