SE2151294A1

SE2151294A1 - Nfc tag and nfc reader device for detecting an point of interest, poi.

Info

Publication number: SE2151294A1
Application number: SE2151294A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Kyrre Tangen
Original assignee: Easyzeek As
Priority date: 2019-03-26
Filing date: 2020-03-24
Publication date: 2021-10-22
Also published as: EP3949012A4; EP3949012A1; WO2020197408A1; NO344884B1; NO20190409A1; SE545500C2

Abstract

Device, system and method wherein a NFC reader device and NFC tag device is provided for detecting a hidden point of interest, the NFC tag device comprise an antenna, a processing unit, and a metal element arranged around the NFC tag antenna; the NFC reader device comprise a power source, an antenna, a processing unit and three or more magnetic flux detectors.

Description

TITLE:NFC Tag and NFC reader device for detecting an Point of lnterest, Pol.

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a transmitter and receiver device, and system, for detection, identificationand update status of a hidden point of interest, such as an electrical installation or the like in a building, and a method for achieving this.

BACKGROUND When building houses and buildings there is a need for a variety of different activities done by forexample carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters and the like. All cannot do theirjob at the sametime, and electricians and plumbers must do all work related to hidden elements before for examplecarpenters close a wall, roof or floor structure with their finishing layers of material. Makingsufficient and correct markings of what is behind the wall, roof or floor structure surface is not easy, and often not possible. lt is a problem for electricians and plumbers to locate the exact position of the installation they seekwhen the surface has been "closed". Even if specifications and drawings has been updated, it isdifficult to achieve an accuracy sufficient to hit target 100% every time when cutting a hole throughthe surface to reach the underlying construction elements. lf fault rate is to be held to a minimum, alot of resources must be put into the activity of logging and positioning of the points of interest. Thisis a time consuming and error prone activity which is a challenge in a building process where time and resources are limited.

Electronic sensors based on magnetic field analysis or ultrasound transducer technologies mayprovide some knowledge of underlying equipment. lt is however a problem to achieve reliableinformation when points of interest lies nearby signal disturbing elements such as power cables, enforced building structures, other points of interest etc.

A further problem in construction is to maintain a correct BIM when work is in progress. Human erroris a frequent source of error, and the smallest error or misinterpretation may lead to faulty logging and reports.

Various systems and devices have been developed to provide guidance to find correct location to hidden points of interest. Some are used for electrical cables and junction boxes, some for through holes in walls, and some again for finding gas/water pipes and couplings. Common to most is thatthese devices require custom made hardware to be incorporated to the installations in questionwhich leads to more expensive hardware and limited choice of vendors. Vendor specific solutionsmay lead to plurality of systems implemented in the same building, and the need for workmen to be trained and to use equipment for several systems. This is cumbersome, expensive and error prone.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURElt is an aim for the present invention to provide a system, method and device which reduce or eliminate the above discussed problems. ln one embodiment of present invention a passive NFC tag (sticker) is provided as a sticker, for beingarranged in center of a point of interest, the point of interest being hidden behind building elementsor the like, and may be one of for example electrical junction box, water outlet, gas outlet, plumbing,electrical cabling, and others. Further, an NFC reader device is provided for communicating with the NFC tag, and for sensing and identify a position aligned with the center of the NFC tag. ln a further embodiment of the invention it is provided a passive NFC tag that may provide aresponse to a corresponding NFC reader device insensitive to close by magnetic disturbing elements,these elements being for example a steel beam, a high voltage cable, crossing plumbing or nearby points of interest.

A system for detection, handling and reporting a point of interest in a building construction process isprovided wherein BIM synchronization is preformed based on identification of Point of interest andaction performed. The system comprising communication to remote/cloud based services and data management.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following brief description of the figures and the following detailed description, wherein: Fig. 1A - NFC tagFig. 1B-C - NFC tag having separately arranged orbiting metal elementFig. 2 - NFC reader device Fig. 3 - NFC reader device, side view Fig. 4 - NFC reader device from below Fig. 5A - NFC reader device with handle from above Fig. 5B - Prototype NFC reader device with handle from aboveFig. 6 - NFC reader device with handle from below Fig. 7A - Example of magnetic field with aligned NFC antennasFig. 7B - Example of non-aligned NFC antennas Fig. 7C - Example of aligned NFC antennas further apart Fig. 7D - Example of aligned close NFC antennas (same as 7A)Fig. 8 - Schematic layout of NFC reader device with sensorsFig. 9A - NFC tag with encircling metal frame Fig. 9B - NFC tag with encircling metal frame, side view Fig. 9C - NFC tag with backing metal layer Fig. 9D - Magnetic fields through backing metal layer Fig. 10 - System overview Fig. 11 - Flow chart identifying Pol and BIM management Fig. 12 - System overview, real-time locating system ln the following description the use of specific terms shall be interpreted widely and at least in the meaning as defined in the following: NFC tag: is a passive near field communication tag comprising at least an inductor coil circuit, and a processor circuit powered by the inductor coil circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION ln figure 1A it is illustrated a first embodiment of an NFC tag 1, in the form of a sticker, that may beused in present invention, comprising an NFC tag antenna 2 for generating a current when amagnetic field is applied over the NFC tag antenna 2, a processor unit 4, the processor unitcomprising at least a microprocessor and optionally a memory module, and an orbiting metalelement 90, preferably circular. The processor unit and memory is powered by the induced current inthe NFC tag antenna 2 when a magnetic field is applied over the NFC tag antenna 2. The processorunit 4 may comprise a load circuit to be used for altering the magnetic load of the NFC tag antenna, and thus able to communicate with the device inducing the magnetic field. ln an alternative embodiment of the NFC tag 1, the orbiting element 90 is arranged separated fromthe NFC tag antenna 2 and a processor unit 4 in two parts as illustrated in figure 1B and figure lC.The separation of the two may be advantageous when the tag for example is to be arranged on aconnection box lid, and the connection box lid has a limited space available on one side of the lid,and the part with NFC tag antenna 2 and a processor unit 4 is arranged on the limited space of the inside of the lid, whilst the part with the orbiting element is arranged on the outside of the lid. lt is advantageous to arrange the two parts with the same center line 99, such that the magnetic field is close to uniform around the orbiting element 90.

There is no limitation to which of the two parts is arranged on an upper level relative the placementof an NFC reader device 50, although the effect of the orbiting element 90 is expected to beattenuated the farther it is arranged from the antenna 2 on opposite side relative the NFC readerdevice 50.

When the NFC tag 1 is provided in the version wherein they are arranged on two parts, each partmay be arranged on a sticker surface comprising an adhesive on one side for easy attachment on a surface.

Figure 2 illustrates an NFC reader device 20 in a first embodiment viewed from above at an obliqueangle. The NFC reader device may comprise indicators 21, such as light diodes, and push button device 22. The push button device may be used for marking a point of interest.

Figure 3 is a side view of the NFC reader device 20, indicating a flat surface of the bottom surface.

Figure 4 illustrates the NFC reader device 20 seen from below, at an oblique angle. ln center of theNFC reader device 20 a channel 23 is provided for hosting an indicator device connected to the push button device 22. The indicator device is used for marking the point of interest on a surface.

Figure 5A illustrates a second embodiment of a NFC reader device 50 according to the presentinvention. An extension to the housing comprising a display 54 is provided for easy display ofrelevant information is provided in addition to the diodes 21 of the NFC reader device 50. A furtherfeature of the extended housing is to accommodate many of the components of the NFC readerdevice a certain distance from sensing components being arranged around the center point for marking a center point of a Pol.

Figure 5B illustrates a further embodiment of a NFC reader device 50 according to the presentinvention, wherein the channel 27 in the center of the NFC reader device 50 is a through channel forreceiving a marker/pen/awl from above and passing through the channel 27 such that a mark can be made on the surface under the NFC reader device 50 when a Pol is found.

Figure 6 shows the NFC reader device 50 in the second embodiment from below.

Figure 7A illustrates a magnetic field 73 as being induced by the NFC reader device 20, 50 coil/antenna 51 and being influenced by the NFC tag antenna 2 of the NFC tag.

Figure 7B, 7C, and 7D illustrates how the magnetic field through the antennas 51, 2 of the NFC readerdevice 20, 50 and the NFC tag 1 at different alignments.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of some of the NFC reader device's internal components used forcreating a magnetic field, and for sensing variations of the magnetic field when aligned with a NFCtag. Sensors, for example magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84, are sensing the strength of themagnetic field. The NFC reader antenna 51 is used both for communication with the NFC tag, but alsofor providing the magnetic field applied over the inductive coil/antenna of the NFC tag, and thus creating the current in the NFC tag antenna and thereby powering the NFC tag.

Figure 9A illustrated the NFC tag comprising the metal element as a circular orbiting metal element90.

Figure 9B, 9C and 9D illustrate a further embodiment of the NFC tag according to the presentinvention, wherein a further backing layer 91 of an inductive field leading material, such as softferrites, is attached to a portion of the backside of the NFC tag. The backing layer 91 is typically of acircular ring shape having an inner diameter, equal or less to the inner diameter of the NFC tagantenna coil 2, and an outer diameter, equal to or larger than the NFC tag antenna coil 2. An NFC tagwith a backing layer 91 will provide an advantageous design when the NFC tag is to be installed ontoor close above an electrical/magnetic conducting material, and will provide a medium for leading themagnetic field 73 being sent from the NFC reader antenna 51 into the NFC tag antenna coil in anevenly distributed manner, making the magnetic field more insensitive of other close by magneticfield disturbing installations. lt may be advantageous to arrange an optional distance elements 92, 93to ensure a space 92', 93' between the backing layer 91 and the NFC tag antenna 2 and the metalelement 90, such that a uniform behavior of the magnetic field may be obtained even in scenarioswhere the NFC tag is attached to Pol having a strong magnetic influencing material. The metal element 90 may in this embodiment be substituted by a larger outer diameter of the backing layer 91 to provide insensitiveness of the magnetic field due to installations arranged close to the NFC tag, such as metal beams, pipes, conducting wires etc. lt is in an even further embodiment of the invention provided an NFC tag 1 as described in figure 9A,comprising the NFC tag antenna 2, and the metal element 90 arranged on a thin sticker backing, thesticker having an adhesive material layer on one side enabling the sicker to be "glued" to a surface.Optionally may the backing layer 91 itself be provided with the spacer element 95 to ensure a space95' between the backing layer 91 and the NFC tag antenna 2. The backing layer 91 and the optionalspacer element 95 maybe be assembled either as a standalone sticker with an adhesive layer on oneside for use in combination with the NFC tag, or as an integrated portion behind the adhesive material layer of the NFC tag 1.

Fig. 9D is an illustration of how a magnetic leading backing layer of an NFC tag may influence a magnetic field.

Figure 10 is a schematic drawing of a system according to present invention wherein a BuildingInformation Model, BIM, is used for managing and keeping track of handled Point of Interest, Pol.

The BIM may be remote or onsite.

Figure 11 shows a flow diagram of using the NFC reader device and NFC tag to find and effectuate a Pol, including how to integrate the use of a BIM/dB, retrieve information and update.

Figure 12 illustrate how a real-time locating system may be used together with NFC tag and NFC reader device of present invention.

The present invention is described in a first embodiment comprising an NFC tag and an NFC readerdevice 20. The NFC reader device is defined by a disclosure comprising a device side 24, a device top25 and a device bottom 26. The disclosure comprise a controlling unit 86, a power source 80 such asa battery, an NFC antenna 51, and one or more sensors 81, 82, 83, 84, such as magnetic flux detectorunits. Further components may be filters 81', 82', 83', 84', and/or Analog/Digital Converters (ADC)81", 82", 83", 84", associated with for example respective one or more detectors 81, 82, 83, 84. Thecontrolling unit 86 may also comprise a dedicated NFC reader control unit 85, and further optionalcomponents/features of the NFC reader device may be a communicating unit 87 comprising wired 53and/or wireless 88 communication interfaces, a display 54, one or more switches 52, and connectors 53 for physical interphase to other equipment/chargers.

The communication unit 87 may be provided for communicating with a local and/or remotecomputer means over wired or wireless communication protocol, remote power source or other.

Remote power source may drive the components directly or be attached to charge the battery 80.

Further features comprised in the NFC reader device is indicators 21, for example LED lights,arranged to guide the operator when moving the NFC reader device. The characteristics of theindicators 21 is that the operator shall be able to move the NFC reader device in a position exactlyaligned with a point of interest, Pol, the Pol being the center 74 of the NFC tag arranged on the Pol.

This is identified by the indicators when NFC reader device is at the correct position.

A further feature of the NFC reader device may be the ability of marking the Pol on the surface underwhich the Pol is hidden. A marking device may be an assembly comprising for example a push buttonmarker 22, a channel 23 and a marker pen/knife which protrude out of the channel 23 when thepush button marker 22 is pushed. Thus, it is able to mark the surface when a Pol is identified by theindicators. Another way to facilitate the marking of a Pol is to provide a through channel 27 in centerof the NFC reader device, the through channel being adapted to receive a pen or the like, and theuser can mark a center point under the NFC reader device by pushing a pencil or the like through thetrough channel 27 and make a marking on the surface under the NFC reader device corresponding tothe Pol.

