WO2014179403A1

WO2014179403A1 - Electronic storage device access systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2014179403A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/036059
Authority: WO
Inventors: David YANEZ; Diego HOYAS; Ricardo VALENZUELA; Lizbeth QUIROZ; Jorge RASCON; William J. NITZ; Sebastian GONZALEZ
Original assignee: Waterloo Industries, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-04-30
Filing date: 2014-04-30
Publication date: 2014-11-06

Abstract

The present application discloses systems and methods for of remotely locking and unlocking storage devices and displaying the status thereof.

Description

ELECTRONIC STORAGE DEVICE ACCESS SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 61/817,617, entitled "ELECTRONIC STORAGE DEVICE ACCESS SYSTEMS AND METHODS" and filed April 30, 2013 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/542,934, filed on August 18, 2009, and entitled SYSTEMS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR OBJECT IDENTIFICATION (the '943 Application), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/089,602, filed on August 18, 2009, and having the same title, which two applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, except where directly conflicting with the present application. This application is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,649 (the '649 Patent), entitled ELECTRONIC REMOTE ENTRY LOCK SYSTEM FOR A TOOL CABINET, which patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, except where directly conflicting with the present application.

Background

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of electrically accessible storage devices. The present disclosure relates more specifically to systems and methods of remotely accessing storage devices.

[0003] Physical storage devices can include one or more drawers or other storage areas, e.g., door-accessible storage areas. Exemplary storage devices include boxes, safes, lockers, chests, cabinets, etc. Typical tool chests and cabinets have one lock that secures ("locks") or unsecures ("unlocks") all of the drawers, doors, and removable panels at the same time. Storage device drawers, doors, and removable panels are collectively referred to as "access panels" herein. Waterloo Industries, the assignee of the present application, sells a number of different storage devices what can be used for tool storage. Exemplary tool storage devices include (a) storage chests, which typically include one or more secured drawers and which are typically immobile, (b) storage cabinets, which typically include one or more secured drawers and doors and which are typically mobile, i.e., they usually include a plurality of wheels or casters upon which the storage device rests and with which a user can manually push or pull the storage device to a new location, and (c) storage carts, which are typically mobile and which typically include one or more secured drawers and at least one open storage area. As a specific example, Waterloo Industries sells tool centers, which can be thought of as a tool storage chest carried by a tool storage cabinet.

Summary

[0004] The present application discloses systems and methods for remotely unlocking and locking storage devices. Exemplary embodiments include a computer application (an "app") executing on a handheld computer, such as a smart phone, pad computer, or tablet computer, that can be used to remotely unlock and lock storage devices.

[0005] One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a remotely unlockable storage device, including: one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels; receiver logic to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions; unlock logic to lock and unlock the access panels in response thereto, respectively; and status logic to transmit status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels. In exemplary embodiments, the status logic transmits any one or any two or more of the following: (a) locked status collectively for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels, (b) locked status individually for at least one of the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels, (c) locked status individually for each of the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels, (d) closed status collectively for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels, (e) closed status individually for at least one of the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels, and/or (f) closed status individually for each of the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels.

[0006] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a computer- implemented method of controlling access to a storage device. The computer-implemented method includes: receiving from a device having circuitry and spaced from the storage device unlock instructions, determining whether unlock instructions match predetermined

characteristics, unlocking at least one electronically unlockable access panel, and transmitting to a remote computer the locked/unlocked status of the at least electronically unlockable access panel; and receiving from the device spaced from the storage device lock instructions and, in response, locking at least one electronically unlockable access panel and transmitting to a remote computer the locked/unlocked status of the at least electronically unlockable access panel. [0007] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a data storage device having a non-transitory machine-readable medium with instructions (e.g., computer executable instructions or instructions interpreted to generate computer executable instructions) that cause one or more processors to perform various functions in connection with accessing a storage device. The steps of the process may include: receiving from a device having circuitry and spaced from the storage device unlock instructions, determining whether unlock instructions match predetermined characteristics, unlocking at least one electronically unlockable access panel, and transmitting to a remote computer the locked/unlocked status of the at least electronically unlockable access panel; and receiving from the device spaced from the storage device lock instructions and, in response, locking at least one electronically unlockable access panel and transmitting to a remote computer the locked/unlocked status of the at least electronically unlockable access panel.

[0008] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a system for controlling a remotely unlockable storage device, including: a user interface for receiving lock commands and unlock commands from a user; a transmitter for transmitting to a remote system unlock instructions and lock instructions; a receiver to receive status information about one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels; and an electronic display to display the status of one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels.

[0009] Still yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method of controlling a remotely unlockable storage device. The computer-implemented method includes: displaying on an electronic display of an image corresponding to the remotely unlockable storage device including an image of a plurality of access panels corresponding to access panels of the remotely unlockable storage device;

receiving—via a user interface corresponding to the image—user lock commands and user unlock commands separately for each of the access panels; transmitting to the remotely unlockable storage device unlock instructions and lock instructions; receiving status information about one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels; and displaying on the image corresponding to the remotely unlockable storage device the status of the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels.

[0010] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a data storage device having a non-transitory machine-readable medium with instructions (e.g., computer executable instructions or instructions interpreted to generate computer executable instructions) that cause one or more processors to perform various functions in connection with controlling a remotely unlockable storage device. The steps of the process may include:

displaying on an electronic display of an image corresponding to the remotely unlockable storage device including an image of a plurality of access panels corresponding to access panels of the remotely unlockable storage device; receiving—via a user interface corresponding to the image- user lock commands and user unlock commands separately for each of the access panels;

transmitting to the remotely unlockable storage device unlock instructions and lock instructions; receiving status information about one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels; and displaying on the image corresponding to the remotely unlockable storage device the status of the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable access panels.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary system.

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of another exemplary system.

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of yet another exemplary system.

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary storage device having electrically lockable and unlockable access panels.

[0015] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary device for sending locking and unlocking signals to a storage device having electrically lockable and unlockable access panels.

[0016] Figures 6-8 are flow charts of exemplary systems.

[0017] Figures 9-10B are exemplary screen shots of a user interface for remote control of storage devices.

[0018] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of another exemplary system.

[0019] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary server.

[0020] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary memory.

[0021] Figures 14 and 15 show views of an exemplary electrically controlled latch for an exemplary drawer. Detailed Description

[0022] This Detailed Description merely describes exemplary embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. Indeed, the invention as claimed is broader than the exemplary embodiments, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning, unless an express definition is provided herein.

[0023] Referring now to Figure 1, a block diagram of an exemplary system 10 is shown.

