Asset monitoring and tracking system

Abstract

Asset monitoring and tracking system for an asset, comprising: a microcontroller attached to the asset, configured to receive data from sensors also attached to the asset and to process the data for transmission; wherein the sensors are connected to the microcontroller and configured to capture environmental parameters of the asset and the position of the asset; a blockchain interface connected to the microcontroller and configured to upload validated data to a decentralized network for immutable storage and generation of unique transaction IDs; wherein the microcontroller validates sensor data and interacts with the blockchain.

Description

AREA

[0001] This application concerns asset monitoring and tracking systems, in particular those that utilize Internet of Things (IoT) devices and blockchain technology for real-time data management. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The technology on which the utility model application is based encompasses several well-known innovations in asset tracking and monitoring. For example, manual methods rely on pen-and-paper records or digital spreadsheets to log the location and status of assets, requiring human input for updates and exchanges. Barcode systems encode data onto labels that can be read by scanners or mobile devices. This simplifies identification but is prone to alignment errors during scanning. RFID technology uses radio waves to transmit digitally stored information from tags attached to assets. These can be read by scanners without direct alignment but are limited by proximity requirements and susceptibility to tampering.Digital cloud-based approaches store real-time data remotely, enable backups and access from multiple devices, but often lack inherent data security measures. Other systems include GPS-enabled trackers for location monitoring, such as US 10,657,486 B2, which integrates satellite positioning with wireless communication for asset recovery, and blockchain-integrated supply chain trackers, such as WO 2019 / 113430 A1, which focus on ledger-based transparency for the movement of goods. IoT sensor networks, such as the one in EP 3 456 042 A1, collect environmental data, such as temperature and humidity, via connected devices. These advances address the collection, storage, and access of data in logistics and management, but existing technology still has shortcomings.

[0003] The shortcomings or disadvantages of the state of the art (“state of the art”): Current technologies rely on manual resources, where assets are tracked or managed through human labor and are susceptible to various issues. Manual processes initially use pen and paper and are later digitized using spreadsheets. While spreadsheets eliminate the need for paper and allow for easy sharing and modification, they still have the disadvantage of being only as accurate as human input, both during initial entry and subsequent changes to maintain asset tracking. Barcode systems are extremely inexpensive and facilitate the encoding of data that can be easily read with a barcode scanner or mobile phone. However, common identification numbers are complex and must be unique, making manual entry time-consuming and risky; the risk of errors, such as...A disadvantage is that a barcode scanner cannot read the barcode due to alignment problems. RFID transmits product information via radio waves, with the data digitally recorded in tags that can be read by scanners without alignment errors. However, the asset must be constantly nearby, and the tag must be in contact with the reader or scanner for the information to be read; this data can be easily manipulated and altered. Digital, cloud-based methods store real-time data in the cloud, enabling backups and availability from any location and device, but the data is not secure with this system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The subject matter of the present invention is defined in the claims.

[0005] According to the present invention, an asset monitoring and tracking system uses monitoring mechanisms to track the asset's position and environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and others. The system implements security monitoring and threat detection mechanisms to generate alerts in the event of a potential security risk. The proposed solution utilizes public blockchain technology for data transmission and analysis to achieve properties such as transparency, decentralization, immutability, and tamper resistance.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a versatile system that can be used both stationary and in transit and can be adapted based on specific requirements. At the heart of the system is a decentralized blockchain combined with a Secure Track and Trace Module (STM), which enables the monitoring and tracking of assets. The system provides precise and timely reports on relevant information and location data. Technically, the system uses a decentralized blockchain architecture in conjunction with an STM to enable accurate and timely tracking and monitoring of assets, which can be adapted to specific needs. Real-time monitoring is achieved through the use of IoT devices and STM microcontrollers, which provide up-to-date information on the position, status, and performance of the assets.The use of blockchain technology adds an extra layer of security to the asset monitoring process, as the data is stored decentrally. The system focuses on improving the scalability, reliability, and performance of asset monitoring systems based on both IoT and blockchain technologies. This combination ensures that the records maintained by the system are transparent and tamper-proof, making it useful in various industries, including but not limited to supply chain management, logistics, and agriculture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a functional diagram for the asset monitoring and tracking system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides an asset monitoring and tracking system that integrates IoT sensors with blockchain technology for secure, real-time data management. The system connects various sensors to a microcontroller that processes data and sends it to a blockchain network for immutable storage and analysis. Environmental parameters such as gas, sound, humidity, motion, temperature, and pressure are detected by sensors, while location data is obtained via GPS. In the event of anomalies, alerts are generated via buzzers or displays, ensuring threat detection and notification.