The detectors 81, 82, 83, 84 may be small coils tuned to detect the magnetic flux in a specific positioninside the NFC reader device 20, 50 where it is arranged. At least 3 detector units may be arrangedsymmetrically around the center of the NFC reader device, and the magnetic flux measured in eachdetector units is compared. When all detectors 81, 82, 83, 84 indicates equal magnetic flux, it isassumed that the Pol is found at a cross section between the detector units. lndicators 21, such asLED lights, may be linked to each detector 81, 82, 83, 84, such that indicator pattern may be linked tothe position of the NFC reader device relative the Pol. For example may a LED light 21 be turned on inone color if the corresponding detector 81, 82, 83, 84 detects a weaker magnetic flux than in some ofthe other detectors 81, 82, 83, 84, and a different color may be turned on in all the LED lights if thedetectors 81, 82, 83, 84 detect equal magnetic flux, with the effect that when one or more indicatorsindicate closeness by being activated, the operator move the NFC reader device in the direction ofthe inactive indicators until all indicators being active in a correct position mode/color. Different indicator patterns may be implemented to guide the operator.

The detectors 81, 82, 83, 84, which typically comprise magnetic flux sensor coils, is connected to adetector circuit measuring the current induced in the sensor coil by an applied magnetic field. Thesource of the magnetic field is typically induced by the NFC reader device antenna 51, and thevariances in the detected magnetic field is influenced by external inductor devices, such as a receiving coil on an NFC tag, the NFC tag antenna 2. 4 or more detectors may advantageously be used. Using 4 detectors 81, 82, 83, 84 equally spacedaround the center of the NFC reader device they would typically be paired diagonally, such that whenfor example only one detector pair 81, 83 detects equal level, it can be decided that the center pointof the line between the detector pair has been found, but the NFC reader device must be movedalong the line between the second detector pair 82, 84 to find the exact center point of the NFC tag.When both detector pairs 81, 83, 82, 84 detects equal level the center point 74 of the NFC tag has been found.

The NFC reader device further comprise a communication unit for communicating with a sticker,such as an NFC/RFID sticker, such that when the NFC reader device antenna 51 is activated and anNFC tag is powered up by the magnetic field induced. The activated NFC tag may transmit anactivation signal. When powered the NFC tag processing unit 4 may communicate stored datacomprising for example an identification number and a status such that the communication unit inthe NFC reader device 20, 50 can identify the NFC tag and decide if the process to find the exactlocalization of the NFC tag can begin. The NFC reader device may also send information to be stored in the NCF tag.

The NFC reader device may further comprise a communication unit 87 for communicating with aremote and/or local computer device. Examples of computer device may be: cloud computer resource, laptop, Tablet, Smart phone, Custom computer, or other.

A local computer device such as a laptop, Tablet, Smart phone, or other, may also communicate withboth the NFC reader device, and a cloud computer resource/network computer resource. lf the localcomputer support NFC it can even communicate directly with the NFC tag. Communication betweenlocal computer and NFC reader typically is performed over a Bluetooth interface which may besupported by both. Any other wireless, or even wired, communication protocol may be used if supported by both.

Communication between local computer and network/cloud resource is typically supported by communication over internet. Other protocols/media may be chosen if supported by both.

Very often there are a multiple Pol localized close by each other, or construction beams of magneticmaterial, for example steel beams, or water piping, electrical wiring and other may disturb themagnetic field provided by the NFC reader antenna 51. These disturbances may influence the detector data, and the analysis of these data may thus be erroneous.

The present invention NFC tag comprise a element 90 of a metal material, preferably an encirclingring, uniformly arranged around the NFC tag antenna as illustrated in figure 9A. ln order to reduce oreliminate the effect on the magnetic field by disturbing elements close to the Pol, it has been foundthat a NFC tag designed to comprise element 90 of a metal material as illustrated in figure 9A willinfluence the magnetic field around the NFC reader antenna in a uniform manner irrespectively ofwhat other magnetically disturbing elements are arranged close by. The uniformity of the encirclingring 90 impacts the magnetic field uniformly and isolates other disturbing elements such that theresulting magnetic field being detectable by the NFC reader device detectors may ignore disturbancefrom other disturbing elements. Thus, the detector output may be analyzed and an error freedetection of exact center point of the NFC tag may be found. The element 90 of a metal material mayhave other forms with a known impact pattern on the magnetic field, and the NFC reader devicedetectors and/or the NFC reader microcontroller 86 may be calibrated to account for these other forms when detecting Pol. ln a further embodiment of the NFC tag, a circular ring shaped backing layer 91 of a magnetic fieldconducting material, such as soft ferrites, is included in the NFC tag, or arranged, aligned betweenthe NFC tag antenna 2 and the surface to which the NFC tag is attached, the magnetic fieldconducting material of the backing layer 91 at least covering the area of the NFC tag antenna 2 coil.The backing layer 91 provides an even further isolation of the NFC tag towards elements founddirectly below the NFC tag. For example can the NFC tag be arranged directly on a Pol beingconstructed of a metal material of a form not known. This will influence the magnetic field inducedby the NFC reader device in an unknown manner, with the effect that the detectors in the NFCreader device may show a faulty result. The backing layer 91 will act as a transfer medium for themagnetic flux under the NFC tag, and other materials below the backing layer 91 will not have any, or ignorable, impact on the resulting magnetic field.

