AU2023201964A1

AU2023201964A1 - An item management system

Info

Publication number: AU2023201964A1
Application number: AU2023201964A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Damien Sankey
Original assignee: A C N 643 159 031 Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ACN 643 159 031 Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-30
Filing date: 2023-03-30
Publication date: 2024-10-17

Abstract

An item management system comprising, at least one identification tag, each identification tag associated with an item; and a container with at least one lockable 5 compartment, a compartment locking means, a tag reader, a power supply and an alert means; wherein the tag reader scans an identification tag and generates a checked-in status or checked-out status associated with the item; wherein the locking means is changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition; and wherein if a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is 10 initiated and an item has a checked-out status, an alert is issued. 1/3 10 20 21 50 r - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - -- - -1 26 u 27 22 Todr a= 42 Open nSwor 23v 28 29 I 24 30 ----- u------- - .- - .... --- 34 32 Figure 1

Description

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Figure 1

AN ITEM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to an item management system. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for toolboxes. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Storage and management of items is a critical aspect of modern workflows. Unsecured storage leaves items vulnerable to theft. Items can go missing or are borrowed with or without the consent of the owner. Missing, misplaced or stolen items can cause stress to an owner and can be expensive to replace. In particular, items can be misplaced easily without the owner noticing. For example, in situations where items are packed up at the end of the workday, and the worker is tired and thus prone to error. Loss of a tool from a toolbox is highly inconvenient to a tradesperson.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above-mentioned problems with item management and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in an item management system comprising, at least one identification tag, each identification tag associated with an item; and a container with at least one lockable compartment, a compartment locking means, a tag reader, a power supply and an alert means; wherein the tag reader scans an identification tag and generates a checked-in status or checked-out status associated with the item; wherein the locking means is changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition; and wherein if a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is initiated and an item has a checked-out status, an alert is issued. Preferably, each identification tag associated with an identifier. Preferably, the identifier is an identification code (IDC). Preferably, the IDC is an alphanumeric code. More preferably, each identification tag associated with a unique IDC. In one embodiment, all items of a certain type share an IDC. Preferably, the container has a communication means. Preferably, the system further includes a remote device networked with the communication means. Preferably, the communication means is configured to transmit data associated with the item to the remote device. Preferably, the remote device is configured to receive a notification. The remote device can be a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop computer. Preferably, the container has a vibration detection means which detects movement of the container. More preferably, the container can issue an alert to the remote device if the container is moved while the compartment locking means is in the locked condition. Preferably, the alert to the remote device if the container is moved while the compartment locking means is in the locked condition contains event data including but not limited to event time, event duration, and/or event location. Preferably, the vibration detection means includes at least one accelerometer. Preferably, the vibration detection means has adjustable sensitivity. Preferably, the container includes a processor. Preferably, the processor includes a clock. Preferably, the system logs data on a central register. More preferably, the system logs data on a central register on a cloud server. Preferably, the system records every identifier used in the system on the central register. Preferably, the system logs information including but not limited to information relating to an item, item status, a user, dates, times and/or locations. Preferably, a user of the system has a unique user identity. The unique user identity can be used to determine information including but not limited to, which user had access at a particular time, checked in an item, and/or checked out an item.

Preferably, the command to the container to lock or unlock the compartment includes security information and the compartment locking means only engages or disengages if the security information is validated. More preferably, the security information is a pin or a password. Preferably, the container has a keypad for manual locking and unlocking the container. Preferably, the tag reader generates a checked-out status associated with the item if the item moves more than a predetermined distance away from the tag reader. Preferably, the tag reader generates a checked-out status associated with the item if the item moves more than 1m away from the tag reader. Preferably, the container includes a global positioning system (GPS). Preferably, the container reports movement of physical location detected by the GPS to the remote device. Preferably, the remote device can issue a command to the container to report the physical location of the container. Preferably, the container is removably attachable to a vehicle. More preferably, the container connects with a GPS system of the vehicle. More preferably, the container connects to an antenna of the vehicle. Preferably, the power supply has a battery. The battery can act as a back-up to prevent the container from going offline. Preferably, the power supply is a power supply of the vehicle. Preferably, the communication means connects and networks through a mobile cellular network. More preferably, the communication means utilises a 3G network, 4G network and/or a 5G network. Preferably, the remote device is configured to make and receive calls through the mobile cellular network. Preferably, the remote device is configured to send and receive Short Message Service (SMS) messages through the mobile cellular network. Alternatively, the communication means connects and networks via short-range wireless communication or near-field communication.In a preferred embodiment, the identification tag and tag reader utilise short-range wireless communication, with the identification tag having a transmitter. Preferably, the identification tag and tag reader utilise short-range wireless communication with UHF radio waves in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands, from 2.402 GHz to 2.48 GHz, with the identification tag having a transmitter.