System 10 includes a storage device 12 having at least one electrically lockable and unlockable access panel. Storage device 12 will typically have a plurality of electrically lockable and unlockable access panels. Storage device 12 receives a direct signal 14 from a local

communication device 16 over with which the local communication device 16 sends locking and unlocking signals to the storage device 12. In exemplary embodiments, the signal 14 is an electromagnetic signal, e.g., a radiofrequency ("RF") signal, such as a Bluetooth signal, an NFC signal, a bump technology signal, or an electromagnetic signal between the infrared and ultraviolet regions, inclusive, e.g., an infrared signal. In response to receiving the signal 14, the storage device locks or unlocks, as appropriate, one or more of the access panels. In exemplary embodiments, the local communication device 16 is a passive RF device, such as a

radiofrequency identification ("RFID") device that receives a signal from the storage device 12, modifies the signal in a manner that uniquely identifies the local communication device 16, and transmits the modified signal (RFID signal) back to the storage device 12. For example, the storage device 12 can be configured to identify a signal from an RFID card of a worker and change the locked state of the access panels from locked to unlocked or from unlocked to locked, in response to receiving the correct signal from the RFID card. In this example, a worker can use an RFID card to unlock one or more of the access panels and lock them when finished. For example, the credentials on the card may only allow access to one or two drawers. Another user may have access to all drawers or no drawers for that tool chest. Also, a user may not take or replace anything, but may only view the contents. In alternative embodiments discussed in more detail below, the local communication device 16 can be a computer system that transmits signal 14. "Computer" or "processor" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any programmed or programmable electronic device or coordinated devices that can store, retrieve, and process data and may be a processing unit or in a distributed processing configuration. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), floating point units (FPUs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. Computer devices herein can have any of various configurations, such as handheld computers (e.g., so-called smart phones), pad computers, tablet laptop computers, desktop computers, and other configurations, and including other form factors.

[0024] Referring now to Figure 2, a block diagram of another exemplary system 20 is shown. Exemplary system 20 includes a storage device 12 in communication with one or more local networked devices 22 and/or one or more remote networked devices 24 via one or more wired or wireless communication networks 26, e.g., the Internet. In exemplary embodiments, the local networked devices 22 and remote networked devices 24 are computer devices. The one or more local networked devices 22 are proximate the storage device 12, e.g., the user of a local networked device 22 is close enough to remove an item, e.g., a tool, from the storage device 12. The one or more remote networked devices 24 are geographically distant from the storage device 12, e.g., the user of a remote networked device 24 is not close enough to remove an item, such as a tool, from the storage device 12. For example, a user of a remote networked device 24 might be in a different office at the same facility or at home or half a world away from the storage device 12 and still be able to lock and unlock access panels (drawers, doors, or panels) of the storage device 12. The storage device 12, the one or more local networked devices 22, and the one or more remote networked devices 24 communicate with the networks 26 via

communication signals 27, 28, and 29, respectively. The signals 27-29 can be virtually any network signal, such as WiFi signals, LTE signals, CDPD signals, GPRS signals, GSM signals, UMTS signals, or other. The signals 27-29 need not be the same type of signal. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the signal 27 can be a GPRS signal and the signals 28, 29 are WiFi or LTE signals. In the example of Figure 2, the one or more local networked devices 22 and the one or more remote networked devices 24 communicate directly with the storage device 12 via one or more communication networks 26.

[0025] Figure 3 shows another exemplary embodiment 30 that is very similar to Figure 2, except the one or more local networked devices 22 and the one or more remote networked devices 24 communicate indirectly with the storage device 12 via one or more communication networks 26. In Figure 3, the one or more local networked devices 22 and the one or more remote networked devices 24 communicate with an access server 32 via one or more communication networks 26 and the access server 32 communicates with the storage device 12 to lock and unlock the access panels.

[0026] The storage device 12, the one or more local networked devices 22, the one or more remote networked devices 24, and the access server 32 all have logic for performing the various functions and processes described herein. "Logic," synonymous with "circuit" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations of each to perform one or more functions or actions. For example, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include a software controlled processor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmed logic device, or other processor. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. "Software," as used herein, includes but is not limited to one or more computer readable and/or executable instructions that cause a processor or other electronic device to perform functions, actions, processes, and/or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied in various forms such as routines, algorithms, modules or programs including separate applications or code from dynamically linked libraries (DLLs). Software may also be implemented in various forms such as a stand-alone program, a web-based program, a function call, a subroutine, a servlet, an application, an app, an applet (e.g., a Java applet), a plug-in, instructions stored in a memory, part of an operating system, or other type of executable instructions or interpreted instructions from which executable instructions are created. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the form of software is dependent on, for example, requirements of a desired application, the environment it runs on, and/or the desires of a designer/programmer or the like. In exemplary embodiments, the one or more local networked devices 22 and the one or more remote networked devices 24 are identical or substantially the same, e.g., they have the same software stored thereon or accessible thereto that provides different functionality for different users based on data that determines which user is permitted to use certain logic (e.g., some software is permitted to be executed only by certain users, such as administrative users) and data that determines which users are permitted to read, write, and/or modify specific data (e.g., some data is available only to certain users, such as administrative users).

[0027] Referring now to Figure 4, a block diagram of circuitry 38 of an exemplary storage device 12 is shown. Exemplary storage device circuitry 38 comprises one or more processors 40 in communication with a memory circuit 42, one or more user input circuits 44, a display circuit 46, and one or more communication circuits 48. Memory circuit 42 comprises one or more non-transitory computer readable media of one or more data storage devices. As used herein, "data storage device" means a device for non-transitory storage of code or data, e.g., a device with a non-transitory computer readable medium. As used herein, "non-transitory computer readable medium" mean any suitable non-transitory computer readable medium for storing code or data, such as a magnetic medium, e.g., fixed disks in external hard drives, fixed disks in internal hard drives, and flexible disks; an optical medium, e.g., CD disk, DVD disk, and other media, e.g., ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash PROM, external flash memory drives, etc. This memory circuit 42 might include flash memory (or other solid state memory) and/or RAM and/or ROM memories, and/or one or more fixed disk drives and/or other memories. Memory circuit 42 will have stored thereon logic modules for performing the various functions and processes described herein or a program to access such logic modules from a remote memory, such as a memory of access server 32 (e.g., a browser program to access such logic modules from the server memory). User input circuits 44 can include any one or more of buttons, keyboards, keys, touchpads, touchscreens, and associated support chips, and/or one or more communication circuits (e.g., RS-232 or USB) for an external keyboard or other external user input device, such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, track pad, or other pointing device, or other user input devices. Display circuit 46 can include any one or more of LEDs, NxM textual displays, matrix displays on which a graphical user interface ("GUI") can be presented, e.g., a color or monochrome liquid crystal display ("LCD") or organic light-emitting diode ("OLED") display, with associated drive chips, and/or one or more graphics circuits (e.g., VGA or HDMI) for an external display, or other displays. Communication circuits 48 include antennas and/or data ports and driver chips for sending and receiving communications with devices external to the storage device 12. Communication circuits 48 can include any one or more of WiFi antennas and circuitry, LTE antennas and circuitry, GPS antennas and circuitry, CDPD antennas and circuitry, GPRS antennas and circuitry, GSM antennas and circuitry, UMTS antennas and circuitry, and other antennas and circuitry, USB ports and circuitry (e.g., standard, micro, mini, etc.), RS-232 ports and circuitry, proprietary ports and circuitry (e.g., APPLE 30-pin and

