Automated tool control devices managed in a toolcrib management system

Abstract

The present application discloses an automated inventory control system comprising a storage device, a detection system, data storage, and one or more processors. The storage device includes a plurality of storage locations for storing objects. The detection system is configured to associate the storage device with a first location and a second location. The data storage is configured to store configurable data for the storage device. The one or more processors are configured to transmit configurable data corresponding to the first location to the storage device in response to receiving information from the detection system associating the storage device with the first location. The one or more processors are configured to transmit configurable data corresponding to the second location to the storage device in response to receiving information from the detection system associating the storage device with the second location.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 868,698, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on June 28, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical field The present subject matter relates to automated tool control systems, as well as techniques and apparatus for monitoring the geographic location and configuration of tool control devices in such automated tool control systems. BACKGROUND ART

[0003] background Modern automated tool control systems are often used in conjunction with computerized network systems that consist of wired and / or wireless networks, primary databases, network services, administrative client software applications, and various tool control devices. In many cases, various tool control devices are connected to a network and can transmit and receive data to and from the primary database via network services. Automated tool control devices include automated tool control storage devices that can physically store objects, and data entry devices that can only record, transmit, and receive data. Typically, data entry devices are not capable of physically storing objects. Automated tool control storage devices include, but are not limited to, automated tool boxes, lockers, tool crib management systems, vending machines, unattended tool cribs, inventory scale systems, and the like. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] One of the problems associated with automated tool-controlled storage devices is that various aspects of such devices must be configured before they can be used. Examples of such configurable aspects and procedures include work locations, authorized users, authorized user access rights, languages, user groups, and user group access rights. Configurable aspects and procedures may also include notifications and / or alerts, more specifically, the recipients, types, and / or delivery methods associated with such notifications / alerts. Other configurable aspects and procedures include reports, particularly those related to report recipients, report types, and / or report delivery options. In some cases, such configurable aspects and procedures may also include audit types, scheduling, etc. Furthermore, typical configuration of such automated tool-controlled storage devices is performed manually and is often pre-configured to default settings. Moreover, these configurations must be manually modified when the automated tool storage device should be moved from one work group and / or work location to another, thus requiring various configurations. This process is inefficient and time-consuming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Given the aforementioned shortcomings, an improved system and method is needed that allows the tool control storage device to be automatically configured for any manner and procedure that responds to such changes in work groups and / or work positions. Such an improved system and method may also send warnings and / or notifications to the user.

[0006] Brief explanation of the drawing The operation of the present invention may be better understood by referring to the detailed description provided in conjunction with the following description. The accompanying drawings form part of this specification, and any information contained in the accompanying drawings should be treated as part of this disclosure. Similarly, the relative arrangement and relationships of components as shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as their functions, shapes, dimensions, and appearances, may all provide information about specific aspects of the invention, as if the entire specification were rewritten. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a high-level schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary automated tool control system according to the various embodiments described. [Figure 2] This is a high-level functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary networked automated tool control system, including multiple automated tool control devices that are communicated with one another, in accordance with the tool control system described herein. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary automated tool-controlled storage device according to the various embodiments described. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Detailed explanation The following detailed explanation includes numerous specific examples to ensure a complete understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that these teachings can be carried out without such details. In other examples, well-known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuits are described without going into too much detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of these teachings.

[0009] The various methods and systems disclosed herein relate to automated tool control devices within the inventory of an automated tool control tool crib management system.

[0010] Figure 1 shows the automated tool control system 100 in the form of a tool crib management system 105. The tool crib management system 105 shown in Figure 1 is a toolbox, but more generally, this tool crib management system 105 may be a tool locker or any other secure storage device or enclosed secure storage area (e.g., a tool crib or walk-in tool locker).

[0011] Each tool crib management system 105 is a highly automated inventory control system that utilizes multiple different detection techniques to identify the inventory status of objects within a storage unit. For example, the tool crib management system 105 uses a mechanical imaging method and an RF detection method to identify the inventory status of objects within a storage unit.

[0012] Exemplary features of the tool crib management system 105 of this disclosure include the ability to process complex image data using efficient utilization of system resources, autonomous image and camera calibration, identification of tool features from image data, adaptive timing for capturing inventory images, efficient generation of reference data for checking inventory status, and autonomous compensation of image quality. Further features include the ability to transmit and receive RF detection signals, such as RF identification (RFID) signals, process received signals to identify specific tools, and cross-reference tool information obtained through multiple different detection modalities (e.g., cameras and RFID-based modalities).

