[0001] PRIORITY CLAIM

[0002] This application claims priority from the Provisional Application Number 3904/CHE/2011 filed with Indian patent Office, Chennai on 14-NOV-2011 entitled "RFID ENABLED SMART SHELF FOR ASSET TRACKING", the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to an RFID system to track and manage small metal articles having RFID tags attached. More particularly, the invention relates to a RFID enabled shelf structure for asset tracking that enables automatic issue and return of the assets.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Tracking and management of assets is very important in any industrial, commercial or research establishment which houses numerous expensive assets. Moreover keeping record of expensive assets is even more difficult when multiple transactions are involved. In manual asset tracking systems, in order to issue an asset, the user is required to manually enter issue details in a register and similar process is adapted while returning the asset. This process becomes cumbersome at times and results in huge loss of time and energy in locating a required asset in time and sometimes may also result in pilferage of assets. It is even more difficult to maintain record of all the assets at a particular place and time.

[0007] Multiple solutions are available using a Radio frequency identification methodology. This method involves tracking objects based on low frequency radio waves. RFID is in usage for more than two decades for tracking and identifying various assets in supply chain and inventory management across many establishments. However these RFID based systems may not be able to read tags attached to the made of metal accurately since a metal interferes with radio waves even from a distance and results in erroneous readings at times. This makes the system in-efficient in tracking expensive metal articles or any article which interferes with the RFID signals.

[0008] Even though, there have been a number of solutions available for asset tracking using RFID tags but none of them provides a solution to track assets made of metal with accuracy and high security.

[0009] United States Patent number 7348884 discloses a RFID cabinet for monitoring items having an RFID tag includes a cabinet having at least one locking front door. An RFID reader is used for monitoring each item placed within the cabinet and is located within the interior of the cabinet. A computer is coupled to the RFID cabinet and controls opening and closing of the front door and is configured to receive an input that identifies the user. The above described RFID cabinet is not suitable for metal articles as the tag reading from the metal article is not accurate because of interference from the other metal articles outside the RFID cabinet that leads to erroneous readings at times.

[0010] Hence what is needed is a system which securely and automatically tracks the metal assets with accuracy, maintains information related to issue and return of the assets and also enables quick search of assets.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In an embodiment a shelf structure capable of storing, managing and tracking the assets kept inside using tags such as, radio frequency identification tags is provided. The system comprises shelf structure for storing plurality of assets having RFID tag attached to them. The shelf structure further comprises a metal tray having a plurality of apertures for receiving the RFID tags attached to each asset wherein each RFID tag hangs below the metal tray. The portion of the shelf structure under the metal tray is covered with an enclosure unit made of conductive material to confine RFID tags within the enclosure unit to avoid interference with the assets outside the shelf structure. The system also includes at least one RFID tag reader disposed within the enclosure unit for reading the RFID tag attached to each asset. A central server is configured to communicate with at least one RFID tag reader for tracking issue and return of the plurality of assets within the shelf structure. The central server stores user information and tracks issue and return information of the assets. The central server also authenticates the user based on the user information. In case a user keeps the custody of an asset beyond a fixed time, the reminder messages may be send to the user as well as to the user's manager to return the asset. The central server periodically scans the tags of the assets and updates the status of each asset thereby easing search and retrieval of assets.

[0013] In another embodiment, a method for tracking and managing a plurality of assets is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of inserting an access card inside a card reader slot for user authentication, matching card information with user data stored in central database for user authentication, checking whether the user is authenticated or not. In case the user is authenticated, allowing the access to the shelf structure by releasing lock of the door of the shelf structure housing the plurality of assets. In case the user is not authenticated, keeping the lock of the access door of the shelf structure locked to prevent unauthorized access. The method further includes the steps of reading the tag associated with an asset of the plurality of tags being removed or replaced from the shelf structure, confirming the transaction by closing the access door of the shelf structure and updating the central database with user transaction.

[0014] The method sends sending alerts to the user in case the access door remains open for a predetermined period of time. The details of all the transactions related to issue and return of assets is stored in the central database.

In case a user keeps the custody of an asset beyond a fixed time, the reminder messages may be sent to the user as well as to the user's manager to return the asset. The central server periodically scans the tags of the assets and updates the status of each asset thereby easing search and retrieval of assets.