Lightning ports), RFID antennas and circuitry, NFC antennas and circuitry, bump technology antennas and circuitry, a Bluetooth antenna and circuitry, and other antennas, ports, and circuitry. [0028] The storage device 12 has one or more access panels 50, such as one or more drawers, doors, and/or removable panels, and one or more access panel actuators 52 used to secure and unsecure one or more of the access panels 50 in response to lock and unlock commands, e.g., lock and unlock commands from the devices 16, 22, 24, 32 and/or lock and unlock commands entered by a user via one of the user inputs 44, such as a user entering a under identifier and PIN via a keypad. Exemplary access panel actuators 52 and associated hardware that can be used in connection with the present disclosure are disclosed in the '649 Patent.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 provides status information about the various access panels, e.g., one or more of the following: (a) locked status collectively for the one or more access panels, (b) locked status individually for at least one of the one or more access panels, (c) locked status individually for each of the one or more access panels, (d) closed status collectively for the one or more access panels, (e) closed status individually for at least one of the one or more access panels, and/or (f) closed status individually for each of the one or more access panels. In exemplary embodiments, this status information is automatically (i.e., without human intervention) determined and displayed locally on display 46 and/or transmitted to any of the devices 16, 22, 24 with a display and to the access server 32 for display on any of the devices 16, 22, 24 with a display. To be able to automatically provide such status information, the circuitry 38 of the storage device 12 in exemplary embodiments includes one or more access panel sensors 54 arranged to determine individually whether each drawer is fully closed sufficient that when the processor 40 activates the access panel actuators 52 to lock the access panels 50, the access panels will be locked without any additional action by the worker. Exemplary sensors include magnetic sensors positioned to indicate (e.g., change states from one state to another) when a corresponding access panel is completely closed, physical limit switches positioned to indicate (e.g., change states from open to closed or vice versa) when a

corresponding access panel is completely closed, electromagnetic emitter/detector pairs positioned to indicate (e.g., change states from one logical value to another) when a

corresponding access panel is completely closed, and other sensors for determining when a corresponding access panel is completely closed. Additionally, the '943 Application provides a reference code 136r that can be used to determine when a drawer is closed in a storage device in accordance with that application. Any one or more of these can be used as access panel sensors 54. [0030] Referring now to Figure 5, a block diagram of an exemplary local networked device 22 or remote networked device 24 is shown. Exemplary networked device 22, 24 comprises one or more processors 60 in communication with a memory circuit 62, one or more user input circuits 64, a display circuit 66, and one or more communication circuits 68. Memory circuit 62 comprises one or more non-transitory computer readable media of one or more data storage devices. In the context of a handheld computer, this memory circuit might include flash memory (or other solid state memory) and/or RAM and/or ROM memories. In the context of a desktop or laptop computer, this memory circuit might include one or more fixed disk drives and/or RAM and/or ROM memories. Memory circuit 62 will have stored thereon logic modules for performing the various functions and processes described herein or a program to access such logic modules from a remote memory, such as a memory of access server 32 (e.g., a browser program to access such logic modules from the server memory ). User input circuits 64 can include any one or more of buttons, keyboards, keys, touchpads, touchscreens, and associated support chips, and/or one or more communication circuits (e.g., RS-232 or USB) for an external keyboard or other external user input device, such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, track pad, or other pointing device, or other user input devices. Display circuit 66 can include any one or more of LEDs, NxM textual displays, matrix displays on which a graphical user interface ("GUI") can be presented, e.g., a color or monochrome liquid crystal display ("LCD") or organic light-emitting diode ("OLED") display, with associated drive chips, and/or one or more graphics circuits (e.g., VGA or HDMI) for an external display, or other displays. Communication circuits 68 include antennas and/or data ports and driver chips for sending and receiving communications with devices external to the storage device 12. Communication circuits 68 can include any one or more of WiFi antennas and circuitry, LTE antennas and circuitry, GPS antennas and circuitry, CDPD antennas and circuitry, GPRS antennas and circuitry, GSM antennas and circuitry, UMTS antennas and circuitry, and other antennas and circuitry, USB ports and circuitry (e.g., standard, micro, mini, etc.), RS-232 ports and circuitry, proprietary ports and circuitry (e.g., APPLE 30-pin and Lightning ports), RFID antennas and circuitry, NFC antennas and circuitry, bump technology antennas and circuitry, a Bluetooth antenna and circuitry, and other antennas, ports, and circuitry.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of a storage device 12 in the context of Figure 1, the local communication device 16 is an RFID card and the communication circuits 68 comprises at least one RFID antenna and circuitry (e.g., one RFID antenna and circuitry for the entire device 12 or one RFID antenna and circuitry for each drawer, door, and/or other access panel). In short, receiving a signal, e.g., by swiping an approved RFID card, causes the processor of the storage device 12 to lock or unlock a corresponding drawer or all the drawers (or other access panels, such as doors and removable panels). More specifically, the processor 40 of the exemplary storage device 12 is programmed to lock/unlock all access panels or corresponding access panels in response to a worker swiping a pre-approved RFID card. If there is a single RFID antenna for the storage device 12, and if most or all of the drawers are unlocked, the storage device 12 locks all the drawers (or other access panels, such as doors and removable panels) in response to a swipe of an approved RFID card. In response to a subsequent swipe of the same card, the storage device 12 unlocks all the drawers (or other access panels, such as doors and removable panels). If there is a single RFID antenna for the storage device 12, and if most or all of the drawers are locked, the storage device 12 unlocks all the drawers (or other access panels, such as doors and removable panels) in response to a swipe of an approved RFID card. In response to a subsequent swipe of the same card, the storage device 12 locks all the drawers (or other access panels, such as doors and removable panels). A card may only unlock only the drawers(s) the card has permission to access. Thus, some storage devices 12 might not unlock any drawers in response to a swipe of a particular card and some storage devices 12 might only unlock and re- lock one or more pre-selected drawer(s) in response to a swipe of that card.

[0032] Referring now to Figure 6, a flowchart of code executing on a processor 40 of an exemplary storage device 12 (in the context of Figures 1 and with further reference to Figure 4) that unlocks access panels responsive to an RFID card 16 is shown. In Figure 6, "swapping" and "swapped" is being used synonymously with "swiping" and "swiped" in the context of moving an RFID card proximate an RFID antenna. As shown in Figure 6, the processor 40 of exemplary storage device 12 receives data scanned from an RFID card 16, determines if the card is a valid RFID card 16 (e.g., the card is not on a card "blacklist" which is updated in the storage device 12 from time to time) and whether the RFID card 16 has stored thereon credentials indicating that the card 16 is permitted to unlock and open one or more drawers (or other access panels 50, such as doors and removable panels) of that storage device 12. If both are true, the processor 40 displays a message via display 46 and activates one or more corresponding access panel actuators 52 to unlock the corresponding one or more drawers (or other access panels 50, such as doors and removable panels). If the processor 40 determines that either the card is an invalid RFID card 16 (e.g., the card is listed on a card "blacklist" which is updated in the storage device 12 from time to time) or that the RFID card 16 does not have stored thereon credentials indicating that the card 16 is permitted to open any drawers (or other access panels 50, such as doors and removable panels) of that storage device 12, the processor 40 displays an error message via display 46 and sounds an alert (e.g., via speakers 59 shown in Figure 4). In exemplary embodiments, after a pre-determined amount of time, which can be pre-set for each worker for each storage device in exemplary embodiments, the processor 40 of exemplary storage unit 12 causes the corresponding access panel actuator 52 to lock the corresponding one or more drawers (or other access panels 50, such as doors and removable panels) whether the drawers are closed or not; after the actuators 52 lock the drawers, when the drawers are closed by a worker, they will remain closed and locked until unlocked once again.

