DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for asset tracking and specifically, the present invention relates to communicating an implement location and usage time by using tags.
BACKGROUND ART
[002] Organizations rely heavily on their assets as they play a critical role in daily operations and hence it becomes vital for any organization to maintain their assets. One such asset is high-value implements that are used on-site for maintenance or diagnostics. Multiple implements are kept in a service van and moved to service locations. Sometimes these are leased on an hourly basis and in such cases tracking the usage and location as well as keeping relevant records becomes important.
[003] The manual method to maintain such records becomes not only cumbersome but also is subjected to errors. Moreover, the incidents of an implement getting handled by an untrained or unauthorized person resulting in malfunction of the implement may not get documented. Sometimes excess usage or use by untrained persons may lead to the early breakdown of the same.
[004] Accordingly, there exists a need for a system and a method that is able to track the location and usage of the implements and provide alerts in case of an abnormal condition to aid in better asset management using low-power tags.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[005] An object of the present invention is to provide a system for tracking implement usage and location by using a plurality of low-power, small-sized tags.
[006] Another object of the present invention is to create a record of usage patterns at each service location for each implement.
[007] Yet another object of the present invention is to detect breaches of geo-fence by providing a warning related to suspicious usage of the implement.
[008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method to identify misplaced implements and the last known location of the same.
[009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for tracking the implements, including electrical, mechanical, or other service-related gadgets or tools, by utilizing a plurality of tags that communicate location and usage time data of each implement to a gateway.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present invention is described in the following sections by various embodiments. However, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and is not limited to the specific embodiment provided herein.
[0011] A system that comprises a vehicle for housing the plurality of implements and an IoT platform, wherein each tag is secured to an implement and is operably connected wirelessly to the IoT gateway, which in turn is connected wirelessly to the IoT platform. Further the system enables the plurality of tags to periodically broadcast a unique data pattern, containing information regarding each implement and the tag ID, to the gateway, thereby facilitating real-time tracking and monitoring of the implements.
[0012] The gateway may be further equipped with a scanner and dedicated firmware, wherein the scanner reads the data broadcasted by the tags, and the firmware processes and filters the received data according to predefined criteria, ensuring efficient data management and storage.
[0013] The system may be further configured to update the status of an implement on a server when the implement is removed from the vehicle, as the gateway will no longer receive data from the corresponding tag, thereby providing accurate and up-to-date information on the implement's location and usage.
[0014] Further the system may be configured to enable dynamic allocation of the tags, accommodating changes or additions of implements or changes of the vehicle, facilitated by a web-based utility that modifies or adds the related tag entry, ensuring seamless management of the implements. The system may perform continuous data logging even when the vehicle moves into a zone of lesser network strength or enters a blind spot, by storing the data in the internal memory of a module and sending it to the server upon restoration of the network connection, thereby maintaining a comprehensive log of implement usage.
[0015]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0017] Figure 1 illustrates the detailed block diagram of a system for tracking the implements in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 2 represents another block diagram of a method for tracking implements in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present invention. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flowcharts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes that may be substantially represented in computer-readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0020] The embodiments herein provide a system and a method designed to track the location and usage of the implements while also identifying unauthorized utilization of the same. The system utilizes a plurality of tags, an IoT gateway, an IoT platform, and a server.
[0021] Throughout this application, with respect to all reasonable derivatives of such terms, and unless otherwise specified (and/or unless the particular context clearly dictates otherwise), each usage of:
a. “a” or “an” is meant to read as “at least one.”
b. “the” is meant to be read as “the at least one.”
[0022] References in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail. For clarity of the description, known constructions and functions will be omitted.
[0024] Parts of the description may be presented in terms of operations performed by at least one processor, electrical/electronic circuit, a computer system, using terms such as data, state, link, fault, packet, and the like, consistent with the manner commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As is well understood by those skilled in the art, these quantities take the form of data stored/transferred in the form of non-transitory, computer-readable electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, and otherwise manipulated through mechanical and electrical components of the computer system; and the term computer system includes general purpose as well as special purpose data processing machines, switches, and the like, that are standalone, adjunct or embedded. For instance, some embodiments may be implemented by a processing system that executes program instructions so as to cause the processing system to perform operations involved in one or more of the methods described herein. The program instructions may be computer-readable code, such as compiled or non-compiled program logic and/or machine code, stored in a data storage that takes the form of a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic, optical, and/or flash data storage medium. Moreover, such processing system and/or data storage may be implemented using a single computer system or may be distributed across multiple computer systems (e.g., servers) that are communicatively linked through a network to allow the computer systems to operate in a coordinated manner.
[0025] The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in brackets in the following description and in the table below.
