Survey Monument RFID Tag Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional survey monuments are difficult to identify and differentiate from other metallic objects, leading to potential mislocation and safety, legal, and boundary calculation issues, as they lack advanced identification methods and information storage capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an RFID tag with a survey monument that allows for identification through radio frequency signals, enabling unique identification and information storage, including GPS coordinates and maintenance records, using a reader and server system for data retrieval and updating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional magnetic locators are used to identify survey monuments, then monuments can be located without line-of-sight, but monuments cannot be reliably differentiated from other ferrous objects like metal conduits and rebar
Solution Approach 1:
An RFID tag is introduced as an intermediary component attached to the survey monument. This tag contains a unique identifier that can be electronically read by a handheld device, serving as a mediator between the monument and the surveyor's identification system. The RFID tag enables reliable differentiation from other ferrous objects since these objects do not contain RFID tags.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely magnetic identification system with an electronic RFID-based system. Instead of relying solely on magnetic field detection, the system uses radio frequency communication to read unique identifiers from the RFID tag, substituting mechanical/magnetic detection with electronic identification.
2Loss of information
If engraved markings are placed on survey monuments to store information, then some identification data can be provided, but the information cannot be updated and is limited in quantity and accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical engraved markings with an electronic information storage system using an RFID tag. The RFID tag can store multiple data fields including unique identifiers, monument type, installation date, and GPS coordinates. This electronic system allows for easy updates and expansion of information capacity without physical modification to the monument itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag serves multiple functions: it provides unique identification, stores various types of information (text, coordinates, dates), enables information updates, and can communicate with portable reading devices. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-function engraved markings system.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If survey monuments are buried below ground to mark locations, then permanent marking is achieved, but information on the monument becomes inaccessible without excavation
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag acts as an intermediary information storage device that remains attached to the buried monument. Instead of requiring physical access to the monument for information retrieval, the tag can be read remotely through the ground using a handheld RFID reader, providing indirect access to monument information while the monument remains permanently buried.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of excavating to access information with an electronic wireless reading system. The RFID tag enables information retrieval through radio frequency signals that can penetrate the ground, substituting physical excavation with electronic detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates accurate identification and management of survey monuments without line-of-sight requirements, reducing errors and enhancing safety and legal accuracy by providing accessible and updatable information.
Implementation Method 1
Integration of an RFID tag with a survey monument that allows for identification through radio frequency signals
Implementation Method 2
Traditional survey monuments may include a large permanent magnet. The large permanent magnet allows a surveyor to locate the monument using a magnetic locator
Data Source
AI summary
A monument usable for locating stationary geographical positions and/or assets includes a housing, comprising a body and a cap; at least one permanent magnet mounted on or in the housing; and at least one electronic marker located on or in the housing. The magnet has a magnetic field of sufficient strength for its location to be readily identified from outside the housing using a portable magnetic locator and the electronic marker includes an electronic transceiver for receiving and/or transmitting electronic information unique to the geographical location and/or functional properties of the monument or an asset associated with the monument.