Description:“OPTIMIZED SYSTEM TO MONITOR AND TRACK CONSIGNMENTS DURING TRANSIT FOR LONG DURATION”

FIELD OF INVENTION:

[001] The present invention relates to an optimized system utilizing GPS, GSM, optimized battery and MEMS sensors to monitor and track consignments which remains in transit for longer duration without depending on consignment carrier’s power source.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR ART OF INVENTION:
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[003] Any manufacturing Organization dispatches a number of consignments every day from source location to a number of sites, carrying equipment and components required for erection and commissioning at customers’ premises. Proper planning and monitoring of these vehicles/consignments in transit is required to optimize the use of vital resources as well as to co-ordinate the material supply to the sites in proper sequences and in time. Improper sequencing of arrivals or late arrivals adversely affects the E&C activity at site. With the mounting pressure for shortening of delivery and E&C cycle time, it is essential to introduce a modern, automated system for tracking of all vehicles/consignments, which works without any involvement of the driver/escort on the vehicle. Proper record keeping, generation of automatic alarms and sharing of the common information with all concerned user is the need of the day.

[004] In view of the above, present invention has been introduced.
[005] Normally all the GPS based tracking devices are connected with the vehicle battery, which needs approval from transporters. Sometimes the driver of the consignments can disconnect the tracking device from the vehicle which may lead to loss of data.

[006] For example, the patent US5379224A titled GPS Tracking System discloses about low cost tracking system employing satellites of the global positioning system (GPS) suitable for applications involving radiosondes, sonobuoys, and other objects. The tracking system includes a sensor mounted on each object which digitally samples the GPS satellite signals and records them in a data buffer. The digital samples are then transmitted, at a rate lower than that at which the GPS satellite signals were sampled, over a data telemetry link, interleaved with other telemetry data from the object. The GPS data is processed in a data processing workstation where the position and velocity of the sensor, at the time the data was sampled, is computed. The data buffer in the sensor is periodically refreshed, and the workstation periodically computes the new position and velocity of the sensor. Differential corrections are also provided at the workstation to aid in signal acquisition and to increase the precision of the position fix.

[007] The patent WO1998059256A3 titled ‘Vehicle tracking and security system incorporating simultaneous voice and data communication’ discloses a system which tracks and monitors a vehicle by utilizing cellular communication componentry and global positioning system componentry. The system provides for simultaneous and continuous transmission of a voice signal and location data to a monitoring center. The monitoring center comprises componentry to communicate with the vehicle and determine the vehicle's location on a digitized map using a computer.

[008] The patent US5515043A for vehicle locating and alarm system enables the user to remotely access the vehicle and, if needed, activates an alarm system therein. This system also automatically calls one or more pre-programmed telephone numbers upon the occurrence of certain events, such as a collision or other emergency. Upon remotely accessing the vehicle by telephone or computer, the user is, upon entering a valid Personal Identification Number ("PIN"), supplied with the vehicle's location, speed and a command option menu for alarm and deterrent device control.

[009] The patent US5223844 pertains to a vehicle tracking and security system for a fleet of vehicles that sends an immediate response in case of theft, accident, breakdown, or other emergency. It also permits the driver to contact the central control center via a keypad or other interface device when needed.

[0010] The patent US5043736 pertains to a portable locating unit that is also useful as a cellular phone. The hand-held receiver sends positioning data via a cellular telephone network. The location of the object can then be determined at a remote base station location via the signals received.

[0011] The patent US5235633 pertains to cellular telephone tracking system that can monitor a plurality of vehicles from a single base unit. The signals from the various vehicles are sent based upon their geographic location rather than based upon their strength. The location of the vehicle is determined via the global positioning system which is then relayed to the base unit.

[0012] All the above-mentioned prior art systems use GPS and GSM technologies for tracking consignments. All these devices take power from consignment battery. These devices don’t use any advanced control logic and algorithms to capture the data and to predict the consignment status and expected arrival time.

[0013] In contrast, the present invention relates to a system utilizing GPS, GSM, sleep circuit, battery and MEMS sensors to monitor and track consignments which remains in transit for longer duration without depending on consignment carrier’s power source.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION:

[0014] Primary object of the invention is to provide an optimized system to monitor and track consignments which remain in transit for longer duration without depending on consignment carrier’s power source.

[0015] An object of the present invention is to propose a low cost real time system to track and monitor the consignments during transit.

[0016] Another object of the proposed invention is to track the consignments for longer duration of 1 to 3 months.

[0017] Yet another object of the proposed invention is to monitor various parameters and alerts of the consignment carrier like distance travelled, over speeding, halt location and duration, low battery etc.

[0018] Still another object of the proposed invention is to auto turn off the tracking device as soon as consignment reaches to its destination.

