Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20070043538?ie=ISO-8859-1&dq=U.S.+Patent+No.+4,528,643
Timestamp: 2016-02-14 04:18:49
Document Index: 489112784

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60']

Patent US20070043538 - Method and system of asset identification and tracking for enterprise asset ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA system and method for managing enterprise assets located at geographically distributed sites utilizing wireless tag technologies. The method includes storing in a database information relating to each asset, wherein the stored information includes cost of each asset and cost of service for each asset....http://www.google.com/patents/US20070043538?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20070043538 - Method and system of asset identification and tracking for enterprise asset managementAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20070043538 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 11/431,147Publication dateFeb 22, 2007Filing dateMay 9, 2006Priority dateJun 16, 2000Also published asCA2651410A1, EP2038749A2, EP2038749A4, US7474218, US7852222, US20090072977, WO2007131243A2, WO2007131243A3Publication number11431147, 431147, US 2007/0043538 A1, US 2007/043538 A1, US 20070043538 A1, US 20070043538A1, US 2007043538 A1, US 2007043538A1, US-A1-20070043538, US-A1-2007043538, US2007/0043538A1, US2007/043538A1, US20070043538 A1, US20070043538A1, US2007043538 A1, US2007043538A1InventorsDaniel Johnson, Robert McConnellOriginal AssigneeJohnson Daniel T, Mcconnell Robert SExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (73), Referenced by (49), Classifications (9), Legal Events (7) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod and system of asset identification and tracking for enterprise asset management
US 20070043538 A1Abstract
A system and method for managing enterprise assets located at geographically distributed sites utilizing wireless tag technologies. The method includes storing in a database information relating to each asset, wherein the stored information includes cost of each asset and cost of service for each asset. The method further includes tracking and storing information relating to servicing of the assets, including the cost of servicing. Information relating to the assets is then displayed to a user of the system. Images(6) Claims(15)
1. A system for managing a plurality of assets of a plurality of distributed enterprises and allowing a user to access asset information, the system comprising: (a) a central processor; (b) a database for storing asset information for the plurality of assets of the plurality of enterprises, the database being in communication with the central processor, wherein the asset information comprises information relating to ownership, maintenance and repair of the plurality of assets; (c) a tag reader in communication with the central processor; and (d) an asset tag associated with each of the plurality of assets, the asset tag comprising specific information regarding the asset to which it is associated, the tag configured to communicate with the tag reader. wherein the central processor tracks information relevant to managing each of the plurality of assets. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a client processor in communication with the central processor through a communication link. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the client processor inputs, queries, and downloads asset information from the central processor through a web browser. 4. The system of claim 2, further comprising a second tag reader associated with the client processor, the tag reader configured to identify any user having a user tag and determining based on information contained within the user tag whether the user has authorization to use the client processor. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the central processor allows the user to access the client processor if the user has authorization to use the client processor. 6. The system of claim I, wherein the database stores asset information in the form of pages which in turn contain links to other pages. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the central processor automatically generates an E-mail message to a service provider in response to a service request by the user. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the tag reader is an RFID portal positioned at a site, wherein the portal is configured to communicate with an asset tag associated with any asset being moved into or out of the site. 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an automatic alarm component associated with the tag reader, wherein the automatic alarm component is configured to be automatically triggerable by the specific information in the asset tag. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a tag writer configured to transmit information to the asset tag for storage. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of assets is a portable asset. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of assets is a refrigerant container. 13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user tag associated with any technician authorized to examine any of the plurality of assets. 14. A system for collecting information relating to equipment located at a site, the system comprising: (a) a first database including legacy data relating to at least a portion of the equipment; (b) a server including software for importing the legacy data into a specified data structure and for exporting the specified data structure and a survey process; and (c) a tag reader for receiving the specified data structure and the survey process and for guiding a user in collecting the information, the tag reader configured to receive information from individual equipment tags, wherein the specified data structure includes a set of equipment categories and a set of attributes relating to each category. 15. A method of tracking service of an asset in a highly distributed enterprise, the method comprising: providing at least one server computer in communication with a computer network and a database operably coupled with the server computer, the database containing asset information and service provider information; receiving a service request at the server computer for an asset; automatically selecting an appropriate service provider based on the asset to be serviced; generating an electronic message to the appropriate service provider requesting service, whereby a service technician is scheduled to provide service, wherein the service technician has an identification tag associated with the service technician; and tracking a location of the identification tag of the service technician with a tag reader. Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/768,957, filed Jan. 30, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/444,091, filed Jan. 31, 2003, and which a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/883,779, filed Jun. 18, 2001, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/212,234, filed Jun. 16, 2000 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/288,827, filed May 5, 2001, the contents of which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The present application is also a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/429,619, filed May 5, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/432,120, filed Dec. 9, 2002, and the present application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/734,725, filed Dec. 12, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/433,179, filed Dec. 13, 2002, and the present application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/771,090, filed Feb. 3, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/444,437, filed Feb. 3, 2003, and the present application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/922,364, filed Aug. 20, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/496,432, filed Aug. 20, 2003, the contents of which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a method and system for managing enterprise assets. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for the comprehensive management of enterprise assets dispersed over a plurality of distributed sites utilizing wireless tag technology. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is frequently useful to track the disposition of enterprise assets and further monitor and manage various aspects of those assets. For example, it is useful to track the total cost of asset ownership for accounting purposes and for making future purchasing decisions. However, tracking specific assets and asset characteristics in a large, distributed environment (an enterprise that has many facilities at differing locations, as well as one or more central headquarters) can be a difficult task. [0004] A large retail store chain, for instance, may wish to determine the total cost of ownership for each cash register it owns. A highly distributed retail chain may have tens of thousands of cash registers, and in order to calculate a reasonably accurate determination of the total cost of ownership the retail chain must accurately track all the costs that are incurred for each cash register. The purchase price of an asset, repair costs, and maintenance costs are the main components of the total cost of ownership and so these costs need to be tracked, in some instances other factors such as energy costs may also need to be factored into the calculation. [0005] However, tracking costs incurred in repairing and maintaining these assets can be an onerous task. In a typical procedure to service assets, a store manager first calls a service provider to perform a task on an asset. The service provider performs the task required, seeks approval for the work, and then fills out work order papers in triplicate. The work order papers are typically distributed (one copy each) to the enterprise headquarters, the store, and the service provider. The service provider then creates an invoice and sends it to the enterprise headquarters. If the accounts payable department of the enterprise headquarters can locate the work order papers, the invoice may be entered into the system and paid. If the work order papers cannot be found, the invoice may be sent to the store manager for approval, returned to the enterprise headquarters after approval, and then entered into the accounts payable system. [0006] Tracking part and labor costs and any other asset characteristics in highly distributed enterprises thus becomes very difficult using the existing process described above. Matching paperwork with assets may become exceedingly difficult due to the sheer volume of assets and the large amounts of paperwork generated in servicing and maintaining the assets. [0007] Another potential problem with the process described above is that service providers may be able to overbill for service calls or parts without full knowledge by the enterprise of the nature of the service call. The lack of overview on a regional or national level may prevent an enterprise from determining if the costs incurred by distributed sites for an asset is reasonable. [0008] Because it is time consuming and expensive to collect paper work from numerous sources to even have the capability of accurately calculating the total cost of ownership for an asset, the cost of ownership of many assets is frequently a guess that may vary greatly from the actual cost of ownership. Thus, enterprises frequently determine the cost of ownership for an asset to be the purchase price of the asset, which is typically considerably less than the actual cost of ownership. Moreover, in a highly distributed environment, there are many assets to manage, and current systems do not provide feasible and efficient methods and systems for managing such assets. In particular, current systems do not provide for an efficient manner to determine the costs of servicing and maintaining assets or the total cost of ownership of an asset. [0009] There is a need in the art for a method and system for managing enterprise assets over numerous distributed sites that is user friendly, cost and time efficient, and that may be used to accurately generate the cost of ownership for one or more assets of an enterprise. A need also exists for a common platform that may be used to set up information systems and gather accounting information for managing these assets including total cost of ownership accounting. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The present invention, in one embodiment, is a system for managing a plurality of assets of a plurality of distributed enterprises and allowing a user to access asset information. The system includes a central processor, a database, a tag reader in communication with the central processor, and an asset tag. The database is a database for storing asset information for the plurality of assets of the plurality of enterprises and is in communication with the central processor. The asset information includes information relating to ownership, maintenance and repair of the plurality of assets. An asset tag is associated with each of the plurality of assets and includes specific information regarding the asset to which it is associated. Further, the tag is configured to communicate with the tag reader. The central processor tracks information relevant to managing each of the plurality of assets [0011] The present invention, in another embodiment, is a system for collecting information relating to equipment located at a site. The system includes a first database, a server, and a tag reader. The first database includes legacy data relating to