[0026] The present invention provides a system (100) for tracking the implements. In an embodiment, the implements are electrical, mechanical or other service-related gadgets or tools. The system is configured to track the plurality of implements by using a plurality of tags that communicate location, usage time data of each implement to the gateway.
[0027] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the system (100) uses a plurality of tags. Each tag of the plurality if tags is secured to an implement. The tags can be of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), NBIOT, LORA type. (Pl. provide options.) A plurality of implements along with their respective tags can be housed in a vehicle. Specifically, the tags are operably coupled to a IoT gateway in a wireless manner. In a preferred embodiment, the IoT gateway is a GSM gateway. The IoT gateway is equipped with a scanner that can read the data broadcasted by the tags.
[0028] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of tags broadcasts unique data patterns periodically to the IoT gateway wirelessly.
[0029] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the IoT gateway can process and filter the received data according to the firmware that is configured with unique IDs for each tag of the plurality of tags.
[0030] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the IoT gateway is in communication with the IoT platform.
[0031] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the system (100) sends the information corresponding to the plurality of the implements to a server for further analysis and pattern recognition. Moreover, the system (100) is configured to log every service/maintenance request. The usage data of the implements can be validated against the logged requests in the system.
[0032] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of the implements are connected to the IoT gateway through the plurality of tags. In case of non-communication from any implement with the IoT gateway for a considerable time, the system (100) is configured with a module which generates an alarm.
[0033] Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for tracking asset location and usage time using tags. The system comprises a vehicle configured to house a plurality of implements, a plurality of tags, each tag being secured to a corresponding implement and configured to periodically broadcast a unique data pattern including information regarding the implement and a tag ID, an IoT gateway operably connected wirelessly to the plurality of tags, the IoT gateway being equipped with a scanner and dedicated firmware, the scanner configured to read the data broadcasted by the tags, and the firmware configured to process and filter the received data according to predefined criteria and store unique identification codes for each tag, and an IoT platform operably connected wirelessly to the IoT gateway.
[0034] The IoT gateway is configured to transmit the processed and filtered data to the IoT platform. The system is configured to update the status of an implement on a server when the implement is removed from the vehicle by detecting the absence of data from the corresponding tag. The system is configured to dynamically allocate the tags, facilitating the addition or removal of implements or changes to the vehicle through a web-based utility with special access and hierarchy management. The system is configured to create and store data every 30 seconds, even when the vehicle moves into a zone of lesser network strength or a blind spot, and transmit the stored data to the server upon restoration of the network connection.
[0035] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of tags are configured to broadcast the unique data pattern every 30 seconds. This periodic broadcasting ensures that the IoT gateway receives timely updates about the status and location of each implement, facilitating real-time tracking and monitoring.
[0036] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the IoT gateway is configured to store the unique identification codes for each tag in the firmware. This storage capability allows the gateway to recognize and process data from each tag accurately, ensuring that the information transmitted to the IoT platform is reliable and precise.
[0037] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the web-based utility is configured to modify or add related tag entries, facilitating the seamless addition or removal of implements. This feature allows for easy management of the implements and tags, ensuring that the system can adapt to changes in the inventory or configuration of the vehicle without significant manual intervention.
[0038] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the IoT gateway is configured to store data in its internal memory when the vehicle moves into a zone of lesser network strength or a blind spot, and transmit the stored data to the server upon restoration of the network connection. This ensures that no data is lost during periods of low connectivity, maintaining a complete log of implement usage and location.
[0039] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the IoT platform is configured to generate reports on a predefined periodic basis, providing comprehensive tracking and analysis of the implements. These reports can be used for various purposes, including maintenance scheduling, usage analysis, and inventory management, enhancing the overall efficiency of asset management.
[0040] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tags are selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), NBIOT, and LORA tags. This selection provides flexibility in choosing the most suitable type of tag based on the specific requirements of the application, such as range, power consumption, and data transmission capabilities.
[0041] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the IoT gateway is a GSM gateway. This type of gateway ensures reliable and widespread connectivity, enabling the system to function effectively in various locations and environments.
[0042] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system is configured to detect breaches of geo-fence by providing a warning related to suspicious usage of the implement. This feature enhances the security of the implements by alerting the user to any unauthorized movements or usage, allowing for prompt action to be taken.
[0043] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for tracking asset location and usage time using tags. The method comprises attaching a plurality of tags to a plurality of implements, periodically broadcasting data related to each implement to an IoT gateway by the tags, receiving, scanning, and filtering the data by the IoT gateway, transmitting the processed and filtered data from the IoT gateway to an IoT platform, updating the status of an implement on a server when the implement is removed from a vehicle by detecting the absence of data from the corresponding tag, dynamically allocating the tags, facilitating the addition or removal of implements or changes to the vehicle through a web-based utility with special access and hierarchy management, and creating and storing data every 30 seconds, even when the vehicle moves into a zone of lesser network strength or a blind spot, and transmitting the stored data to the server upon restoration of the network connection.