[0019] One another object of the proposed invention is to track the tracking device from destination to source for reuse.

[0020] Yet one another object of the proposed invention is to predict the consignment status and expected delivery time.

[0021] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION:

[0022] One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus/composition and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.

[0023] According to the invention, there is provided a system utilizing GPS, GSM, sleep circuit, MEMS sensors, a base station and an optimized algorithm to monitor and track consignments which remains in transit for longer duration without depending on consignment carrier’s power source.

[0024] Consignment Tracking System (CTS) is developed for monitoring physical movement of vehicles carrying important consignments between source and destination which can work for 1-3 months on its own battery without depending on vehicle’s battery. These devices can be kept anywhere in the vehicle with the consignments without informing the driver so that the consignment can be tracked without any human intervention.

[0025] The system is based upon Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global System for Mobile telecommunication (GSM) technologies.

[0026] The system employs advanced sensors, optimized sleep circuit, control logics and Machine Learning algorithms to optimize the power consumption without compromising on the consignment data and status so that the device can work for complete transit duration using its own internal battery without using any external power source.

[0027] The present invention is a low cost system for monitoring and tracking of consignments, which can generate various alerts like over- speed, halt detection etc. It is a highly secured server and control logic to store the data and host the application. It is a web based system to view the consignment dashboard, history status and reports.

[0028] The main inventive features of the invention have been indicated in the principal claim and subsidiary features have been mentioned in the dependent claims.
[0029] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

[0030] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0031] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPNAYING DRAWINGS:

[0032] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein: -
[0033] Figure-1 shows: Architecture of Consignment Tracking System.
[0034] Figure-2 shows: Architecture of Consignment Tracking device according to the present invention.
[0035] Figure-3 shows: Block diagram of Consignment Tracking device and Communication in accordance with the present invention.
[0036] Figure-4 shows: View of the flow diagram for Continuous Data Transfer at user defined frequency.
[0037] Figure-5 shows: View of the flow diagram for Halt Location and duration.
[0038] Figure-6 shows: View of the flow diagram for Data Storage when GSM not connected.
[0039] Figure-7 shows: View of the flow diagram for Receive Data and Process.
[0040] Figure-8 shows: View of the flow diagram for back tracing of Consignment Tracking Device.
[0041] Figure-9 shows: View of the flow diagram for Graphical User Interface.
[0042] Figure-10 shows: View of application dashboard.
[0043] Figure-11 shows: View of application consignment live status.
[0044] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPNAYING DRAWINGS:

[0045] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0046] The present invention makes a disclosure regarding a technology pertinent to an optimized system to monitor and track consignments which remains in transit for longer duration without depending on consignment carrier’s power source.

[0047] The present invention relates to a system utilizing a GPS module 6, GSM module 8, battery 1 & optimized sleep circuit 10, MEMS sensors 4, a microcontroller 5, a base station 18 and an optimized algorithm 19 to monitor and track consignments 16 which remains in transit for longer duration without depending on consignment carrier’s power source.
[0048] The system comprises of a Consignment Tracking Device 17 which needs to be mounted on consignment 16, a base station 18 to decipher the data sent by consignment tracking device, an optimized algorithm 19 to store and display consignment tracking status to the users. The Consignment Tracking Device 17 is placed on consignments 16 to be tracked.
[0049] The Consignment Tracking Device 17 mainly includes GPS module 6, GSM module 8, battery 1, optimized sleep circuit 10, MEMS sensors 4 and a microcontroller 5. The GPS Module 6 locates the consignment’s Longitude, Latitude, speed and other relevant data by interacting with GPS satellites 14, MEMS sensors like accelerometer & gyroscope 4 detects consignment movement status and direction, optimized power circuit 10 provides continuous power to the device & allows device to work in low power mode so that the device 17 can work for longer duration and GSM module 6 communicates with a centralized base station 18 through GPRS 15. The Web application 19 is used to check the real time location of consignment and generate various reports.
[0050] The embodiment of the system uses a GPS module 6 which is connected with GPS antenna 7. This GPS Module 6 can communicate with GPS satellites 14 through GPS Antenna 7. The GPS Module 6 gives latitude, longitude, speed, date and time. This data is communicated to the controller 5 through serial communication 11. Minimum 3 GPS satellites 14 needs to be connected with GSM Module 6 for getting the required data.
[0051] The embodiment of the system uses a GSM module 8 which has a SIM slot, this module 8 is connected to a GSM antenna 9 which communicates to a GSM tower 15 through 2G/4G network using GPRS. The data from Consignment Tracking device 17 is communicated to a base station 18 using GPRS. GSM is also used to configure Consignment Tracking device 17.
[0052] The embodiment of the system uses a battery 1, sleep circuit 10 and voltage regulator 2 to optimize the battery power. This circuit 10 utilizes the battery power optimally. When device is not in use i.e. during the interval between two sending times the GPS and GSM module go on sleep.
[0053] The embodiment of the system uses an auto turn off circuit 3 which is used to auto turnoff the device once it reaches to the destination. Once the consignment reaches to the destination, user can send turnoff signal to the device from the application. The controller 5 in the Consignment Tracking Device 17 receives this signal and transmits it to the auto turnoff circuit 3. The turnoff circuit 3 turns off the device and sends a status signal back to the application through controller 5.
[0054] In the embodiment of the system, the controller communicates with GPS module 6 and GSM Module 8 using serial communication 11 and with accelerometer & gyroscope sensor 4 using I2C communication.
[0055] The embodiment of the system uses for example a 32-bit microcontroller 5 as its brain without restricting scope of the invention to the same. This controller communicates with GPS module 6 and GSM Module 8 using serial communication 11.
[0056] In the embodiment of the system, the consignment tracking device 17 is not connected with the vehicle battery. These devices are to be used for consignment tracking not vehicle tracking. Once consignment is reached to the destination, the consignment tracking device can be taken out and can be reused for other consignments. This system can be used to track contract transporter vehicles for each consignment.
[0057] The embodiment of the system uses a control logic 20 inside the controller 5 to fetch the required data and send the same data to the base station. The device sends two types of data packets to the base station. First is normal packet where in the device sends “Device Id, Latitude, Longitude, Date, Time, Message State, Frequency, External Battery Flag, Signal Strength, Internal Battery Percentage, Device On/Off Flag, Moved Distance, Over-speed Count and Speed Limit” to the base station.

