18435818. TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD EMPLOYING AN ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK FOR TRACKING TOOLS IN AND NEARBY A TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE simplified abstract (Ford Global Technologies, LLC)

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TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD EMPLOYING AN ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK FOR TRACKING TOOLS IN AND NEARBY A TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE

Organization Name

Ford Global Technologies, LLC

Inventor(s)

Turgay Isik Aslandere of Nordrhein-Westfalen (DE)

Marcel Grein of Geilenkirchen (DE)

TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD EMPLOYING AN ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK FOR TRACKING TOOLS IN AND NEARBY A TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18435818 titled 'TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD EMPLOYING AN ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK FOR TRACKING TOOLS IN AND NEARBY A TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a tracking system and method for tracking tools in and nearby a transportation vehicle. The system includes a vehicle-based detection unit, an electronic main controller unit, a mobile computing unit, and a cloud-based computer system.

  • Vehicle-based detection unit for optically acquiring tool sets in the vehicle loading space from different angles and providing digital image data as well as corresponding range information.
  • Electronic main controller unit operatively coupled to a communication receiving unit and communicates with the vehicle-based detection unit and a cloud-based computer system.
  • Mobile computing unit includes an optical camera and a LIDAR sensor device and wirelessly communicates with the electronic main controller unit and the cloud-based computer system.
  • Tool detection and tracking is accomplished by combining an image-based detection employing an artificial neural network in the cloud-based computer system and a signal-based detection employing the short-range wireless network communication means.

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in various industries such as logistics, transportation, construction, and manufacturing for efficient tool tracking and management.

Problems Solved

The system solves the problem of tool loss, misplacement, and inefficient tracking within transportation vehicles, leading to improved inventory management and operational efficiency.

Benefits

- Enhanced tool tracking and management - Reduced tool loss and misplacement - Improved inventory control and operational efficiency

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology can be commercialized for use in fleet management systems, tool rental services, construction equipment tracking, and industrial tool management solutions.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be RFID-based tool tracking systems used in warehouses and manufacturing facilities for inventory management.

Unanswered Questions

How does the system handle different lighting conditions for tool detection in the vehicle loading space?

The patent application does not provide specific details on how the system adjusts for varying lighting conditions to ensure accurate tool detection.

What is the expected lifespan of the tracking system components, and are they easily replaceable or upgradable?

The patent application does not mention the expected lifespan of the system components or the ease of replacement or upgradability, which could be crucial factors for long-term usability and maintenance cost considerations.


Original Abstract Submitted

A tracking system and method for tracking tools in and nearby a transportation vehicle is provided. The tracking system comprises a vehicle-based detection unit for optically acquiring tool sets in the vehicle loading space from different angles and providing digital image data as well as corresponding range information. An electronic main controller unit is operatively coupled to a communication receiving unit and communicates with the vehicle-based detection unit and a cloud-based computer system of the tracking system. A mobile computing unit includes an optical camera and a LIDAR sensor device and wirelessly communicates with the electronic main controller unit and the cloud-based computer system. The tool detection and tracking is accomplished by combining an image-based detection employing an artificial neural network in the cloud-based computer system and a signal-based detection employing the short-range wireless network communication means.