Language management in automated tool control systems

Abstract

An automated inventory control system is described that includes a storage device, an access control device, and a data store. The storage device includes a plurality of storage locations for storing objects. The access control device is configured to receive user credentials for accessing the storage device. The data store is configured to store configurable parameters associated with the storage device in a plurality of languages, and to store information corresponding to individual users of the storage device that includes an assigned language. In response to the access control device receiving the user credentials through the access control device, the storage device is configured to obtain the configurable parameters from the data store.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 868,810, filed June 28, 2019, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This topic relates to automated tool control systems, and specifically to the technology and equipment for automatically configuring automated tool control systems based on user identification. Background Technology

[0004] When employees use tools in manufacturing or service environments, it is important that they understand the instructions, guidelines, and warnings associated with tool use. For example, in aerospace work environments, it is important to ensure that employees understand work instructions, tool selection, safety guidelines, torque settings, system and tool status alarms, and warnings to properly maintain aircraft in accordance with safety standards.

[0005] Tools can be stored in tool control storage devices. Some tool control storage devices are equipped with displays and speakers to show employees tool-related information (i.e., work instructions, tool selection, safety guidelines, torque settings, system and tool status alarms, and warnings). Some tool control storage devices store text strings, audio files, and video files, which are used to present text on the display, audible messages through the speakers, and video messages using both the display and speakers.

[0006] Some tool control storage devices store text strings, audio files, and video files in multiple languages, allowing these text, audible, and video messages to be presented in multiple languages. Each language may have its own directory containing a collection of text strings, audio files, and video files. Administrators using system management client software applications can configure the default language to be used by the tool control storage devices. For example, the default language is configured based on the device, device group, or work location. For instance, when a specific language is configured for a tool control storage device, a tool control storage device group, or a work location, that tool control storage device and all tool control storage devices or work locations in that group will only present text strings, audio files, and video files from the directory associated with that specific language. However, if an employee's preferred language differs from the specific language configured for the tool control storage device and set as the default language, this can lead to miscommunication and errors, negatively impacting the maintenance of security standards. In situations where individuals can easily move from one country to another, automated tool control system groups can include users of various ethnicities and native languages. Therefore, configuring a specific language for a tool-controlled storage device based on the device, user group, or work location can create problems, where one or more employees accessing the tool-controlled storage device may not be proficient in the specific language the tool-controlled storage device is configured to. Due to language barriers, employees who prefer a language different from the default language presented on the tool-controlled storage device may not fully understand important information.

[0007] Some tool-controlled storage devices require language and other parameters to be configured before they can be used. For example, when a system administrator remotely reconfigures the default language for a tool-controlled storage device, a tool-controlled storage device, a group of tool-controlled storage devices, or a work location, the power supply to the tool-controlled storage device, the tool-controlled storage device in that group, or the work location must be cycled on and off to complete the default language reconfiguration.

[0008] Therefore, an improved system is needed that allows tool-controlled storage devices to be seamlessly reconfigured to suit individual employee needs. Detailed Implementation

[0009] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a full understanding of the teachings. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the teachings can be practiced without these details. In other examples, well-known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuits have been described at a higher level without detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the teachings.

[0010] To address the problems described in the background art, automated tool control systems have been developed that automatically reconfigure a tool control storage device to a configuration associated with a user identity whenever an employee provides an access credential to the device. Various systems and methods disclosed herein relate to automated tool control systems for automatically reconfiguring a tool control storage device to a configuration associated with a user identity.

[0011] Now, reference will be made in detail to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and discussed below.

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary automated tool control system 100 according to embodiments of the subject matter is illustrated. The automated control system 100 includes a computing device 102, a database 104, tool control storage devices 106A, 106B, and 106C (collectively referred to as "tool control storage device 106"), and a network 108. In some aspects, the automated control system 100 may have more than Figure 1 The diagram shows more or fewer computing devices (e.g., 102), databases (e.g., 104), and / or tool control storage devices (e.g., 106A, 106B, and 106C).

[0013] Computing device 102 can represent various forms of processing devices having a processor, memory, and communication capabilities. The processor can execute computer instructions stored in memory. Computing device 102 is configured to communicate via network 108 with database 104 and tool control storage devices 106A, 106B, and 106C. As a non-limiting embodiment, the processing device may include a desktop computer, laptop computer, handheld computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), or any combination of these or other processing devices.

[0014] The computing device 102 may have applications installed thereon. For example, the applications may include management client software applications for controlling and managing the tool control storage devices 106A, 106B, and 106C. The management client software application can associate user preferences with user identifiers (IDs). For example, when initially setting a user ID, a user's preferred language can be assigned to that ID. A system administrator can assign a specific default language to each user in the automation tool control system. The default language is associated with the user's ID and credentials. A preferred language can be selected from, for example, language tables and lists provided by the management client software application. Preferences, including the preferred language, can be modified. The preferred language associated with the user ID will be used to present information to the user associated with that user ID to ensure the user understands the information presented to them through the tool control storage devices 106A, 106B, and 106C (e.g., work instructions, tool selection, safety guidelines, torque setting, system and tool status alarms, and warnings).

[0015] Database 104 is a data storage device used to store configurable parameters associated with user identifiers (IDs). For example, database 104 may include directories for various languages. Each language may have its own directory, containing a collection of text files, audio files, and video files associated with that language. The text files, audio files, and video files can be accessed by tools controlling storage devices 106A, 106B, and 106C, which can use the configurable parameters stored in database 104.

[0016] Tool control storage devices 106A, 106B, and 106C (collectively referred to as "tool control storage device 106") are configured to transmit data to and receive data from database 104 via a network. The data may include configurable parameters, such as text files, audio files, and video files required to configure tool control storage device 106 according to user preferences.

[0017] In some implementations, the tool control storage device 106 is a toolbox. More generally, the tool control storage device 106 can be a tool locker or any other secure storage device or enclosed secure storage area (e.g., a tool crib or walk-in tool cabinet). Each of the tool control storage devices 106 is an embodiment of a highly automated inventory control system that utilizes multiple different sensing technologies for identifying the inventory status of objects in the storage unit. In one embodiment, the tool control storage device 106 uses machine imaging and radio frequency (RF) sensing methodologies for identifying the inventory status of objects in the storage unit.

[0018] Explanatory features include the following capabilities: processing complex image data through efficient utilization of system resources; autonomous image and camera correction; identification of tool characteristics from image data; adaptive timing for capturing inventory images; efficient generation of reference data for checking inventory status; and autonomous compensation for image quality. Further features include the following capabilities: transmitting and receiving RF sensing signals, such as RF identification (RFID) signals; processing received signals to identify specific tools; and obtaining cross-referenced tool information through multiple different sensing modalities (e.g., camera-based and RFID-based modalities) to provide advanced features.

[0019] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Various exemplary tool control storage devices 106 are illustrated. Tool control storage device 106 includes: a user interface 305; an access control device 306 (e.g., a card reader) for verifying the identity and permission level of a user wishing to access tool control storage device 106; and a plurality of tool storage drawers 330 for storing tools. Instead of drawers 330, the storage system may include shelves, compartments, containers, or other object storage devices from which tools or objects are issued and / or returned, or the storage system may contain storage devices from which objects are issued and / or returned. In further embodiments, the storage system includes storage hooks, hangers, toolboxes with drawers, cabinets, cabinets with shelves, safes, boxes, closets, vending machines, barrels, crates, and other material storage devices.

[0020] User interface 305 is an input and / or output device of tool control storage device 106, configured to display information to the user. This information may include work instructions, tool selection, safety guidelines, torque settings, system and tool status alarms, and warnings. For example, user interface 305 may be configured to display information in text strings and images in a default language assigned to the user currently accessing tool control storage device 106. Although not explicitly stated... Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the tool control storage device 106 may include a speaker, which serves as another output device for outputting information.

[0021] Access control device 306 authenticates user rights for accessing the automation tool control system 100. Specifically, access control device 306 restricts or permits access to tool storage drawer 330. Methods and systems for electronically identifying users requesting access may individually or in combination include any one or more of the following technologies, as well as others not mentioned: RFID proximity sensors with cards; magnetic stripe cards and scanners; barcode cards and scanners; public access cards and readers; and biometric sensor ID systems, including facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, handwriting analysis, iris recognition, retinal scanning, vein matching, voice analysis, and / or multimodal biometric systems.

[0022] Access control device 306 also includes a processor and software to electronically identify users requesting access to a secure area or object storage device. For example, when a user presents user credentials to tool control storage device 106, access control device 306 identifies the default language assigned to the user identifier. Tool control storage device 106 accesses a language directory associated with the identified default language in database 104. Tool control storage device 106 configures opcodes in tool control storage device 106 to display text strings, audio files, and video files stored in tool control storage device 106 according to the language directory associated with the user's default language. For example, if tool control storage device 106 is configured to display text, audio, and video messages in Portuguese, tool control storage device 106 selects the appropriate text string, audio file, and video file to display from the Portuguese language directory. The same may be true for English, Spanish, Chinese, and other language files loaded into the language directory in database 104.

[0023] This ensures that the user understands the work instructions, tool selections, safety guidelines, torque settings, system and tool status alarms, and warnings that can be presented through the user interface 305 and / or via a speaker set on the tool control storage device 106. In some embodiments, when user access credentials are presented to the tool control storage device 106, units of measurement (imperial / metric) can also be assigned to the user identifier and applied to the tool control storage device 106. In some other embodiments, when a user logs in using user credentials, work orders associated with the user ID, tools associated with the work orders and the user ID, and other users associated with the user ID (e.g., colleagues) can be used to configure the tool control storage device 106.

[0024] By using one or more electronically controlled locking devices or mechanisms, access control device 306 holds some or all of the storage drawers 330 locked in the closed position until access control device 306 authenticates user authorization for accessing tool-controlled storage device 106. If access control device 306 determines that the user is authorized to access tool-controlled storage device 106, then tool-controlled storage device unlocks some or all of the storage drawers 330 according to the user's authorization level, thereby allowing the user to remove or replace the tool. In particular, access control device 306 can identify predetermined authorized access levels to the system and, based on these predetermined authorized access levels, allow or deny user physical access to three-dimensional space or object storage devices.

[0025] The tool control storage device 106 includes several different sensing subsystems. In an exemplary embodiment, the tool control storage device 106 includes a first sensing subsystem in the form of an image sensing subsystem configured to capture images of the system's contents or storage location. The image sensing subsystem may include a lens-based camera, a CCD camera, a CMOS camera, a video camera, or other types of devices for capturing images. The tool control storage device 106 further includes a second sensing subsystem, which in one embodiment takes the form of an RFID sensing subsystem including one or more RFID antennas, an RFID transceiver, and an RFID processor. The RFID sensing subsystem is configured to transmit RF sensing signals, receive RFID signals returned in response to the RF sensing signals from RFID tags attached to or incorporated into tools or other inventory items, and process the received RFID signals to identify individual tools or inventory items.

[0026] The following is about Figure 3B The image sensing subsystem is described in further detail. Although Figure 3B Corresponding to Figure 1 The tool shown in C controls the specific implementation of storage device 106, but Figure 3BThe teachings shown can be applied to Figure 1 A to Figure 1 Each of the implementations of C. The RFID sensing subsystem may be configured to sense RFID tags for tools located in all storage drawers 330 of the tool control storage device 106, or to sense RFID tags for tools located in a specific subset of the drawers 330 of the tool control storage device 106. In one embodiment, the RFID sensing subsystem is configured to sense RFID tags for tools located only in the top and bottom drawers 330 of the tool control storage device 106, and the RFID sensing subsystem includes an RFID antenna disposed directly above the top and bottom drawers 330, within the tool control storage device 106, to sense RFID tags for tools located in those drawers. Other configurations of the RFID antenna may also be used.

[0027] The tool control storage device 106 also includes a data processing system (e.g., a computer) for processing images captured by image sensing devices, for processing RFID signals captured by RFID antennas and transceivers, and / or for processing other sensing signals received by other sensing subsystems. The data processing system includes one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors) and a memory storing program instructions for enabling the tool control storage device 106 to communicate electronically with sensing devices directly or via a network, and to obtain data from the sensing devices relating to the presence or absence of objects within a three-dimensional space or object storage device. Images, RFID signals, and other sensing signals captured or received by the sensing subsystems are processed by the data processing system for determining the inventory status of the system or individual storage drawers. As used throughout this disclosure, the term "inventory status" refers to information relating to the presence or absence of objects in the storage system.

[0028] The data processing system may be part of the tool control storage device 106. Alternatively, the data processing system may be a remote computer having a data link (such as a wired or wireless link) coupled to the tool control storage device 106, or a combination of a computer integrated into the tool control storage device 106 and a computer located remotely from the tool control storage device 106. Furthermore, the data processing system may connect to a computer network and exchange data with a management software application (e.g., executable on a server) that operates and stores the data, and stores and displays data-related information to users.

[0029] Figure 3AA detailed view of a drawer 330 of the tool control storage device 106 in the open position is shown. In some embodiments, each storage drawer 300 includes a foam base 180 having multiple storage locations (e.g., tool cutouts 181) for storing tools. Each cutout is specifically contoured and shaped to fitably receive tools of a corresponding shape. Tools can be secured in each storage location using hooks, Velcro, latches, pressure from the foam, etc.

[0030] Typically, each storage drawer 330 includes multiple storage locations for storing various types of tools. As used throughout this disclosure, a storage location is a location in a storage system used for storing and securing objects. In one embodiment, each tool has a specific, pre-designated storage location in the tool storage system. Furthermore, one or more tools in drawer 330 may have RFID tags mounted or attached to the tools.

[0031] Figure 3B A perspective view of the imaging subsystem in the tool control storage device 106 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 3B As shown, the tool control storage device 106 includes an imaging chamber 315 housing an image sensing subsystem comprising three cameras 310 and a light guiding device, such as a mirror 312 having a reflective surface positioned approximately 45 degrees downward relative to a vertical surface, for guiding light reflected from drawer 330 to the cameras 310. The guided light, upon reaching the cameras 310, allows the cameras 310 to form an image of drawer 330. The shaded area 340 below the mirror 312 represents the field of view of the image sensing subsystem of the tool control storage device 106. As shown at 340, the imaging subsystem scans a portion of the open drawer 336, which passes through the field of view of the imaging sensing subsystem, for example, when drawer 336 is open and / or closed. Thus, the imaging subsystem captures an image of at least the open portion of drawer 336. Processing of the captured image is used to determine the inventory status of tools and / or storage locations in the open portion of drawer 336.

[0032] Typically, the image sensing subsystem captures an image of a specific drawer 330 in response to detecting movement of that drawer and performs drawer stocking. For example, the image sensing subsystem may perform drawer stocking in response to detecting that the drawer is closing or has been fully closed. In other embodiments, the image sensing subsystem may image the drawer as it opens and closes.

[0033] RF sensing subsystems are typically configured to perform inventory checks on drawers with RF-based tags associated with them. The RF-based tags can be RFID tags attached to or embedded within tools. Typically, the RF-based tag encodes a unique identifier for the tool, allowing identification of tool type (e.g., screwdriver, torque wrench, etc.) and unique tools (e.g., a specific torque wrench among multiple models and types of torque wrenches) by reading the RF-based tag. In particular, the information encoded on the RF-based tag is typically unique to the tool, allowing it to be used to differentiate between two tools of the same type, model, age, and physical appearance.

[0034] The RF sensing system includes antennas mounted within or around the tool control storage device 106. Typically, the antennas may be mounted inside the tool control storage device 106 and configured to detect only the presence of RF-based tags located within the tool control storage device 106 (or other defined three-dimensional space). In some embodiments, each antenna may be mounted to detect only the presence of RF-based tags located in a specific drawer or compartment of the tool control storage device 106, and different antennas may be associated with and mounted in different drawers or compartments. In a further embodiment, some antennas may be further configured to detect the presence of RF-based tags near the tool control storage device 106, even if the tags are not located within the tool control storage device 106.

[0035] Each antenna is coupled to an RF transceiver operable to cause the antenna to transmit an RF sensing signal used to excite an RF-based tag located in the vicinity of the antenna, and the RF transceiver is operable to sense an RF identification signal returned by the RF-based tag in response to the RF sensing signal. One or more RF processors control the operation of the RF transceiver and process the RF identification signals received through the antennas and transceivers.

