Asset tracking and monitoring system and method based on Internet of Things

Abstract

The invention provides an asset tracking and monitoring system and method based on the Internet of Things, and the system comprises a posture sensing module which is configured to detect the posture data of a target asset, and an asset tracking module which is configured to detect the position information of the target asset. The control module is configured to collect attitude data and position information about the target assets; and the asset management server is electrically connected with the attitude sensing module and the asset tracking module through a control module, and the asset management server is configured to store and process the attitude data of the target assets uploaded by the attitude sensing module or store and process the position information of the target assets uploaded by the asset tracking module. According to the invention, the three-in-one combination of attitude sensing, disassembly prevention, positioning, information reporting, tracking, monitoring and alarming is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of Internet of Things, and in particular to an asset tracking and monitoring system and method based on the Internet of Things. Background Art

[0002] Asset management, including fixed asset management, is a crucial component of enterprise management, directly impacting operational and product costs. Strengthening asset management is crucial for ensuring asset safety and integrity, improving production capacity, and enhancing economic returns. With the rapid growth of enterprises, assets are characterized by high value, long lifespans, dispersed locations, and significant management challenges, placing new demands on asset management.

[0003] Currently, servers, network storage, and other devices are affixed with barcode labels as asset identifiers. Barcode labels require a scanner to scan the barcode to identify the asset's ID. In data center applications, the asset's specific location within the cabinet must be manually determined and recorded. Furthermore, automated tracking throughout the equipment's manufacturing, transportation, and storage lifecycle is not possible. Device tags based on CAT.1 and Wi-Fi locate and report asset locations. While this solution focuses on asset location, its drawbacks include inability to detect asset posture, poor tamper protection, and inability to generate alerts for abnormal movement. Inventory using RFID readers and electronic tags also suffers from inability to detect asset posture, locate assets, or provide timely tracking, monitoring, and alerts. An IoT-based asset tracking and monitoring system and method that can address these technical issues is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the above-mentioned issues, the embodiments of the present application provide an IoT-based asset tracking and monitoring system and method, which can timely obtain the location, posture, and self-information of the target asset and report it to the cloud platform. In case of illegal movement, an alarm can be issued in a timely manner to overcome or at least partially overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an asset tracking and monitoring system based on the Internet of Things, comprising: A posture perception module is configured to detect posture data of the target asset, an asset tracking module configured to detect location information of a target asset; a control module configured to collect posture data and position information about the target asset; The asset management server is electrically connected to the posture perception module and the asset tracking module through the control module. The asset management server is configured to store and process the posture data of the target asset uploaded by the posture perception module, or store and process the location information of the target asset uploaded by the asset tracking module.

[0006] In one embodiment, the asset management server further senses the posture type of the target asset based on the posture data; Alternatively, by collecting statistics on the location information of the target asset at different times, the movement trajectory information of the target asset can be obtained along the time axis.

[0007] In one embodiment, the asset management server further includes an early warning unit, which determines whether to trigger an alarm based on the posture type of the target asset or the location information of the target asset.

[0008] In one embodiment, sensing the posture type of the target asset according to the posture data further includes: Key feature data is extracted based on the acquired posture data, and the posture type is distinguished based on the key feature data. The posture data includes acceleration data and vibration data. The key feature data includes pitch angle, roll angle, main vibration frequency or combined acceleration. The posture type includes normal posture and abnormal posture.

[0009] In one embodiment, the distinguishing between a normal posture and an abnormal posture based on the key feature data further includes: Identify the target asset's tilt angle based on its pitch or roll angle. When the tilt angle exceeds a preset threshold, the target asset is in an abnormal posture. The vibration data is processed to obtain the main vibration frequency, and it is determined whether the main frequency is greater than a preset frequency. If so, the target asset is in an abnormal posture; The resultant acceleration is obtained based on the acceleration data of the target asset, and it is determined whether the magnitude and direction of the resultant acceleration deviate from the resultant acceleration in the static state. If so, the target asset is in a moving state, that is, the target asset is in an abnormal posture.

[0010] In one embodiment, the asset tracking module includes an NFC reader and an NFC electronic tag, and the NFC electronic tag is attached to the target asset; The NFC reader receives an NFC signal sent by the NFC electronic tag in the target asset, and obtains the location information of the NFC electronic tag according to the NFC signal.

[0011] In one embodiment, determining whether to trigger an alarm based on the posture type of the target asset further includes: Detect the duration of the abnormal posture of the current target asset and determine whether the duration of the abnormal posture exceeds the threshold. If so, trigger an alarm.