[0044] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the data broadcasting by the tags occurs every 30 seconds. This ensures that the IoT gateway receives frequent updates, maintaining accurate and up-to-date information about the implements.
[0045] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the IoT gateway stores unique identification codes for each tag in its firmware. This allows the gateway to accurately recognize and process data from each tag, ensuring reliable communication with the IoT platform.
[0046] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the web-based utility modifies or adds related tag entries, facilitating the seamless addition or removal of implements. This feature simplifies the management of the system, allowing for easy updates and changes to the inventory.
[0047] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the IoT gateway stores data in its internal memory when the vehicle moves into a zone of lesser network strength or a blind spot, and transmits the stored data to the server upon restoration of the network connection. This ensures that no data is lost during periods of low connectivity, maintaining a complete log of implement usage and location.
[0048] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the IoT platform generates reports on a predefined periodic basis, providing comprehensive tracking and analysis of the implements. These reports can be used for various purposes, including maintenance scheduling, usage analysis, and inventory management, enhancing the overall efficiency of asset management.
[0049] In an implementation of one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an operation of the system (100) is explained by referring to Figure 1. The present invention provides a system (100) for tracking implements, which may include electrical, mechanical, or other service-related gadgets or tools. The system is designed to track a plurality of implements using a plurality of tags that communicate location and usage time data of each implement to a gateway.
[0050] In an embodiment, the system (100) comprises a vehicle (110) for housing the plurality of implements (101, 102, 103) and an IoT platform (108) (hereinafter referred to as "platform (108)"). The plurality of tags (104, 105, 106) are each secured to an implement and are operably connected wirelessly to an IoT gateway (107) (hereinafter referred to as "gateway (107)"). The gateway (107) is connected wirelessly to the platform (108).
[0051] The plurality of tags (104, 105, 106) periodically broadcast a unique data pattern, including information regarding each implement (101, 102, 103) and the tag ID, to the gateway (107). In an embodiment, the data broadcasting by the plurality of tags can be done every 30 seconds.
[0052] The gateway (107) is equipped with a scanner and dedicated firmware. The scanner is configured to read the data broadcasted by the plurality of tags (104, 105, 106). The gateway (107) can process and filter the received data according to predefined criteria in the firmware. The firmware is configured to store unique identification codes, each belonging to a specific tag.
[0053] In a specific case, when an implement (101, 102, 103) is removed from the vehicle (110), the gateway (107) is not able to receive the data from the corresponding tag. Accordingly, the status of the particular implement may be updated on a server.
[0054] Allocation of the tags (104, 105, 106) may be dynamic and subject to conditions such as change and/or addition of the implements or change of the vehicle (110). A web-based utility can modify or add the related tag entry, facilitating any addition or removal of the implement without any hassle. This is accomplished by special access/hierarchy management.
[0055] When the vehicle (110) moves into a zone of lesser network strength or enters a blind spot for a network, the data is still created every 30 seconds and stored in the internal memory of a module. The data is then sent to the server upon restoration of the network connection, facilitating the creation of a log of the implement usage even in the absence of the network.
[0056] In an implementation of one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an operation of a method (200) is explained by referring to Figure 2. The method (200) for tracking the implements (101, 102, 103) can be explained with respect to Figure 2.
[0057] At step 201, the plurality of tags (104, 105, 106) are attached to the plurality of implements (and no the tags are not connected to the vehicle, only the gateway is connected to the vehicle
[0058] At step 202, the data related to the corresponding tool (101, 102, 103) is broadcasted periodically to the gateway (107) by the plurality of tags (104, 105, 106). At step 203, the gateway (107) receives, scans, and filters the data received in step 202. At step 204 the gateway (107) transmits the data created in step 202 to the Tor IoT platform (108).
[0059] The system and method of the present invention is configured to generate report in predefined period basis.
[0060] Further in accordance with another exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the system (100) includes a vehicle (110) designed to accommodate a variety of tools or implements (101, 102, 103) and an Internet of Things (IoT) platform (108). Each implement is fitted with a tag (104, 105, 106) that wirelessly connects to an IoT gateway (107). This gateway (107) is also wirelessly connected to the IoT platform (108). The tags transmit a unique data pattern every 30 seconds, which includes information about each implement and its corresponding tag ID to the gateway (107). In another embodiment, the gateway (107) has an integrated scanner and dedicated firmware. This scanner reads the data broadcasted by the tags (104, 105, 106).
[0061] The gateway (107) then processes and filters the received data based on predefined criteria established in the firmware, which retains unique identification codes for each tag. This functionality enables the system to accurately track the status and usage of each implement. For instance, when an implement (101, 102, 103) is removed from the vehicle (110), the gateway (107) stops receiving data from the corresponding tag. As a result, the status of that specific implement is updated on a server to indicate its removal. This feature ensures real-time tracking and status updates for the implements.
