Asset management system utilizing a mobile application

Abstract

An asset management system, comprising: a remote storage device coupled to a controller collectively configured to selectively retain an asset and selectively release the asset to an authorized user; and a mobile device configured to execute a mobile application in communication with one or more of the remote storage device and the coupled controller via one or more networks, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing operation of the one or more of the remote storage device and the coupled controller. The mobile device comprises a QR scanner operable for scanning a QR code and subsequently authorizing the authorized user. The mobile device also comprises a barcode scanner operable for scanning a barcode associated with the asset or a related asset.

Claims

.[.1. An asset management system, comprising: a remote storage device coupled to a controller collectively configured to selectively retain an asset and selectively release the asset to an authorized user, wherein the remote storage device is configured to physically retain the asset among a plurality of like assets, wherein the asset is one of a physical key and a physical key fob for a vehicle; and a mobile device configured to execute a mobile application in communication with the controller via one or more networks, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing operation of the controller and the remote storage device; wherein the mobile application is operable for indicating the presence or absence of the asset and the plurality of like assets in or from the remote storage device to the authorized user; wherein the asset is one or more of the physical key and the physical key fob for the vehicle and the mobile application is operable for displaying status and attributes of the vehicle associated with the asset and not physically retained in the remote storage device to the authorized user via the mobile device, wherein the release of the asset to the authorized user is dependent upon the status and attributes of the vehicle; and wherein the mobile application is operable for messaging the authorized user through the mobile device to inform the authorized user that another authorized user has requested access to the asset from the remote storage device via another mobile device while the authorized user possesses the asset..].

.[.2. The asset management system of claim 1, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing the remote storage device to release the asset to the authorized user..].

.[.3. The asset management system of claim 1, wherein the mobile application is operable for allowing the authorized user to reserve release of the asset to the authorized user at a future time..].

.[.4. The asset management system of claim 1, wherein the mobile application is operable for informing the authorized user of an identity of another authorized user that has already removed the asset from the remote storage device..].

.[.5. The asset management system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device comprises a QR scanner operable for scanning a QR code and subsequently authorizing the authorized user..].

.[.6. The asset management system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device comprises a barcode scanner operable for scanning a barcode associated with the asset or a related asset..].

.[.7. An asset management method, comprising: providing a remote storage device coupled to a controller collectively configured to selectively retain an asset and selectively release the asset to an authorized user, wherein the remote storage device is configured to physically retain the asset among a plurality of like assets, wherein the asset is one of a physical key and a physical key fob for a vehicle; and providing a mobile device configured to execute a mobile application in communication with the controller via one or more networks, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing operation of the controller and the remote storage device; wherein the mobile application is operable for indicating the presence or absence of the asset and the plurality of like assets in or from the remote storage device to the authorized user wherein the asset is one or more of the physical key and the physical key fob for the vehicle and the mobile application is operable for displaying status and attributes of the vehicle associated with the asset and not physically retained in the remote storage device to the authorized user via the mobile device, wherein the release of the asset to the authorized user is dependent upon the status and attributes of the vehicle; and wherein the mobile application is operable for messaging the authorized user through the mobile device to inform the authorized user that another authorized user has requested access to the asset from the remote storage device via another mobile device while the authorized user possesses the asset..].

.[.8. The asset management method of claim 7, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing the remote storage device to release the asset to the authorized user..].

.[.9. The asset management method of claim 7, wherein the mobile application is operable for allowing the authorized user to reserve release of the asset to the authorized user at a future time..].

.[.10. The asset management method of claim 7, wherein the mobile application is operable for informing the authorized user of an identity of another authorized user that has already removed the asset from the remote storage device..].

.[.11. The asset management method of claim 7, wherein the mobile device comprises a QR scanner operable for scanning a QR code and subsequently authorizing the authorized user..].

.[.12. The asset management method of claim 7, wherein the mobile device comprises a barcode scanner operable for scanning a barcode associated with the asset or a related asset..].

.Iadd.13. An asset management system, comprising: a remote storage device coupled to a controller collectively configured to selectively retain an asset and selectively release the asset to an authorized user, wherein the remote storage device is configured to physically retain the asset among a plurality of like assets, wherein the asset is one of a physical key and a physical key fob for a vehicle; and a mobile application configured to be executed on a mobile device and in communication with the controller via one or more networks, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing operation of the controller and the remote storage device; wherein the mobile application is operable for indicating the presence or absence of the asset and the plurality of like assets in or from the remote storage device to the authorized user; wherein the asset is one or more of the physical key and the physical key fob for the vehicle and the mobile application is operable for displaying status and attributes of the vehicle associated with the asset and not physically retained in the remote storage device to the authorized user via the mobile application, wherein the release of the asset to the authorized user is dependent upon the status and attributes of the vehicle; and wherein the mobile application is operable for providing a message to the authorized user to inform the authorized user that another authorized user has requested access to the asset from the remote storage device via another mobile device while the authorized user possesses the asset. .Iaddend.