[0033] In exemplary embodiments, the user input device 44 (e.g., a keypad or keyboard) can be used to unlock and lock one or more access panels, such as drawers. In short, typing in an approved sequence of digits or alphanumeric characters into user input 44 causes the processor 40 of the storage device 12 to lock or unlock a corresponding drawer or all the drawers (or other access panels, such as doors and removable panels). More specifically, the processor 40 of the exemplary storage device 12 is programmed to lock/unlock all access panels or corresponding access panels in response to a worker typing in a pre-approved series of digits or alphanumeric characters. Each storage device 12 can have a single code to unlock and lock all drawers (or other access panels, such as doors and removable panels). In the alternative, each drawer (or other access panel, such as a door and a removable panel) can have its own access code. If there is a single access code for the storage device 12, and if most or all of the drawers are unlocked, the storage device 12 locks all the drawers (or other access panels, such as doors and removable panels) in response to entering the code. In response to a subsequent entry of that code same code, the storage device 12 unlocks all the drawers (or other access panels, such as doors and removable panels). If there is a code for the storage device 12, and if most or all of the drawers are locked, the storage device 12 unlocks all the drawers (or other access panels, such as doors and removable panels) in response to entry of that code. In response to a subsequent entry of that code, the storage device 12 locks all the drawers (or other access panels, such as doors and removable panels). A code may only unlock only the drawers(s) the code has permission to access. Thus, some storage devices 12 might not unlock any drawers in response to entry of a code and some storage devices 12 might only unlock and re-lock one or more pre-selected drawer(s) in response to entry of that code.

[0034] Referring now to Figure 7, a flowchart of code executing on a processor 40 of an exemplary storage device 12 that unlocks in response to entry of a code is shown. Exemplary storage device 12 includes as a user input 44 a rotary encoder that is used to select a user from a pre-approved list of workers approved to open an access panel of that storage device 12. As shown in Figure 7, the processor 40 of exemplary storage device 12 receives data corresponding to a selected user via the encoder in response to a user rotating the encoder and pressing a switch indicating that that user is attempting to access the storage device 12. The processor then accepts a series of digits or alphanumeric characters input via a keypad or keyboard. The processor 40 then determines if the entered code is a valid code for the selected user. If so, the processor 40 displays a message via display 46 and activates one or more corresponding access panel actuators 52 to unlock the corresponding one or more drawers (or other access panels 50, such as doors and removable panels). If the processor 40 determines that the entered code is invalid for the selected user, the processor 40 displays an error message via display 46 and sounds an alert (e.g., via speakers 59 shown in Figure 4). In the embodiment of Figure 7, the processor waits for the corresponding sensor 54 to indicate that the drawer is now closed and then locks the corresponding drawers. In other exemplary embodiments, after a pre-determined amount of time, which can be pre-set for each worker for each storage device in exemplary embodiments, the processor 40 of exemplary storage device 12 causes the corresponding access panel actuator 52 to lock the corresponding one or more drawers (or other access panels 50, such as doors and removable panels) whether the drawers are closed or not; after the actuators 52 lock the drawers, when the drawers are closed by a worker, they will remain closed and locked until unlocked once again.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, an exemplary App running on a portable computer, e.g., a so-called smart-phone or a tablet computer, causes its processor 60 to send to storage device 12 in the context of any of Figures 1-3 (or to access server 32) using communication circuit 68 unlock and lock commands for individual access panels. The App can also cause processor 60 to receive back and display on display 66 status information about the

locked/unlock status of each of the access panels and/or the open/closed (i.e., not fully closed or fully closed, respectively) status of each the access panels. In such exemplary embodiments, the processor 40 of exemplary storage device 12 receives the unlock and lock commands for individual access panels via communication circuit 48, determines whether the data received is valid, and causes the corresponding access panel actuator 52 to unlock or lock the corresponding access panel 50. The above App can be used with virtually any communications protocols for communications signals 27-29; thus, a computer remote from the storage device 12 can lock or unlock access panels of the storage device 12 and/or monitor the status of the access panels of the storage device 12. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an exemplary App for a Bluetooth link between an exemplary Bluetooth capable storage device 12 and a Bluetooth capable local communications device 16.

[0036] Figure 9 shows exemplary screen shots of an exemplary implementation of an

App for a device 16, 22, 24. The processor 60 is programmed to perform the functions herein, including detecting a user touching icons using a touch screen as a user input 64, and display the exemplary screens on display 66. From the start screen (left most screen shot in Figure 9):

a. When a user touches, clicks on, or otherwise selects the "start" icon causes the processor 60 to display the main screen (center screen shot in Figure 9); and b. When a user touches, clicks on, or otherwise selects the website link icon causes the processor 60 to display a web browser to display pertinent web pages, e.g., the Waterloo Industries website (right, bottom screen shot in Figure 9).

[0037] In exemplary embodiments, the image of the toolbox in the main screen displayed to the user on display 66 corresponds to the actual physical arrangement of access panels on the storage device 12. In the implementation shown, the storage device 12 being controlled with the App has four drawers and the display shows four drawers. Each drawer is implemented as an active icon; thus, the display shows a plurality of icons (one for each drawer). A user touching one of the drawer icons causes the processor 60 to transmit an unlock or lock command via the communication circuit 68 to communication circuit 48 (perhaps via networks 26 and perhaps via access server 32) cause the processor 40 of storage device 12 to unlock or lock, respectively, the corresponding drawer. The processor 40 of storage device 12 detects the locked/unlocked status of the drawers using sensors 54, and transmits the status data via communication circuit 48 to communication circuit 68 for display by processor 60 on display 66. In Figure 9, the status of each drawer is shown with a simulated green LED (for locked) or red LED (for unlocked) in the upper right hand corner of each drawer icon. In the main screen shown in Figure 9, all the drawers are locked. In Figure 10A, all the drawers are locked, except the second drawer from the top, which is unlocked. Similarly, in Figure 10B, all the drawers are locked, except the bottom drawer, which is unlocked.

[0038] The exemplary main screen also has a tool inventory icon, a storage device selector icon, and the website link icon discussed above. From the main screen:

c. When a user touches, clicks on, or otherwise selects a specific drawer icon, a signal is sent to unlock or lock the specific drawer that was clicked on the image. d. When a user touches, clicks on, or otherwise selects the toolbox inventory icon, the processor 60 causes display 66 to display a screen (upper right hand corner of Figure 9) to add tools to the inventory data for that storage decide, e.g., entering tools manually or by scanning a tool's barcode. In response to the worker selecting the manual tool entry icon, the processor 60 causes display 66 to present to the user a software user input, e.g., one or more pull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks, and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radio button sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text can be freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which the worker can manually enter one or more tools or other items into the inventory data for that storage device 12. In response to the worker selecting the scan tool icon, the processor causes the device 16, 22, 24, e.g., a hand held device with a scanner, to scan a bar code, RFID tag, or other indicator on a tool, save that scanned data (or tool data or other data corresponding to the scanned bar code, RFID tag, or other indicator) in inventory data in local memory 62, and send the scanned data (or tool data or other data corresponding to the scanned bar code, RFID tag, or other indicator) to the storage device 12 and/or access server 32 to be saved with other inventory data.

e. When a user touches, clicks on, or otherwise selects the storage device selector icon, the processor 60 causes display 66 to display a screen (center image on the right hand side of Figure 9) showing one or more storage devices associated with that device 16, 22, 24 to permit the worker to select one of the storage devices to control and/or display status data. When the user touches, clicks on, or otherwise selects one of the device names, the processor 60 communicates with that respective storage device 12 via communication circuits 68, 48 to download status data to be displayed on a main screen for that particular storage device 12 on display 66.

f. When a user touches, clicks on, or otherwise selects the website link icon causes the processor 60 to display a web browser to display pertinent web pages, e.g., the Waterloo Industries website (right, bottom screen shot in Figure 9).