The NFC tag antenna 2, processing unit 4, the metal element 90 and optionally the backing layer 91are arranged on a thin sticker backing wherein the total height of the sticker and the arranged components is less than 4 mm, or even less than 3 mm, or even less than 2 mm.

The NFC tag 1 comprises a NFC tag antenna 2 for generating a current from an induced inductive field73 created by a NFC reader device antenna 51. The NFC reader antenna 51 being arranged in the NFC reader device.

The NFC tag 1 according to present invention further comprise a processing unit 4 and an antenna 2 for communicating with the NFC reader device 20, 50.

The NFC tag of present invention is such that it is designed as a thin sticker with adhesive properties,for example the underside of the sticker may be covered by a layer of adhesive material being able to"glue" the sticker to a surface when pressed onto it. The integrated circuit may comprise memorybeing programmable on site by the NFC reader device or other handheld computer devices, forexample a smart phone. The NFC tag may also be preprogrammed with data related to a Pol it isintended to be used. Data can include information such as, details of Pol, installation guide, wiringdiagram, tool requirements, fabrication, type, serial number, BIM reference, web site address, and other.

The programmable NFC tag may thus be attached, centered, to a Pol during installation in forexample the wall structures of a house, given a unique id, and linked to a predefined Pol type in aBIM or other building management system. When the wall is later closed, by for example a carpenterinstalling wall panels over the Pol, the exact position of the Pol is hidden from view. Exact localizationof the Pol might be a difficult task, but a NFC reader device according to present invention may be used to localize the Pol.

The present invention in the first embodiment use the resulting magnetic field induced by the NFCreader antenna 51, and the magnetic field 73 being influenced by the NFC tag antenna 2, in such away that the magnetic field is not uniform around the NFC reader antenna 51 unless the NFC tag antenna 2 is directly in line with the transmitter coil as illustrated in figure 7A.

Typically an operator decides, alternatively programs the device to, which Pol is to be found. This canbe found according to Blueprints or general markings/building regulations and practice, or found in a SW tool for a BIM system or the like. Once the NFC reader device is activated it will start inducing a magnetic field by the NFC reader antenna. Once an NFC tag antenna in an NFC tag is close enough togenerate enough power to transmit an identity to the NFC reader device, the NFC reader device willanalyze if the transmitting NFC tag is the one being looked for. lf so, information about the NFC tagmay be received, analyzed and displayed. lf the NFC reader device comprise a display 54 asillustrated in figure 5A and figure 5B, this may be used to display relevant information receive from,or linked to by, the NFC tag, and if a network connected device 100, such as a smart phone, iscommunicating with the NFC tag and/or the NFC reader device, the network connected device 100may receive an Url/Web page address transmitted from the NFC tag, to display the identified homepage, either on a supported display, or if comprised the NFC reader display 54.

When an NFC tag is localized, but information stored and transmitted from the NFC tag is limited, afurther feature of the NFC reader device according to the present invention may be to comprise aGPS or RTLS tracking module which can identify the exact position of the NFC reader device. TheGPS/RTLS position may be used as a lookup identity in a BIM model, and thus identify which Pol isfound by comparing which Pol is register on the exact same GPS/RTLS position in the BIM model.Information retrieved from the BIM model may then be displayed on the display 54 on the NFCreader device 50. lf the NFC reader device 50 is communicating with a network connected device 100, such as a smart phone, which comprise a GPS/RTLS tracking module, the NFC reader device 50 maytake advantage of the GPS/RTLS module on the attached network connected device 100 to retrievecorrect GPS/RTLS position, and also alternatively use the network connected device 100 forcommunicating with a BIM model in a remote network connected site. By enabling the NFC readerdevice 50 to communicate with a network connected device 100, such as a smart phone, the NFCreader device 50 may be constructed a lot less complicated, and features such as: dialog with BIMmodel services, connection to remote or cloud based services, display and operator input, retrievaland input of information, may be performed by the network connected device 100. ln the case asmart phone is used as network connected device 100, features may be constructed and downloadedas an app for the services required. Communication between a network connected device 100 andthe NFC reader device 20, 50 may be performed using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other standardcommunication protocols. Corresponding communication modules may be comprised in the NFC reader device 20, 50 of the present invention.