[0015] The main advantage of the present invention is that since each RFID tag attached to the assets hangs below the metal tray and are enclosed within a metal enclosure, the interference of RFID tags is avoided with the tags attached to the assets outside the shelf structure which gives accurate readings and enables perfect tracking of the assets. Moreover, the process of issue/return is completely automatic and thus reduces any chances of loss of assets as it keeps track of the users who removed the assets.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG 1 shows an exemplary diagram of a system network in which systems and methods consistent with the principles of the invention may be implemented.

[0018] FIG 2 illustrates a perspective view of a system for managing and tracking of assets in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG 3 illustrates the process flow for the method for tracking and management of a plurality of assets accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG 4 illustrates the process flow for the method for tracking and management of a plurality of assets accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention.

[0023] The invention provides a system for asset tracking and management of the assets. The system facilitates automatic issue and return of the assets without manual assistance. The system includes a shelf structure that stores or houses a plurality of assets having RFID attached to them. The shelf structure comprises a metal tray having a plurality of apertures for receiving RFID tags attached to each asset. Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology uses wireless radio waves to automatically identify people or objects. There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number that identifies a person or an object on a microchip which is attached to an antenna. The microchip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag. The antenna enables the microchip to transmit the identification information to a tag reader. The tag reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed on to computers that can make use of the information. An RFID system consists of a tag made up of a microchip with an antenna, and a reader with an antenna. The tag reader sends out electromagnetic waves and the antenna is tuned to receive these waves. A passive RFID tag draws power from the field created by the tag reader and uses it to power the microchip's circuits. The microchip then modulates the waves that the tag sends back to the tag reader, which converts the new waves into digital data.

[0024] Each RFID tag attached to the assets hangs below the metal tray and the portion of shelf structure under the metal tray is covered with an enclosure unit. The enclosure unit is made of conductive material to confine the RFID tags within the enclosure unit whereby avoiding interference with the assets outside the shelf structure. An application keeps a record of issue and return transactions by a user and enables quick search of the assets. The process of issue/return is completely automatic and thus reduces any chances of loss of assets as it keeps track of the users who removed the assets.

[0025] FIG 1 shows an exemplary diagram of a system network in which systems and methods consistent with the principles of the invention may be implemented. The system network may include multiple client units (111) connected to at least one central server (120) via a network 150. Two clients unit (111) and one central server (120) have been illustrated as connected to network (150) for simplicity. In practice, there may be more or fewer clients and servers. Also, in some instances, a client may perform the functions of a server and a server may perform the functions of a client. Client unit (111) may include client entities wherein an entity may be defined as a device, such as a wireless telephone, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a lap top, or another type of computation or communication device, a thread or process running on one of these devices, and/or an object executable by one of these devices. Central server (120) may include server entities that contain web based asset tracking application and maintain central database (130) in a manner consistent with the principles of the invention. In an implementation consistent with the principles of the invention central server (120) may store a database (130) (or set of databases) containing inventory of the assets and store information associated with user credentials in same or a different repository. Network (150) may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a telephone network, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), an intranet, the Internet, a memory device, or a combination of networks. Various clients units (110) and central server (120) may connect to network (150) via wired, wireless, and/or optical connections. An "asset tracking application," as the term is used herein, is to be broadly interpreted to include any machine-readable and machine-storable work product available via a network, such as network (150). An asset tracking application may include, for example, a web site or standalone software which may be installed on a computing device and is connected to the central server (120) via network (150).

[0026] Referring now to FIG 2, that illustrates a perspective view of a system for managing and tracking of assets in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system (100) includes a shelf structure (101) for housing or storing a plurality of assets. The assets may include for example, jewelry, watches or cosmetics etc. The shelf structure (101) may have suitable dimension based on the number of assets to be stored and is provided with an access door (110) to insert and remove the assets. The housing of the shelf structure (101) may be opaque or transparent based on the aesthetic requirements. Each asset (105) present in the shelf structure (101) is equipped with a tag for example, a thread based passive Ultra High Frequency (UHF) tag (112, FIG 3) possibly operating at 865 MHz to 868 MHz and a RFID tag. As shown in the figure, the assets (105) are arranged on a specially designed tray (103) having small apertures (104) at predefined positions. The RFID tags (110, FIG 3) are attached to the assets (105) and are passed through the apertures (104) to hang below the surface of the tray (103). The tags (110, FIG 3) are confined within an enclosure unit (107) which is a portion of the shelf structure (101) below the surface of the tray (103). In case the assets are made of metal such as watches, jewelry etc, by allowing the tags to hang below the tray (103) as illustrated in FIG 3, the tags are placed at a distance from the assets thereby reducing any interference of the metal with the radio waves. The tags (112, FIG 3) may be read by one or more RFID readers such as a RFID tag reader (106) which may be disposed inside the shelf structure (101) at one corner beneath a top sheet (102) which may be made of transparent material for easy visibility of the assets. In one embodiment the RFID tag reader (106) may be disposed within the enclosure unit (107). Further there may be assets having tags which are either removed from the tray (103) and are outside the enclosure unit (107). In some instances such assets present outside the enclosure unit (107) may cause error in the readings by the tag reader (106), hence in order to avoid undesirable readings from the assets present outside the shelf structure (101), the enclosure unit (107) may be wrapped with a conductive sheet, for example a metal sheet so as to avoid interference with the assets present outside the shelf structure (101). In an alternate embodiment the enclosure unit (107) may be made of the conductive material or covered by the conductive material. This design facilitates in keeping the aesthetics of the shelf structure (101) intact and also ensures 100% readability of the RFID tags without any scope for errors. Without such metal shielding it is not possible to constrain the Radio Frequency waves within the shelf structure (101) and as a result, assets that are present outside the shelf structure (101) may be detected leading to erroneous readings.