In an alternate embodiment, the identification tag and tag reader utilise radio frequency identification (RFID) wireless communication, the container includes at least one RFID reading antenna which can send and receive electromagnetic waves, and the identification tag has an activated state wherein the identification tag sends an electromagnetic wave to the RFID reading antenna. More preferably, the identification tag and tag reader utilise Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) RFID wireless communication. Preferably, the identification tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC), an antenna and a substrate. Preferably, the identification tag is a passive RFID type wherein the power required to send an electromagnetic wave is provided by an electromagnetic wave produced the RFID reading antenna which induces a current in the antenna of the identification tag. Alternatively, the identification tag is a semi passive RFID type wherein the identification tag further comprises a battery which supplies power to the IC, but power required to send an electromagnetic wave is provided by an electromagnetic wave produced the RFID reading antenna which induces a current in the antenna of the identification tag. Preferably, the container issues an alert when the container is at low power. Preferably, the cloud server issues an alert when connection with the container is lost. A lost connection can result from interruption of power or loss of signal. Preferably, the container has a sensor which detects whether the compartment is open or closed. Preferably, the system includes a display means. More preferably, the container further includes the display means. The display means can display information regarding the system including but not limited to, an alert, a register of items, a checked-in status of an item, and/or a checked-out status of an item. Preferably, the display is or includes a light emitting diode (LED) indicator. In one embodiment a checked-in status of an item is indicated by a green LED and checked-out status of an item is indicated by a red LED. Preferably, the display is or includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) display. Preferably, if a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is initiated the locking means is changed to the locked condition after a predetermined period. More preferably, if a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is initiated the locking means is changed to the locked condition after 5 minutes.

Preferably, a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is initiated when the container reaches a predetermined location or enters a predetermined area. Preferably, the GPS is used to determine whether the container has reached a predetermined location or has entered a predetermined area. Preferably, if an alert is issued a further alert cannot be issued until a predetermined period has elapsed. Preferably, the system detects an average movement which indicates vehicular travel and prevents alerts during vehicular travel. Preferably, the average movement is above 5km/hour. In a preferred embodiment, the remote device is a user identification device that communicates via short-range wireless communication, with the identification tag. In an alternate embodiment, the remote device and user identification device are separate devices. Preferably, the user identification device utilises short-range wireless communication with UHF radio waves in the ISM bands, from 2.402 GHz to 2.48 GHz, with the user identification device having a transmitter. Preferably, the user identification device stores identification data of a user. Preferably, the user identification device has a receiver configured to receive a notification. In an alternative embodiment, the system utilises a cellular network. Preferably, the system utilises a SMS system of a cellular network. Preferably, the container sends an alert if a GPS signal lost. More preferably, the container sends an alert if a GPS signal lost for a duration of 1 minute or more. Preferably, the container has a speaker. Preferably, the container produces a beep, tone or other auditory indicator via the speaker when an alert is issued. Preferably, the container can sound an alarm via the speaker when an alert is issued. In one embodiment, the container has a plurality of lockable compartments, and an item is assigned to a specific lockable compartment. The container can issue an alert when the item is within the container but not within the assigned compartment. In one embodiment, proximity to remote device to the container initiates change from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. Preferably, the item is a tool. Preferably, the container is made from metal.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method for tracking items using an item management system, the item management system comprising, at least one identification tag, each identification tag associated with an identifier and an item; and a container with at least one lockable compartment, a compartment locking means, a tag reader, a power supply and an alert means; wherein the locking means is changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition; the method comprising the steps of, registering each identifier with a central register; using the tag reader to detect each identification tag within a predetermined range; creating a checked-in data set with the identifier of each item detected within the predetermined range; and comparing the checked-in data set with the central register; whereby if a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is initiated and a registered identifier is not detected within the predetermined range, recording that the item is checked out and issuing an alert. Preferably, if a registered identifier is detected within the predetermined range, the item is recorded as checked-in. More preferably, the container has a display means that indicates if a registered identifier is detected within the predetermined range that the item is checked-in. Preferably, a user can request a status report. The status report can include but is not limited to information on the condition of the locking means, whether the container or a compartment thereof is open or closed, GPS location data and/or whether a tool is checked-in or checked-out. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a container with at least one lockable compartment to contain at least one item with an identification tag, a compartment locking means, a tag reader, a power supply and an alert means wherein each identification tag is associated with an identifier; wherein the tag reader scans an identification tag and generates a checked-in status or checked-out status associated with the item; wherein the locking means is changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition; and wherein if a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is initiated and an item has a checked-out status, an alert is issued. The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a boot function of the system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a flow diagram of the system of Figure 1 in an armed state; Figure 4 is a flow diagram of the system of Figure 1 in a disarmed state; Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a status response function of the system of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to Figure 1 there is depicted a schematic of a tool management system 10 comprising a hub 20, a tool identification tag 30, and a remote device 40 networked to the hub 20 through a SMS gateway 50. Hardware for the hub 20 is located within a container with at least one lockable compartment and a compartment locking means. The hub 20 has a processor 21, a power supply 22, a cellular communication module 23, a tag reader 24, a display screen 25, a vibration detection module 26, a sensor 27, a GPS module 28 and a user interface 29. Each tool identification tag 30 is associated with a unique identifier code (IDC) and an item. The tool identification tag 30 within a 1-meter proximity to the tag reader 24 is in operable communication with the tag reader 24.