[0008] The system works by collecting data from IoT devices connected to a microcontroller that validates and formats the information before uploading it to the blockchain. A node on the Algorand blockchain, created using the PURESTAKE REST API, interacts with the network on the testnet. A wallet, such as MyAlgo, facilitates interaction with the blockchain and generates unique transaction IDs for each validated data entry. These IDs allow users to view the data on the Algorand Explorer testnet, with access restricted to the wallet owner. The decentralized architecture ensures data transparency and tamper resistance, while the STM enhances tracking and traceability.

[0009] Alternative sensor implementations could include very similar devices such as capacitive humidity sensors or piezoelectric pressure sensors instead of standard devices, providing comparable accuracy for environmental monitoring. The microcontroller could alternatively use Arduino or ESP32 boards with equivalent processing capabilities for data handling. Blockchain integration could utilize Ethereum or Hyperledger instead of Algorand, offering similar decentralized storage but with different consensus mechanisms such as Proof-of-Stake. The connection could be established via Wi-Fi or LoRa modules for data transmission to ensure flexibility in environments with limited network capacity.

[0010] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, the functional diagram includes a gas sensor (1) for detecting gas anomalies, a sound sensor (2) for audio monitoring, a humidity sensor (3) for humidity levels, a motion sensor (4) for detecting movement, a buzzer (5) for audible alerts, GPS and MPU (6) for position and orientation, a temperature sensor (7) for thermal data, a blockchain connection (8) for data transmission, indicator lights (9) for visual notifications, a microcontroller (10) for central processing, and a blockchain (11) for secure storage. Data flows from the sensors to the microcontroller, which processes the inputs and sends the validated information to the blockchain. If thresholds are exceeded, the microcontroller triggers alerts via a buzzer or indicator lights.

[0011] The asset monitoring and tracking system described herein integrates IoT sensors and blockchain for versatile, secure data management in the supply chain, logistics and agriculture. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10,657,486 B2

[0002] WO 2019 / 113430 A1

[0002] EP 3 456 042 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Asset monitoring and tracking system for an asset, comprising: a microcontroller attached to the asset, configured to receive data from sensors also attached to the asset and to process the data for transmission; wherein the sensors are connected to the microcontroller and configured to detect environmental parameters of the asset and the position of the asset; a blockchain interface connected to the microcontroller and configured to upload validated data to a decentralized network for immutable storage and generation of unique transaction IDs; wherein the microcontroller validates sensor data and interacts with the blockchain. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the sensors include two or more of the following elements: a gas sensor configured to detect gaseous anomalies, a sound sensor configured to monitor sound, a humidity sensor configured to measure humidity, a motion sensor configured to detect motion, a temperature sensor configured to evaluate thermal conditions, and a GPS module configured to provide position data. [3] The system according to any of the preceding claims further comprises output displays connected to the microcontroller and configured to generate notifications based on the thresholds for processed data. [4] System according to claim 3, wherein the output indicators include at least a buzzer for audible warnings and lamp indicators for visual notifications. [5] The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller is configured to format sensor data for real-time monitoring and is integrated with a Secure Track and Trace module to enable the tracking of assets in the stationary state and during transport. [6] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the motion sensor and the GPS module provide inputs to the microcontroller for threat detection and trigger notifications for security alerts in the event of anomalies. [7] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the blockchain interface uses REST API to create nodes in a network such as Algorand Testnet, wherein the microcontroller restricts access to the transaction ID via a wallet. [8] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensors include temperature and humidity sensors to supply environmental data to the microcontroller, which processes this data for scalability in supply chain applications. [9] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller is configured with a Secure Track and Trace module to process sensor data for precise position and status reporting, wherein the module is connected to the blockchain interface to enable customizable monitoring in stationary or in-transit scenarios. [10] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensors and the microcontroller form an IoT module connected to the asset, the IoT module being configured to directly capture and process environmental and positional data prior to transmission via the blockchain interface.

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