.Iadd.14. The asset management system of claim 13, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing the remote storage device to release the asset to the authorized user. .Iaddend.

.Iadd.15. The asset management system of claim 13, wherein the mobile application is operable for allowing the authorized user to reserve release of the asset to the authorized user at a future time. .Iaddend.

.Iadd.16. The asset management system of claim 13, wherein the mobile application is operable for informing the authorized user of an identity of another authorized user that has already removed the asset from the remote storage device. .Iaddend.

.Iadd.17. The asset management system of claim 13, wherein the mobile application is operable for authorizing the authorized user using a QR code scanned by a QR scanner of the mobile device. .Iaddend.

.Iadd.18. The asset management system of claim 13, wherein the mobile application is operable for receiving a barcode associated with the asset or a related asset from a barcode scanner of the mobile device. .Iaddend.

.Iadd.19. An asset management method, comprising: providing a remote storage device coupled to a controller collectively configured to selectively retain an asset and selectively release the asset to an authorized user, wherein the remote storage device is configured to physically retain the asset among a plurality of like assets, wherein the asset is one of a physical key and a physical key fob for a vehicle; and providing a mobile application configured to be executed on a mobile device and in communication with the controller via one or more networks, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing operation of the controller and the remote storage device; wherein the mobile application is operable for indicating the presence or absence of the asset and the plurality of like assets in or from the remote storage device to the authorized user; wherein the asset is one or more of the physical key and the physical key fob for the vehicle and the mobile application is operable for displaying status and attributes of the vehicle associated with the asset and not physically retained in the remote storage device to the authorized user via the mobile application, wherein the release of the asset to the authorized user is dependent upon the status and attributes of the vehicle; and wherein the mobile application is operable for providing a message to the authorized user to inform the authorized user that another authorized user has requested access to the asset from the remote storage device via another mobile device while the authorized user possesses the asset. .Iaddend.

.Iadd.20. The asset management method of claim 19, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing the remote storage device to release the asset to the authorized user. .Iaddend.

.Iadd.21. The asset management method of claim 19, wherein the mobile application is operable for allowing the authorized user to reserve release of the asset to the authorized user at a future time. .Iaddend.

.Iadd.22. The asset management method of claim 19, wherein the mobile application is operable for informing the authorized user of an identity of another authorized user that has already removed the asset from the remote storage device. .Iaddend.

.Iadd.23. The asset management method of claim 19, wherein the mobile application is operable for authorizing the authorized user using a QR code scanned by a QR scanner of the mobile device. .Iaddend.

.Iadd.24. The asset management method of claim 19, wherein the mobile application is operable for receiving a barcode associated with the asset or a related asset from a barcode scanner of the mobile device. .Iaddend.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers are used to denote like system components/method steps, as appropriate, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the asset management system of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the asset management system of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a further exemplary embodiment of the asset management system of the present invention; and

(5) FIG. 4 is a a schematic diagram illustrating a still further exemplary embodiment of the asset management system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(6) Referring now specifically to FIG. 1, in one exemplary embodiment, the asset management system 10 of the present invention allows a key/key fob (or other asset) 11 to be located, reserved, retrieved, tracked, and/or returned to/from a remote storage device 12 using a mobile application executed on a mobile device 14 or the like through the Internet 16 and/or one or more public/private networks 18. Again, the asset management system 10 can be used by vehicle dealerships/rental agencies/repair shops, real estate offices/apartment complexes, etc. The asset management system 10 can also more broadly be used by any entity responsible for the storage and selective distribution of any asset 11 that must be accounted for and tracked, like a key/key fob 11.

(7) In operation, a user first opens the mobile application on their mobile device 14. The user can search for a desired key/key fob/asset 11 and determine if it is available for retrieval from the remote storage device 12. Once a desired key//key fob/asset 11 is located and selected by the user, it can be reserved for checkout at present or at a future day/time. Optionally, a reason for checkout may be input by the user into the mobile application and recorded. This reservation may be coordinated with other reservations stored in a master calendar resident in a controller/server or the like coupled to the remote storage device 12 and/or the network 18. The controller/server may form part of a system kiosk 12 coupled to the remote storage device 12 and/or the network 18. At this point, the user can confirm the key//key fob/asset 11 to be checked out and send a request to the remote storage device 12. Again, this request is processed through the appropriate (wireless) network 18, the access controller, and the remote storage device 12. Appropriate logic and memory storage are provided to authenticate all users, complete all actions, and log all transactions. The user can then log into the remote storage device 12 (if not already logged in through the mobile application) and physically retrieve the requested key/key fob/asset 11. This process may essentially be reversed for return of the key/key fob/asset 11 to the remote storage device 12.