The NFC reader device 20, 50 may find the exact location of the NFC tag by transmitting the magneticfield by the NFC reader antenna 51 simultaneously to activating the sensors, for example magneticflux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84, and the variances in the detected magnetic field over the detectors will be analyzed and used to guide the operator to correct position of Pol.

BIM CONNECTION; Status report directly into the BIM model as exemplified in figure 11. Typicallywill a cloud/network service be provided to comprise a BIM service. The BIM may also be supported by local computing resources.

A connection to BIM models opens a possibility of status reporting of equipment and processes. lf awall mounted installation box with the NFC tags is to be integrated. The person performing theinstallation can detect the installation box using a BIM program installed on a network connecteddevice 100, such as a tablet or smart phone, the network connected device 100 may comprise anNFC module and use this to communicate directly with the NFC tag, or an NFC reader device asdiscussed above is used to communicate both with the network connected device 100 and the NFCtag, as well as identifying exact center point of Pol if necessary. Communication with a BIM may beperformed before, under and after action or communication with the NFC tag of Pol is performed.After assembly the installer may mark the installation box as "box installed" in the BIM programwhich may update the BIM model, which again may show for example the carpenters on the projectwhen the wall is ready to close. When the wall is closed, the installation box may be found using theNFC reader device 20, 50 and the wall can be opened in the exact correct spot for equipment to beinstalled into the installation box. After handling the installer may use the connection to the BIMprogram from the network connected device 100 to update the BIM model, for example by markingit as "equipment installed". The BIM program may communicate with the transmitter 20, 50 over adedicated communication protocol, for example Bluetooth, or it may fetch information directly fromthe NFC tag if it still is intact in the installation box. This time it may give for example electricians anoverview of when the circuit is complete and ready for final inspection. The results of the final inspection can then be entered in the BIM model and used for further actions.

Figure 11 illustrates the following activities where an exact center position of a Pol marked by aunique NFC tag: Firstly the NFC reader device is initiated and activated 101. The operator or NFCreader device communicates with the BIM service to check which Pol is to be found/handled. A BIMmay have position information for example in the form of either from a construction drawing/roomplan/other, RTLS coordinates or GPS coordinates. NFC reader device is put in search mode 102, andwill indicate 103 when a NFC tag is found nearby. lf the NFC tag is not correct 104 the operator mustsearch for new NFC tag. lf correct 104 NFC tag is found the operator starts to search for the centerpoint 105 of the found NFC tag. When center is found 106 this is identified by a predefined indicator pattern, for example light diodes all light up at same level and color. The center point of the Pol may then be marked 107 on the surface being searched. Communication to the BIM 108 may then update the Pol entry in the BIM according to the action being performed.

RTLS; Real-time |ocating system This use example is i||ustrated in figure 12, and by combining indoor position from an RTLS with datafrom the detected NFC tag, this data may be compared to what is projected in the BIM model. Ifthere is a match between the detected and the projected data, the detected Pol is identified andafter completing work the status may be changed from, for example, "not installed" to "installed" inthe BIM model. RTLS may be comprised in a network connected device 100, such as a tablet or smartphone. It may also be an option to combine or substitute RTLS with GPS data, in the BIM and/or the amobile computing device. A mobile device application , APP, may convert GPS coordinates to fit a system comprising custom RTLS coordinates.

It is also within the scope of the invention to provide a NFC reader device 20, 50 that may compriseone or both of network connected communication unit having a BIM program installed, and a real- time |ocating system being able to for example retrieve an indoor GPS position.

The present invention may be used to mark Pol and track activities and aid maintenance workers in awide variety of Facility Management, Operation, and Maintenance. For example may maintenanceaudits be guided by installed unique NFC tags according to present invention be used to markindividual check points, and a network connected check lists and/or service logs/history may be consulted/updated according to performed action.

It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide an automated interface between anetwork service maintaining a BIM, a work plan, a service plan or the like, and a work robotcomprising an NFC reader device as discussed above. For example may a drilling robot receive from anetwork connected BIM application a location of an electrical junction box presently hidden behind awall having a unique NFC tag according to present invention attached. The drilling robot maynavigate to an approximate location, and initiate the NFC reader device to find the exact position ofthe Pol. The indicators 21 of the NFC reader device will in this embodiment be signaling indicatorsreadable by the drilling robot. When center point is identified, the drilling robot can drill the holeaccording to the specification identified by the unique NFC tag. When operation is finished, the BIM, work plan, service plan or the like can be updated accordingly.

A further use of the NFC tag 1, the NFC reader device 20, 50, and optionally a network connectedBIM service, is to mark and identify Pol that identifies points, levels, stretches between two NFC tags,entire sections of constructions, and other as critical/important. For example can this mark an areanot to be drilled in because of presence of gas pipes, electrical conducting cabling, fiber optics, water pipes, important construction details not to be corrupted and others.