[0013] The tool crib management system 105 uses one or more of the various detection techniques 150 to determine the sending / returning or presence / absence of objects from its storage. For example, the sending / returning or presence / absence of objects can be detected using one or more of the following: imaging-based detection techniques (e.g., using a camera), RFID-based detection techniques, wireless sensors including Bluetooth® sensors, individual switches or sensors (e.g., contact sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, weight sensors, or other sensors), such as detection techniques used in automated tool control imaging toolboxes and / or automated tool control RFID lockers. Unique identifiers such as machine-readable barcodes, color-coded tags, and RFID tags can be attached to inventory objects or tools stored in the storage containers of the automated tool control system 100 to uniquely identify items (e.g., to distinguish between two items that cannot be distinguished by the system's detection techniques, such as two visually identical tools detected using an imaging system). In some embodiments, one or more processors are configured to determine the location of an inventory object or tool based on triangulation of three or more sensors, including Bluetooth® sensors. For example, time of arrival (ToA) or time of flight (ToF) may be used to calculate the distance to an inventory object or tool from each of three or more sensors, and to determine the location of the inventory object or tool. The three or more sensors may be determined to maximize the intensity of the signals received or detected by those three or more sensors. In some cases, triangulation may be used in conjunction with an RFID-based modality (e.g., RFID triangulation).

[0014] Figure 2 shows an exemplary automated tool control system 100, which may also include a networked tool control system 200 that includes a plurality of tool control devices 1000. For example, the networked tool control system 200 may include a plurality of automated tool control storage devices 1000. Each of the plurality of automated tool control storage devices 1000 may be configured similarly to the tool control system 100 to include a storage location, a sensing device, and one or more battery chargers. The automated tool control storage devices 1000 may be connected to each other and / or to an inventory control server 205 via a wired or wireless communication network 203. A system administrator terminal 207 may be connected to the server 205 to enable a system administrator to manage the system as needed and receive alerts from the system. In this way, the processor and memory that store executable program instructions for any individual tool control device 201 may be connected to a computer network (e.g., 203) and may exchange data with management software applications running on the server 205. The management software application is used to process and store data, as well as to store and display information related to that data to system users. The management software application running on server 205 may include a system-wide location monitor (not shown).

[0015] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary tool crib management system 105 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The tool crib management system 105 includes an automated tool control storage device 1000. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the automated tool control storage device 1000 may include an access control component 1100, an asset management component 1200, and a transaction reporting component 1300. In certain embodiments, the asset management component 1200 may include an artificial intelligence component.

[0016] The automated tool-controlled storage device 1000 may include, but is not limited to, automated toolboxes, lockers, vending machines, unattended tool cribs, inventory scaling systems, and the like. These devices can be secured by various electronically controlled locking mechanisms and may be used with various authentication means, such as proximity card readers and biometric devices, to verify authorized personnel and grant them access. The automated tool-controlled storage device 1000 can send objects out of inventory, return objects to inventory, and record transaction details, including user login and logoff, transaction time and date, and tool status.

[0017] The automated tool-controlled storage device 1000 can manage the sending and returning of objects using any of a variety of sensing technologies. These devices comprise a processor, memory, a local database, and software code used to translate sensor data and determine the current status of objects managed by the device. These devices can communicate with networked services via a wired or wireless network and can send and receive data related to objects.

[0018] The access control component 1100 may work with at least one electronically controlled locking mechanism to securely lock any cabinet drawers and doors. The access control component 1100, such as a card reader, together with the processor 1010 and the memory 1020 that stores executable program instructions, electronically identifies users requesting access to the tool crib management server 112, determines an authorization level for the user, and selectively provides access to a secure area of ​​the automated tool control storage device 1000 based on the determined authorization level. The memory 1020 and the processor 1010 operably identify predetermined authorized access levels to the tool crib management server 112 and, based on those predetermined authorized access levels, permit or deny the user physical access to the automated tool control storage device 1000. The access control component 1100, configured to identify users requesting access, may also use, individually or in combination with, any of the following technologies: These technologies include RFID proximity sensors using cards, magnetic stripe cards and scanners, barcode cards and scanners, common access cards and readers, biometric sensor ID systems such as facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, handwriting analysis, iris recognition, retinal scanning, vein fitting, voice analysis, and / or multimodal biometric systems.

[0019] The automated tool-controlled storage device 1000 also includes at least one electronically controlled locking mechanism, along with machine-readable instructions and a processor 1010 configured to electronically identify users requesting access to a secure area or object storage device. The processor 1010 may further be configured to identify predetermined authorized access levels to the system and to permit or deny users physical access to the three-dimensional space, object storage, and control devices based on those predetermined authorized access levels.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the automated tool control storage device 1000 includes an asset management component 1200. The asset management component 1200 is configured to manage the dispatch and return of objects using any of a variety of sensing technologies. The automated tool control storage device 1000 may comprise a processor 1010, a memory 1020, a database 1030, and software code that is used to translate sensor data and determine the current status of objects managed by the device. The automated tool control storage device 1000 can communicate with networked services via a wired or wireless network 1040 and transmit and receive object-related data.