[0036] In some implementations, the RF sensing subsystem performs an RF-based scan of the tool control storage device 106 when a drawer or compartment storing tools with RF identification tags is fully closed. Specifically, the RF-based scan can be performed in response to detecting that a drawer is fully closed, or at any time when a drawer is fully closed. In some embodiments, the RF-based scan can also be triggered by a user logging in or out of the tool control storage device 106. Typically, the RF-based scan can be performed in response to a similar trigger causing the execution of a camera-based inventory of the tool control storage device 106.

[0037] As part of the RF-based scanning of the tool-controlled storage device 106, the RF processor typically needs to perform multiple sequential scans to ensure that all RF-based tags are detected. Specifically, the RF processor typically does not know how many RF tags it needs to detect, as one or more tags may be missed (e.g., if the tool has already been detected). Furthermore, the RF processor typically cannot ensure that all RF tags in its vicinity have been detected in response to a single scan operation (corresponding to the emission of an RF sensing signal and the processing of receiving any RF identification response in response to an RF sensing signal). As a result, whenever the tool-controlled storage device 106 is to be scanned, the RF processor will typically perform ten, twenty, or more sequential RF-based scans. Because multiple RF-based scans are required, the RF scan operation may take 10 seconds or longer to execute, resulting in significant inconvenience for the user of the tool-controlled storage device 106.

[0038] As noted above, the disadvantages of imaging-based inventory scanning of tool control storage device 106 are that they cannot distinguish between physically identical tools. Furthermore, RF-based scanning of tool control storage device 106 may suffer from significant delays and cannot determine whether an individual RF tag (rather than the RF tag attached to its associated tool) has been returned to a drawer or storage compartment. Therefore, both scanning methods are susceptible to fraud (by using tool cutouts or RFID tags removed from tools) and inconvenient when used alone. Furthermore, each technology may not be suitable for storing all tools in a particular tool control storage device 106; for example, some tools may be too small to mount RF-based tags, or attaching such tags to tools may result in cumbersome operation. Therefore, even in tool control storage devices 106 capable of RF-based sensing, the storage of these tools may be better suited to visual scanning methods.

[0039] To address the shortcomings of scanning methods when used alone, in some embodiments, the tool control storage device 106 advantageously combines multiple scanning methods. For example, the tool control storage device 106 may first perform a first inventory scan based on an image-based scan to obtain an image-only scan that quickly (e.g., near instantaneously) determines whether any tools are missing from the tool control storage device 106. The result of the first inventory scan is also used to determine how many RF-based tags are expected to be in the tool control storage device 106. For example, in a tool control storage device 106 that typically stores 'm' tools with associated RF tags, the first inventory scan is used to determine that 'n' tools with associated RF tags are missing from the tool control storage device 106. The first inventory scan is then used to determine that a second inventory scan (e.g., an RF-based scan) should be used to search for 'm-n' RF-based tags.

[0040] Furthermore, the second inventory scan (e.g., an RF-based scan) is performed only once and is only required to be repeated if fewer than 'm-n' RF-based tags are detected in the first iteration of the second inventory scan (e.g., an RF-based scan). Therefore, the second inventory scan can be performed very efficiently—especially when only one or a few secondary scans are needed to detect all 'm-n' RF-based tags expected to be detected in the tool-controlled storage device 106.

[0041] Finally, a cross-check is performed between the results of the first and second inventory scans to ensure consistency. Specifically, the cross-check ensures that both scans have identified the same tools present in the tool control storage device 106 and have identified the same tools not present in the tool control storage device 106. If the results of the two inventory scans are inconsistent, a user alert is issued.

[0042] As noted above, RF-based scanning can be used to identify whether a particular tool (from multiple similar tools) has been detected or checked in the tool control storage device 106. Therefore, RF-based scanning can be used to determine how many times a particular tool has been detected, and / or the duration for which a particular tool has been detected. Thus, the tool control storage device 106 can determine whether a particular tool should, for example, be scheduled for recalibration or other maintenance. In one embodiment, the tool control storage device 106 can therefore track the use of different torque wrenches individually and ensure that each torque wrench is recalibrated after a certain number of uses.

[0043] The inventory controlled by the tool-controlled storage device 106 using a variety of sensing technologies can be used to identify individual users receiving and / or returning objects / tools, identify objects / tools being issued or returned, place a timestamp on each transaction within the system, and store item and user data in a database.

[0044] While the above embodiments focus on implementations using camera-based and RF-based sensing technologies, automated asset management systems can utilize other combinations of various sensing technologies. The sensing technologies and sensing devices used in the tool control storage device 106 may include one or more of the following:

[0045] • Optical recognition sensors, such as: sensors with line scanners / cameras for detecting one-dimensional barcodes; sensors with cameras / other imaging sensors for detecting two-dimensional barcodes; machine vision recognition sensors with cameras / other imaging sensors (using various sensing methods, including ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), visible light, etc.); and laser scanning;

[0046] • RF identification sensors, such as: RFID tags attached to / embedded in tools (active RFID tags and / or passive RFID tags); other RF technologies used in similar capacities, such as Ruby, Zigbee, WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Lower Energy (BLE), etc.

[0047] • Direct electronic connection to tools, such as: tools with attachment / embedded connectors that have an insertion identification system (instead of wireless);

[0048] • (Multiple) weight sensors, such as: scales that detect the weight of an object; multiple scales that detect the weight distribution;

[0049] • Contact switches / sensors, such as: one-way / no-way sensors; sensor arrays for detecting shape / contour;

[0050] • Acoustic wave transmitter / detector pair; and / or

[0051] • Magnetic induction / sensing, such as iron tool positioner products.