The tag reader 24 utilises RFID technology and/or short-range wireless communication. An advantage of utilising passive RFID technology is that there is no power requirement for an identification tag, thus false alerts are not generated if the identification tag loses power. An advantage of utilising short-range wireless communication with the identification tag having a transmitter is that the transmitter is useful for tracking misplaced items beyond the range of the container. The display screen 25 displays a count of the tools checked-in and a count of all tools registered with the tool management system 10. The tool management system 10 can record movement or bumping with the vibration detection module 26. The sensor 27 determines whether the container or a compartment thereof is open or closed. The user interface 29 can include a keypad and/or button. The user interface 29 has a plurality of indicator lights which indicate a variety of functions of the tool management system 10 including but not limited to system status indication and tool status indication. The remote device 40 is configured to receive a notification 42. The notification 42 can be an SMS and/or call. In use the tag reader 24 scans a tool identification tag 30 and records the associated IDC on a register. A tool is given a checked-in status, if the tool is on the register and is within range of the tag reader 24. A tool is given a checked-out status, if the tool is on the register and is beyond the range of the tag reader 24. The locking means is changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. If a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is initiated and an item has a checked-out status, an alert is issued to the remote device 40 by the cellular communication module 23. With reference to Figure 2 there is depicted a flow diagram of a boot function of the system tool management system 10. At 1-10, the system tool management system 10 is powered on by a user. At 1-20 a red indicator light on the user interface turns on to inform the user that the boot sequence has commenced. At 1-30 an SMS notification is sent to the user indicating that the boot sequence has commenced.

At 1-40 the tag reader 24, the sensor 27, and the GPS module 28 detect the currently checked-in tools, whether the container or a compartment thereof is open or closed, and GPS location data respectively. A status report is generated that collates data collected by the tag reader 24, the sensor 27, and the GPS module. At 1-50 an SMS notification is sent to the user with the status report. At 1-60 the container initiates an armed state wherein the locking means is in the locked condition. With reference to Figure 3 there is depicted a flow diagram of the tool management system 10 in an armed state. At 2-10 the container is in an armed state wherein the locking means is in the locked condition. The tool management system 10 can be prompted to change to an armed state or a disarmed state. The prompt can have a set security feature, such as a pin number or a password. The security feature is recorded either at the hub or at a location the hub can reference. The following description will refer to the security feature being a pin number. The prompts can be issued from a remote device 40 or entered into a user interface on the container, such as a keypad. In the armed state or disarmed state the tool management system 10 is receivable to prompts. If a prompt with a pin number has been received by the hub 20, at 2-20 determines whether a pin has been entered. If a pin number has been received, at 2 22 the system checks whether the pin number corresponds to the recorded pin number. If the pin number does not match the recorded pin number at 2-24 a SMS notification is sent to the user indicating that an incorrect pin has been entered. If the pin matches recorded pin number at 2-26 the container enters a disarmed state wherein the locking means is in the unlocked condition. At 2-30, if no pin number has been received by the hub 20 the tool management system 10 uses vibration detection module 26 to determine whether the container is moved or bumped. At 2-32, if no pin number has been received by the hub 20 and the vibration detection module 26 detects movement or bumping, an SMS notification is sent to the user indicating that the container has been moved whilst in the armed state. At 2-40 if no pin number has been received by the hub 20 and the vibration detection module 26 does not detect movement or bumping the tool management system 10 uses sensor 27 to determines whether the container or a compartment thereof is open or closed. At 2-42 if the container or a compartment thereof is open an SMS notification is sent to the user indicating that the container or a compartment thereof is open. If the sensor 27 to determine that neither the container or a compartment thereof is open the system 10 returns to 2-20. At 2-34, following the sending of the notification of 2-32 or 2-42 that the container has been moved whilst in the armed state or the container, or compartment thereof, is open the tool management system 10 prevents further notifications from being sent for a predetermined period of time. With reference to Figure 4 there is depicted a flow diagram of the system tool management system 10 in a disarmed state. At 3-10 the container is in a disarmed state wherein the locking means is in the unlocked condition. At 3-20 the tag reader 24 is used to scan a tool identification tag 30 to register the associated tool with the tool management system 10. At 3-30 the display 25 updates the count of all tools registered with the tool management system 10. At 3-40 an indicator light on the user interface 29 is updated to indicate the status of the newly registered tool. At 3-50 the tool management system 10 checks if a request to initiate a change to the armed state has been given. At 3-60 if the tool management system 10 does not receive a request to initiate a change to the armed state the tool management system 10 provides a short delay and goes back to 2-20 and further tools can be scanned. At 3-70 if the tool management system 10 does receive a request to initiate a change to the armed state an SMS notification is sent to the user indicating the count of tools check-in and the count of tools registered with the tool management system 10. At 3-80 the tool management system 10 provides a 5-minute delay prior to entering the armed state. At 3-90 the container enters an armed state wherein the locking means is in the locked condition.