[0021] In some embodiments, the asset management component 1200 may further perform analysis of dispatched or returned objects in association with access control of work positions. The asset management component 1200 can analyze whether the dispatched objects of a particular transaction have been checked against the returned list. The asset management component 1200 can further determine availability and schedule maintenance services or calibration services.

[0022] The automated tool control storage device 1000 is configured to be automatically set to a default crib configuration by the system software when loaded into the automated tool control system 100 and assigned to a tool crib (not shown) within the tool crib management system 105.

[0023] In some embodiments, the automated tool control storage device 1000 updates configurable data transmitted to the tool crib based on modified system or work location requirements. When the automated tool control storage device 1000 is electronically delivered to the work location, the system software identifies the transaction and automatically configures the device to have a pre-stored system and user configuration specific to that location. In some embodiments, the automated tool control storage device 1000 is configured to work with the GPS device 1050 and tool crib shown in Figure 2. The access control component 1100 of the automated tool control storage device 1000 is configured to update configurable data and procedures based on modified work orders associated with the work location.

[0024] When the automated tool-controlled storage device 1000 is electronically returned to the tool crib location, the system software identifies the transaction and automatically reconfigures the device to have a stored system and user configuration specific to the tool crib.

[0025] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the automated tool control storage device 1000 may be moved to a first location and then to a second location without being returned to the first location. In such cases, the default configuration is changed by the system from the default settings of the first location to the default settings of the second location. According to some aspects of this disclosure, the automated tool control storage device 1000 may include various methods for updating configuration data. In one embodiment, the automated tool control storage device 1000 may be configured to contain the entirety of configuration data (e.g., settings and / or users) for each of the various locations in the database 1030. Data for each of the objects, tools, and other inventory items may be pre-stored in the database 1030 and / or pre-loaded in the memory 1020 of the automated tool control storage device 1000. The objects, tools, and other inventory items are notified by the system and / or network. In this case, the tools, objects, and other inventory items are updated by being allocated only to the appropriate system and user configurations from memory 1020. In such embodiments, when a working position is entered as an object, tool, and other inventory item is ejected from the tool crib and / or tool crib management system 105, the automated tool control storage device 1000 automatically updates the ejected configuration for that position.

[0026] In the automated tool control storage device 1000, changing or moving the location of the automated tool control device does not necessarily require a physical move; rather, it is sufficient if it relates to the situation in which it is used, or to its relationship with an element or feature. For example, the automated tool control storage device 1000 may be assigned to the "landing gear" location, and this location may later be changed to the "wing structure repair" location, even if the physical location of the automated tool control storage device 1000 is not changed in space.

[0027] In another embodiment, the automated tool control storage device 1000 may be configured to recognize each location by a GPS device 1050 (or location server). Appropriate system and user configurations may be transported and assigned to the device for each of the various locations. The GPS device 1050 (or location server) may receive configuration data requests generated by the automated tool control storage device 1000 via the network 1040. The GPS device 1050 may generate configuration data in response to a configuration data request and transmit the configuration data to the automated tool control storage device 1000, also via the network 1040. In such an embodiment, the GPS device 1050, which is communicably connected to the tool crib management system 105, determines the location and automatically updates it once the location is determined.

[0028] In some embodiments, a particular job may require specific tools. The automated tool control storage device 1000 can display configurable data in the user interface 105 shown in Figure 1, indicating only the tools or objects that should be used to satisfy job requirements and / or work location requirements. The access control component 1100, asset management component 1200, and configuration component 1400 of the automated tool control storage device 1000 can change the access control mode in response to changing needs of the automated tool control storage device 1000 by coordinating the current or expected tools to satisfy job requirements and / or work location requirements in cooperation with the database 1030.

[0029] The automated tool-controlled storage device 1000 can record and store transaction records of any event for each of the various locations. The status and condition of the device may be included in the status and condition of the location to which the device is sent. In some embodiments, the device can automatically take over location status, configuration, warnings and notifications, as well as any other changes that occur while it is at a certain location.

[0030] The automated tool control storage device 1000 may be configured to initiate audits and other predefined processes when its location changes. In some embodiments, the automated tool control storage device 1000 may be configured to initiate audits regarding the display, notifications, warnings, and reports on a management application dashboard regarding the dispatched location. Such audits may further include any specific instructions, work-related conditions, job-related data, and / or events.

Claims

1. Inventory control system, A storage device is a mobile entity that includes multiple storage locations for storing objects, A detection system configured to associate the storage device with a first position and a second position, The detection system comprises a data storage configured to store configurable data for the storage device, and the detection system is A first network communication device that can communicate with the storage device and corresponds to the first location, It includes a second network communication device that can communicate with the storage device and corresponds to the second location, and further, The storage device and the detection system comprise one or more processors that are communicatively coupled, and the one or more processors In response to receiving information from the detection system that associates the storage device with the first location, the system transmits configurable data corresponding to the first location to the storage device. An inventory control system configured to transmit configurable data corresponding to a second location to the storage device in response to receiving information from the detection system relating the storage device to a second location.

2. The inventory control system according to claim 1, wherein the detection system includes one or more GPS devices of the storage device.

3. The detection system, The system includes a first detection system corresponding to the first location, the first detection system being configured to detect the presence of the storage device at the first location, the first detection system including one or more of the following: an RFID sensor, a wireless sensor including a Bluetooth sensor, a camera, a contact sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, or a weight sensor, and the detection system further includes The inventory control system according to claim 1, comprising an access control device configured to selectively provide user access to the storage location based on a determined authorization level.

4. The inventory control system according to claim 3, wherein one or more processors are configured to determine a position based on triangulation using the Bluetooth sensor.

5. The inventory control system according to claim 3, wherein the second position is a work position derived from a work order assigned to the user, and the configurable data corresponding to the second position includes a list of objects stored in the storage device associated with the second position.

6. The aforementioned processor further, Maintain the location status of the aforementioned storage device, The inventory control system according to claim 1, configured to update configurable data corresponding to the first position based on a modified work order associated with the first position.

7. The inventory control system according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is configured to generate a transaction record of multiple events, including user login and logoff, and object sending and returning, at the first and second locations.

8. The inventory control system according to claim 1, wherein one or more processors are configured to initiate an audit of the storage device in response to receiving information from the detection system relating the storage device to a first location.

9. The inventory control system according to claim 6, further comprising a user interface configured to display the configurable data corresponding to the second position.

10. A method for an inventory control system, The aforementioned method, The steps include storing configurable data of a storage device, which is a mobile device containing multiple storage locations for storing objects, in data storage, The detection system includes the step of associating the storage device with a first location, In response to the step of associating the storage device with the first location, the steps include transmitting configurable data corresponding to the first location to the storage device, The steps include: transmitting configurable data corresponding to the first location to the storage device, then associating the storage device with a second location in the detection system; In response to the step of associating the storage device with the second location, the steps include transmitting configurable data corresponding to the second location to the storage device, The steps include communicating with the storage device using a first network communication device corresponding to the first location, The steps include communicating with the storage device by a second network communication device corresponding to the second location, The detection system includes a first network communication device and a second network communication device, wherein the step of associating the storage device with the first location in the detection system is based on the first network communication device communicating with the storage device, and the step of associating the storage device with the second location in the detection system is based on the second network communication device communicating with the storage device, in a method.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the detection system includes one or more GPS devices of the storage device, and the step of associating the storage device with a first location and a second location in the detection system is based on the determination by one or more GPS devices that the storage device is located at the first location and the second location, respectively.

12. The step of detecting the storage device at the first location using a first detection system corresponding to the first location, wherein the first detection system comprises one or more of an RFID sensor, a camera, a contact sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, or a weight sensor, and the step of associating the storage device with the first location using the detection system is based on the first detection system detecting the storage device at the first location, further, The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing a user with selective access to the storage location based on a determined authorization level using an access control device of the detection system.

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of associating the storage device with the first location, and then initiating an audit of the storage device.

14. A non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing executable instructions for executing a process, wherein the process is: A step of monitoring the presence of multiple objects in the storage location of a storage device, The steps include storing configurable data of the storage device, which is a mobile body including a plurality of storage locations for storing the aforementioned object, in data storage, The detection system includes the step of associating the storage device with a first location, The steps include receiving a first message from a detection system that associates the storage device with a first location, In response to the step of receiving the first message, the steps include sending configurable data corresponding to the first location to the storage device, The steps include receiving a second message from the detection system after the first message, which associates the storage device with a second location, The process includes the step of receiving the second message and, in response, transmitting configurable data corresponding to the second location to the storage device, wherein the first message and the second message are generated on a medium based on a first network communication device corresponding to the first location communicating with the storage device and a second network communication device corresponding to the second location communicating with the storage device.

15. The medium according to claim 14, wherein the first message and the second message are generated based on one or more GPS devices of the detection system determining that the storage device is located at the first location and the second location, respectively.

16. The first message is generated based on the detection of the first detection system of the detection system detecting the storage device at the first location, the first detection system including one or more of an RFID sensor, a camera, a contact sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, or a weight sensor. The access control device of the detection system selectively provides user access to the storage location based on a determined authorization level, the medium according to claim 14.

17. The process further includes, after the step of receiving the second message, the step of initiating an audit of the storage device, according to claim 14.

Images