[0012] In one embodiment, determining whether to trigger an alarm based on the location information of the target asset further includes: Compare the acquired location of the target asset to see if it is within the preset geo-fence, and if so, trigger an alarm.

[0013] In one embodiment, the asset management server is a cloud-based server or platform that communicates with the control module, the posture sensing module, and the asset tracking module via a wireless communication module; The asset management server also stores the tag data and historical location information of the target asset, and compares the current location of the target asset with the historical location of the target asset. If the locations differ by a predetermined threshold distance, an alarm is triggered.

[0014] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an asset tracking and monitoring method, the method comprising: Utilize the posture perception module to detect the posture data of the target asset, Use the asset tracking module to detect the location information of the target asset; Using the control module to collect attitude data and location information about the target asset; The asset management server is electrically connected to the posture perception module and the asset tracking module through the control module, and the asset management server is used to store and process the posture data of the target asset uploaded by the posture perception module, or the asset management server is used to store and process the location information of the target asset uploaded by the asset tracking module.

[0015] At least one of the above technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of the present application can achieve the following beneficial effects: This application monitors the posture data of the target asset through the posture perception module to determine the posture type or state of the target asset, and then determines whether the target asset has moved illegally. The current position of the asset tracking module is obtained through the asset tracking module. By statistically analyzing the position information corresponding to these different moments, the movement trajectory information of the target asset is obtained according to the time axis. This application can timely obtain the position, posture and own information of the target asset and report it to the cloud platform. For illegal movement, it can timely alarm. This application realizes the combination of posture perception, anti-dismantling, positioning and information reporting, tracking, monitoring and alarm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an asset tracking and monitoring system based on the Internet of Things according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; Figure 2 The figure shows a flow chart of an asset tracking and monitoring method according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the specific embodiments of this application and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0018] The following describes in detail the technical solutions provided by various embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] The rapid development of IoT technology has created a real need and technical feasibility for real-time asset positioning, posture detection, and asset information inventory and reporting. Existing technical solutions sometimes focus on asset inventory, while others focus on positioning. This solution can address the issues of posture sensing for key assets, anti-tampering monitoring equipment, asset positioning, and asset information acquisition. This application falls within the IoT field and can be used for key asset tracking, monitoring, and alarming in industries such as education, healthcare, and enterprise.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention relates to an asset tracking and monitoring system based on the Internet of Things, which at least includes the following modules: a posture perception module, an asset tracking module, a control module, and an asset management server.

[0021] A posture perception module is configured to detect posture data of the target asset, an asset tracking module configured to detect location information of a target asset; a control module configured to collect posture data and position information about the target asset; An asset management server electrically connected to the posture sensing module and the asset tracking module via the control module, the asset management server being configured to store and process posture data of the target asset uploaded by the posture sensing module, or to store and process location information of the target asset uploaded by the asset tracking module; The asset management server is further configured to control the operation of the control module.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present application, the control module of the present application may adopt an MCU.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present application, the asset management server further senses the posture type of the target asset based on the posture data; or obtains the movement trajectory information of the target asset along the time axis by collecting statistics on the position information corresponding to the target asset at different times.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present application, the posture sensing module is a three-axis accelerometer system, which is used to sense or detect the posture data of the target asset. The posture data includes acceleration data and vibration data. In the present application, the three-axis accelerometer system is installed on the target asset.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present application, sensing the posture type of the target asset according to the posture data further includes: Key feature data is extracted based on the posture data detected by the three-axis accelerometer system, and normal posture or abnormal posture is distinguished based on the key feature data. The key feature data includes pitch angle, roll angle, main vibration frequency or combined acceleration. The abnormal posture is that the tilt, vibration or movement of the target asset exceeds the preset threshold, and the normal posture is that the tilt, vibration or movement of the target asset is within the preset threshold.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present application, distinguishing between a normal posture and an abnormal posture based on key feature data further includes: First, the gravity component (or acceleration data) of the target asset detected by the three-axis accelerometer system is obtained, the pitch angle or roll angle of the target asset is calculated, and the tilt angle of the target asset is identified. When the tilt angle exceeds the preset threshold, the target asset is in an abnormal posture.

[0027] Specifically, the acceleration data from a three-axis accelerometer system, combined with the direction of gravity, can be used to calculate pitch and roll angles, thereby identifying posture changes and obtaining the tilt angle of the target asset. This is known as tilt detection. When the tilt angle exceeds a preset threshold, the target asset is considered to be in an abnormal posture.