A further feature of the NFC tag 1 is to program the NFC tag as a relative Pol, for one or moreconcrete Pols. For example where there is no possibilities to attach an NFC tag on the Pol, butpossible 20 cm to the left of the actual Pol, the NCF tag can be programmed with a relativedisplacement of right 0,2 m, and this information will typically be displayed on the display 54 of the NFC reader when relative Pol is located over the NFC tag 1.

An NFC tag 1may also be used as a "hub" Pol, the NFC tag being programmed to identify more thanone actual Pol being located relative the NFC tag. For example can a one NFC tag comprise theinformation of relative distance to nearest electrical junction box, and relative distance to nearest cold water outlet, and relative distance to nearest warm water outlet.

The embodiments and variations described herein is examples of the invention and its use, and shallnot be limiting the usage and technical features of the invention, as the different features may beused in any combination or even substituted with other feature providing the same technical effect described. lt is the attached claims that define the protection scope.

The present invention may further be described by the following embodiments: A first device embodiment comprising an NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 fordetecting a hidden point of interest, the NFC tag device 1 comprise an antenna 2, a processing unit 4, and a metal element 90 arranged around the NFC tag antenna 2; the NFC reader device 20, 50 comprise a power source 80, an antenna 51, a processing unit 86 and three or more magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84.

A second device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to thefirst device embodiment, wherein the components in the NFC tag device are arranged on a sticker surface comprising an adhesive surface on its underside.

A third device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to thefirst device embodiment, wherein the NFC tag antenna 2, and the processing unit 4 is arranged on afirst sticker, and the metal element is arranged on a second sticker, wherein the first and second sticker comprise a surface being an adhesive surface.

A fourth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to anyone of the first to third device embodiment, wherein the metal element 90 is an encircling ring uniformly arranged around the NFC tag antenna 2.

A fifth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to anyone of the first to fourth device embodiment, wherein a further circular ring shape layer 91 of an inductive field leading material is attached to the backside of the NFC tag device 1.

A sixth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to thefifth device embodiment, further comprising distance element 92, 93, 95 to ensure a space 92', 93',95' between the further layer 91 of an inductive field leading material and the NFC tag antenna 2 and the metal element 90.

A seventh device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to thefourth or sixth device embodiment, wherein the inductive field leading material of the further circular ring shape layer 91 is soft ferrites.

An eighth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to anyone of the first to seventh device embodiment, wherein the total height of the sticker and the arranged components is less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm.

A ninth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to anyone of the first to eighth device embodiment, wherein the processing unit in the NFC reader devicecomprise a comparator unit for comparing the magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84.

A tenth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to theninth device embodiment, wherein NFC reader device further comprise a plurality of indicators 21 and the processing unit controlling the indicators.

An e|eventh device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according tothe tenth device embodiment, wherein the indicators are controlled to indicate a result, accordingto a predefined pattern, of the compared magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors.

A twelfth device embodiment of the NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to thee|eventh device embodiment, wherein the indicators uniquely identifies a situation wherein the magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors are equal.

A first system embodiment comprising a system for detecting a hidden point of interest, the systemcomprising an NFC reader device 20, 50 and NFC tag device 1 according to any one of the first totwelfth device embodiment, a network connected device 100 and a network connected computing FGSOUFCG.

A second system embodiment for detecting a hidden point of interest according to the first systemembodiment, wherein the network connected device 100 is one of a computer, a smart phone , a tablet or a custom made network connected device.

A third system embodiment for detecting a hidden point of interest according to the first or secondsystem embodiment, wherein the network connected device 100 comprise a communication modulewith support for a first communication protocol for communicating wired or wireless with the NFCreader device 20, 50, and with support for a second communication protocol for communicating wired or wireless with the network connected computing resource.

A fourth system embodiment for detecting a hidden point of interest according to any one of the firstto third system embodiment, wherein network connected computing resource comprise a BIMservice, and the network connected device 100 or the NFC reader device 20, 50 comprise a navigation application, the navigation application being one of GPS- or RTLS- tracking module.

A first method embodiment comprising a method for detecting a hidden point of interest, wherein the method comprising the steps: - installing an NFC tag 1 as defined in one of the first to eight device embodiment, - generating a magnetic field 73 by activating an antenna 51 of an NFC reader 20, 50 asdescribed in any one of the first to twelfth device embodiment, - measuring differences in the three or more magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84resulting from the magnetic field 73 being influenced by the NFC tag antenna 2, - indicating by displaying a predefined pattern in the plurality of indicators 21 of the resultof the compared magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors 81, sz, ss, 84.