[0052] The following provides a detailed embodiment of an illustrative scheme. In this illustrative embodiment, a physically defined, secure three-dimensional object storage device is provided. The storage device is a container from which tools and / or objects are issued and / or returned. The physically defined, secure three-dimensional object storage device is equipped with a processor and software operable to enable the device to electronically communicate directly or via a network with sensing devices and to obtain data from the sensing devices indicating the presence or absence of objects within the three-dimensional object storage device. In this embodiment, the sensing devices used in the three-dimensional object storage device include machine vision recognition devices, such as cameras and RFID antennas and decoders.

[0053] Physically secured 3D object storage devices are equipped with electronically controlled locking mechanisms and access control devices including processors and software to electronically identify users requesting access to the secure area or object storage device. The processor and software identify predetermined authorized access levels and, based on these levels, allow or deny users physical access to the 3D space or object storage device. The access control device for electronically identifying users requesting access uses RFID proximity sensors with cards.

[0054] The physically defined, secure object storage device is equipped with drawers. At least one RFID antenna is attached inside the storage device and configured to scan RFID tags within the storage device. In embodiments with multiple RFID antennas, the different RFID antennas can be distributed throughout the storage device. The processor and memory storing the executable software program instructions of the storage device can be connected to a computer network and exchange data with a management software application (e.g., executable on a remote server) for manipulating and storing data, storing information related to the data, and displaying such information to system users.

[0055] During operation, the user scans or approaches the access card of the access control device of the storage device. The processor of the access control device determines the user's access level based on the access card. If it is determined that the user is authorized to access the storage device, the user is granted access to the object storage device. Subsequently, the sensing subsystem and data processing system of the storage device are activated. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used to provide light to the system are activated, and the camera is also activated. Subsequently, the latch of the storage system is unlocked, and the user opens one or more drawers and removes or returns one or more objects.

[0056] It is worth noting that if a user opens a drawer that is only imaged (i.e., a drawer where only imaging is used and not RFID to determine inventory status), the RFID scanning subsystem does not need to be activated, and the system can only use the imaging data. Specifically, the imaging subsystem is used to optionally image the drawer when it is opened, and to image the drawer when it is closed (or once the drawer is closed), and only the captured images are used to determine the presence or absence of objects.

[0057] However, if a user opens a drawer whose inventory status is determined using RFID scanning, a camera-based scan of the drawer may be performed before or with the drawer being opened. Additionally, the RFID sensing subsystem is activated and can complete the RFID scan before the drawer is opened to identify all RFID tags present in the storage system (or all RFID tags present in the opened drawer). Specifically, an RFID scan may be performed before the drawer is opened. Furthermore, a camera-based scan of the drawer is performed when the drawer is closed. RFID scanning of the drawer or box is performed in response to the drawer being fully closed, or in response to the user exiting the storage system. The imaging subsystem thus determines and reports the presence and absence of objects in the drawer, and the RFID subsystem scans using RFID tag data to confirm the presence and absence of a specific object in the drawer or box. Therefore, image data and RFID tag data are combined to report the presence and absence of all scanned items, as well as the presence or absence of serialized items, through the use of RFID data. The inventory scan results are displayed on the screen. When the user exits, the object status is transmitted via the network to the main database and / or to the management application. LEDs are turned off, locking is enabled, and the camera is set to idle state.

[0058] In addition, the storage system can perform other actions. For example, the system can activate or initiate RFID scanning of the contents of the target storage device on a scheduled or timed basis between user visits, thereby confirming that the contents of the storage device have not changed since the last user visit.

[0059] For example, an automated asset management system (e.g., a toolbox) can use both camera-based sensing and radio frequency (RF)-based sensing technologies to sense the presence and / or other attributes of a particular tool (or multiple tools). Camera-based sensing can provide an instantaneous (or near-instantaneous) indication of whether a particular tool is present or absent in the system. RF-based sensing enables the system to distinguish multiple tools identical to those in a camera-based sensing module (e.g., a similar torque wrench), for example, by differentiating the tool's serial number (or other unique identifier) ​​or other unique tool identifier encoded in an RF-based label. Furthermore, the automated asset management system can be configured to perform RF-based sensing more efficiently by fully utilizing a combination of camera-based and RF-based sensing modalities, as described in more detail below.

[0060] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of process 400 for controlling storage device 106 using an automated configuration tool, according to an exemplary aspect of the subject matter, is shown. For illustrative purposes, the various blocks of the exemplary process 400 are described herein with reference to the components and / or processes described herein. One or more blocks of process 400 may be, for example, by... Figure 1 The tool controls one or more components or processors of storage device 106 to implement this. In some implementations, one or more boxes may be separate from other boxes and implemented by one or more different processors or controllers. Furthermore, for illustrative purposes, the boxes of process 400 are described as occurring sequentially or linearly. However, multiple boxes of process 400 may occur in parallel. Furthermore, the boxes of process 400 do not need to be executed in the order shown and / or one or more boxes in process 400 do not need to be executed.

[0061] At box 401, tool control storage device 106 receives user ID and / or user credentials via access control device 306. At box 403, tool control storage device 106 identifies the language assigned to the user associated with the received user credentials. For example, a preferred language can be assigned to a user ID when setting the user ID. At box 405, tool control storage device 106 accesses a language catalog associated with the assigned language in database 104. At box 407, tool control storage device 106 configures itself using parameters such as text strings, audio files, and video files from the language catalog. For example, tool control storage device 106 configures operation codes in tool control storage device 106 to present information in the assigned language on user interface 305 and speakers.