at least a portion of the equipment. The server includes software for importing the legacy data into a specified data structure and for exporting the specified data structure and a survey process. The tag reader is for receiving the specified data structure and the survey process and for guiding a user in collecting the information and further is configured to receive information from individual equipment tags. The specified data structure includes a set of equipment categories and a set of attributes relating to each category. [0012] In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of tracking service of an asset in a highly distributed enterprise. The method includes providing at least one server computer in communication with a computer network and a database operably coupled with the server computer. The database contains asset information and service provider information. The method further includes receiving a service request at the server computer for an asset and automatically selecting an appropriate service provider based on the asset to be serviced. In addition, the method includes generating an electronic message to the appropriate service provider requesting service, whereby a service technician is scheduled to provide service. The service technician has an identification tag associated with the service technician. Further, the method includes tracking a location of the identification tag of the service technician with a tag reader. [0013] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the various components of the enterprise asset management system, according to one embodiment of the subject invention. [0015] FIG. 2 is flow diagram of a survey method, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a service request, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a web page for inputting a service request, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0018] FIG. 5 is one embodiment of a GIS map produced by the subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0019] The present invention relates to a method and system of asset identification and tracking utilizing wireless technology. For example, according to one embodiment, assets can be identified and tracked using radio frequency (“RF”) technology. More specifically, the present invention can incorporate radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technology to identify and track assets. [0020] In one aspect of the invention, the method and system relate to providing a wireless tag associated with an asset for purposes of tracking or managing the asset. According to one embodiment, the wireless tag can store information about the asset such as, for example, identification, location, and other information, and communicate with an asset management system to provide for tracking and management of the asset. In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless tag that is associated with a user of the asset and/or the asset management system such that the user's interaction with the asset or system can be simplified or tracked or otherwise managed. The wireless tag, in one example of the present invention, is an RFID tag. [0021] In an asset management system, according to one embodiment, all of the assets may need to be inventoried and an asset identifier created for each asset to give it a trackable identity. In such an embodiment, the wireless tag can be used to track the identity. That is, information about the asset can be stored on the tag and utilized to track and/or manage the asset. According to another embodiment in which the asset management system is used to track the costs of assets and to facilitate the servicing of assets, the wireless tag can be used to store information about the asset cost and service events and can also be used to help the service provider locate the particular asset to be serviced. [0022] According to one embodiment, the asset identification system of the present invention is used with a system and method of asset management such as that system disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/883,779, filed on Jun. 18, 2001 and entitled “Method and System for Managing Enterprise Assets” (“'779 Application”), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. That system provides for, among other things, tracking the costs of assets and facilitating the servicing of assets, including assets in an enterprise. [0023] An asset management system 10 utilizing wireless tag technology is depicted in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is comprised of a central processor 11 located at a central location, one or more databases 13 to store asset information, a plurality of client processors 12 located at a plurality of remote locations, and at least one tag reader 16 located at a remote location or locations. The central processor 11 allows access by the client processor to various network resources and includes software programs or instructions that run on the server-side to process requests and responses from a client processor 12. The system 10 can also include one or more databases 13 for storing asset information. These databases 13 may be integral to the central processor 11 or they may be accessible to the central processor through a computer network or other suitable communication link. In one embodiment, the system 10 also includes asset interfaces 14 connected directly to particular assets, and one or more kiosks 15 acting as a client processor 12. [0024] The term “asset” as used herein shall mean any physical item, including any piece of equipment or component thereof, that may be tracked and/or managed for inventory, location, maintenance, or repair purposes. For example, the “asset” can be, but is not limited to, a computer, a refrigerator, a container such as, for example, a refrigerant container, an HVAC unit, a piece of furniture, a forklift, a vehicle, or some component of any of these items. [0025] The client processor 12 may be any computer or computer systems used by those skilled in the art. Client processor 12 can be used to place work orders, view asset information, input asset information, change the operational parameters of an asset, exchange data with the central processor, and/or to view and manipulate asset information. Some client processor 12 can be configured as kiosks 15 and located at one or more remote sites. The kiosks are adapted for use by service providers onsite, to access the central processor 11 to view asset information or service requests. As shown in FIG. 2, these kiosks can include a preconfigured menu which allows service providers to access the central processor 11, to enter and receive information concerning work orders 20, to check if a particular work order has been approved 21, and to check for messages 22. [0026] In some embodiments, asset interfaces 14 are attached to