DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING A UNIQUE CODE FOR TRACKING ASSETS

Atsuya Technologies Pvt. Ltd, An Indian Company Having Its Address At:
Flat No. 10, Gorur Apartments, 15, Srinivasamurthi
Avenue, Adyar, Chennai, Adyar 600020

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates to method and system for unique code generation for asset tracking.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Physical asset tracking is an essential exercise for any business. It enables essential functions related to identifying the use of the physical assets in a manner that the physical assets are to be intended to be used. Conventional methods include using serial numbers as a tracking detail along with manufacturing details such as batch number as a means of tracking these physical assets. However, it has been observed that these numbers are indicated in the physical assets by painting/printing the same on the physical assets. These painting/printing of the serial numbers or other tracking details are liable to be manipulated and can undergo wear and tear easily. Moreover, the use of these tracking details cannot be performed electronically, and often manual methods are used to track and trace these physical assets.
[003] Serial assignment of numbers to physical and movable assets also has the following problems. While tracking crores of products / assets, the length of the serial number becomes too big to fit into a fixed size label/identifier. It also becomes difficult to read these numbers and convey over telephone or written medium. Any typographical errors while reading/writing the numbers can cause serious data corruption and confusion. Classification and reclassification of tracking numbers and
[004] Creating serial numbers for physical and movable assets also involves a problem of manipulation of these serial numbers and often involves difficulty in tracking these assets. If there are assets involving multiple parts, the serial number system does not allow the assets to be linked with the main assets for effective tracking. Tagging and tracking movable assets using electronic means also involves specialized hardware devices.
[005] Accordingly, there is a requirement to create a unique code generation mechanism and a system to provide a unique code for tracking and tracing physical assets.

SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and system for generating a unique code for tracking assets. In an embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: receiving a plurality of inputs for unique code generation; determining a range for the unique code; generating a plurality of intermediate unique codes based on the received inputs; identifying one or more indistinguishable characters in the generated unique code and replacing the identified characters in the unique code; and presenting the unique code for asset tracking.
[007] In one embodiment, the inputs are a length of the unique code, wherein the length of the unique code is specified by number of characters; and a format type for the unique code, wherein the format type specifies a set of characters denoting each part of the unique code. The format type of the unique code specifies: an organization and/or a product offered by the organization; details of the product offered by the organization; production related details of the product; and a security code for storage/retrieval of the unique code. In one embodiment, determining a range of binary numbers to represent each set of characters is performed. Based on the range, binary numbers are generated, and the binary numbers are converted using radix conversion and put together to form an intermediate unique code. If there are similar characters present on the unique code, then the similar characters/numerals are replaced with the next of characters or numerals. The unique code is then tagged with the product and updated in a database. The user is then intimated as to the unique code and the product mapped.
[008] In another embodiment, a system for generating a unique code for tracking of assets is disclosed. The system comprises: a binary number generator configured to receive input as to size and format of a unique code and determine a range based on the size and format of the unique code and generate a series of binary numbers; a radix convertor configured to convert the generated binary numbers to an intermediate unique code; and a unique code generator configured to identify one or more undistinguishable characters in the generated unique code and replacing the identified characters from the unique code.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[009] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference features and modules.
[010] Figure 1 illustrates a set of steps for generating a batch of unique codes according to an embodiment of the invention;
[011] Figure 2 illustrates an example of generation of a unique code according to an embodiment of the invention;
[012] Figure 3 illustrates a system for generation of a unique code according to an embodiment of the invention.
[013] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[014] The example embodiments will be described in detail here, and examples thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following descriptions refer to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The implementations described in the following example embodiments do not represent all the implementations consistent with the present disclosure.
[015] The terms used in the embodiments of the disclosure are only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments but should not be construed to limit the embodiments of the disclosure. As used in the description of the present disclosure and the appended claims, “a” and “the” in singular forms mean including plural forms, unless clearly indicated in the context otherwise. It should also be understood that, as used herein, the term “and/or” represents and contains any one and all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.
[016] It should be further understood that, although terms such as “first”, “second” and “third” are used herein for describing various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used for distinguishing one element from another element. For example, first information may also be called second information, and similarly, the second information may also be called the first information, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “in response to detecting,” that a stated condition precedent is true, depending on the context.
[017] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and system for generating a unique code for tracking assets. A unique code is an identifier to identify an asset/product. Tracking an asset/product is essential to businesses as to ascertain its economic utility as well to ensure the legitimate use of the asset. Typically, there are specific requirements of a unique code to be generated. The length of the unique code is kept uniform and must be small enough to be read easily but should be large enough to have at least a large number of combinations, per product. The generated unique code is ensured to have a pattern that is defined by the user that can be easily verified but not created. The generated unique code must be able differentiate various products and services that are being offered to the consumers. It may also be required to assign sub-quotas within each product, to track multiple branches, batches of products/assets during its lifecycle/product cycle. It is also required to keep track of every code that has been generated, assigned, linked, and discarded. The unique code may be used to be linked to a tracking means such as a barcode, Quick reaction code and/or a Radio frequency tracking means. The unique codes are generated based on predefined quotas/ranges that are generally associated to a specific order or a requirement. This prevents pilferage of unique codes that could be used to create spurious products with valid unique codes.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a set of steps for generating a unique code. The process starts with step 110, where a plurality of inputs for generating a batch of unique codes is received. The inputs include the following but not limited to: length of each unique code to be generated and a format of the unique code. In one embodiment, the total length of the code is flexible and configurable. The characters may include alphabets and/or numerals or a combination of both. The format of the unique code may be defined in such a manner to identify the organization and product, type of product, and specific product information like batch details, date of manufacture, date of commissioning, estimated lifetime of the product. This may be performed by assigning a set of characters in the unique code to denote each of these information. In one embodiment, the unique code is also enabled to assign sub-quotas within each product, to track multiple branches, batches of products/assets during its lifecycle/product cycle. In one embodiment, the format of the unique code is defined in such a manner that a set of characters may be assigned to define organization and product, type of product, and specific product information like batch details, date of manufacture, date of commissioning, estimated lifetime of the product. In one embodiment, a security code or a hash code may be denoted in the unique code for security/tracking purposes.
[019] At step 120, based on the length of the unique code and the format of the unique code, a range for each set of characters is defined. This is dependent on the length of the code and the number of characters assigned to denote each set of information to be represented. At step 130, a plurality of intermediate unique codes based on the received inputs is generated. In one embodiment, a binary number range is defined to denote the details of the product/asset and the organization along with a running number of an asset/product in binary and a security/hash number in binary. Based on the generated binary number, a radix conversion operation is performed as to convert the generated binary number into an intermediate unique code having alphanumeric characters. At step 140, one or more indistinguishable characters in the generated unique code are identified and are replaced. For example, if the intermediate unique code contains characters I, O and S that frequently confused with 1, 0 and 5 respectively. Also, sequences of letter O and number 0 may cause a lot of confusion. The confusing characters/numbers may be replaced with the next of letter or number. In one embodiment, on identification of such confusing characters, a database as to suggest the change/changeable character may be utilized. At step 150, the unique code is linked to the relevant product by storing the details in a database and the set of generated unique codes may be presented to the user.