[0062] Figure 5An exemplary electronic system 500 is conceptually illustrated, which can be used to implement several implementations of the subject matter technology. In one or more implementations, the computing device 102 and the tool control storage device 106 may be, or may include, all or part of the electronic system components discussed below with respect to electronic system 500. Electronic system 500 may be a computer, telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or any other type of electronic device. Such electronic system includes various types of computer-readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer-readable media. Electronic system 500 includes a bus 508, a plurality of processing units 512, system memory 504, read-only memory (ROM) 510, permanent storage device 502, input device interface 514, output device interface 506, and network interface 516.

[0063] Bus 508 collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices of electronic system 500. For example, bus 508 communicatively connects processing unit(s) 512 to ROM 510, system memory 504, and permanent storage device 502.

[0064] From these various storage units, the processing unit(s) 512 retrieves instructions to be executed and data to be processed in order to perform the processes disclosed in this subject matter. In different implementations, the processing unit(s) may be a single processor or a multi-core processor.

[0065] ROM 510 stores static data and instructions required by (multiple) processing units 512 and other modules of the electronic system. On the other hand, permanent storage device 502 is a read-write memory device. This device is a non-volatile memory cell that can store instructions and data even when the electronic system 500 is powered off. Some implementations disclosed in this subject matter use mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks or optical disks, or flash memory) as permanent storage device 502.

[0066] Other implementations use a removable storage device (e.g., a floppy disk, flash drive) as permanent storage device 502. Like permanent storage device 502, system memory 504 is a read-write memory device. However, unlike storage device 502, system memory 504 is a volatile read-write memory, such as random access memory. System memory 504 stores some instructions and data required by the processor during operation. In some embodiments, the processes of this disclosure are stored in system memory 504, permanent storage device 502, or ROM 510. For example, various memory units include instructions for displaying graphical elements and identifiers associated with a corresponding application, instructions for receiving predetermined user input to display a visual representation of a shortcut associated with a corresponding application, and instructions for displaying a visual representation of a shortcut. From these different memory units, processing unit(s) 512 retrieves instructions to be executed and data to be processed in order to perform the processes of some implementations.

[0067] Bus 508 is also connected to input device interface 514 and output device interface 506. Input device interface 514 enables users to transmit information and select commands to the electronic system. Input devices used with input device interface 514 include, for example, alphanumeric keypads and pointing devices (also known as "cursor control devices"). Output device interface 506 is capable of displaying, for example, images generated by electronic system 500. Output devices used with output device interface 506 include, for example, printers and display devices, such as cathode ray tubes (CRTs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Some implementations include devices, for example, touchscreens that serve as both input and output devices.

[0068] Finally, as Figure 5 As shown, bus 508 also couples electronic system 500 to a network (not shown) via a network interface. In this way, the computer can be part of a network of computers (e.g., a LAN, WAN, or intranet, or a network of networks, such as the Internet). Any or all components of electronic system 500 can be used in conjunction with the disclosures of this subject matter.

[0069] Many of the aforementioned features and applications are implemented as a software process that specifies a set of instructions recorded on a computer-readable storage medium (also known as a computer-readable medium). When these instructions are executed by one or more processing units (e.g., one or more processors, processor cores, or other processing units), they cause the processing unit(s) to perform the actions indicated in the instructions. Embodiments of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic media, optical media, electronic media, etc. Computer-readable media do not include carrier waves and electronic signals transmitted wirelessly or via wired connections.

[0070] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, locations, quantities, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification are approximate, not precise. They are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they relate to and with custom in the technical fields to which they relate.

[0071] Unless stated directly above, no statement or representation is intended or should be construed as representing any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public.

[0072] In this specification, the term "software" is intended to include, for example, firmware residing in read-only memory or other forms of electronic storage devices, or application programs that can be stored in magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, solid-state storage devices, etc., and which can be read into memory for processing by a processor. Furthermore, in some implementations, multiple software aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as sub-parts of a larger program while retaining the different software aspects disclosed herein. In some implementations, multiple software aspects may also be implemented as separate programs. Finally, any combination of separate programs that together implement the software aspects described herein is within the scope of this disclosure. In some implementations, a software program is installed to run on one or more electronic systems, and the software program defines one or more specific mechanical implementations for performing and carrying out the operations of the software program.

[0073] Computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, scripts, or code) can be written in any type of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative languages, or procedural languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as standalone programs or as modules, components, subroutines, objects, or other units suitable for a computing environment. A computer program may, but does not necessarily, correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored as a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordination files (e.g., a file storing one or more modules, subroutines, or code portions). A computer program can be deployed to execute on a single computer, or on multiple computers located at a single site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0074] These functions can be implemented in digital electronic circuits, computer software, firmware, or hardware. These technologies can be implemented using one or more computer program products. Programmable processors and computers can be contained in mobile devices or packaged as mobile devices. Process flows and logic flows can be executed by one or more programmable processors and one or more programmable logic circuits. General-purpose and special-purpose computing devices and storage devices can be interconnected through communication networks.