assets with communications capabilities in order to monitor and/or control its performance. The asset interface 14 can be configured to communicate with the asset and to provide a communication link between the asset and a client processor 12 or the central processor 11. Communication technology, such as a cellular modem, any other wireless communication system (such as Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) technology), and/or a landline communication system may be used to form a communication link between the asset interface and a client processor 12 or the central processor 11. [0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a communication link exists between a client processor 12 and the central processor 11. Upon specification of a link by the user, the client processor 12 makes a TCP/IP request to the central processor 11 and receives information, which may be a “web page” that is formatted according to HTML which also includes links to other pages of information. Users can also access other pages on the same or other database server by following instructions on the screen, entering certain data, or clicking on selected icons. In one embodiment, the subject invention is a web-site hosted by at least one computer in communication with the internet. This embodiment allows the subject invention to be accessed through a client computer 12 by various types of users located at geographically distributed sites. To limit access to authorized users, in one embodiment, the subject invention allows for various types of users and users at various distributed sites to have distinct levels of access. [0028] The tag reader 16 as depicted in FIG. 1 can be any known device for communicating with a tag. For example, in embodiments in which the tag is an RFID tag, the reader 16 is an RFID reader 16 known in the art. The tag reader 16 is communicatively coupled to the central processor 11 via a communication link as shown. Alternatively, the tag reader 16 is coupled to a client processor 12. When information is transmitted from the tag 17 to the tag reader 16 and the tag 17, that information can then be transmitted to the central processor 11 for storage in a database 13 or other use. Alternatively, according to embodiments in which the asset tag 17 can receive and store data and the tag reader 16 can also write to the tag 17 (that is, the component is a tag reader/writer 16), information can be retrieved from the central processor 11 and transmitted to the asset tag 17 by the tag reader/writer 17. [0029] Any type of information regarding the asset can be stored on the tag. For example, the asset information can include a unique designation to identify the asset (also referred to herein as a “unique identifier”), asset type, asset brand, asset use, asset location, and any other information that it may be desirable to track. In one aspect of the invention, the asset information can include servicing or maintenance information (such as, for example, the date of the last servicing of the asset), authorizations relating to location and servicing of the asset (such as, for example, whether the asset can be moved to different locations and which service providers are allowed to provide service to the asset), and any other relevant information. [0030] In use, the subject invention can be used to track the costs of assets and to facilitate the servicing of assets. As an initial procedure, the assets of an enterprise may be inventoried (also referred to herein as “surveyed”) and an asset identifier created for each asset to give it a trackable identity. According to one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the survey method can include associating an asset tag with an asset (block 20), wherein the asset tag includes a unique identifier for the asset. In one example, the asset tag is an RFID tag. The asset tag is read by the tag reader and the information from the tag is thereby imported into the system such that the unique identifier is imported into the system for storage and processing (block 22). [0031] In one aspect of the invention, the surveying and importation of asset data can be accomplished according to the methods and systems disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/771,090, filed on Feb. 3, 2004 and entitled “Site Equipment Survey Tool” (“'090 Application), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the assets surveyed in the '090 Application are each associated with an asset tag and the survey tool disclosed in the '090 Application is a tag reader. [0032] The use of the tag reader to input asset information has numerous advantages over manual input. Tag reader-based input is faster, more efficient, and more accurate than manual input of information. [0033] According to another embodiment, the wireless tag-based system of the present invention provides accurate tracking of asset disposition. That is, the system and method of the present invention provides for tracking the physical location of and any movement of an enterprise asset, such that all assets at a particular location can be monitored such that movement of any existing asset out of that location or any importation of a new asset into the location can be monitored. In one aspect of the invention, the tag reader of the present invention can be an RFID portal through which all assets are transported into and out of an enterprise location. For example, a piece of equipment having an asset tag providing the unique identifier A1 can be imported into a location through an RFID portal that reads the tag and transmits the information about the importation of the piece of equipment into the location into the asset tracking system. Further, if the piece of equipment is later transported out of the location, it can be transported through the portal such that the movement of the asset out of the location is recorded by the system. According to another embodiment, the movement of the asset can trigger the asset tracking system of the present invention to transmit a message to an appropriate user. The message can prompt the user to confirm that the transport of the asset is authorized. Alternatively, the message can inform the user that the asset is being transported to the user and requesting confirmation of receipt. In a further alternative, the message can provide any appropriate information relating to the asset and/or its transport. [0034] The tag reader, according to one embodiment, can utilize and provide certain information relating to the asset tags without utilizing its connection to the central processor of the system. More specifically, the tag reader can provide automatic alarms or notifications that are triggered at the reader, not at the central processor or any other part of the system. For example, in one embodiment, when an asset that is not authorized for removal is