Quality control batching

Abstract

An example of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a memory storage unit to maintain a first database and a second database. The first database is to store a record associated with a plurality of assets. Each asset of the plurality of assets includes a unique identifier. The second database is to store a status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets. The apparatus further includes a communications interface to receive a scanned identifier associated with an asset of the plurality of assets. In addition, the apparatus includes an administration engine in communication with the first database and the second database. The administration engine is to update each status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets upon receiving the scanned identifier.

Description

QUALITY CONTROL BATCHINGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLCIATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 63 / 606,364 filed December s, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Businesses may own assets that are loaned, rented, or leased out for use. The types of assets that may be handled in this manner are not limited and may include a wide variety of assets, such as specialized equipment for stages, tools, sports equipment, etc. The benefits of having another entity own and manage assets are known. For example, the users of the asset may focus on using the asset so that they do not focus on maintaining the asset, especially if only a few of the assets are used at a given time. Furthermore, it allows the usage of an asset to be increased as the user may only use the asset for a small portion of the user’s operation.

[0003] As assets are received back from a loan period, the asset may be inspected prior to being loaned again to another customer. The inspection (also referred to as a quality control process) can identify any defects with the asset or damage that may have occurred during the last rental period. If the asset was damaged during the last rental period, the identification of the damage may be used to recover the costs of repairs from the previous renter. In addition, for assets with a maintenance schedule, it may allow for the determination of whether the asset should be serviced prior to the next rental period.SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes a memory storage unit to maintain a first database and a second database. The first database is to store a record associated with a plurality of assets. Each asset of the plurality of assets includes a unique identifier. The second database is to store a status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets. The apparatus also includes a communications interface to receive a unique identifier associated with an asset of the plurality ofassets. In addition, the apparatus includes an administration engine in communication with the database, wherein the administration engine is to update each status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets upon receiving the unique identifier.

[0005] The communications interface may receive the unique identifier as part of a quality control process. The communications interface may receive a pass message to indicate that the plurality of assets passed the quality control process. The administration engine may change each status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets to a pass status. The plurality of assets may include assets of a similar type. Each asset of the plurality of assets may have the same stock keeping unit code. The apparatus may include a verification engine to confirm the plurality of assets passed the quality control process. The verification engine may transmit a request for confirmation to a user via the communications interface. The apparatus may include a scanner to read the unique identifier after the quality control process.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a block schematic diagram of an example apparatus to process assets loaned, rented, or leased to another party;

[0008] Figure 2 is a representation of an example system using the apparatus shown in figure 1 to process assets loaned, rented, or leased to another party;

[0009] Figure 3 is a block schematic diagram of another example apparatus to process assets loaned, rented, or leased to another party;

[0010] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example method of processing assets loaned, rented, or leased to another party; and

[0011] Figure 5 is a flowchart of another example method of processing assets loaned, rented, or leased to another party.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] It is common for assets used for commercial purposes to be owned by aparty that is different from the one using the asset. There may be a number of reasons to manage assets in this manner. For example, there may be financial benefits, such as tax benefits. Furthermore, for certain types of assets where continuous use is not common or when the assets are used for a discrete period of times, such as for a specific project, the owner of the asset may achieve better utilization of the asset by providing the asset to multiple parties. Another example of a reason for renting or leasing an asset owned by another party may be due to the expertise of the party owning the asset to maintain the asset. For example, the skill set of a party using the asset may not include the skills for maintaining the assets in a good state of repair.

[0013] As an example, stage lighting equipment used for performances, such as plays, concerts or lectures to provide visual enhancements are often owned and managed by a party that is different from the performers. In most cases, the assets are not owned by a venue as different stages may use different equipment to provide specific looks or visuals. Additional effects such as pyrotechnic displays and fog machines may be also used. Some of the equipment used to provide the visual effects may be positioned above the stage to improve the generated effect. For example, a light or laser source may be positioned above the stage so that light may be directed at the stage during a performance from above to achieve an appropriate lighting effect. Furthermore, such equipment may need to be supported around the stage with various trusses which may be provided by other parties.

