AT Card - Article Tracking System using GSM

• Initial Requirement:

A non - GPS based stand-alone tracking system for consignment tracking.

• Technology:

  The concept for an Automatic Tracking System based upon existing GSM networks was considered, patented & finalized by acmet in Feb. 2006. This concept is aimed at tracking articles & goods in large countries like Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC), where GSM infrastructure is very good and wide spread. It can also be utilized in the US for Cold Chain Supply & Management activities.

  Current systems in the market utilize expensive GPS technology. This system is GSM based & much more inexpensive. This GSM based system will send the location information to the Tracking Control Center (TCC) effectively. It is also unique as it uses GSM for both location tracking and communication with TCC. Overall, this solution is a cheaper segment in tracking solutions market where exact location is not required.

• Purpose:

  In large countries, the majority of goods are carried through roads or railways. Large areas, inhospitable terrain and climate make it impossible to track goods on the move. The concept of tracking using GSM is to identify and locate any object with a simple plastic card is called AT & can be done in an automated way. Without any human intervention, moving or stationary goods can be located.

  The basic information carried by the AT card, other than its own identification and current location can also be its own electronic invoice. Such invoice will include sender and receiver details and other business details. Due to the nature of the business information, all data embedded in AT card will be encrypted and compressed to text messages. This is to prevent unauthorized / accidental data alteration.

  Such AT cards are reusable having battery with a life time of 15 to 20 days. This duration allows adequate delivery time for land & water travel.

  In developing countries, mutual agreements are in place between service providers for transparent messaging using GSM infrastructure. The same concept is utilized in other types of cellular infrastructures like CDMA/WCDMA.

• Novel Features:

  • Non-GPS based technology
  • Fully automated, no manual intervention
  • Programmable AT card through wireless
  • Contains Electronic invoice
  • Encryption, compression of invoices and other details in text format ensures the security /accidental eraser of data
  • Shut down facilities for power saving
  • User controllable through SMS
  • The AT card can be instructed to reply its location back to TCC at programmable interval
  • Ability to trace in spite of coverage by multiple service operators
  • Goods delivery can be reported by the client by sending SMS to AT card with proper security code
  • AT card firmware can be updated while in transit

• Functioning:

  acmet's GSM based tracking solution comprises of TCC development and the development of tracking device, AT Card. AT Card can be programmed & controlled by TCC or any other cellphone authorized TCC.

  The AT Card receives location information from GSM service provider and relays this information back to TCC at programmed intervals. After sending location information back to the TCC, AT card goes into sleep mode to save power. It wakes up after a pre-programmed interval which can also be changed through SMS if required. These AT cards also possess the capability to upload data/information over the Internet through GPRS connectivity.

  Moreover, the TCC can upgrade the firmware of the AT Card through wireless messaging, even when AT Card is in transit.

• Development Platforms & tools used:

  Development Toolkit and Application environment (Proprietary of GSM chipset manufacturer).

• Specification:

  • GSM Quad Band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
  • ARM7 core
  • Operating Temp range -20 to +55oC
  • 3v/1.8V SIM compatible
  • Improved RF performance
  • Reduced Power consumption
  • 3.6V Li-ion rechargeable battery
  • Easy battery charging using standard mobile charger DC socket
  • Intelligent power management (both Hardware and Firmware implementation) for better performance and battery energy conservation under weak GSM network regions
  • User configurable for reporting time interval, Master number configuration, status reports, battery level monitor, power-down and sleep modes all through simple SMS commands
  • Small size (size comparable to credit card with a maximum thickness of 20mm, including battery) and light weight
  • Good performance in both home and roaming networks
  • Firmware upgrade possible while in transit

• Block Diagram of the System:

  Transparent messaging between service providers

  

• AT Card Block Diagram:

  

• Description of Patents:

  Patent filed in Feb 2006. "A novel method for Automatic Tracking of goods using GSM"

• Customizations possible:

  Provides GSM/GPRS connectivity to any system when integrated. By this integration the system can be monitored and controlled using cellphone or internet from anywhere in the world.

• Areas of Application:

  Consignment & article tracking, Transportation, courier service, vehicle security etc.

• Pictures of Setup & Screenshots: