Location Information Management of RFID-Equipped Building Components

Abstract

Availability of accurate location information of components decreases the search time and increases the chance of using shared resources. In our previously proposed framework, RFID tags are attached to components at an early stage of the lifecycle and their memory is used for various purposes throughout the lifecycle. In this paper, we propose to store various types of location-related information (e.g., current location, temporary location) on RFID tags. Details about how these data can help users (e.g., inspectors) find components in the operation phase are further elaborated. Furthermore, the paper discusses how the location data on tags can provide the users with their current location and predefined paths in the building. For example, a user equipped with an RFID reader is able to see his/her approximate location on a floor plan based on the information read from surrounding tags without having access to any Real-Time Location System. A case study is designed and implemented in a high-rise university building.