[0014] As another example, rental sporting equipment may be provided to athletes for use. In this example, a sporting venue such as a golf course, ski resort, or watersport rental shop may offer equipment for use by an athlete or participant. The equipment may include golf clubs, skis, watercrafts, and associated personal protective equipment. To protect the assets, the owners or operators of the rental shop tracks each piece of equipment as it leaves the shop and cross references the returning equipment against details, such as when the equipment was checked-out, to determine or confirm the costs of the rental.

[0015] As with many rental businesses, returned assets are to be inspected and may be made unavailable for repairs or service, which may be based on the outcome of the inspection. To ensure the quality of the asset being rented to subsequent parties, each asset is to be inspected and passed upon return. The manner by which the assets are inspected and recorded is not particularly limited. Inthe present examples, each asset may have a unique identifier and a status indicator. The status indicator may describe the characteristics of the asset as well as whether it has gone through a quality control process and the outcome of the quality control process. It is to be appreciated that the vast majority of assets being returned are in acceptable condition and therefore identifying assets that cannot be rented without service or repair is generally not expected.

[0016] An apparatus and method of processing assets that are loaned, rented, or leased to others and an apparatus to carry out the method are provided. The apparatus and method increase the efficiency and speed at which a quality control process may be carried out. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill that a quality control process typically involves an inspection process followed by an update to the status of the asset to indicate whether it has passed the quality control step. The update step may involve scanning or entering a unique identifier associated with the asset that has passed the quality control process. In the present example, the status of multiple assets may be updated by scanning or entering a single unique identifier associated with an asset among a group of assets. Upon scanning the single asset, the status of all the assets in the group of assets may be updated. Accordingly, the apparatus used to carry out the quality control process will provide an efficient manner to process assets without multiple scans of each asset.

[0017] Referring to figure 1 , an apparatus to process assets loaned, rented, or leased to another party is generally shown at 50. The apparatus 50 may include additional components, such as various devices and interfaces to receive input and output devices to interact with a user or an administrator with access to control the apparatus 50. In the present example, the apparatus 50 includes a memory storage unit 55, a communications interface 60, and an administration engine 65.

[0018] The memory storage unit 55 is to maintain a database 100 and another database 102. The information stored in the database 100 is not limited. In the present example, a record in the database 100 is to be associated with a plurality of assets. Accordingly, each record in the database 100 may represent a group of assets. The manner by which assets are grouped is not particularly limited and may involve grouping assets of a similar type together. In particular, the group of assets may be assets having a common stock keeping unit code. The information stored in the database 100 may include a description and specifications of each asset in the group, such as a type of asset, a unique identifier of the asset, model number,dimensions, size, etc. The database 102 is to store status information for each asset. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the database 102 may include records for each asset in the records stored in the database 100. In particular, the database 102 is to store a status indicator associated with each asset. The status indicator may indicate a status of whether a quality control process has been completed for the asset. In further examples, the status indicator may also be used to store other information about the status of the asset, such as an unavailable status if the asset is checked-out, checked-in, undergoing service or being repaired.

[0019] In other examples, the memory storage unit 55 may store data using different structures. For example, the databases 100 and 102 may be combined into a single database. In further examples, additional databases may be maintained to store additional information about other characteristics of the assets.

[0020] In the present example, the memory storage unit 55 is not particularly limited and may include a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium that may be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device. In the present example, the memory storage unit 55 is a persistent memory that may also store an operating system that is executable by a processor to provide general functionality to the apparatus 50. For example, the operating system may provide functionality to additional applications operating on the apparatus 50. The memory storage unit 55 may additionally store instructions to operate the apparatus 50 to communicate with other components and peripheral devices of the apparatus 50, such as additional reader devices, communication interfaces, display devices, etc.