[0039] In exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 can play on speaker 59 audio streamed from any of devices 16, 22, 24. In an exemplary Bluetooth embodiment, the device 16, 22, 24 is paired with storage device 12 to stream sounds, e.g., music, rings, etc. to the storage device 12 for the storage device 12 to play on speakers 59. In this exemplary Bluetooth audio transfer embodiment, the a Smartphone transfers audio data to a Bluetooth module (e.g., Laird Technologies BTM511) in the circuitry 38 of storage device 12, which will play the audio speakers 59. The exemplary Bluetooth module transfers music using A2DP Bluetooth profile. In this exemplary embodiment, once the devices are paired, every audio that would otherwise be played by the Smartphone will be transferred to the storage device 12 and played on speakers 59 (music, ringtone of a call, voice from calls, etc.).

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, all the data communicated between the various system components are logged in the storage device memory 42 and/or the memory 62 of the devices 16, 22, 24 and/or a memory of access server 32. Thus, all access attempts, all accesses, all changes in access panel locked/unlocked status, all changes in access panel open/closed status, etc. can be logged in one or more of these memories for later analysis, audits, report generation, etc. In exemplary embodiments, such data for a plurality of storage devices 12 can be stored centrally in the memory of access server 32.

[0041] Referring back to Figure 4, in exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 is powered by a wall outlet and has corresponding power circuitry (not shown). In other exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 is optionally powered by one or more batteries 56 and has corresponding power circuitry (not shown). In exemplary embodiment, the storage device 12 has access panel charging units 57 that convert the physical movement of the access panels (e.g., converts the sliding movement of drawers) to electrical energy to trickle charge the batteries 56. For example, a generator (not shown) can be coupled to each drawer to generate electricity that can be applied to trickle charge the batteries 56 by charging circuitry. The generators can be coupled to the drawers to convert the linear movement of the drawer to rotary movement to drive the generator in any of several acceptable ways, such as via gears (a linear gear—a long piece of material with a series of Vs or other teeth formed therein—coupled to and running a substantial length along a drawer driving a circular gear coupled to the shaft of a generator) or via friction (a wheel with a high friction surface coupled to a generator engaging a surface of the drawer). Such mechanical configurations can also be used to provide the processor 40 with the ability to automatically open drawers and automatically close drawers. For example, if a processor- controlled motor is coupled to each drawer, e.g., via gears or via friction, the processor- controlled motor can be used to automatically open the drawer when the drawer is unlocked and automatically close the drawer after a predetermined time -period, e.g., a pre-selected number of seconds/minutes. Use of such a motor can provide dual functionality of automatically opening and closing the drawers in response to the processor in one mode and charging the batteries 56 in another mode (many motors can be used as a motor if driven electrically or a generator if driven mechanically).

[0042] Full storage devices can weigh hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Storage devices with wheels or casters can be nearly impossible to move when full. Referring to Figure 11, in exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 has at least one motor 80 that can physically drive at least one drive wheel 82 to help physically move the storage device 12.

Providing a motor can help make moving such storage devices possible. Processor 40 can control the one or more motors 80 with corresponding motor controllers 84. Processor 40 can cause the display 46 to display a user interface (not shown) with which a worker can engage the drive motor 80. In the alternative, or in addition thereto, a throttle control 86 (e.g., a simple push to operate, release to stop pushbutton or a rotational throttle control as found on motorcycles and jet skis or a throttle control lever as found on many watercraft) can be provided to control the motor 80 and perhaps the speed of motor 80 via processor 40.

[0043] In exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 has integrated power circuitry

(not shown) to permit use and charging of cordless power tools and user devices, such as smart phones, pad computers, monitors, etc. Such integrated power can include USB charging ports and associated circuitry (both regular USB and higher current Apple USB charging ports), two- prong and 3-prong 110 VAC outlets, and DC outlets and associated circuitry for more common tool chargers.

[0044] Referring back to Figure 4, in exemplary embodiments the user inputs 44 include one or more biometric sensors, e.g., fingerprint readers, retinal scanners, microphones for voice prints, etc. for user verification. If such sensors are present, at least one of the processors 40, 60 (or the processor of server 32 ) will have corresponding logic to analyze the biometric data and indicate whether the data is valid or not, e.g., fingerprint analysis logic and comparison logic, retina analysis logic and comparison logic, voice print analysis logic and comparison logic, etc. Such biometric data can be used alone or in conjunction with user passwords and/or other biometric data to verify a worker's ability to open an access panel of a storage device and/or use the motors 80 to move the storage device.

[0045] In exemplary embodiments, the communications circuitry 48 of a storage device

12 includes GPS antenna(s) and circuitry and location determining logic. The processor 40 of such storage devices 12 can have logic causing it to periodically determine and transmit to the devices 16, 22, 24 and the access server 32 its location, e.g., every predetermined number of hours/days/weeks and/or in response to each access attempt.

[0046] In exemplary embodiments, the storage device can determine and transmit to the devices 16, 22, 24 and the access server 32 when a tool in its inventory is missing from the storage device 12. For example, if the storage device 12 is made in accordance with the '943 Application, the storage device can determine when tools in its inventory are missing from the storage device 12. As another example, the drawers and other tool storage areas of the storage device 12 can be configured with sensors to permit the processor 40 to determine the current weight of the tools located in each drawer and other tool storage area and compare the current weight to a baseline (expected) weight to determine that one or more tools are missing. For example, a pressure-sensitive material sensor can be used to line each drawer and send signals to circuitry that determines weight data for that drawer or area that the processor can use to determine whether one or more tools are missing. As another example, strain gauges can be positioned somewhere proximate the drawer, its rails, the frame, the wheel supports, the wheel axles, etc. Data from such strain gauges can be used by the processor 40 to determine the weight of a drawer, a storage area, or the entire storage device, which can be compared to a baseline weight to determine whether one or more tools are missing. The identity of a missing tool or tools can be communicated to one or more persons using notification logic 120, discussed below.