With reference to Figure 5 there is depicted a flow diagram of a status response function of the system tool management system 10. At 4-10 a user sends a status request to the hub via a SMS communication which processes the request and generates a status report. At 4-20 the status report is sent back to the user. The status report can include but is not limited to information on the condition of the locking means, whether the container or a compartment thereof is open or closed, GPS location data and/or whether a tool is checked-in or checked-out.

ADVANTAGES An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the item management system includes providing an accurate count and inventory of items in the system. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the item management system is the alerts generated to notify a user that an item is not checked in, thus increasing the likelihood that a missing item is noticed and reducing the likelihood of losing items.

VARIATIONS While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. An item management system comprising, at least one identification tag, each identification tag associated with an item; and a container with at least one lockable compartment, a compartment locking means, a tag reader, a power supply and an alert means; wherein the tag reader scans an identification tag and generates a checked-in status or checked-out status associated with the item; wherein the locking means is changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition; and wherein if a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is initiated and an item has a checked-out status, an alert is issued.

2. An item management system according to claim 1, wherein the container has a communication means.

3. An item management system according to claim 2, wherein the system further includes a remote device networked with the communication means, and the communication means is configured to transmit data associated with the item to the remote device.

4. An item management system according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the container has a vibration detection means which detects movement of the container.

5. An item management system according to claim 4, wherein the container issues an alert to the remote device if the container is moved while the compartment locking means is in the locked condition

6. An item management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system logs data on a central register on a cloud server.

7. An item management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tag reader generates a checked-out status associated with the item if the item moves more than a predetermined distance away from the tag reader

8. An item management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container includes a global positioning system (GPS), and the container reports movement of physical location detected by the GPS to the remote device.

9. An item management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container is removably attachable to a vehicle.

10. An item management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the identification tag and tag reader utilise radio frequency identification (RFID) wireless communication, the container includes at least one RFID reading antenna which can send and receive electromagnetic waves, and the identification tag has an activated state wherein the identification tag sends an electromagnetic wave to the RFID reading antenna.

11. An item management system according to claim 10, wherein the identification tag is a passive RFID type wherein the power required to send an electromagnetic wave is provided by an electromagnetic wave produced the RFID reading antenna which induces a current in the antenna of the identification tag

12. An item management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the identification tag and tag reader utilise short-range wireless communication, with the identification tag having a transmitter.

13. An item management system according to claims 6 to 12, wherein the cloud server issues an alert when connection with the container is lost.

14. An item management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container has a sensor which detects whether the compartment is open or closed.

15. An item management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is initiated when the container reaches a predetermined location or enters a predetermined area

16. An item management system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container has a plurality of lockable compartments, an item is assigned to a specific lockable compartment, and the container issues an alert when the item is within the container but not within the assigned compartment

17. A method for tracking items using an item management system, the item management system comprising, at least one identification tag, each identification tag associated with an identifier and an item; and a container with at least one lockable compartment, a compartment locking means, a tag reader, a power supply and an alert means; wherein the locking means is changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition; the method comprising the steps of, registering each identifier to a central register; using the tag reader to detect each identification tag within a predetermined range; creating a checked-in data set with the identifier of each item detected within the predetermined range; and comparing the checked-in data set with the central register; whereby if a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is initiated and a registered identifier is not detected within the predetermined range, recording that the item is checked out and issuing an alert.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein if a registered identifier is detected within the predetermined range, the item is recorded as checked-in.

19. A method according to claims 17 and 18, wherein the container has a display means that indicates if a registered identifier is detected within the predetermined range that the item is checked-in.

20. A container with at least one lockable compartment to contain at least one item with an identification tag, a compartment locking means, a tag reader, a power supply and an alert means, wherein each identification tag is associated with an identifier; wherein the tag reader scans an identification tag and generates a checked-in status or checked-out status associated with the item; wherein the locking means is changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition; and wherein if a change from the unlocked condition to the locked condition is initiated and an item has a checked-out status, an alert is issued.