[0062] Additionally, the allocation of tags (104, 105, 106) can be dynamically adjusted based on conditions such as the addition or removal of implements or changes to the vehicle (110). A web-based utility allows for the modification or addition of tag entries, facilitating seamless management of the implements through specialized access and hierarchy management protocols. Furthermore, in a different embodiment, if the vehicle (110) enters an area with poor network coverage or a dead zone, data will still be generated every 30 seconds and will be stored in the internal memory of a module.
[0063] Once the network connection is restored, this data will be transmitted to the server, ensuring that a comprehensive log of implement usage is maintained even without a network connection.
[0064] Further at step 201, where the tags (104, 105, 106) are attached to the implements. In step 202, the tags periodically broadcast data related to each implement to the gateway (107). Step 203 involves the gateway (107) receiving, scanning, and filtering the data. Finally, in step 204, the gateway (107) transmits the filtered data to the IoT platform (108).

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
• The system uses low energy tags; hence the power consumption is less.
• The data related to the location and status of the implements is generated which may aid in tracking unauthorized use of the same.
• The usage of the implements can be tracked to the accuracy of minutes.
• Based on the data, re-calibration or maintenance schedules can be prepared for the implements.
• Utilization of the implements can be tracked and those with lesser utility can be identified. Accordingly, leasing terms and the leasing period can be revised for the same.
• The system can detect breaches of geo-fence to provide warnings related to suspicious usage of the implements and network blind spots. The moment the implements move out of the geofence which can anywhere be between 30-50 m radius, the system will detect a breach and alarm the monitoring application that there is a process breach happening at the site.
[0065] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention. ,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A system for tracking asset location and usage time using tags, the system comprising:
a vehicle (110) configured to house a plurality of implements (101, 102, 103);
a plurality of tags (104, 105, 106), each tag being secured to a corresponding implement and configured to periodically broadcast a unique data pattern including information regarding the implement and a tag ID;
an IoT gateway (107) operably connected wirelessly to the plurality of tags (104, 105, 106), the IoT gateway (107) being equipped with a scanner and dedicated firmware, the scanner configured to read the data broadcasted by the tags, and the firmware configured to process and filter the received data according to predefined criteria and store unique identification codes for each tag; and
an IoT platform (108) operably connected wirelessly to the IoT gateway (107), wherein the IoT gateway (107) is configured to transmit the processed and filtered data to the IoT platform (108);
wherein the system is configured to update the status of an implement on a server when the implement is removed from the vehicle (110) by detecting the absence of data from the corresponding tag;
wherein the system is configured to dynamically allocate the tags, facilitating the addition or removal of implements or changes to the vehicle (110) through a web-based utility with special access and hierarchy management;
wherein the system is configured to create and store data every 30 seconds, even when the vehicle (110) moves into a zone of lesser network strength or a blind spot, and transmit the stored data to the server upon restoration of the network connection.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of tags (104, 105, 106) are configured to broadcast the unique data pattern every 30 seconds.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IoT gateway (107) is configured to store the unique identification codes for each tag in the firmware.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the web-based utility is configured to modify or add related tag entries, facilitating the seamless addition or removal of implements.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IoT gateway (107) is configured to store data in its internal memory when the vehicle (110) moves into a zone of lesser network strength or a blind spot, and transmit the stored data to the server upon restoration of the network connection.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IoT platform (108) is configured to generate reports on a predefined periodic basis, providing comprehensive tracking and analysis of the implements.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tags (104, 105, 106) are selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), NBIOT, and LORA tags.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IoT gateway (107) is a GSM gateway.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to detect breaches of geo-fence by providing a warning related to suspicious usage of the implement.
10. A method for tracking asset location and usage time using tags, the method comprising:
attaching a plurality of tags (104, 105, 106) to a plurality of implements (101, 102, 103);
periodically broadcasting data related to each implement to an IoT gateway (107) by the tags (104, 105, 106);
receiving, scanning, and filtering the data by the IoT gateway (107);
transmitting the processed and filtered data from the IoT gateway (107) to an IoT platform (108);
updating the status of an implement on a server when the implement is removed from a vehicle (110) by detecting the absence of data from the corresponding tag;
dynamically allocating the tags, facilitating the addition or removal of implements or changes to the vehicle (110) through a web-based utility with special access and hierarchy management; and
creating and storing data every 30 seconds, even when the vehicle (110) moves into a zone of lesser network strength or a blind spot, and transmitting the stored data to the server upon restoration of the network connection.

Dated this October 30, 2024

Prafulla Wange
(Agent for Applicant)
(IN/PA: 2058)