[0047] Referring now to Figure 12, an exemplary access server 32 is shown. The access server 32 of Figure 12 has one or more processors 90 in communication with a server memory 92 and one or more communication circuits 94. Server memory 92 includes one or more non- transitory computer readable media of one or more local or remote data storage devices. Data and logic for the various processes described herein can be stored on memory 42, 62, 92 permitting that data and logic to be accessed by the devices 16, 22, 24 and storage devices 12 via the communication circuits 94. The software used by the devices 16, 22, 24 and storage devices 12 to perform the various functions and processes herein can be stored on one or more data storage devices local to the devices 16, 22, 24 and storage devices 12 or can be downloaded or otherwise accessed from the server memory 92, or some combination of both. Thus, server memory 92 can also be used to store software for use by some of the devices 16, 22, 24 and storage devices 12 to perform the various functions and processes described herein. For example, the devices 16, 22, 24 and storage devices 12 can use a browser to access web-based software or other remote software hosted by the access server 32. The communication circuits 94 can include any suitable bus interface circuits for communicating with the devices 16, 22, 24 and storage devices 12 over wired or wireless communication media (e.g., radiofrequency or optical communication media).

[0048] Referring now to Figure 13, exemplary memories 42, 62, 92 are shown.

Memories 42, 62, 92 include one or more non-transitory computer readable media of one or more local or remote data storage devices having stored thereon (or having a pointer thereto stored thereon) any one or more of the following types of data: storage device data 100, storage device template data 102, personnel data 104, security data 106, owner/site data 108, other template data 110, and/or notification data 112. "Pointer" and "point to" as used herein in connection with data or software include, but are not limited to, storing on a non-transitory computer readable media of a data storage device one or more data indicating the location on another data storage device from where the data or software can be downloaded or otherwise accessed.

[0049] Storage device data 100 includes data about various storage devices. Exemplary storage device data 100 includes, for each storage device, any one or more of the following: storage device name, storage device identifier (e.g., serial number or internal identifier, such as "Tool Box 3C"), storage device type (e.g., tool box, tool chest, tool cabinet, tool cart, etc.), radiofrequency identification ("RFID") number (or some other unique identifier transmitted remotely), storage device status (e.g., in service, in for repair, in need of repair, defective- purchase immediately, out of service, destroyed, quarantined, or removed from inventory), date identified (date entered into the memory 42, 62, 92), the person to whom the storage device is assigned, the organization that owns the storage device, the job site associated with the storage device, the organizational division associated with the storage device, the last known location of the storage device, a reference number for the storage device, files associated with the storage device (e.g., photographs and other documents that have been uploaded to memory 42, 62, 92 or otherwise accessed by or via memory 42, 62, 92 or indicated to by a pointer stored in memory 42, 62, 92), storage device inventory, storage device purchase cost, date permanently removed from service, other storage devices related to that storage device (e.g., a tool box and tool cart might together have tools for a specific task or work site), dates and times of access attempts, how long each access panel was unlocked as a result of each access attempt, how long each access panel was open as a result of each access attempt, and other storage device data.

[0050] In exemplary embodiments, storage device data 100 is input and stored to the memory 42, 62, 92 by a user (e.g., an administrative user or full user) using administration logic 130 or by the user using administration logic 130 to upload or otherwise access or point to storage device data. Memory 42, 62, 92 can also have stored thereon storage device template data 102, which provides suggested storage device data for various kinds of storage devices. A user has storage device template data 102 available as a starting point when creating storage device data 100 (i.e., adding storage device data 100 to the memory 42, 62, 92). When a user is in the process of adding a particular storage device to the memory 42, 62, 92, the user can download or otherwise access storage device template data 102 for that kind of storage device suggesting how some or all storage device data fields should be completed and all, some, or none of that storage device template data need be included in the storage device data saved by the user for a particular storage device to the memory 42, 62, 92.

[0051] Memory 42, 62, 92 can also have stored thereon personnel data 104, which are data about various persons. Exemplary personnel data 104 includes, for each person, any one or more of the following: first name, middle name, last name, contact information, storage devices assigned to or otherwise associated with the person, storage devices or types of storage devices the person is permitted to use, specific access panels 50 person is permitted to access, windows of time the person may access particular storage devices or specific access panels of storage devices (e.g., only every Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM), types of data the person is permitted to add, types of data the person is permitted to modify and/or delete, software modules the person is able to access, current job title, and other personnel data 104.

[0052] Memory 42, 62, 92 can also have stored thereon security data 106, which are data used to control access by persons to the storage device 12 and control access by persons to some of the data, e.g., only certain users may add or modify security data 106. Exemplary security data includes any one or more of the following: password data for each person able to access the storage device 12, specific access panels 50 that that person may access; specific tools that that person may remove from the storage device 12; password data for each person able to access any of the data in the system, types of data the person is permitted to add, types of data the person is permitted to modify and/or delete, software modules the person is able to access, and other security data.

[0053] Memory 42, 62, 92 can also have stored thereon owner/site data 108, which are data about various entities, locations, and sites. Exemplary owner/site data 108 includes any one or more of the following: the name of various entities that can own storage devices, possess storage devices, repair storage devices, inspect storage devices, site data, location data for any entity, site data, which is location data for any specific site at a location, and other owner/site data 108.

[0054] In exemplary embodiments, personnel data 104, security data 106, and owner/site data 108, will also be input and stored to the memory 42, 62, 92 by a user (e.g., an administrative user) using administration logic 130 or by the user using administration logic 130 to upload or otherwise access or link storage device data. Memory 42, 62, 92 can also have stored thereon other template data 110, which provides suggested storage device data for personnel data 104, security data 106, and owner/site data 108. A user has other template data 110 available as a starting point when creating personnel data 104, security data 106, and owner/site data 108 (i.e., adding any of the foregoing to the memory 42, 62, 92). When a user is in the process of adding data to the memory 42, 62, 92, the user can download or otherwise access other template data 110 for that kind of data suggesting how some or all data fields should be completed and all, some, or none of that other template data need be included in the data saved by the user to the memory 42, 62, 92.

[0055] Memory 42, 62, 92 can also have stored thereon notification data 112, which are data about various specific notifications that are scheduled to be sent or have already been sent. Exemplary notification data 112 includes for each notification, any one or more of the following: a notification name, a type of notification (e.g., a periodic notification or an alert), the text of the notification, the intended recipient(s) of the notification, the intended recipient(s) of the notification for whom a delivery problem occurred, the date the notification is to be sent, the date the notification was actually sent, and other notification data 112.

[0056] The memories 42, 62, 92 can also have stored thereon a plurality of logic modules with software causing one or more processors to perform the various functions and processes herein. For example, the memories 42, 62, 92 can have stored thereon any one or more of the following logic modules: notification logic 120, security logic 122, remote data logic 124, offline device logic 126, search logic 128, administration logic 130, and report generation logic 132.

[0057] Notification logic 120 causes one or more circuits, e.g., the one or more processors, to generate and transmit notifications to one or more users in accordance with notification data and other data. For example, if a storage device determines that a tool is missing from its inventory of tools at the end of the day, a notification might be sent.