[0021] The communications interface 60 is to communicate with a device to receive data. The device from which the data is received may be connected to the communications interface 60 via a network, such as the internet or a local network. Alternatively, the device may be directly connected to the communications interface 60 via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared, or other signals. In further examples, the communications interface may receive data from a hardwired device, such as via a USB connection or a docking station, to download data periodically, such as at the end of the day or after a predetermined period of operation. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the device and the data received by the communications interface 60 is not particularly limited. In the present example, the data is a signal to provide aunique identifier associated with an asset of the group of assets as part of the quality control process.

[0022] In other examples, additional messages may also be received and transmitted from the communications interface 60. For example, the communications interface 60 may also receive a message indicating a specific asset or a group of assets have passed the quality control process.

[0023] The device used to provide the data to the communications interface 60 is not particularly limited. For example, the device providing the data may be a scanner device that is configured to read a unique identifier of an asset. For example, each asset may have an individual unique barcode associated with the asset such that the barcode may operate as an asset identifier. In particular, the barcode may be affixed or otherwise disposed on the asset to be easily scanned by the device. Accordingly, the scanner device may read the barcode and provide the asset identifier to the apparatus 50 via the communications interface 60. The device may be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer terminal device, or a portable electronic device. In other examples, instead of optically reading a barcode, the device may be configured to read another type of identifier, such as a QR code, a serial number, or a radio-frequency identification transmitter disposed on the asset.

[0024] The administration engine 65 is in communication with the memory storage unit 55 and configured to manage the database 100 and the database 102. The administration engine 65 is to update or change the status indicator for each asset in the database 102 that is in the same group of assets associated with a record in the database 100. The manner by which the administration engine 65 updates the status indicators is not particularly limited. In the present example, a single unique identifier associated with an asset is received via the communications interface 60. The administration engine 65 may search the database 100 for records that include the asset with the unique identifier. Accordingly, the administration engine 65 may generate a list of all assets in the group of assets. After obtaining the list of assets, the administration engine 65 proceeds to update or change the status indicator in the database 102 for all assets that have been identified to a pass status. Therefore, a plurality of assets will have their status identifier updated with a single scan.

[0025] Referring to figure 2, an example of a system 150 to process to process assets loaned, rented, or leased to another party using the apparatus 50 is generallyshown. In the present example system 150, the apparatus 50 is in communication with the scanner devices 75-1 , 75-2, 75-3 (generically, these scanner devices are referred to herein as “scanner device 75” and collectively as “scanner devices 75”) via a network 155. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill that the network 155 is not particularly limited and may be any wireless network connecting the apparatus 50 to the scanner devices 75. In the present example, the scanner devices 75 are each to scan an asset for an identifier and to provide the scanned identifier to the apparatus 50 via the communications interface 60. The apparatus 50 subsequently processes the identifier obtainer by the scanner device 75 in a manner described above.

[0026] The scanner device 75 is not particularly limited and may include any device capable of reading an identifier from an asset. The identifier is not particularly limited and may be a barcode or serial number identifying a specific asset. For example, the scanner device 75 may include a laser scanning device, a camera, a smartphone, or a tablet to read an identifier affixed to the asset. In other examples, the identifier may be a unique tag that uses a radio-frequency identification (RFID) identifier. In this example, the scanner device 75 may be an RFID reader device to obtain a unique RFID identifier associated with an asset within range of the scanner device 75.

[0027] It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the system 150 is to be used to efficiently scan a plurality of similar assets to update the status of the assets without scanning each individual asset. In an example of use of the system 150, a user may use the scanner device 75 to read a barcode on the asset to be checked-in to a facility after it is returned from a lease agreement. The scanner device 75 scans a unique identifier and transmits the scanned identifier to the apparatus 50. The apparatus 50 uses the scanned identifier to update the status indicator of a plurality of assets that are in the same group as the asset associated with the scanned identifier obtained by the scanner device 75. It is also to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that although the system 150 includes three scanner devices 75, the system 150 may be varied to include more or less scanner devices 75. The multiple scanner devices 75 allow for multiple users to check in assets at the same time and to transmit the scanned identifiers to the apparatus 50 which maintains the database 102 to update the status information for each asset.