A second method embodiment according to the first method embodiment, wherein the NFC reader20, 50 prior to activating the antenna 51, communicates with a network connected device 100 toreceive an identification of a preprogrammed NFC tag 1, and the method further comprise to:after generating a magnetic field 73 by activating the antenna 51: detect and measuringdifferences in the three or more magnetic flux detectors 81, 82, 83, 84 resulting from themagnetic field 73 being influenced by the NFC tag antenna 2 only when correct NFC tag is identified.

A third method embodiment according to the first or second method embodiment, the network connected device 100 communicating with a network based BIM system and the NFC tag 1 to communicate NFC tag parameters and data between the BIM system and the NFC tag 1.

Claims

1.NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) for detecting a hidden point of interest,the NFC tag device (1) comprise an antenna (2), a processing unit (4), and a metal element (90) arranged around the NFC tag antenna (2); the NFC reader device (20, 50) comprise a power source (80), an antenna (51), a processingunit (86) and three or more magnetic flux detectors (81, 82, 83, 84) , wherein the processingunit (86) in the NFC reader device (20, 50) comprise a comparator unit for comparing the magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors (81, 82, 83, 84)..

2. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1 ) according to c|aim 1, wherein thecomponents in the NFC tag device are arranged on a sticker surface comprising an adhesive surface on its underside.

3. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1 )according to c|aim 1, whereinthe NFC tag antenna (2), and the processing unit (4) is arranged on a first sticker, and themetal element is arranged on a second sticker, wherein the first and second sticker comprise a surface being an adhesive surface.

4. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according any one of c|aim 1 to 3, wherein the metal element (90) is an encircling ring uniformly arranged around the NFC tag antenna(2)

5. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to any one of c|aim 1 to 4,wherein a further circular ring shape layer (91) of an inductive field leading material is attached to the backside of the NFC tag device (1).

6. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to c|aim 5, further comprisingdistance element (92, 93, 95) to ensure a space (92', 93', 95') between the further layer(91) of an inductive field leading material and the NFC tag antenna (2) and the metal element(90) .

7. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to c|aim 5 or 6, wherein the inductive field leading material of the further circular ring shape layer (91 is soft ferrites.

8. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to any one of claim 1 to 7wherein the total height of the sticker and the arranged components is less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm.

9. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to claim 1, wherein NFC readerdevice further comprise a plurality of indicators (21) and the processing unit controlling the indicators, wherein the indicators are controlled to indicate a result, according to a predefined pattern, of the compared magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors.

10. NFC reader device (20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to claim 9, wherein theindicators uniquely identifies a situation wherein the magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors are equal.

11. System for detecting a hidden point of interest, the system comprising an NFC reader device(20, 50) and NFC tag device (1) according to any one of claim 1 to 10, a network connected device (100) and a network connected computing resource, wherein the network connected device (100) is one of a computer, a smart phone , a tablet or a custom made network connected device.

12. System for detecting a hidden point of interest according to claim 11, wherein the networkconnected device (100) comprise a communication module with support for a firstcommunication protocol for communicating wired or wireless with the NFC reader device(20, 50), and with support for a second communication protocol for communicating wired orwireless with the network connected computing resource , wherein network connected computing resource comprise a BIM service, and the networkconnected device (100) or the NFC reader device (20, 50) comprise a navigation application, the navigation application being one of GPS- or RTLS- tracking module.

13. Method for detecting a hidden point of interest, wherein the method comprising the steps: - installing an NFC tag (1) as defined in one of claims 1 to 8, - generating a magnetic field (73) by activating an antenna (51) of an NFC reader (20, 50)as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, - measuring differences in the three or more magnetic flux detectors (81, 82, 83, 84)resulting from the magnetic field (73) being influenced by the NFC tag antenna (2), - indicating by displaying a predefined pattern in the plurality of indicators (21) of theresult of the compared magnetic flux detected in the three or more magnetic flux detectors (81, 82, 83, 84).

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the NFC reader (20, 50) prior to activating the antenna (51), communicates with a network connected device (100) to receive anidentification of a preprogrammed NFC tag (1), and the method further comprise to: after generating a magnetic field (73) by activating the antenna (51): detect and measuring differences in the three or more magnetic flux detectors (81, 82, 83,84) resulting from the magnetic field (73) being influenced by the NFC tag antenna (2) only when correct NFC tag is identified.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, the network connected device (100) communicatingwith a network based BIM system and the NFC tag (1) to communicate NFC tag parameters and data between the BIM system and the NFC tag (1).