[0075] Some implementations include electronic components, such as microprocessors, storage devices, and memories, that store computer program instructions on a machine-readable medium or computer-readable medium (which may also be referred to as a computer-readable storage medium, machine-readable medium, or machine-readable storage medium). Some embodiments of such computer-readable media include: RAM, ROM, read-only compact disc (CD-ROM), recordable compact disc (CD-R), rewritable compact disc (CD-RW), read-only digital multifunction discs (e.g., DVD-ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), various recordable / rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD card, mini-SD card, microSD card, etc.), magnetic hard disk drives or solid-state hard disk drives, read-only and recordable... Disks, high-density optical discs, any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. Computer-readable media may store computer programs that can be executed by at least one processing unit and include a set of instructions for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code include, for example, machine code generated by a compiler, and files that include high-level code executed by a computer, electronic components, or microprocessor using an interpreter.

[0076] While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessors or multi-core processors that execute software, some implementations utilize one or more integrated circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions stored on the circuit itself.

[0077] As used in this specification, the terms “computer,” “server,” “processor,” and “memory” refer to electronic devices or other technical devices. These terms do not include people or groups of people. For illustrative purposes, the term “display” means display on an electronic device. As used in this application, the terms “computer-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” are strictly limited to tangible physical objects that store information in a computer-readable form. These terms do not include any wireless signals, wired download signals, or any other temporary signals.

[0078] To provide interaction with the user, the implementation of the subject matter described in this specification can be carried out on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT or LCD monitor) for displaying information to the user, and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) that the user can use to provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input. Additionally, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by sending a webpage to a web browser in response to a request received from a web browser on the user's client device.

[0079] Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes backend components (e.g., as a data server), or middleware components (e.g., an application server), or frontend components (e.g., a client computer with a graphical user interface or web browser), or any combination of one or more such backend components, middleware components, or frontend components, through which a user can interact with the implementation of the subject matter described in this specification. The components of the system can be interconnected via digital data communication (e.g., a communication network) of any form or medium. Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), interconnected networks (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0080] A computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers are typically geographically separated and usually interact via a communication network. The client-server relationship is established by means of computer programs running on respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other. In some implementations, the server transmits data (e.g., HTML pages) to the client device (e.g., to display data to a user interacting with the client device and to receive user input from that user). Data generated at the client device (e.g., the result of user interaction) may be received at the server from the client device.

[0081] It should be understood that any particular order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed process is an illustration of exemplary methods. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the particular order or hierarchy of steps in the process may be rearranged, or all illustrated steps may be performed. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous in some cases. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the above embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments; it should be understood that the described program components and systems can typically be integrated into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0082] The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to conform to the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein, unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to elements in the singular form is not intended to mean “one and only one,” but rather “one or more.” Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term “some” means one or more. Male pronouns (e.g., his) include female and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Titles and subtitles, if present, are used for convenience only and do not limit the content of this subject matter disclosure.

[0083] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a list of items, and the terms “and” or “or” used to separate any items in the list, modify the list as a whole, not each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require the selection of at least one item from the listed items; rather, it allows the meaning to include at least one of any item, and / or at least one of any combination of items, and / or at least one of each item. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” both mean: only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0084] Phrases such as aspect, that aspect, on the other hand, some aspects, one or more aspects, implementation, that implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, implementation scheme, that implementation scheme, another implementation scheme, some implementation schemes, one or more implementation schemes, configuration, that configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject matter, disclosure / disclosure content, this disclosure / this disclosure content, and other variations thereof are used for convenience and do not imply that the disclosure associated with such phrases is essential to the subject matter or that the disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject matter. The disclosure associated with such phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. The disclosure associated with such phrases may provide one or more embodiments. Phrases such as aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, and this similarly applies to other foregoing phrases.

[0085] With regard to the collection of usage data or usable usage data associated with users by the systems discussed herein, users are provided with the opportunity to control whether programs or features collect usage data (e.g., user preferences) and to control the user interface (UI) associated with the application based on the collected usage data. Users may also be provided with options to turn certain features or functions provided by the system on or off. In some aspects, users can choose to disable features and functions provided by the systems discussed herein (e.g., controlling the UI associated with the application based on collected usage data). Furthermore, users can specify that certain data is processed in one or more ways before storage or use, such that personally identifiable information is removed. For example, a user's identity may be processed so that the user's personally identifiable information cannot be determined, or the user's geographic location (e.g., city, zip code, or state) may be generalized if location information is available, making it impossible to determine the user's specific location. Therefore, users can control whether and how user information is collected, stored, and used by the publicly disclosed systems.

[0086] It is known or will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that all structural and functional equivalents of elements throughout the various aspects described in this disclosure are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the subject matter. Furthermore, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly referenced in the foregoing description, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be offered to the public. Moreover, with regard to the use of the terms “comprising,” “having,” or similar expressions in the specification or claims, such terms are intended to be included in a manner similar to the term “including,” as interpreted when “including” is used as a transitional word in the claims.

[0087] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified herein, the terms and expressions used herein have the general meaning consistent with those in relation to their respective fields of investigation and research. Related terms (such as first and second, etc.) may be used merely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The term "comprises" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of included elements may include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed in or inherent to such processes, methods, articles, or apparatuses. Elements beginning with "a" or "an" should, without further limitation, not exclude other identical elements present in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0088] As can be seen from the foregoing specific embodiments, various features are grouped together in various embodiments to make this disclosure more fluent. This approach should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are explicitly stated in each embodiment. Rather, the subject matter of the invention lies in fewer than all features in a single disclosed embodiment.

[0089] While what is considered the best model and / or other examples has been described above, it should be understood that various modifications can be made therein, and the subject matter disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms and embodiments. Furthermore, this teaching can be applied to many applications, only a few of which are described herein. The appended claims are intended to cover any and all applications, modifications, and variations that fall within the true scope of this teaching.