Notifications can be any one or more different types of direct notifications, such as texts, e-mails, and/or automated phone calls presenting audio messages by playing back pre-recorded audio data files stored on one or more devices. Notifications can also take the form of indirect notifications by interactions with other software, i.e., sending a message to the other software, which displays the notification to the user using its own display, such as (a) sending for display the text of a pop-up notification to a computer such as a handheld computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a special purpose computer, (b) sending a calendar message to cause integral or 3rd party calendar software to enter an event entry on an electronic calendar of the recipient, e.g., to investigate the missing tool(s), (c) sending a message to integral or 3rd party workflow software (e.g., sending a message to SAP brand enterprise resource planning software via its API or to MAXIMO brand enterprise resource planning software via its API), e.g., to investigate the missing tool(s), and/or (d) sending a message to be collected with other messages (e.g., sending a message to an iOS device to be collected with other messages on the pull-down iOS Notification Center screen), e.g., to investigate the missing tool(s), etc. For example, if a tool is determined to be missing, notification logic might (a) immediately directly send an e-mail notification about the missing tool(s) to one or more users of the asset who are flagged to receive notifications about that particular storage device, and/or (b) immediately directly send or queue for later direct sending a notification that the tools have been determined to be missing, such as in a daily e-mail to the worker indicating the tasks for that day to be performed by that worker, and/or (c) send a calendar event corresponding to the missing tool(s) to the worker's work calendar software. In exemplary embodiments, personnel data can indicate which notifications are to be sent to each person and in which format(s), i.e., can indicate which persons are subscribers of which notifications and the manner(s) of delivery. Similarly, in exemplary embodiments, administration logic can present to a user a software user input, e.g., one or more pull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks, and/or one or more select-one radio button sets, and/or select-all radio button sets, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text can be freely typed with a computer keyboard, with which administrative personnel or other users can select which notifications are to be sent to each person and in which format(s), i.e., can indicate which persons are subscribers of which notifications and the manner(s) of delivery (depending on permissions).

[0058] Security logic 122 causes one or more circuits, e.g., one or more processors, to ensure that each person is permitted to access only the storage devices 12 and specific access panels 50 that that person is authorized to access, that each person is permitted to read, write, and modify only the data that that person is authorized to read, write, and modify, respectively, and that each person is permitted to execute only the logic modules that that person is authorized to execute, based on personnel data 104 and/or security data 106. As an example, security logic 122 might require that users enter a pre-approved username and password at a landing page of a browser session before the user may execute any of the logic modules on the memory 42, 62, 92, e.g., to unlock or check the status of various storage devices 12, based on respective personnel data 104 and/or security data 106. As another example, security logic 122 might require that a user have previously entered a pre-approved username and password into a stand-alone app running on a handheld computer (or scanning a security badge or other electronic access card) before the stand-alone app is permitted to unlock any of the access panels 50 of a storage device, and might limit access by the app to a particular subset of storage devices 12 based on respective personnel data 104 and/or security data 106. As still another example, security logic 122 might limit a user of an App or web-based program to merely check the status of various storage devices and not permit that user to unlock any access panels of any of the storage devices based on respective personnel data 104 and/or security data 106.

[0059] Remote data logic 124 causes one or more circuits, e.g., one or more processors, to provide any of the data herein to the one or more devices 16, 22, 24 in response to requests for such data by software executing on the devices. For example, a user using a device 16, 22, 24 might actuate a user interface to indicate that the user wants to be presented with all the data for a particular storage device, e.g., with a query user interface. In response, the remote data logic 124 cause one or more processors to retrieve that storage device data and transmit that storage device data to the device 16, 22, 24 to be presented to the user, e.g., on display 46 or display 66 or some other display.

[0060] Offline device logic 126 causes one or more circuits, e.g., one or more processors, to interact with computers 14, 16 and temporarily transfer data thereto to permit the computers 14, 16 to perform activities with storage device data 100, storage device template data 102, personnel data 104, security data 106, owner/site data 108, other template data 110, and/or notification data 112 while there is no direct communication with the access server 32. As an example, the offline device logic 126 can present to the user a software user input, e.g., a pulldown menu or an icon with which the user can indicate to the access server 32 that the user would like offline access to a particular storage device or group of storage devices. In response to such a user indication, the offline device logic 126 causes one or more circuits, e.g., one or more processors, to transfer data pertaining to that storage device or group of storage devices, e.g., a subset of storage device data and/or security data, to the data storage device of the device 16, 22, 24. The user then accesses the storage device or group of storage devices and generates additional corresponding data about the storage device or group of storage devices, such as the date and time of accesses and access attempts. When the device 16, 22, 24 is next in

communication with the access server 32 via the network(s) 26, the offline device logic 126 causes one or more circuits, e.g., one or more processors, to transfer cached data pertaining to that storage device or storage devices, e.g., the audit data, from the data storage device of the device 16, 22, 24 to the access server 32. [0061] Search logic 128 causes one or more circuits, e.g., one or more processors, to receive queries about data and to search for and present the results of queries of any of the data to which the corresponding user has access. In response, the search logic 128 identifies any data responsive to the query and presents that data to the user, subject to personnel data 104 and security data 106. For example, a worker might want to identify the status of all the storage devices with an unlocked access panel and either selects from a drop-down menu corresponding to storage device status the "unlocked" status and/or enter the word "unlocked" in a freeform text field corresponding to storage device status. In response, the search logic 128 identifies any data responsive to the query and presents the storage devices with an unlocked access panel in the system that the user may access.

[0062] Report generation logic 132 permits users to generate, transmit, print, and/or transmit reports of any of the foregoing data, subject to personnel data 104 and security data 106. More specifically, in exemplary embodiments, scheduling logic 86 can present to the user a software user input, e.g., one or more pull-down menus or drop-down menus, one or more icons or hyperlinks, and/or one or more freeform text fields into which text can be freely typed with a computer keyboard, e.g., an icon for a completed inspection or an icon to print a list of search results, to cause any of the processors to gather data corresponding to the request and generate a report that can be viewed, printed, and/or transmitted.

[0063] In exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 has proximity access control, i.e., processor 40 will determine automatically that an approved worker is near and automatically unlock one or more access panels (as set by permissions). For example, the devices 16, 22 can automatically and continuously (e.g., every set number of seconds) transmit a signal that can be received by communication circuit 48 and used by processor 40 to determine that an approved worker is near and automatically unlock one or more access panels (as set by permissions).

[0064] In exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 has a scannable tag, e.g., an

RFID tag or a barcode physically attached to the storage device 12. Data acquired from scans of the scannable tag can be used to verify that a worker is actually proximate the storage device, which can used in conjunction with any one or more of the foregoing access methodologies (password entry, pre-approved device 16, 22, biometric matching, etc.) to ensure that a worker attempting access is actually near the storage device. [0065] In exemplary embodiments, one or more video cameras proximate the storage device and showing the storage device and its surroundings are used in conjunction with any one or more of the foregoing access methodologies (e.g., password entry, pre-approved device 16, 22, biometric matching, etc.) to ensure that a worker attempting access is actually near the storage device. In exemplary embodiments, video data from such a video camera is transmitted remotely to a remote device 24 for viewing by a remote authorizer, who looks at the video, decides whether or not someone attempting access should actually be given access, and if so indicates via remote device 24 that the worker is to be given access. The storage device receives the additional access approval and unlocks one or more of the access panels consistent with permission data.