[0028] Referring to figure 3, another example of an apparatus 50a to process assets loaned, rented, or leased to another party is generally shown. Like components of the apparatus 50a bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “a”. The apparatus 50a includes a memory storage unit 55a, a communications interface 60a, a processor 70a, and a scanner 75a.

[0029] The memory storage unit 55a is a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium to store data to be used by the processor 70a as well as persistent data, such as the databases. In the present example, the memory storage unit 55a may be substantially similar to the memory storage unit 55 described above. In this example, the memory storage unit 55a maintains multiple databases. In particular, the memory storage unit 55a maintains a database 100a and a database 102a. Furthermore, the memory storage unit 55a is encoded with instructions to direct the processor 70a to carry out methods to process assets by operating various components and / or peripheral devices of the apparatus 50a as described herein.

[0030] In the present example, the processor 70a may execute instructions to carry out the functionality of the administration engine 65a, and the verification engine 67a. In addition, the processor 70a may be programmed to transmit and receive data via the communications interface 60a and to read and write data from the memory storage unit 55a.

[0031] The administration engine 65a is to communicate with the memory storage unit 55a and to manage the database 100a and the database 102a similar to the administration engine 65 in figure 1 , as described above.

[0032] The verification engine 67a is to confirm that the assets have passed the quality control process. In the present example, the administration engine 65a receives the single unique identifier associated with an asset is received via the communications interface 60a. The administration engine 65a then generates a list of assets in the group of assets associated with the asset having the received unique identifier. Prior to updating the status indicators for each asset in the group of assets, the verification engine 67a verifies that the status indicator is to be updated and that the assets have passed the quality control process.

[0033] The manner by which the verification engine 67a operates is not particularly limited. For example, the verification engine 67a may transmit a request to a user device for a confirmation via the communications interface 60a. Theverification engine 67a may then wait for a response from the user device. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the verification engine 67a may wait for a response from the user device in some examples.

[0034] The apparatus 50a also includes a scanner 75a to read a unique identifier of an asset. In this example, the scanner 75a may be used to read an asset identifier, such as a barcode, after the quality control process is carried out. Upon reading the unique identifier, the scanner 75a may transmit the unique identifier to the processor 70a via the communications interface 60a to be processed. In some examples, the scanner 75a may send a message indicating the asset associated with the unique identifier has passed the quality control process. By sending the additional message, the scanner 75a may be used in for other purposes, such as checking-in or checking-out assets when operated in a different mode. In further examples, the scanner 75a may also be capable of receiving user input.Accordingly, the scanner 75a may be used to interact with the user, such as to prompt for a confirmation of a scan.

[0035] Referring to figure 4, a flowchart of a method of processing assets loaned, rented, or leased to another party is generally shown at 200. In order to assist in the explanation of method 200, it will be assumed that method 200 may be performed with the apparatus 50. Indeed, the method 200 may be one way in which the apparatus 50 may be configured. Furthermore, the following discussion of method 200 may lead to a further understanding of the apparatus 50 and its various components. It is to be emphasized, that method 200 may not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, and various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence, or in a different sequence altogether.

[0036] Block 210 involves grouping a plurality of assets in a database 100. Each of the assets in the plurality or group of assets includes a status indicator. The manner by which assets are grouped together is not particularly limited and may involve grouping similar types of assets undergoing a quality control process together. At block 220, a unique identifier of an asset in the group of assets is received via the communications interface 60a and the status indicator associated with each of the assets in the group of assets is updated without further scanning or receiving of additional unique identifiers.

[0037] Referring to figure 5, a flowchart of another method of processing assets loaned, rented, or leased to another party is generally shown at 300. In order toassist in the explanation of method 300, it will be assumed that method 300 may be performed with the apparatus 50 operating in the system 150. Indeed, the method 300 may be one way in which the system 150 may be configured. Furthermore, the following discussion of method 300 may lead to a further understanding of the system 150 and its various components, including the apparatus 50. It is to be emphasized, that method 300 may not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, and various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence, or in a different sequence altogether.

[0038] Block 310 involves grouping a plurality of assets in a database 100. Each of the assets in the plurality or group of assets includes a status indicator. The manner by which assets are grouped together is not particularly limited and may involve grouping similar types of assets undergoing a quality control process together.

[0039] Each asset of the plurality of asset is tracked using a status indicator stored in a database at block 320. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that each asset includes an associated status indicator.The status indicator may indicate a status of whether a quality control process has been completed for the asset. In further examples, the status indicator may also be used to store other information about the status of the asset, such as an unavailable status if the asset is checked-out, checked-in, undergoing service or being repaired. Accordingly, the status of the asset allows the asset to be tracked, which indicates whether the asset may be rented out or if it is already rented out.

[0040] At block 330, a unique identifier of a specific asset in the group of assets is scanned by a scanner device 75 which transmits the scanned identifier to the apparatus 50 for processing at the administration engine 65 via the communications interface 60. The status indicator associated with each of the assets in the group of assets may then be updated without further scanning or receiving of additional unique identifiers at block 340.

[0041] Various advantages will now become apparent to a person of skill with the benefit of this description. In particular, the apparatus 50 and the apparatus 50a provide a fast and efficient way to confirm a plurality of assets have passed the quality control process without individually scanning each asset. This allows for the quality control process to be complete in a more efficient manner while maintaining the same quality control standards by reducing the potential for errors.

[0042] It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above may be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: a memory storage unit to maintain a first database and a second database, wherein the first database is to store a record associated with a plurality of assets, wherein each asset of the plurality of assets includes a unique identifier, and wherein the second database is to store a status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets; a communications interface to receive a scanned identifier associated with an asset of the plurality of assets; and an administration engine in communication with the first database and the second database, wherein the administration engine is to update each status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets upon receiving the scanned identifier.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the communications interface is to receive the scanned identifier as part of a quality control process.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the communications interface is to receive a pass message to indicate that the plurality of assets passed the quality control process, and wherein the administration engine changes each status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets to a pass status.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of assets includes assets of a similar type.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each asset of the plurality of assets has a common stock keeping unit code.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a verification engine to confirm the plurality of assets passed the quality control process.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the verification engine transmits a request for confirmation to a user via the communications interface.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a scanner device to read the scanned identifier after the quality control process.

9. A method comprising: grouping a plurality of assets in a record stored on a first database, wherein each asset of the plurality of assets includes a unique identifier; tracking each asset of the plurality of assets in a second database using a status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets; receiving a scanned identifier associated with an asset of the plurality of assets; and updating each status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets upon receiving the scanned identifier.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein receiving the scanned identifier is part of a quality control process.11 .The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving a pass message to indicate that the plurality of assets passed the quality control process; and updating each status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets to a pass status.

12. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the plurality of assets includes assets of a similar type.

13. The method of any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising confirming the plurality of assets passed the quality control process.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising transmitting, to a user, a request for a confirmation the plurality of assets passed the quality control process.

15. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by a processor, wherein the instructions are to direct the processor to: group a plurality of assets in a record stored on a first database, wherein each asset of the plurality of assets includes a unique identifier; track each asset of the plurality of assets in a second database using a status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets; receive a scanned identifier associated with an asset of the plurality of assets; and update each status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets upon receiving the scanned identifier.

16. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions direct the processor to receive the scanned identifier is part of a quality control process.

17. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions direct the processor to: receive a pass message to indicate that the plurality of assets passed the quality control process; and update each status indicator associated with each asset of the plurality of assets to a pass status.

18. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the instructions direct the processor to confirm the plurality of assets passed the quality control process.

19. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the instructions direct the processor to transmit a request for a confirmation the plurality of assets passed the quality control process.

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