[0058] The embodiment of the system provides a control logic 20 inside the controller 5, which uses two different time intervals to control the device. First time in ‘GPS ON’ time and second time is ‘GSM ON’ time. During the normal operation the GPS module is in sleep mode and after a defined time interval (‘GPS ON’) the GPS is powered ON to fetch the data from the satellite and store the data in the internal memory of the controller. After getting the data the GPS module goes to sleep mode. If the GPS Module is not able to fetch GPS data due to satellite availability the controller waits for a fixed time for GPS module to fetch the data. The second time used by the controller is ‘GSM ON’ time. During the normal operation the GSM module is in sleep mode and after a defined time interval (‘GSM ON’) the GSM is powered ON and sends all the data available in the memory of the controller.
[0059] The embodiment of the system uses a control logic 20 inside the controller 5 control, wherein during data communication time when the GSM is ON the consignment tracking device uses maximum current and the current consumed by GPS module is comparatively low hence the GSM ON time is always more than GPS ON time. The GPS module can be powered on in frequent interval to get the GPS coordinates as it consumes less current. This helps in determining more accurate travelled distance and precise number of over speed counts. This logic helps the controller to utilize the battery power optimally and in turn making the device to run for long duration without depending on external power supply.
[0060] The embodiment of the system uses a control logic 21 inside the controller 5 where in the device controller 5 senses if the consignment is halted at a location beyond a defined duration. Once the GPS of the device is ON it compares the present coordinates with previous coordinates. If the difference between two coordinates is very less, then controller marks this device as halt and determines the time duration of the halt. As soon as the halt duration becomes more than the defined time the halt position latitude, longitude, date, time are stored in the internal memory of the controller. As soon as consignment restarts using MEMS sensors like accelerometer & gyroscope 4, without depending on GPS, the controller senses that device is restarted and determines the total halt duration and stores in the internal memory of the controller. Once GSM is powered ON this data is transferred to the base unit with the normal data.
[0061] The embodiment of the system uses a control logic 22 inside the controller 5 to store the data in the internal memory of the device if GSM network is not available during data transmission and GSM may get disconnected from network. For this a provision is there to store data in microcontroller memory. It can store up to 25 location data. Once GSM is again connected to the network it sends all the saved data to server. This feature works for both data transmissions at fixed frequency and halt data.

[0062] The embodiment of the system uses auto turnoff circuit 3 to switch off the device once the consignment reaches the location, without opening the case of device. Once it receives signal from server it sends its last location details and then it switches off itself.

[0063] The embodiment of the system uses a base station 18 to decipher the data received from the device. The base station receives data like latitude, longitude, speed, battery status and other data through GPRS and then processes it through an inbuilt algorithm 23 to store the data in the database and show conclusions like average speed, distance travelled, remaining distance, expected time to reach destination. The algorithm uses Machine Learning techniques to predict the consignment status and expected time to reach the destination.

