Patent ID: 8689653

Claim:
A method for inspecting a pipeline comprising, providing an inspection device to collect information relevant to the maintenance of the pipeline, said device including an inspection device having an RF transceiver capable of receiving identity information from a radiofrequency identification device (RFID), an inertial navigation unit capable of generating three-space position information, a processor capable of synchronizing identity information from a RFID with position information; and a section of pipe having a RFID with identity information for the section of pipe mounted on the wall of the pipe; wherein said method further comprises configuring the RF transceiver of the inspection device to receive identity information from an RFID associated with a section of pipe; introducing the inspection device into an access point in a pipeline containing a section of pipe having a RFID; generating three-space position information indicative of the position of the inspection device in the pipeline; collecting data from the RFID as the inspection device travels through the pipeline; and synchronizing the identity information of the RFID associated with a section of pipe and the position information system of the inertial navigation unit.