PROPRIETARY
Automated Inventory and Maintenance Management
System
(AIMMS)
User Manual
ogis
L
ech
T
Logis-Tech, Inc.
5775 Barclay Drive, Suite 4
Alexandria, VA 22315
January 12, 2000
PROPRIETARY
PROPRIETARY
The AIMM system is a Radio Frequency Identification system that provides the customer
with the ability to manage inventory control and maintenance management without
manual intervention. The system operates using low frequency (LF) and Ultra-high
frequency (UHF) to “talk” with the various components of the system.
Assets to be tracked are identified and a transponder (Tag) is placed on the asset (whether
a truck, armored vehicle, or other object). The tags contain a unique identification code
that is linked in the database as a specific type of asset belonging to a unit, and assigned
such items as an admin number, model number, etc. This data is normally extracted from
the Unit Level Logistics System-Ground (ULLS-G) system or other application that is
already operating at the activity.
The assets are tagged using the adhesive and the Type II nylon pad to the top area of the
asset. This is to allow the greatest opportunity for the antennas to “read” the tag as the
asset exits or enters the shelters. When the tag is read (interrogated by the LF signal from
the portal antenna), it sends the unique ID code contained in the transponder. A receiving
antenna embedded in the center of the Portal antenna receives this code. The code is then
transmitted to the transceiver unit, which controls the antenna. Once the signal has been
Received and processed for validity as an acceptable value, it is transmitted over a LON
network to the server, normally located at the ULLS operators or site managers’ area.
The server processes the information received over the network, and displays the data in
a graphical user interface using web-based technology.
The primary components of the AIMM system are shown below.
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PROPRIETARY
Transponder: (Tag)
Used to tag assets that are to be tracked. The tag will be placed on the top surface of an
asset. Placement must consider heavy traffic areas for crew personnel, and clearance for
maintenance operations. The ability to open hatches, install equipment and conduct
normal operations must not be inhibited. The tags must be placed in areas that cannot be
shielded by metal surfaces from the antenna interrogation. See exhibit 3 for a sample of
placement on the M-1 Tank.
The transponder is secured into the nylon pad, with the battery down. The cover is
secured with anti-tamper screws that can be removed to allow replacement of the battery.
The unit is sealed against water intrusion prior to the cover being fastened down. The
assembled pad and transponder circuit board are referred to as a tag. The unit has an
operational range of +65 C. to –40 C. and a battery life of approximately 1.2 million
reads. Under normal operational requirements, this represents 3-5 years of battery life.
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PROPRIETARY
The battery can be disposed of locally and does not represent a hazardous material issue.
The range of the transponder is approximately 22 feet.
Transceiver:
The transceiver unit controls the transmit and receive antennas and processes the data
collected for input onto the network. The system requires local power 110VAC, and does
the conversion to 12 volt internally. The system is well grounded and has internal
filtering and a fuse to present damage to the unit against electrical surge. The system
provides the interfaces for system components along the bottom of the Electro-MagneticInterference (EMI) insulated container. The external connection points allow for the
system to be plugged in and connected to the network without opening the container. The
connection points are AC Power, a 3- prong plug with polarity ground, and two BNC
connectors to allow for antenna interface. The antennas are bi-directional, and transmit
and receive over a single connection point. Two channels are provided for controlling
two antennas allowing for multiple access point monitoring by a single unit. There is also
a Light Emitting Diode to provide operator identification of AC power presence, and a
RJ-45 (standard network connector) connection point for the network connection. The
network connection can be daisy-chained for multiple devices on a network.
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PROPRIETARY
Portal Antenna:
The portal is a single layer antenna that has embedded a transmit and a receive antenna.
The antenna is connected to the transceiver unit, which control the process. The
connection is on the reverse side of the antenna, and is a BNC connector fitting. The
antenna control circuitry is contained in the small sealed unit under the connection point.
The antenna dimensions are 38 “ X 10 “, and have insulated connection points for
attachment brackets. The antenna has a solder-mask coating, and is ready for installation
in all areas, including outside. The antenna can be painted but does not require any
additional preparation.
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PROPRIETARY
AGENCY NOTICE
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
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PROPRIETARY
Maint.
Facility/
Offices
cable to
shelters
Network
Transceiver
Cloud
Server and database
Transceiver
Portal
Antenna
Armored
vehicles or
other assets
Transceivers control portal antennas on
each access point. They can control two
antenna if distaces are between antennas
Transceiver
are minimal.
Transponder
Transponder
Exhibit 1
Armored vehicles
or
other assets
Transceiver
Portal
Antenna
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PROPRIETARY
AIMMS Transceiver Unit, front (Connector side) view
AC Power
LED
Power
AC Power
AC Power
Connector
BNC
Connectors
for antenna
Ch annel A
Ch annel B
Netw ork
RJ-45
Network
Connector
Exhibit 2
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PROPRIETARY
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