[0028] Secondly, the vibration data of the target asset detected by the three-axis accelerometer system is obtained, and the main vibration frequency is obtained by data preprocessing. It is determined whether the main frequency is greater than the preset frequency. If so, the target asset is in an abnormal posture. The obtained main vibration frequency can be used to distinguish between human movement and natural vibration.

[0029] Specifically, the vibration of the target asset manifests as high-frequency, periodic acceleration changes. The time-domain vibration signal (e.g., >5 Hz) is separated by a high-pass filter to remove the static gravity component. Convert the time domain vibration signal into the frequency domain vibration signal and identify the main vibration frequency; Determine whether the main frequency is greater than the preset frequency. If so, the target asset is in an abnormal state; Specifically: Because the vibration of a target asset typically manifests as periodic acceleration changes, especially high-frequency dynamic acceleration, an accelerometer can detect rapid changes along these three axes to capture the frequency and amplitude of vibration. For example, when a device vibrates, the acceleration data along these three axes will exhibit periodic fluctuations. By extracting vibration characteristics through filtering and spectral analysis (such as FFT), the dominant frequency can be determined, allowing differentiation between human-induced and natural vibrations.

[0030] Thirdly, the accelerations of the target asset in the X, Y, and Z directions detected by the three-axis accelerometer system are obtained, and the combined acceleration is obtained based on the accelerations in the three directions. It is determined whether the magnitude and direction of the combined acceleration deviate from the combined acceleration in the static state. If so, the target asset is in a moving state, that is, the target asset is in an abnormal posture.

[0031] In a stationary state: the total acceleration is approximately equal to 1g (only gravity acts). If the total acceleration deviates from 1g, the target asset is in a moving state; During linear movement, the acceleration changes continuously (such as during transportation), and the total acceleration deviates from 1g; If the accelerations in all three axes are close to 0g and last for more than 300ms, for example, it is determined to be a free fall.

[0032] As shown in the above analysis, motion can be determined by detecting vibration frequency or amplitude or monitoring changes in the magnitude and direction of the combined acceleration. The pitch or roll angle of the target asset can be used to identify its tilt angle and, therefore, its posture. When a target asset moves partially, dynamic acceleration is primarily used. This is the continuous acceleration generated when the target asset is being moved or transported. When the object is stationary, the combined acceleration vector should be equal to gravity (approximately 1g). When the object is moving, it may experience continuous acceleration in a certain direction, such as when being pushed or carried. By monitoring changes in the magnitude and direction of the combined acceleration, motion can be determined. Of course, in real-world scenarios, dynamic acceleration can introduce errors, so data fusion with other sensors (such as a gyroscope) may be necessary.

[0033] In another embodiment of the present application, the asset tracking module includes a two-way communication reader and a communication tag. In this application, the two-way communication reader is an NFC reader, and the communication tag is an NFC electronic tag. The NFC tag reader is, for example, a mobile phone with NFC function.

[0034] An NFC reader receives an NFC signal sent by the NFC electronic tag in the target asset, and obtains tag content of the NFC electronic tag according to the NFC signal.

[0035] The electronic tag used in this application is an NFC electronic tag, which is usually set on a fixed target asset for identification and tracking or can be attached to an asset that actively moves within a limited area.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, an NFC electronic tag is bound to a target asset one-to-one. The NFC electronic tag can uniquely identify a target asset. The NFC electronic tag includes a SoC chip and an antenna that implements NFC short-range communication technology. During interaction, the antenna receives external signals and activates the SoC. The SoC includes a micro-CPU (central processing unit) and memory for storing information. The amount of memory can be adjusted based on the content of the tag, but is typically between 48 bytes and 1M bytes. For example, an NFC sticker does not require a built-in power supply because it utilizes passive RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. When an NFC sticker is brought into proximity with an NFC-enabled device (such as a smartphone), the device generates a high-frequency radio frequency field. The NFC sticker's antenna captures this field, generating an induced current that powers the sticker's circuitry. NFC stickers typically store only a small amount of information, such as a URL, text, or a few simple commands. This simple operation requires minimal energy, which can be provided entirely by the aforementioned inductive power supply. Using NFC tags, wireless devices are smaller, cheaper, and have a longer lifespan than other types of wireless devices. The lack of a battery means they can operate in extreme environmental conditions, such as high or low temperatures, without being limited by battery life or performance. Data is read from or written to the sticker. This energy transfer and data communication occurs instantaneously, making the interaction process extremely fast and efficient.

