Asset Tracking System Using RFID Scanner and User Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inventory management systems for industrial worksites are inadequate for tracking both consumable and non-consumable assets, relying on worker honesty and supervision, and are inefficient in monitoring asset usage, leading to increased costs and potential over-use of consumables.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a scanner for reading asset identification data, a sensor for user identification, and a controller to record and track the presence or absence of assets within a store, associating usage with user identity, and a network for remote monitoring and replenishment, using RFID tags, cameras, or barcode readers for automated tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual equipment logs with worker sign-in/sign-out are used, then the system is simple to implement, but it relies on worker honesty and increases the need for supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical logging systems with an automated electronic tracking system using RFID tags, scanners, and a central database. This substitution eliminates the need for manual sign-in/sign-out processes while maintaining simplicity in implementation, and simultaneously improves reliability by removing dependence on worker honesty through automated detection and recording of asset movements.
2Measurement precision
If computerised inventory management systems with barcode scanners are used, then tracking accuracy improves, but the system becomes more complex and requires separate maintenance logs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal inventory management system using RFID technology that can track both consumable and non-consumable assets through a single integrated database and scanning process. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate maintenance logs and barcode scanning operations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high tracking accuracy through automated RFID detection.
3Reliability
If supervision measures are implemented to ensure accurate equipment tracking, then tracking reliability improves, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service tracking system where RFID tags automatically detect and communicate asset locations to a central database without requiring human intervention or supervision. The system autonomously records asset movements, eliminates the need for supervised check-in/check-out processes, and maintains reliable tracking while significantly reducing operational costs and improving productivity by removing the need for continuous human oversight.
4Device complexity
If manual logs and separate maintenance logs are used, then the system is easier to implement, but time consumption increases due to doubling up of recording duties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges inventory tracking and maintenance recording functions into a single integrated system. The RFID-based automated detection system simultaneously records asset movements, locations, and maintenance activities in one central database, eliminating the need for separate maintenance logs. This consolidation reduces time consumption by eliminating duplicate recording duties while maintaining ease of implementation through automated single-process operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking an asset, comprising: a store configured to house the asset; a scanner configured to read asset identification data from a marker associated with the asset to identify the asset and thereby transmit asset location data and asset identification data to record the presence or absence of the asset within the store; a sensor configured to read user identification data to identify a user when the user is within the store; a controller configured to receive: the asset identification data and the asset location data in a first data packet from the scanner; and the user identification data in a second data packet from the sensor, and record the first data packet in conjunction with the second data packet in an asset record, wherein the controller is configured to repeatedly receive and write the first and second data packets to the asset record to assess over a predetermined time period the presence of the asset within the store or the absence of the asset in conjunction with the user, to thereby track the asset.