[0027] Each tag (112, FIG 3) attached to an asset (105) stores a unique identification code for each such asset (105). The unique identification code is mapped to an inventory in a central database (130) attached to an asset-tracking application. The asset-tracking application automatically records issue and return of the assets (105) from the shelf structure (101) and thus forms an integral part of the system (100). The issue and return of assets may be for example, taking an asset out of a shelf structure (101) by a person in a shop and placing back the asset inside the shelf structure (101). The central database (130) together with the asset tracking application is present in a central server (120).

[0028] The RFID reader (106) may communicate with the central server (120, FIG 1) via a network (150, FIG 1). The RFID reader (106) is controlled by the asset-tracking application in the central (120, FIG 1). The asset-tracking application instructs the RFID reader (106) to start and stop taking inventory of the assets based on when the assets are taken from or returned to the shelf structure (101).

[0029] In one embodiment, multiple users may have access to the system (100). Each user who is authorized to use the system (100) is provided an access card such as a RFID (UHF) enabled card that is required for authentication in order to access the locked shelf structure (101). Normally the access door (110) of the shelf structure (101) remains in a locked mode and opens after user's authentication. The user may need to use the access card for authentication. In an embodiment the user may need to insert the access card in a card slot (108) present in the shelf structure (101), however the shelf structure (101) may use any other card holder or slot for holding the access card. The access card provided may be similar to a debit card which is used in an automated teller machine (ATM) or a credit card. The access card may store information associated with user for example a user name, an asset tag ID, an email ID of the user, phone number, employee code and a role the user in an environment where the shelf structure (101) is used. The RFID reader 106 present in the shelf structure (101) reads the access card and sends the user information to the central server (120, FIG 1) over the network (150, FIG 1) for user authentication. The system (100) may use any other authentication techniques for authenticating the user. The lock of the access door (110) is opened only upon user authentication for the user to perform an issue or return transaction.

[0030] In an embodiment, after authentication, in case of an issue transaction the user may pick up the asset (105) from the opened shelf structure (101). The asset-tracking application triggers the RFID reader (106) to identify the asset (105) removed using the RFID tag attached to the asset (105). The user after validation confirms the transaction by closing the access door (110) of the shelf structure (101) thereby completing the issue transaction.

[0031] The database (130) at the central server (120, FIG 1) automatically gets updated with the information that the user has been issued the asset. Moreover the inventory of the shelf structure (101) may be automatically updated in the central server (120, FIG 1). To view which transactions have occurred, in an embodiment managers may access a web-based asset tracking application from any computing device equipped with internet access. The computing device may include a mobile device, a laptop, a computer, and a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The computing device connected to the central server (120, FIG 1) displays the current transaction with a list of all issued assets along with the details of the users who have been issued assets with a date and a time stamp. Once the asset is removed from the shelf structure (101), the RFID reader (106) does not read the code from the tags as the shelf structure (101) is covered with a conductive material. This prevents the RFID reader (106) from receiving radio waves from tags present outside the shelf structure (101).

[0032] In case the user wants to return the asset (105) back to the shelf structure (101), the user inserts it at the card slot (108) and after authentication the access door (110) of the shelf structure (101) is unlocked. The user can then keep the asset (105) back in the shelf structure (101) and close the access door (110) to finally confirm the transaction. The central database (130) in the central server (120, FIG 1) may be automatically updated with the information indicating that the user returned the asset(s).

[0033] In an instance the user may forget to close the access door (110) of the shelf structure (101) for a predetermined period of time or may confirm the transaction accidently through a user interface in a client unit (111). In an embodiment the transaction may be confirmed by clicking a button provided on the asset tracking application. The central server (120, FIG 1) in this instance sends an alert message to the user who has forgotten to close the access door (110) of the shelf structure (101) as well as to user's manager to avoid any unforeseen incidents from happening. The asset tracking application may also allow managers to generate reports related to inventory, issue and return of assets. The reports may be displayed through the client unit (111, FIG 1) to the user. The reports may be generated periodically and displayed to the user and user's manager.

[0034] As an example, a watch store may sell different types and brands of watches to customer. These watches may be stored in cabinets such as the shelf structure (101) of the present invention. A user, for example, a representative in the store may attend to the customer and open a shelf structure (101) to show a watch chosen by the customer. The shelf structure (101) may be opened after a user authentication process using an access card of the representative. Once the representative takes out the watch, the RFID reader (106) reads the tag attached to the watch. This issue transaction performed is recorded in the central database (130) inside the central server (120, FIG 1) by the asset tracking application. The customer may usually look at multiple watches before making a choice and thus a series of transaction of assets may occur that may be recorded. The watches that are kept back into the shelf structure may be recorded as return transactions. All these transactions may be recorded under the name of the user who performed the transactions. A representative's manager may be able to view the transactions made by the representative. The transactions may be viewed from a remote location through a client unit (111, FIG 1) with the manager or an administrator. In this case a web-based application or any other application installed in the client unit (111, FIG 1) may be used for viewing the transactions. In an instance periodic reports regarding the transactions may be automatically generated by the central server (120, FIG 1) and send to the manager. In another scenario the manager may request for a report whenever required. Further when the representative performs an issue transaction, alert signals may be sent to the client unit (111, FIG 1) of the manager or administrator for intimating the completion of the transaction. In an alternate embodiment, the transaction may be recorded only when a confirmation is obtained from the manager through the client unit (111, FIG 1). In this case the confirmation may be recorded by the asset tracking software and stored in the central server (120, FIG 1). In another embodiment, the system can also be used to provide an interactive kiosk at the shop, wherein employees can utilize to access the tracking software application while searching for a particular asset.

[0035] FIG 3 illustrates an asset with RFID tag positioned on the metal tray inside the shelf structure. As shown in the figure, the assets (105) may be arranged on a specially designed tray (103) having small apertures 104 at predefined positions for receiving tags (112). The RFID tags (110) are attached to the assets (105) and are passed through the apertures (104) to hang below the surface of the tray (103).

[0036] FIG 4 illustrates the process flow for the method for tracking and management of a plurality of assets accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Processing may begin at step 401, where the user who wants to perform an issue or return transaction of an asset inserts the access card in a card slot (108, FIG 2) present in the shelf structure (101, FIG 2). The RFID reader (106, FIG 2) positioned within the shelf structure (101, FIG 2) reads the card information and sends the read information to a central server (120, FIG 1) over a network (150, FIG 1) for authentication by matching the user data saved in the central database (130, FIG 1) at step 402. The central server (120, FIG 1) performs the authentication by comparing the user information received from the sent by the RFID reader (106, FIG 2) with pre-stored user information. For example the pre-stored information may include for example, a user name, an asset tag ID, an email ID of the user, phone number, employee code and a role the user in an environment where the shelf structure (101, FIG 2) is used.

[0037] At step 403, a check is made whether the user is authenticated or not, based on user information sent by the tag reader to the central server (120, FIG 1) at step 402. In case the card information matches with the user data stored in the database, the user is allowed access to the shelf structure (101, FIG 2) housing the plurality of assets The door of the shelf structure (101, FIG 2) gets unlocked at step 405 and the user is authorized to perform issue and return transaction. For example, the door of the shelf structure (101, FIG 2) may be unlocked and opened by the user. The user performs issue and return transaction by keeping an asset in a tray (103, FIG 2) in the shelf structure (101, FIG 2) or by taking out an asset from the tray (103, FIG 2) and locking the door.