[0037] In addition to the target asset's location, the NFC tag also contains asset information, including tag identity, tag name, tag type, and geo-fence. The tag identity can be the target asset's unique code; the tag type can be the asset type associated with the NFC tag, and the geo-fence can be the warning range set on the NFC tag. For example, if the target asset is a switch, an NFC tag corresponding to the switch is set. The switch's tag identity code is 00011002, the tag name is switch, the tag type is office asset, and the geo-fence is an office building.

[0038] The NFC reader receives the NFC signal sent by the NFC electronic tag of the target asset, and reads the asset information and location information of the target asset corresponding to the NFC electronic tag. The tag identity information is the unique identification information corresponding to the NFC electronic tag of the target asset. By successfully identifying the tag identity information, it can be confirmed that the target asset has been successfully read.

[0039] The asset management server receives the location information uploaded by the asset tracking module and calculates the location information corresponding to different times to obtain the movement trajectory information of the target asset according to the time axis. The movement trajectory information of the target asset includes the location information corresponding to the target asset at different times.

[0040] For example, in the intelligent positioning of a digital camera inside the power dispatching building of a power grid company, at least one NFC reader arranged inside the power dispatching building reads the information of the NFC electronic tag corresponding to the digital camera at a frequency of 1 time / minute, and obtains the tag status information and location information corresponding to the digital camera at different times, selects relevant data from this information, and generates the movement trajectory information of the digital camera in the order of the time axis.

[0041] The asset management server can be a cloud-based server or platform. It is configured to receive posture data, location information, and asset information detected by the posture sensing module and asset tracking module. The control module transmits the posture data and electronic tag content (location information, tag identity information, tag name, tag type, geo-fence, etc.) to the asset management server via a communication module, which is one or more wireless and / or wired communication links (see Wireless Transmission and Wired and / or Wireless Transmission).

[0042] In one embodiment of the present application, the asset management server further includes an early warning unit for determining whether to trigger an alarm based on the posture type of the target asset or the location information of the target asset.

[0043] In this application, determining whether to trigger an alarm based on the posture type of the target asset further includes: Detect the duration of the abnormal posture of the current target asset and determine whether the duration of the abnormal posture exceeds the threshold. If so, trigger an alarm.

[0044] Specifically: The system determines whether the duration of the target asset's abnormal posture exceeds a threshold. If so, an alarm is triggered to avoid false alarms. For example, brief vibrations may be normal, but sustained movement will trigger an alarm. The threshold is determined based on machine learning or statistical methods. For example, data is collected from the target asset in its normal posture, a baseline is calculated, and then a dynamic threshold is set. Alternatively, a fixed threshold can be preset based on the specific conditions of the asset, such as triggering an alarm if the tilt exceeds 15 degrees.

[0045] In this application, determining whether to trigger an alarm based on the location information of the target asset further includes: Based on whether the location information of the target asset is within the preset electronic fence, if not, an alarm is triggered.

[0046] In another embodiment of the present application, the asset management server of the present application stores tag data and a record of historical location information for target assets. A mobile electronic device can retrieve this historical information for inventory management or data integrity purposes. In some examples, the previous location can be compared with the current location, and an alarm can be triggered if the locations differ by a predetermined threshold distance. An NFC reader combined with an electronic tag can be used to detect whether the sensing device has been removed from the target asset; in some examples, the historical location can be compared with previously retrieved records to identify data inconsistencies.

[0047] In another embodiment of the present application, the NFC reader has a SIM card to allow the NFC reader to communicate with the user's mobile device. The term "mobile device" as used herein refers to cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, handheld PCs, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other mobile handheld communication devices. For example, the SIM card in the NFC reader can be used with a cellular data plan to convey the location of the tag. NFC readers using GPS technology are particularly useful when the tag moves out of the range of the UWB network. Although the use of UWB and GPS has been illustrated here, any other short-range communication method readily known to a person of ordinary skill in the art can be used with the present system. For example, the tag and reader can use Bluetooth to communicate with each other.

[0048] In another embodiment of the present application, the asset database and asset editing module can be located on different asset management servers in a local area network (LAN), in the cloud, or locally. The asset database can be pre-configured to store tag data related to target assets. The asset editing module is configured to attach an NFC electronic tag to the target asset, set the tag content corresponding to the NFC electronic tag, store the target asset and the tag content of the NFC electronic tag in a pre-configured asset database, and set the management status of the target asset in the asset database.

[0049] In another embodiment of the present application, a display unit is further provided. The display unit is connected to the asset management server and is configured to provide a user interface for the asset tracking and monitoring solution.

[0050] In another embodiment of the present application, the early warning unit is further configured to select whether to issue an alarm immediately or delay processing according to needs.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the present application also provides a flow chart of an asset tracking and monitoring method, the method comprising: Utilize the posture perception module to detect the posture data of the target asset, Use the asset tracking module to detect the location information of the target asset; Using the control module to collect attitude data and location information about the target asset; The asset management server is electrically connected to the posture perception module and the asset tracking module through the control module, and the asset management server is used to store and process the posture data of the target asset uploaded by the posture perception module, or the asset management server is used to store and process the location information of the target asset uploaded by the asset tracking module.

[0052] This application utilizes an NFC reader combined with an electronic tag to detect and report whether the device has been removed from a target asset. It can also read the asset information stored on the NFC tag. This application can promptly obtain the target asset's location, posture, and information, and report it to the cloud platform. This application uses a three-axis accelerometer system to detect subtle changes in the target asset's posture and local movement, and report any abnormal movement.

[0053] This application can track and monitor key assets such as medical equipment, switches, servers, and equipment required for enterprise production. This application realizes the integration of posture perception, anti-tampering, positioning and information reporting, tracking, monitoring and alarm.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present application may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0055] The foregoing is merely an embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should all be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An asset tracking and monitoring system, characterized in that: include: A posture perception module is configured to detect posture data of the target asset, an asset tracking module configured to detect location information of a target asset; a control module configured to collect posture data and position information about the target asset; The asset management server is electrically connected to the posture perception module and the asset tracking module through the control module. The asset management server is configured to store and process the posture data of the target asset uploaded by the posture perception module, or store and process the location information of the target asset uploaded by the asset tracking module.

2. The asset tracking and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: include: The asset management server is further configured to sense the posture type of the target asset according to the posture data; Alternatively, by collecting statistics on the location information of the target asset at different times, the movement trajectory information of the target asset can be obtained along the time axis.

3. The asset tracking and monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein: include: The asset management server also has an early warning unit, which determines whether to trigger an alarm based on the posture type of the target asset or the location information of the target asset.

4. The asset tracking and monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein: Perceiving the posture type of the target asset according to the posture data further includes: Key feature data is extracted based on the acquired posture data, and the posture type is distinguished based on the key feature data. The posture data includes acceleration data and vibration data. The key feature data includes pitch angle, roll angle, main vibration frequency or combined acceleration. The posture type includes normal posture and abnormal posture.

5. The asset tracking and monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein: The step of distinguishing between a normal posture and an abnormal posture based on key feature data further includes: Identify the target asset's tilt angle based on its pitch or roll angle. When the tilt angle exceeds a preset threshold, the target asset is in an abnormal posture. The vibration data is processed to obtain the main vibration frequency, and it is determined whether the main frequency is greater than a preset frequency. If so, the target asset is in an abnormal posture; The resultant acceleration is obtained based on the acceleration data of the target asset, and it is determined whether the magnitude and direction of the resultant acceleration deviate from the resultant acceleration in the static state. If so, the target asset is in a moving state, that is, the target asset is in an abnormal posture.

6. The asset tracking and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: The asset tracking module includes an NFC reader and an NFC electronic tag, and the NFC electronic tag is attached to the target asset; The NFC reader receives an NFC signal sent by the NFC electronic tag in the target asset, and obtains the location information of the NFC electronic tag according to the NFC signal.

7. The asset tracking and monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein: Determining whether to trigger an alarm based on the posture type of the target asset further includes: Detect the duration of the abnormal posture of the current target asset and determine whether the duration of the abnormal posture exceeds the threshold. If so, trigger an alarm.

8. The asset tracking and monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein: Determining whether to trigger an alarm based on the location information of the target asset further includes: Compare the acquired location of the target asset to see if it is within the preset geo-fence, and if so, trigger an alarm.

9. The asset tracking and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: The asset management server is a cloud-based server or platform that communicates with the control module, posture perception module, and asset tracking module through a wireless communication module; The asset management server also stores the tag data and historical location information of the target asset, and compares the current location of the target asset with the historical location of the target asset. If the locations differ by a predetermined threshold distance, an alarm is triggered.

10. An asset tracking and monitoring method, characterized in that: Utilize the posture perception module to detect the posture data of the target asset, Use the asset tracking module to detect the location information of the target asset; Using the control module to collect attitude data and location information about the target asset; The asset management server is electrically connected to the posture perception module and the asset tracking module through the control module, and the asset management server is used to store and process the posture data of the target asset uploaded by the posture perception module, or the asset management server is used to store and process the location information of the target asset uploaded by the asset tracking module.

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