[020] An example as to generation of unique code is explained with respect to Figure 2 below.
[021] Figure 2 illustrates an example of generation of a unique code. The user has identified that he requires a 9-digit alphanumeric code. The alphanumeric code must be able to identify the product and organization in the first set of 2 digits and the second set of 2 digits, followed by a serial number of the product denoted by 3 digits and a hash code for denoting the organization/product in the next 2 digits. Based on the above set of information, the product and the organization representation require 9-digit binary numbers (having a range of 0-511 characters) to differentiate various products owned by the customer, followed by the serial number of the product denoted by 30-digit binary number (0 to 107 Crores per product) to have a running sequence number that uniquely identifies the asset and a hash code (generated based on the previous 39 bits) is denoted by a 6-digit binary number for security purposes. A total of 45 digits is required to denote a 9-digit unique code. Each of these binary numbers are generated using a random binary number generator.
[022] Once the binary numbers are generated, an operation to convert the generated binary number by radix conversion is undertaken. The radix conversion operation generates an intermediate 9-digit unique code. The 9-digit alphanumeric code does not have any confusing characters. Accordingly, it is linked to a product and communicated to a user. The manner in which the unique code is generated by the system is explained below.
[023] Figure 3 illustrates a system for generation of a unique code. The system is implemented in hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. In an exemplary embodiment, the system can be implemented by one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate array (FPGA), controller, microcontroller, microprocessor, or other electronic component implementation for performing the above method.
[024] In an exemplary embodiment, there is further provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium including instructions, such as the memory including instructions executable by the processor of a computing device to perform the above-described method. For example, the non-transitory computer readable storage medium can be a ROM, a random-access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, and an optical data storage device.
[025] A non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided, and when instructions stored on the storage medium is executed by a processor of a device, the device performs the method as described in relation to Figure 1 above.
[026] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer device, including: a processor; and a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor; wherein the processor is configured to performs the method as described in relation to Figure 1 above.
[027] FIG.3 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment. A user device 310 is utilized to provide inputs as to generation of unique code.
[028] A binary number generator 310 module is configured to receive input as to size and format of a unique code and determine a range based on the size and format of the unique code and generate a series of binary numbers. A radix convertor module 320 is configured to convert the generated binary numbers to an intermediate unique code. A unique code generator 330 is configured to identify one or more indistinguishable characters in the generated unique code and replacing the identified characters from the unique code. For example, if the intermediate unique code contains characters I, O and S that frequently confused with 1, 0 and 5 respectively. Also, sequences of letter O and number 0 may cause a lot of confusion. The confusing characters/numbers may be replaced with the next of letter or number. In one embodiment, on identification of such confusing characters, a database as to suggest the change/changeable character may be utilized.
[029] The system can further include a power component configured to perform power management, a wired or wireless network interface for connecting to a network, and an input/output (I/O) interface. The apparatus can be operated based on an operating system stored in the memory, such as Windows Server™, Mac OS X™, Unix™, Linux™, FreeBSD™ or the like.
[030] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A method of generating a batch of unique codes for tracking of assets, the method comprising:
receiving (110) a plurality of inputs for generating a batch of unique codes;
determining (120) a range for the unique codes;
generating (130) a plurality of intermediate unique codes based on the received inputs;
identifying (140) one or more indistinguishable characters in the generated unique codes and replacing the identified characters in the unique codes; and
presenting (150) the batch of unique codes for asset tracking.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of inputs for unique code generation comprises:
receiving a length for unique code, wherein the length of the unique code is specified by number of characters; and
receiving a format type for the unique code, wherein the format type specifies a set of characters denoting each part of the unique code.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the set of characters forming the unique code, denotes:
an organization and/or a product offered by the organization;
details of the product offered by the organization;
production related details of the product; and
a security code for storage/retrieval of the unique code.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein determining the range of unique code comprises:
determining a range of binary numbers to represent each set of characters.

5. The method as claimed in claims 1- 3, wherein generating a plurality of intermediate unique codes, comprises:
generating binary numbers for each set of characters; integrating the generated binary numbers; and
performing radix conversion to generate an intermediate unique code.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein identifying one or more indistinguishable characters in the intermediate unique code and replacing the characters, comprises:
checking whether similar characters are present on the unique code; and
replacing the similar characters/numerals with the next of characters or numerals.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein presenting the unique code for asset tracking, comprises:
tagging the unique code in a database with respect to a specific product ; and
communicating the unique code along with the product/service to a user.

8. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the security code is a hash code.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein a hashing function is associated with the hash code.

10. A system for generating a unique code for tracking of assets, comprising:

a binary number generator configured to receive input as to size and format of a unique code and determine a range based on the size and format of the unique code and generate a series of binary numbers;
a radix convertor configured to convert the generated binary numbers to an intermediate unique code; and
a unique code generator configured to identify one or more indistinguishable characters in the generated unique code and replacing the identified characters from the unique code.

Dated this 3rd day of March 2023.
ATSUYA TECHNOLOGIES PVT.LTD.
By their Agent & Attorney

(Adheesh Nargolkar)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1086