(8) Advantageously, the mobile application provides for a smart search of keys/key fobs/assets 11, continually updated based on key//key fob/asset presence/absence, and provides full tracking capability based on user, day/time, etc. The mobile application works with any Wi-Fi and/or voice/data network, as with any conventional mobile application. QR code activation is also contemplated, as described in greater detail herein below. Finally, SMS notifications can also be delivered to other users related to a given key//key fob/asset status in general.

(9) In general, users are able to complete the following tasks: QR code activation of each user; Review inventory of the box 12; Review information related to a specific asset 11; Notify a user that has an asset 11 out via SMS/Email that the someone else needs it; Checkout or reserve an asset 11; VIN scanning to add a vehicle with an associated key/key fob 11 into the system 10, for example; VIN scanning to correspondingly remove a vehicle from the system 10; and Vehicle detailed information lookup.

(10) Setup—QR Code Activation. Referring now specifically to FIG. 2, in another exemplary embodiment, a user of the asset management system 10 must be given permission from an administrator to use the mobile application. The user downloads the mobile application from either the Apple or Google app stores, for example, to their mobile device 14. The user then logs into the asset management system 10 and is presented an option to activate a mobile device 14. To activate, the user must then open the mobile application on their mobile device 14 and scan a QR code 20 that is provided by the kiosk 12. Thus, the user, mobile application, and/or mobile device 14 are recorded and authorized to use the asset management system 10. All mobile application interactions are optionally password and/or biometrically protected via an algorithm resident on the mobile device 14, at the controller/server, etc.

(11) Review Inventory of the Box 12. Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, in a further exemplary embodiment, once activated, a user can view, search, and scroll through a list of assets 11. They can determine which assets 11 are available and, if not available, who has a given asset 11 out or who has it reserved and for when. This information is stored in an appropriate data repository 22.

(12) Review Information Related to a Specific Asset 11. The mobile application shows key attributes related each asset 11. In the case of a vehicle, information like year, make, model, interior color, exterior color, and name are all available to the user.

(13) Notify a User That Has a Key/Key Fob/Asset 11 Out Via SMS/Email That Someone Needs It. When an asset is not available, the mobile application can send an alert to the user that has the asset 11. This alert can be sent via SMS that will notify the user that has the asset 11 out that the current user is looking for it, for example.

(14) Checkout or Reserve an Asset 11. For assets that are available, the user can check out or reserve the asset 11 remotely. This will ensure that the asset 11 is available when the user gets to the remote storage device 12. No one else can check out these assets 11 for a short period of time, for example.

(15) VIN Scanning 24 to Add a Vehicle Into the System 10. The mobile application uses the built in camera of the mobile device 14 to scan a VIN barcode 24, for example. he VIN barcode 24 is then processed with industry data to return data about the vehicle, where the vehicle is associated with a key/key fob 11 present in the remote storage device 12. Part of this data is loaded into the mobile application automatically to assist the user in capturing the information on the mobile device 14. The user can adjust data as needed and then save the vehicle into the system 10, for example. The VIN barcode 24 is then used to pull up the asset 11 and the user is allowed to select it for removal from the system 10.

(16) FIG. 4 illustrates an additional user with a mobile tablet 26 or the like coupled to the asset management system 10. All users must have access to the kiosk 12 to setup the mobile application to access information from the asset management system 10. Transmission of data is encrypted via https to the kiosk 12 from the mobile devices 14, etc.

(17) Again, the kiosk 12 generates unique QR codes 20 for each user. A user logs into the system 10 and activates the mobile application by using an integrated QR scanner on the mobile application to read to the QR code 20 on the kiosk 12 for that user. The user is then activated to that one device 12 and special API security info for that device 12 and user and are stored locally on the mobile device 14.

(18) The mobile application uses information obtained from the QR code 20 to locate and authenticate the kiosk 12 on the Internet 16. The kiosk 12 allows communication over a secure http protocol on port 443 (this port can be configured). Each time the mobile application opens and with each request it makes, it must authenticate back to the controller/server prior to receiving information using the information from the QR code 20.

(19) The user can filter and navigate the list to notify the user about a vehicle that they need, check out/reserve a vehicle, add/remove a vehicle, or get detailed information. For each of these options, the mobile application authenticates over secure http to a web service on the kiosk 12 or separate controller/server in a larger system 10 and then the kiosk 12 performs the requested operation. The web service communicates with a local relational database (SQL server) to retrieve and update data on the vehicle. Also, with a third party system to retrieve information based on a VIN number 22. The system 10 employs a VIN barcode reader that integrates with the mobile phone's camera to scan and read VIN barcodes 22. This information is passed to a third party to retrieve details on the vehicle.

(20) The most unique parts of the system are the way the application activates the user and a device without any user setup required. Also, the timed reservation mechanisms (check out and reserve) that puts a hold on the asset to allow the user to retrieve the key after remotely selecting it. Another observation is that typically one sees these as a single user system per kiosk and this allows for more than one user at a time to access the system. The ability to remotely see in the box is somewhat unique for a user of this system, as well as the ability to see in the box for admins from home.

(21) Although the present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following non-limiting claims for all purposes.