High level RFID solution for rental tools and equipment

1. A method for monitoring use of a tool, comprising:

transmitting an RF signal from an active RFID tag coupled to the tool, the active RFID tag comprising:

a microprocessor configured to collect and process data relating to the use of the tool;

memory configured to store the data relating to the use of the tool; and

a battery configured to power the microprocessor and the memory;

receiving the RF signal with an RFID reader coupled to a collar, the collar being removably coupled to the tool;

transmitting a first alert signal from the RFID reader to a communication device coupled to the collar when the RFID reader fails to receive the RF signal, the first alert signal indicating that the collar has been de-coupled from the tool;

transmitting the data relating to the use of the tool to the active RFID tag via a sensor coupled to or integral with the active RFID tag;

transmitting a monitor signal from the communication device to a monitor; and

transmitting an indirect distributor signal from the monitor to a distributor of the tool, the indirect distributor signal indicative of the time the collar was de-coupled from the tool.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting a direct distributor signal from the communication device to a distributor of the tool.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting a second alert signal from the RFID reader when the RFID reader receives the RF signal anew, the second alert signal indicating that the collar has been re-coupled to the tool.

4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising calculating an amount of time the tool is in use by comparing time between the first and second alert signals.

5. The method of claim 3 , further comprising calculating a number of times the tool is used by examining a number of first and second alert signals.