[0038] In case the result of the check made at step 403 is negative which means that the card information and user data don't match, the user is not authenticated and the door of the shelf structure (101, FIG 2) remains unlocked. At step 406, the RFID reader kept inside the shelf structure (101, FIG 2) reads the details of the tag being replaced or removed and transmits the information to the central server (120, FIG 1) through the network (150, FIG 1). The central server (120, FIG 1) identifies issue and return transaction performed by the user based on the information received. The transaction may be confirmed by closing the access door (110, FIG 2) of the shelf structure (101, FIG 1) or by clicking a , button provided on the user interface of the asset tracking application. In an instance the user may forget to close the access door (110) of the shelf structure (101) or confirm the transaction accidently through a user interface in a client unit (111). In case the user forgets to close the access door (110) for a predetermined period of time or accidently presses the confirm button on the user interface of the asset tracking software, the central server (120, FIG 1) sends an alert message to the user who has forgotten to close the access door (110) of the shelf structure (101), as well as to user's manager to avoid any unforeseen incidents from happening. At step 407, the database (130, FIG 1) at the central server (120, FIG 1) automatically gets updated with the information that the user has been issued the asset or the asset is replaced. Moreover the inventory of the shelf structure (101, FIG 2) may be automatically updated in the central server (120, FIG 1). The central server (120, FIG 1) may periodically scan the tags (112, FIG 3) of the assets (105) and update the position of each asset thereby easing search and retrieval of assets. The central server (120, FIG 1) tracks and provides exact location where the asset (105) resides.

[0039] At times the user may keep the issued assets with them for more than a predefined time period. In this case in an embodiment the central server (120, FIG 1) may send alerts in the form for example SMS and an email to the user and user's manager. The manager may be provided with an access to history of all the issue and return transactions performed by the user. In an embodiment managers may be able to access the issue and return transaction using a web-based application or an application installed in a client unit (111, FIG 1).

[0040] Thus by using the present system, not only real time inventory of the assets can be maintained but the system also ensures that only authenticated persons are issued the assets and these assets can be returned without any complex systems and processes. The asset tracking application present in the system also include interfaces for administrator and managers where in they may login and generate reports related to inventory, issue and return record of the assets. The process of issue and return transactions are completely automatic and thus reduce any chances of loss of assets in an organization or shop where manual tracking of assets is difficult. The asset tracking software keeps record of each transaction and enables easy search of assets. Moreover, the special design of the shelf structure ensures 100% RFID readability when RFID tags are attached with the assets which otherwise causes numerous problems.

[0042] CLAIMS

We claim:

1. A system for tracking and managing assets, the system comprising:
a. a shelf structure (101) for storing plurality of assets (105) having RFID tag attached, said shelf structure (101) further comprising a metal tray (103) having a plurality of apertures (101) for receiving RFID tags (112) attached to each asset (105) wherein each RFID tag hangs below the metal tray (103), the portion of the shelf structure (101) under the metal tray (103) being covered with an enclosure unit (107) made of conductive material to confine RFID tags (112) within the enclosure unit (107) whereby avoiding interference with the assets outside the shelf structure (101);

b. at least one RFID tag reader (106) disposed within the enclosure unit (107) for reading the RFID tag (112) attached to each asset (105);

c. a central server (120) configured to communicate with at least one RFID tag reader (106) for tracking issue and return of the plurality of assets (105) within the shelf structure (101).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central server (120) stores user information and tracks issue and return information of the assets (105).

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the central server (120) authenticates the user based on the user information.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case a user keeps the custody of an asset beyond a fixed time, the reminder messages may be send to the user as well as to the user's manager to return the asset.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the central server (120) periodically scans the tags of the assets (105) and updates the status of each asset (105) thereby easing search and retrieval of assets.

6. A method of tracking and managing a plurality of assets, the method comprising the steps of:
a. inserting an access card inside a card reader slot for user authentication;
b. matching card information with user data stored in central database (130) for user authentication;
c. checking whether the user is authenticated or not:
i. in case the user is authenticated, allowing the access to the shelf structure (101) by releasing lock of the door of the shelf structure (101) housing the plurality of assets;
ii. in case the user is not authenticated, keeping the lock of the access door (110) of the shelf structure (101) locked to prevent unauthorized access,
d. reading the tag associated with an asset of the plurality of tags being removed or replaced from the shelf structure (101);
e. confirming the transaction by closing the access door (110) of the shelf structure (101);
f. updating the central database (130) with user transaction.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6 further comprises step of sending alerts to the user in case the access door (110) remains open for a predetermined period of time.

8. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein details of all the transaction related to issue and return of assets is stored in the central database (130).

9. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein in case a user keeps the custody of an asset beyond a fixed time, the reminder messages may be send to the user as well as to the user's manager to return the asset.

10. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the central server () periodically scans the tags of the assets and updates the status of each asset thereby easing search and retrieval of assets.