[0066] Exemplary embodiments handle detecting a loss of power differently, e.g., in response to detecting that external power has been lost (and no battery backup is available) or detecting that there is no external power and battery power is critically low. In exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 does nothing when a loss of power is detected, thus permitting the access panels 50 to stay in their current state as power is lost. In the alternative, in other exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 circuitry 38 attempts to unlock all locked access panels 50 in response to detecting a loss of power; electrical power to do so can be provided from, for example, a small battery backup (not shown) dedicated to loss of power events or from power supply capacitors (not shown) as they slowly lose their charge. In the alternative, in other exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 circuitry 38 attempts to lock all unlocked access panels 50 in response to detecting a loss of power; electrical power to do so can be provided from, for example, the small loss of power battery backup or from power supply capacitors as they slowly lose their charge. In the alternative, in other exemplary embodiments, the storage device 12 circuitry 38 attempts to close and lock all locked access panels 50 in response to detecting a loss of power; electrical power to do so can be provided from, for example, the small loss of power battery backup or from the power supply capacitors as they slowly lose their charge.

[0067] In exemplary embodiments, a manual override is provided to unlock access panels. In exemplary embodiments, there is an electrical override, a mechanical override, or both a mechanical override and an electrical override. For example, a mechanical key can be configured to be either an electrical override, a mechanical override, or both a mechanical override and an electrical override. Mechanical key locks that lock and unlock storage device access panels, e.g., tool box drawers, are known, and can be modified using the teachings herein to override the access panel actuators 52, e.g., by moving them out of engagement with the drawers 50 in response to turning the key to the override position. A mechanical key with an integral electrical switch that changes states (from open to close or vice versa) when turned can be coupled to the circuitry 38 to provide an electrical override. If the key switch is turned to the position indicating an override condition, the processor 40 causes actuators 52 to be moved to the unlock position thereby unlocking all the access panels 50; electrical power to do so can be provided from, for example, the small loss of power battery backup or from the power supply capacitors as they slowly lose their charge. The electrical override can be implemented, for example, in a circuit that bypasses the processor 40 to directly drive the access panel actuators 52 and/or by using a very high priority function of the processor 40, such as an unmaskable interrupt service routine.

[0068] Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, an exemplary access panel actuator 52 is shown. Actuator 52 comprises a motor 140, a gear train 142, a latch 144, and associated driver circuitry (not shown) permitting the processor 40 to lock and unlock a drawer 146. The face plate of the drawer 146 has been removed to permit the latch 144 to be seen. As is apparent from Figure 14, the latch when rotated to the position shown in Figures 14 and 15 will prevent the drawer 146 from being pulled out. To unlock the drawer 146, the processor 40 causes the motor 140 and gear train 142 to rotate the latch counterclockwise (Figure 14) to move the latch out of the way to permit the drawer 146 to be pulled out. Once a worker finishes with the drawer 146, the worker pushes the back in and the processor can cause the motor 140 and gear train 142 to rotate the latch clockwise (Figure 14) to move the latch into the way to prevent the drawer 146 from being pulled out.

[0069] Some of the steps, acts, and other processes and portions of processes are described herein as being done "automatically." In the alternative, or in addition thereto, those steps, acts, and other processes and portions of processes can be done with one or more intervening human acts or other manual acts that eventually trigger the mentioned step(s), act(s), and/or other process(es) and/or process portion(s).

[0070] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of

embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, the steps of all processes and methods herein can be performed in any order, unless two or more steps are expressly stated as being performed in a particular order, or certain steps inherently require a particular order. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A remotely unlockable storage device, comprising:

one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors;

receiver logic to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions;

unlock logic to lock and unlock the drawers and/or doors in response thereto, respectively; and

status logic to transmit status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

2. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 1, wherein the status logic transmits any one or any two or more of the following: (a) locked status collectively for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors, (b) locked status individually for at least one of the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors, (c) locked status individually for each of the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors, (d) closed status collectively for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors, (e) closed status individually for at least one of the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors, and/or (f) closed status individually for each of the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

3. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more processors programmed to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions to implement the receiver logic, programmed to lock and unlock the drawers and/or doors in response thereto, respectively, to implement the unlock logic, and to transmit status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors to implement the status logic.

4. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 2, further comprising one or more processors programmed to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions to implement the receiver logic, programmed to lock and unlock the drawers and/or doors in response thereto, respectively, to implement the unlock logic, and to transmit status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors to implement the status logic.

5. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one communication circuit to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions and at least one actuator positioned to physically lock and unlock the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

6. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 2, further comprising at least one communication circuit to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions and at least one actuator positioned to physically lock and unlock the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

7. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 3, further comprising at least one communication circuit to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions and at least one actuator positioned to physically lock and unlock the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

8. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 4, further comprising at least one communication circuit to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions and at least one actuator positioned to physically lock and unlock the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

9. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor positioned with respect to the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors to determine whether the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors are closed or not and generate a corresponding signal used to provide the status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

10. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 2, further comprising at least one sensor positioned with respect to the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors to determine whether the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors are closed or not and generate a corresponding signal used to provide the status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

11. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 3, further comprising at least one sensor positioned with respect to the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors to determine whether the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors are closed or not and generate a corresponding signal used to provide the status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

12. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 4, further comprising at least one sensor positioned with respect to the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors to determine whether the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors are closed or not and generate a corresponding signal used to provide the status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

13. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 5, further comprising at least one sensor positioned with respect to the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors to determine whether the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors are closed or not and generate a corresponding signal used to provide the status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

14. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 6, further comprising at least one sensor positioned with respect to the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors to determine whether the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors are closed or not and generate a corresponding signal used to provide the status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

15. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 7, further comprising at least one sensor positioned with respect to the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors to determine whether the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors are closed or not and generate a corresponding signal used to provide the status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

16. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 8, further comprising at least one sensor positioned with respect to the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors to determine whether the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors are closed or not and generate a corresponding signal used to provide the status information for the one or more electronically lockable and unlockable drawers and/or doors.

17. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one local communication circuit to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions from a local device, the at least one local communication circuit selected from the group consisting of: radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna(s) and circuitry, WiFi antennas and circuitry, NFC antennas and circuitry, bump technology antennas and circuitry, a Bluetooth antenna and circuitry, an infrared receiver and circuitry, other antennas, receivers, and circuitry, and other electromagnetic signal receivers and circuitry.

18. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 2, further comprising at least one local communication circuit to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions from a local device, the at least one local communication circuit selected from the group consisting of: radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna(s) and circuitry, WiFi antennas and circuitry, NFC antennas and circuitry, bump technology antennas and circuitry, a Bluetooth antenna and circuitry, an infrared receiver and circuitry, other antennas, receivers, and circuitry, and other electromagnetic signal receivers and circuitry.

19. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 3, further comprising at least one local communication circuit to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions from a local device, the at least one local communication circuit selected from the group consisting of: radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna(s) and circuitry, WiFi antennas and circuitry, NFC antennas and circuitry, bump technology antennas and circuitry, a Bluetooth antenna and circuitry, an infrared receiver and circuitry, other antennas, receivers, and circuitry, and other electromagnetic signal receivers and circuitry.

20. The remotely unlockable storage device according to claim 16, further comprising at least one local communication circuit to receive remote lock instructions and remote unlock instructions from a local device, the at least one local communication circuit selected from the group consisting of: radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna(s) and circuitry, WiFi antennas and circuitry, NFC antennas and circuitry, bump technology antennas and circuitry, a Bluetooth antenna and circuitry, an infrared receiver and circuitry, other antennas, receivers, and circuitry, and other electromagnetic signal receivers and circuitry.