transported through or past the tag reader, an audio and/or visual alarm associated with the tag reader is triggered by the tag reader. This occurs because the tag associated with the asset includes information that the asset is not to be removed from the site and the tag reader “reads” the information on the tag and the alarm is automatically triggered by the tag. Alternatively, any information can be included in the tag that can trigger an automatic alarm or any other known action at a tag reader for any known purpose. [0035] The asset tracking of the present invention as described herein provides for checking an asset in or out at a location or site. Further, the system allows for highly accurate equipment inventory tracking, including tracking unauthorized removal of equipment from a site. In one embodiment, a tag can be associated with an asset (that is, the asset can be “tagged”) by a manufacturer or supplier prior to delivering the asset to the location. In accordance with another embodiment, the wireless tag-based system of the present invention can be used to track a mobile asset and its movement within a location. For example, the system can be used to track the movement of such equipment as a pallet jack, a forklift, a rolling rack, or any other mobile piece of equipment. [0036] In accordance with an additional embodiment in which the system and method of the present invention relates to tracking and management of refrigerant for HVAC systems, the system and method provides for associating a wireless tag with each refrigerant container. Each tag for each container includes a unique identifier for each container, thereby allowing for monitoring the inventory of all such containers. Due to the nature of the industry, cylinders are often moved between the refrigerant supplier and the HVAC system operator and are often re-used. With the existing technology, each supplier and operator typically places a service tag or identifier on the cylinder upon periodic servicing or refilling of the cylinder such that the end-result is multiple identifying marks on the cylinder. These multiple stickers or tags make it difficult to identify the single appropriate reference. With the wireless tag-based system of the present invention, visual ID reference is unnecessary when identifying and monitoring each cylinder. According to one embodiment, the wireless tag technology of the present invention can be utilized with the system and method of refrigerant tracking disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/429,619, filed on May 5, 2003 and entitled “Refrigerant Loss Tracking and Repair,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [0037] According to another embodiment, the tags could also be used to track an asset that is shipped off-site for maintenance or repair, including tracking the asset at the maintenance or repair location. In a further embodiment, the location information relating to any asset can be provided by the system to a service provider to assist the provider in locating the asset. For example, the system can provide the service provider with the specific site where the asset is located and further provide the specific location of the asset at the site. In one embodiment, the wireless tag-based system of the present invention can be used with the system and method of tracking asset repair and maintenance costs and monitoring asset servicing as disclosed in the '779 Application which is incorporated herein. [0038] In one aspect of the invention in which the system is used to track repair and maintenance costs and to monitor the servicing of assets, the subject invention includes a system and method for managing the servicing and maintenance of assets by third-party service providers or in-house personnel. As shown in FIG. 3, the method generally comprises generating a service request from a client computer (block 40), receiving a service request at the central processor 11 through the web site (block 41), determining a service provider (block 42), automatically transmitting to the service provider the service request and any additional asset information which may be needed by the service provider, including the asset location information previously inputted into the system by the tag reader (block 43), and awaiting a response to the service request (block 44). If no response is received within a predetermined period of time, the electronic message is resent (block 43). [0039] As shown in FIG. 4, a service request from a user will generate an electronic work order 45 containing information such as the asset to be repaired, location of the asset site, location of the asset at the site, the reported problem, and the asset identifier. Typically, a service request is initiated by enterprise employees located at a remote site through the use of a client computer 12. In some instances, a particular asset may have self-diagnostic programs that can determine a malfunction and generate an error signal. These assets may have asset interfaces 14 interfaced thereto enabling them to generate service requests automatically through a client computer 12. [0040] In one embodiment, an identification of authorized service personnel is maintained in a database and linked to particular assets. Once a service request is processed by the central processor 11, a service provider is determined automatically by determining which service provider is linked to the particular asset and a particular geographic location, and the service provider is notified automatically via an E-mail message or other form of electronic messaging. If the service provider does not respond to an E-mail within a specified period of time, additional E-mails may be sent automatically. The E-mail can include the type of asset requiring service, the reported failure, location, contact person, and prior service history of the asset. In addition, the service provider may also obtain additional information on the asset by accessing the central processor 11 via the internet or a kiosk 15. [0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wireless tag-based system and method of the present invention can be used to track the service completion. In this embodiment, a tag can be associated with the service provider technician such that the person's movements can be tracked during the completion of the service request. More specifically, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, the service technician passes through or by a tag reader such as an RFID portal when the technician enters the site to complete the service request. The RFID portal reads the information on the tag and thereby verifies the presence of the technician at the site. In a further embodiment, the system can not only verify the presence of the technician but can also confirm that the technician has authorization to enter the site and provide