[0064] The embodiment of the system uses a control logic 24 wherein once the consignment is reached to the destination the Consignment, Tracking device 17 needs to be taken out from the consignment and needs to send back to the source location for reuse. The system has the capability to back trace the Consignment Tracking device 17 from destination to source and to generate required alerts for the users.

[0065] The embodiment of the system uses a server 19 to store the required data and host a web based application which uses an algorithm 25 for the users to see the location of consignment on a map using a computer 28, to monitor the overall status of all consignment using a dashboard 26, to monitor status and history of any particular consignment 27, to fetch various reports like detailed activity report, Consignment’s daily travel report, consignment’s final report and Halt report etc.

[0066] Reference may be made to the figures 4-9 illustrating flow charts, which are self -explanatory.

[0067] The above detail description discusses working of invention as well.

ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION:
- Low cost real time system to track and monitor the consignments during transit;

-Tracks the consignments for longer duration of 1 to 3 months;

-Monitors various parameters and alerts of the consignment carrier like distance travelled, over speeding, halt location and duration, low battery etc;

-Auto turns off the tracking device as soon as consignment reaches to its destination;

-Tracks the tracking device from destination to source for reuse;

-Predicts the consignment status and expected delivery time.

TEST RESULT:
[0068] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0069] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[0070] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogues to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0071] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.

[0072] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

[0073] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

[0074] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

, Claims:We Claim

1. Optimized system to monitor and track consignments during transit for long duration comprises of a Consignment Tracking Device 17 mounted on consignment 16 to be tracked, a base station 18 to decipher the data sent by the consignment tracking device 17 with provision to store and display consignment tracking status to the users, wherein the Consignment Tracking Device 17 includes GPS module 6, GSM module 8, battery 1, optimized sleep circuit 10, MEMS sensors 4 and a microcontroller 5 connected to each other.

2. The Optimized system to monitor and track consignments as claimed in claim 1, wherein the GPS Module 6 locates the consignment’s Longitude, Latitude, speed and other relevant data by interacting with GPS satellites 14, the MEMS sensors 4 detect consignment movement status and direction, optimized power circuit 10 provides continuous power to the device and allows device to work in low power mode that the device 17 can work for longer duration and GSM module 6 communicates with a centralized base station 18 through GPRS 15 with the provision 19 to check the real time location of consignment and generate various reports.

3. The Optimized system to monitor and track consignments as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the GPS module 6 is connected with GPS antenna 7 that the GPS Module 6 communicates with multiple GPS satellites 14 through the GPS Antenna 7, in which the GPS Module 6 provides latitude, longitude, speed, date and time, that is communicated to the controller 5 through serial communication 11.

4. The Optimized system to monitor and track consignments as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein the GSM module 8 has a SIM slot and the module 8 is connected to a GSM antenna 9 which communicates to the GSM tower 15 through 2G/4G network using GPRS, in which the data from Consignment Tracking device 17 is communicated to the base station 18 using the GPRS.

5. The Optimized system to monitor and track consignments as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein the system uses the battery 1, sleep circuit 10 and voltage regulator 2 to optimize the battery power, wherein when the device is not in use i.e. during the interval between two sending times the GPS and GSM module 6,8 go on sleep.

6. The Optimized system to monitor and track consignments as claimed in claims 1-5, wherein the system comprises an auto turn off circuit 3 which is used to auto turnoff the device once it reaches to the destination and sends a status signal back through controller 5, in which the system uses a control logic 24.

7. The Optimized system to monitor and track consignments as claimed in claims 1-6, wherein the controller 5 communicates with GPS module 6 and GSM Module 8 using serial communication 11 and with accelerometer & gyroscope sensor 4 using I2C communication.

8. The Optimized system to monitor and track consignments as claimed in claims 1-7, wherein the system comprises a control logic 20 inside the controller 5 to fetch the required data and send the same data to the base station, in which the device sends two types of data packets to the base station, First is normal packet where in the device sends Device Id, Latitude, Longitude, Date, Time, Message State, Frequency, External Battery Flag, Signal Strength, Internal Battery Percentage, Device On/Off Flag, Moved Distance, Over-speed Count and Speed Limit to the base station, wherein the control logic 20 inside the controller 5 uses two different time intervals to control the device such as herein described.
9. The Optimized system to monitor and track consignments as claimed in claims 1-8, which comprises a control logic 21 inside the controller 5 wherein the device controller 5 senses if the consignment is halted at a location beyond a defined duration such as herein described.

10. The Optimized system to monitor and track consignments as claimed in claims 1-9, which uses a control logic 22 inside the controller 5 to store the data in the internal memory of the device if GSM network is not available during data transmission and GSM may get disconnected from network, wherein once GSM is connected to the network it sends all the saved data to server and this works for both data transmissions at fixed frequency and halt data.