Claims

1. An automated inventory control system, the automated inventory control system comprising: A storage device, the storage device including multiple storage locations for storing objects; An access control device configured to receive user credentials for accessing the storage device; A data storage device configured to store configurable parameters associated with the storage device in multiple languages, and to store information corresponding to each user of the storage device, including assigned languages; Specifically, in response to the access control device receiving user credentials through the access control device, the storage device is configured to obtain configurable parameters from the data storage, and The information corresponding to each user of the storage device also includes the assigned measurement unit, and In response to the access control device receiving user credentials from the user, the storage device is configured to obtain configurable parameters from the data storage in the assigned unit of measurement corresponding to the information of the user, and The storage device is configured to access a language directory associated with the assigned language in the information, the language directory including text strings, audio files, and video files, and Wherein, after the access control device receives the user credentials from the user, the storage device is configured to configure the opcode in the storage device so as to display information in the assignment language corresponding to the user.

2. The automated inventory control system according to claim 1, wherein, The configurable parameters from the data storage are in the assignment language corresponding to the user.

3. The automated inventory control system according to claim 1, wherein, The configurable parameters include text files, audio files, and video files in multiple languages.

4. The automated inventory control system according to claim 1, further comprising: The display associated with the storage device, The configurable parameters include the display information, which includes one or more of the following: work instructions, tool selection, safety guidelines, torque settings, system and tool status alarms, or warnings.

5. The automated inventory control system according to claim 1, wherein, The access control device includes one or more of the following: RFID proximity sensor, magnetic stripe card scanner, barcode scanner, camera, or biosensor.

6. The automated inventory control system according to claim 2, wherein, The data storage unit stores text strings, audio files, and video files in multiple language directories, with each language directory associated with a different language.

7. The automated inventory control system according to claim 1, in, The storage device is further configured to obtain configurable parameters from the data storage based on one or more of the following: work instructions associated with the user, one or more tools associated with the work instructions or the user, or a second user associated with the user.

8. The automated inventory control system according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is one of a tool cabinet, a tool warehouse, or a secure storage device.

9. The automated inventory control system of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensing systems configured to detect the presence or absence of the object.

10. The automated inventory control system according to claim 9, wherein, The one or more sensing systems include one or more of the following: One or more cameras, configured to acquire images from the plurality of storage locations, One or more RF sensors, the one or more RF sensors being configured to detect RFID tags, One or more electrical connectors configured to connect to their respective objects. One or more scales, configured to detect the weight of their respective objects. A contact sensor array configured to detect the shape of an object. One or more ultrasonic sensors, each ultrasonic sensor comprising: a transmitter configured to emit sound waves and a detector configured to detect sound waves, or One or more magnetic induction sensors, the one or more magnetic induction sensors being configured to detect metallic objects.

11. The automated inventory control system according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more network connections configured to connect the data storage to the storage device and one or more other storage devices. Wherein, the data storage is physically located away from the storage device and one or more of the other storage devices, and The data storage device is configured to transmit the configurable parameters to each of the storage device and the one or more other storage devices in the assignment language corresponding to the user.

12. A method for an automated inventory control system, the method comprising the steps of: Store the object in the storage location of the storage device; Assigning one of several languages ​​to the user of the storage device; In the data storage, configurable parameters associated with the storage device are stored in multiple languages, as well as information corresponding to each user of the storage device, including the assigned language; The access control device is used to receive user credentials for accessing the storage device; as well as In response to receiving the user's user credentials, configurable parameters are obtained from the data storage, and The information corresponding to each user of the storage device also includes the assigned measurement unit, and In response to the access control device receiving user credentials from the user, the storage device obtains configurable parameters from the data storage in the assigned unit of measurement corresponding to the information of the user, and The storage device is configured to access a language directory associated with the assigned language in the information, the language directory including text strings, audio files, and video files, and Wherein, after the access control device receives the user credentials from the user, the storage device is configured to configure the opcode in the storage device so as to display information in the assignment language corresponding to the user.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The configurable parameters from the data storage are in the assignment language corresponding to the user.

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the following step: The display information is displayed on a display associated with the storage device in the designated language corresponding to the user. The displayed information includes one or more of the following: work instructions, tool selection, safety guidelines, torque settings, system and tool status alarms, or warnings.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: The storage device receives information reflecting one or more of the following: work instructions associated with the user, one or more tools associated with the work instructions or the user, or a second user associated with the user; and Based on the received information, configurable parameters are obtained from the data storage.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing executable instructions for performing a process, the process comprising the following steps: Associate one of the multiple languages ​​with the user of the storage device; The data storage device stores configurable parameters associated with the storage device in multiple languages, and stores information corresponding to each user of the storage device in the data storage device, including the assignment language; Receive user credentials for accessing the storage device from the access control device; In response to receiving the user's user credentials, configurable parameters are obtained from the data storage and The process further includes the following steps: Associate the unit of measurement with the user of the storage device; In response to receiving the user's user credentials, the storage device is configured to display values ​​according to the measurement unit associated with the user. The storage device is configured to access a language directory associated with the assigned language in the information, the language directory including text strings, audio files, and video files, and Wherein, after the access control device receives the user credentials from the user, the storage device is configured to configure the opcode in the storage device so as to display information in the assignment language corresponding to the user.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 16, wherein, The configurable parameters from the data storage are in the assignment language corresponding to the user.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, further comprising the step of: In response to receiving the user's user credentials, the storage device is configured to display text strings, audio files, and video files stored in the storage device according to a language directory associated with the user's assigned language.

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