service to the asset needing service. Further, the system can be used to monitor the technician's movements within the site and also confirm the exit of the technician from the site. [0042] After a service request is completed, information pertaining to the repair or maintenance of an asset may be gathered from service providers through the web site or through a client computer 12 or a kiosk 15 and stored in the database 13. In one example, the client computer 12 is any wireless handheld device. According to one embodiment, the system of the present invention allows the technician access to the client computer 12 or kiosk 15 using the wireless tag technology. That is, a tag reader located at the client computer 12 or kiosk 15 reads the technician's tag when the technician is in appropriate proximity with the computer 12 or kiosk 15. The tag reader provides information stored in the tag to the system of the present invention and the system uses the information about the technician to determine if the technician has authorization to access the computer 12 or kiosk 15. If the technician has authorization, the system configures the computer 12 or kiosk 15 such that the technician can use it to input information about the repair or maintenance into the system. In one example, the cost of replacement parts may be inventoried in the database of the system and the service provider may choose, while at the remote location of the facility, the type of replacement part that is used. The cost of this replacement part, therefore, may be allocated to the asset that was repaired. In addition, the cost of the service charge may be ascertained based on the length of the visit of the service provider and this cost of service may be allocated to the repaired asset. The submission of information relating to the service provided can also be used to trigger payment for the service. [0043] Alternatively, after a service request is completed information pertaining to the repair or maintenance of an asset can be written into the asset tag associated with that asset. According to one embodiment, the system of the present invention allows the technician or another user to utilize a wireless writing device such as a handheld RFID writing device to write information into the tag about the service performed. The information can include the date of the service, the details of the service performed, the cost of the service, including any costs for the service, including costs for replacement parts or additional parts, and any other relevant information. Subsequently, this information can be “read” by any tag reader, including, for example, a wireless handheld tag reader used by a service provider or other user who is scanning various assets to determine the last date of service of each asset or to determine other service-related or asset-related information. In one embodiment, the service information stored in the tag can also be read by a tag reader that then transmits or loads the information into the central processor. [0044] Since the maintenance and repair costs as well as purchase price comprise a majority of the total cost of ownership of an asset, a relatively accurate calculation can be obtained by summing up the three. Other factors such as energy costs, performance costs, and other can also be factored into the calculation if these factors are stored for the particular asset. To calculate the total cost of ownership, the total costs for maintenance and repair and the purchase price for an asset or a group of assets is compiled using the filtering procedures above and the values are summed together. In one embodiment of the present invention, the calculation is pre-programmed into software located in the central processor 11 and the calculation is done automatically by simply selecting the function and inputting the asset identifiers. [0045] In a distributed business environment, assets may be distributed over a large geographic region in a large number of separate facilities. As shown in FIG. 5, to track these assets geographically, one embodiment includes an application for creating a Geographic Information System (GIS) map locating a particular asset or a particular group of assets. A set of queries 60 are displayed on a client processor 12 pertaining to an asset or group of assets such as a particular asset type and a desired location. The central processor 11 then generates a map 61 based on the responses to these queries. [0046] This embodiment can also include a mapping system displaying a single enterprise facility. Icons representing certain types of assets may be dragged and dropped onto a GIS map of a particular facility in order to display the location of assets within a facility on a scaled map. According to an alternative embodiment, the tags of each asset can be monitored wirelessly in order to determine the location of each asset at a site using a tag reader. [0047] While the subject invention has been described with reference to several embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will recognize various changes that may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, this invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification but only as indicated in the appended claims, nor is the claimed invention limited in applicability to one type of computer or computer network. Any numbering or ordering of elements in the following claims is merely for convenience and is not intended to suggest that the ordering of the elements of the claims has any particular significance other than that otherwise expressed by the language of the claims. Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS4612620 *Jun 6, 1983Sep 16, 1986Ird Mechanalysis, Inc.Apparatus for collecting scheduled maintenance dataUS4688026 *Apr 21, 1986Aug 18, 1987Scribner James RMethod of collecting and using data associated with tagged objectsUS4755957 *Mar 27, 1986Jul 5, 1988K-White Tools, IncorporatedAutomotive air-conditioning servicing system and methodUS4989141 *Jun 1, 1987Jan 29, 1991Corporate Class SoftwareComputer system for financial analyses and reportingUS5079930 *Dec 3, 1990Jan 14, 1992Atron, Inc.Apparatus and method for monitoring refrigeration systemUS5198774 *Mar 19, 1990Mar 30, 1993Williams Ii William JGas monitoring apparatusUS5231841 *Dec 19, 1991Aug 3, 1993Mcclelland Ralph ARefrigerant charging system and control system thereforUS5434775 *Nov 4, 1993Jul 18, 1995The General Hospital CorporationManaging an inventory of devicesUS5537313 *Nov 22, 1993Jul 16, 1996Enterprise Systems, Inc.Point of supply use distribution process and apparatusUS5572438 *Jan 5, 1995Nov 5, 1996Teco Energy Management ServicesEngery management and building automation systemUS5732401 *Mar 29, 1996Mar 24, 1998Intellitecs International Ltd.Activity based cost tracking systemsUS5748956 *Jan 13, 1995May 5, 1998U.S. West Technologies, Inc.Method and system for managing multimedia assets for proper deployment on interactive networksUS5752244 *Jul 15, 1996May 12, 1998Andersen Consulting LlpComputerized multimedia asset management systemUS5758126 *Mar 19, 1996May 26, 1998Sterling Commerce, Inc.Customizable bidirectional EDI translation systemUS5821937 *Aug 12, 1996Oct 13, 1998Netsuite Development, L.P.Computer method for updating a network designUS5831610 *Feb 23, 1996Nov 3, 1998Netsuite Development L.P.Designing networksUS5845265 *Nov 7, 1995Dec 1, 1998Mercexchange, L.L.C.Consignment nodesUS5859778 *May 23, 1997Jan 12, 1999Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd.Remote management systemUS5860286 *Jun 6, 1997Jan 19, 1999Carrier CorporationSystem monitoring refrigeration chargeUS5910776 *Dec 4, 1996Jun 8, 1999Id Technologies, Inc.Method and apparatus for identifying locating or monitoring equipment or other objectsUS5918207 *May 1, 1996Jun 29, 1999Electronic Data Systems CorporationProcess and system for predictive resource planningUS5923850 *Jun 28, 1996Jul 13, 1999Sun Microsystems, Inc.Historical asset information data storage schemaUS5944662 *May 6, 1998Aug 31, 1999Sudormed, Inc.Method and apparatus of determination of chemical species in perspirationUS5946662 *Mar 29, 1996Aug 31, 1999International Business Machines CorporationMethod for providing inventory optimizationUS5956658 *Jul 8, 1997Sep 21, 1999Diagnostic Instruments LimitedPortable data collection apparatus for collecting maintenance data from a field tourUS5980090 *Feb 10, 1998Nov 9, 1999Gilbarco., Inc.Internet asset management system for a fuel dispensing environmentUS5987903 *Nov 5, 1998Nov 23, 1999Daimlerchrysler CorporationMethod and device to detect the charge level in air conditioning systemsUS5996889 *Apr 10, 1997Dec 7, 1999Aesculap Ag & Co. KgProcess and device for the monitoring and control of the flow of material in a hospitalUS6128602 *Oct 5, 1998Oct 3, 2000Bank Of America CorporationOpen-architecture system for real-time consolidation of information from multiple financial systemsUS6154738 *May 21, 1999Nov 28, 2000Call; Charles GainorMethods and apparatus for disseminating product information via the internet using universal product codesUS6169979 *Feb 17, 1998Jan 2, 2001Clear With Computers, Inc.Computer-assisted sales system for utilitiesUS6211782 *Nov 3, 1999Apr 3, 2001Heat-Timer CorporationElectronic message delivery system utilizable in the monitoring of remote equipment and method of sameUS6293114 *May 31, 2000Sep 25, 2001Red Dot CorporationRefrigerant monitoring apparatus and methodUS6298333 *Feb 8, 2000Oct 2, 2001Transport International Pool, Inc.Use tax optimization process and systemUS6385510 *Dec 2, 1998May 7, 2002Klaus D. HoogHVAC remote monitoring systemUS6430542 *Aug 26, 1998Aug 6, 2002American Express Financial CorporationComputer-implemented program for financial planning and advice systemUS6437692 *Nov 12, 1999Aug 20, 2002Statsignal Systems, Inc.System and method for monitoring and controlling remote devicesUS6650346 *Jul 20, 2000Nov 18, 2003Ge Medical Technology Services, Inc.Method and apparatus for classifying equipment in asset management databaseUS6892546 *Feb 1, 2002May 17, 2005Emerson Retail Services, Inc.System for remote refrigeration monitoring and diagnosticsUS6952680 *Oct 31, 2000Oct 4, 2005Dana CorporationApparatus and method for tracking and managing physical assetsUS7062389 *Jan 30, 2004Jun 13, 2006Verisae, Inc.Enterprise energy management systemUS7062446 *Nov 16, 1999Jun 13, 2006Dana CorporationApparatus and method for tracking and managing physical assetsUS7142949 *Dec 9, 2002Nov 28, 2006Enernoc, Inc.Aggregation of distributed generation resourcesUS7149701 *Nov 2, 2001Dec 12, 2006Jerry L. Mckinney 2002 TrustRegulatory compliance system and methodUS7196621 *May 6, 2004Mar 27, 2007Argo-Tech CorporationTracking system and associated methodUS7259675 *Mar 16, 2005Aug 21, 2007Newage Industries, Inc.Process equipment tracking systemUS7304573 *Nov 26, 2003Dec 4, 2007Ge Medical Systems, IncMethod and system for determining hardware configuration of medical equipment using RF tagsUS7333880 *Aug 19, 2005Feb 19, 2008Enernoc, Inc.Aggregation of distributed energy resourcesUS7369968 *Jun 13, 2006May 6, 2008Verisae, Inc.Enterprise energy management systemUS20010047383 *Jan 12, 2001Nov 29, 2001Dutta Prabal K.System and method for on-demand communications with legacy networked devicesUS20020016757 *Jun 18, 2001Feb 7, 2002Johnson Daniel T.Enterprise asset management system and methodUS20020059364 *Feb 8, 1999May 16, 2002Christopher M CoulthardContent certificationUS20020070971 *Oct 10, 2001Jun 13, 2002Terrence A. BrownSystem and methods for tracking central office equipment and inventory recordsUS20020133861 *Mar 19, 2001Sep 19, 2002Parthasarathy MukundanAglaonema plant named 'silver ribbons'US20030154141 *Sep 18, 2002Aug 14, 2003Pro Corp Holdings International Ltd.Image recognition inventory management systemUS20040024662 *Aug 2, 2002Feb 5, 2004David GrayEquipment documentation management system, method, and software toolsUS20040078306 *Oct 22, 2002Apr 22, 2004Whiteley Thomas G.Well equipment inspection and monitoring processUS20040111697 *May 5, 2003Jun 10, 2004Johnson Daniel T.Refrigerant loss tracking and repairUS20040162642 *Jul 31, 2002Aug 19, 2004Marcus GasperThin client power management system and methodUS20040193449 *Sep 29, 2003Sep 30, 2004Wildman Timothy D.Universal communications, monitoring, tracking, and control system for a healthcare facilityUS20040225676 *Feb 3, 2004Nov 11, 2004Johnson Daniel T.Site epuipment survey toolUS20050021710 *Dec 12, 2003Jan 27, 2005Johnson Daniel T.Notification systemUS20050086163 *Aug 20, 2004Apr 21, 2005Johnson Daniel T.Electronic payment systemUS20050109829 *Nov 26, 2003May 26, 2005Steve PostmaMethod and system for determining hardware configuration of medical equipment using RF tagsUS20050205658 *Mar 16, 2005Sep 22, 2005Newage Industries, Inc.Process equipment tracking systemUS20050248454 *May 6, 2004Nov 10, 2005Hanson Gregory RMarine asset security and tracking (MAST) systemUS20060142961 *Feb 17, 2006Jun 29, 2006Verisae, Inc.Enterprise energy management systemUS20060170889 *Feb 2, 2006Aug 3, 2006Canon Kabushiki KaishaExposure Apparatus, Manufacturing Method of Optical Element, and Device Manufacturing MethodUS20060187026 *May 6, 2004Aug 24, 2006Gary KochisTracking system and associated methodUS20060256308 *Apr 28, 2006Nov 16, 2006Canon Kabushiki KaishaExposure apparatus and methodUS20070096899 *May 11, 2006May 3, 2007Johnson Daniel TSystem and method for tracking ships and ship cargoUS20070260405 *May 4, 2007Nov 8, 2007Verisae, Inc.Method and system for tracking and reporting emissionsUS20070268138 *May 17, 2007Nov 22, 2007Chung Kevin KObject monitoring, locating, and tracking system and method employing rfid devices* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7440871May 4, 2007Oct 21, 2008Verisae, Inc.Method and system for tracking and reporting emissionsUS7512523May 5, 2003Mar 31, 2009Verisae, Inc.Refrigerant loss tracking and repairUS7647207Sep 19, 2008Jan 12, 2010Verisae, Inc.Method and system for tracking and reporting emissionsUS7852222Nov 24, 2008Dec 14, 2010Verisae, Inc.Method and system of asset identification and tracking for enterprise asset managementUS7877235Mar 5, 2008Jan 25, 2011Verisae, Inc.Method and system for tracking and managing various operating parameters of enterprise assetsUS8000938Oct 15, 2008Aug 16, 2011Verisae, Inc.Method and system for tracking and managing destruction, reconstitution, or reclamation of regulated substancesUS8005648Jan 27, 2009Aug 23, 2011Verisae, Inc.Refrigerant loss tracking and repairUS8073880Nov 12, 2007Dec 6, 2011Computer Associates Think, Inc.System and method for optimizing storage infrastructure performanceUS8126768Sep 13, 2005Feb 28, 2012Computer Associates Think, Inc.Application change request to deployment maturity modelUS8314704Sep 25, 2009Nov 20, 2012Deal Magic, Inc.Asset tracking using alternative sources of position fix dataUS8334773Sep 15, 2009Dec 18, 2012Deal Magic, Inc.Asset monitoring and tracking systemUS8432274Jul 31, 2009Apr 30, 2013Deal Magic, Inc.Contextual based determination of accuracy of position fixesUS8456302Jul 28, 2009Jun 4, 2013Savi Technology, Inc.Wireless tracking and monitoring electronic sealUS8514082Aug 8, 2012Aug 20, 2013Deal Magic, Inc.Asset monitoring and tracking systemUS8593280Jul 14, 2010Nov 26, 2013Savi Technology, Inc.Security sealUS8600840Dec 5, 2007Dec 3, 2013International Business Machines CorporationDynamic asset monitoring using electronic markersUS8886551Sep 13, 2005Nov 11, 2014Ca, Inc.Centralized job scheduling maturity modelUS8924548Aug 15, 2012Dec 30, 2014Panduit Corp.Integrated asset tracking, task manager, and virtual container for data center managementUS9142107Apr 29, 2013Sep 22, 2015Deal Magic Inc.Wireless tracking and monitoring electronic sealUS9177282Aug 17, 2010Nov 3, 2015Deal Magic Inc.Contextually aware monitoring of assetsUS20040111697 *May 5, 2003Jun 10, 2004Johnson Daniel T.Refrigerant loss tracking and repairUS20040225676 *Feb 3, 2004Nov 11, 2004Johnson Daniel T.Site epuipment survey toolUS20050021710 *Dec 12, 2003Jan 27, 2005Johnson Daniel T.Notification systemUS20070027734 *Aug 1, 2005Feb 1, 2007Hughes Brian JEnterprise solution design methodologyUS20070061180 *Sep 13, 2005Mar 15, 2007Joseph OffenbergCentralized job scheduling maturity modelUS20070096899 *May 11, 2006May 3, 2007Johnson Daniel TSystem and method for tracking ships and ship cargoUS20070174438 *Dec 12, 2003Jul 26, 2007Johnson Daniel TNotification systemUS20070277147 *May 5, 2003Nov 29, 2007Johnson Daniel TRefrigerant loss tracking and repairUS20080114700 *Nov 10, 2006May 15, 2008Moore Norman TSystem and method for optimized asset managementUS20080255899 *Mar 5, 2008Oct 16, 2008Verisae, Inc.Method and system for tracking and managing various operating parameters of enterprise assetsUS20090018884 *Sep 19, 2008Jan 15, 2009Verisae, Inc.Method and system for tracking and reporting emissionsUS20090119305 *Jan 6, 2009May 7, 2009Verisae, Inc.Enterprise asset management system and methodUS20090126388 *Jan 27, 2009May 21, 2009Verisae, Inc.Refrigerant loss tracking and repairUS20090132176 *Oct 15, 2008May 21, 2009Verisae, Inc.Method and system for tracking and managing destruction, reconstitution, or reclamation of regulated substancesUS20090150263 *Dec 5, 2007Jun 11, 2009International Business Machines CorporationDynamic asset monitoring using electronic markersUS20090171975 *Dec 4, 2008Jul 2, 2009Mcconnell Robert SMethod and system for tracking carbon credits and other carbon valuation unitsUS20100121770 *Oct 16, 2008May 13, 2010Verisae, Inc.System and method for tracking ships and ship cargoUS20100274717 *Oct 28, 2010Shaun WrightGlobal Internet Based Method and System For Compiling, Assigning, Registration, and Maintenance of Unique TagsUS20110012731 *Jan 20, 2011Timothy Dirk StevensWireless Tracking and Monitoring Electronic SealUS20110050397 *Sep 15, 2009Mar 3, 2011Cova Nicholas DSystem for generating supply chain management statistics from asset tracking dataUS20110050423 *Sep 15, 2009Mar 3, 2011Cova Nicholas DAsset monitoring and tracking systemUS20110050424 *Sep 25, 2009Mar 3, 2011Savi Networks LlcAsset tracking using alternative sources of position fix dataUS20110054979 *Oct 9, 2009Mar 3, 2011Savi Networks LlcPhysical Event Management During Asset TrackingUS20110133888 *Jun 9, 2011Timothy Dirk StevensContextually aware monitoring of assetsUS20110133932 *Jun 9, 2011Chin Tong TanSecurity sealUS20150032581 *Jul 26, 2013Jan 29, 2015Bank Of America CorporationUse of e-receipts to determine total cost of ownershipWO2008142655A1 *May 22, 2008Nov 27, 2008Robert EichhornA system for data collectionWO2013025865A2 *Aug 16, 2012Feb 21, 2013Panduit Corp.Integrated asset tracking, task manager, and virtual container for data center managementWO2013025865A3 *Aug 16, 2012Oct 24, 2013Panduit Corp.Integrated asset tracking, task manager, and virtual container for data center management* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification702/188, 707/E17.018International ClassificationG06F11/00Cooperative ClassificationG06Q30/08, G06F17/30241, G06Q40/00European ClassificationG06Q30/08, G06F17/30L, G06Q40/00Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionNov 6, 2006ASAssignmentOwner name: VERISAE, INC., MINNESOTAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:JOHNSON, DANIEL T.;MCCONNELL, ROBERT S.;REEL/FRAME:018486/0044Effective date: 20061004Apr 14, 2009CCCertificate of correctionDec 9, 2009ASAssignmentOwner name: SILICON VALLEY BANK, COLORADOFree format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:VERISAE, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023627/0375Effective date: 20091202Jun 25, 2012FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Jan 3, 2013ASAssignmentOwner name: VERISAE, INC., MINNESOTAFree format text: TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL 023627 FRAME 0375;ASSIGNOR:SILICON VALLEY BANK;REEL/FRAME:029566/0193Effective date: 20121228Jan 4, 2013ASAssignmentOwner name: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, CALIFORNIAFree format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:VERISAE, INC.;REEL/FRAME:029572/0317Effective date: 20121228Feb 1, 2013ASAssignmentOwner name: VERISAE, INC., MINNESOTAFree format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR FOR INCORRECT PATENT NO. 6369968 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 029566 FRAME 0193. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL 023627 FRAME 0375;ASSIGNOR:SILICON VALLEY BANK;REEL/FRAME:029734/0242Effective date: 20121228RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services