CA1319965C - Interactive check list - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns an interactive check list. A list of items is provided, each item of which is associated with a signal key and a lamp. The device may be battery powered.
In checking the list the user presses a key associated with an item and the associated lamp, preferably an LED, changes its condition. Usually all the LEDs are lit at the beginning of an operation and go out as the items are checked off. The items may be checked off in any order.
Suitable circuitry is provided between each signal and its associated, lamp such as a NOR latch. Reset means may be provided and, optionally, a counter for run-throughs of the device and display means for the count. In some embodiments mounting means for a customised list devised by the customer is provided.

Description

~3~9~16~
The invention relates to an interactive check list especially to a hand held interactive check list.

Check lists are used for multitudinous purposes from the trivial to those of world importance but simple devices, other than pencil and paper, are not in common use.
.
Computerised systemsS dependent on software, are available l for sophisticated check lists which, at least usually~
!~ require tasks to be performed in a particular order.
More trivial systems are frequently games systems, usually } 10 require choice of input for a single item or question~

~ Check lists of a sort occur in various devices for other J purposes. For example, US Patent No. 1,131,129 to Avram is directed to a work efficiency machine which does not facilitate hand operated entry of data and does not lock out any input channels. US Patent No. 3,253,129 to Doeing is -directed to a market research machine to record the choices of answer to multiple choice questionsl In this it has similarities to some of ~he games systems already referred -to above. US Patent Nos. 3,286,918 and 3, 468,477 are directed to voting machines. It is an electro mechanical device in which the user chooses to press a button associated with one or more of the items offered to him on a check list. He is not expected to choose all of them.
. ' ' ': ' Where check lists are importance for safety or other reasons, for example in aeroplane pilots' pre-flight checks, it is often normal to have two people do the check, one of them reading out the items and the other performing the ~¦ required checks. Housewives still make shopping lists with pencil and paper, recreational vehlcle owners still oten forget to turn oEf the bottled gas or disconnect the water ::''' .

~ ' .'~ .
~...

~3~99~ ~
-::
before driving away, stock is still checked from a printed - -list, etc. `

There has been a nePd for a simple, inexpensive check list.

Accordingly the invention provides an interactive check li5~ ~ ~
co~prising; a list of items to be checked, a lamp associated -~ -with each item9 means to connect all the lamps ~o a source of electric power to bring them all into a first condition indicative of items to be checked, a single independent, manually operable signal key associated with each item and with the respective lamp, a switch for each key to change the state of the respective lamp in response to a signal ~ ;
from the key from the first condition to a second condition and maintain it in the second condition indicating that the respective item has been checked. Preferably including ~-~
reset means to return the lamps to the first condition ls included ` --: :.
: . .....
The lamps are preferably light emitting diodes and the first condition of the light emitting diodes may be either unlit r, ~, or lit. When the first condition is lit each swltch may ---~
comprise a NOR la~ch and each signal key may be actuable to -~
pass a pulse to the respective latch. When the first ~ -^
condition is unlit each switch may comprise an OR latch and - -each signal key may be actuable to pass a pulse to the respective latch.
- . , Means may be included to count the number of times the light emit~ing diodes change to the second condition and display means for the number counted by the counting means. In this case manually operable access means, for example, a switch~ -~
may be provided between the display means and the counter means to cause display o~ said number on said diplay means.
The access switch is key operated so that, ~or example, a~-' "'' "'~
' '.:
- ~.'.
., . :

~L 3 1 ~

supervisor, who retains the key, ~ay check on the number of times an operator has perEormed the check list. This is thought to particularly useful in the case of operators who carry out their tasks out of immediate range of supervision -Truck drivers, for example, should perform various checks on their truck perhaps as often as every time they drive away.
While the fact that they have checked through the check list a number of times and that this number has been counted is no guarantee that they have physically perfor~ed the checks, it is an indication. If the appropriate number of checks -~
have not been counted it is a more positive indication that the checks have not been made.

In the case of various machinery, especially vehicles, the check list may include a switch actuable to complete an independent circuit, such as an ignition circuit, when all the light emitting diodes change to the second condition.
In this case, the reset can be operated by the independent breaking of the independent circuit. Thus, if an ignition circult is arranged in this way~ switching off the engine will automatically reset the check list. In some circumstances this might be inconvenient where stops are for short rests or for gas. To mitigate this inconvenience a delay may be built in to delay the reset for any chosen ~;~
period. ~ --In another case the check list might be used as part of a supermarket trolley, in which case the list may be very comprehensive and items may be selected by the housewife from the comprehensive list in accordance with her shopping list. The selected items may be displayed on a check list attached to ~he shopping trolley in conjunction with store information as to which is the relevant shopping alsle.

, , .
L ~

:~31996~ :
A check list according to the invention may be r~quired for domestic use, in which case it may be required for different uses, such as a shopping list, a recreational vehicle check list, a list of daily chores, a homework subject list, etc.
The actual items on each list will not necessarily be the same for each user. Therefore it is of convenience to provide a hand held check list device without the check list at all but with a mounting for such a list, with a mounting for a list and a sample list or with means for customising a list. A customised list maybe a set of cards some of which will be printed with standard checkable items and isome of which will be blank for the user to complete. For example, -~
for a shopping check list, bread might be a standard item but smoked oysters might be an item for which only a blank card would be provided. The mounting means are conveniently such that individual cards may be mounted adjacent the ~ -respective keys and lamps.
:':. ''~:.
Embodiments of the invention wilL now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings, in whichj- ~ -': " ' Figure 1 is a flow diagram illustrating embodiments of the invention;
¢ :. , Flgure 2 is a circuit diagram of one embodiment of the ~
invention; ~ ~;
. . .
Figure 3 is an add-on circuit diagram for that of Figure 2 illustrating another embodiment of the invention;
:
Figure 4 illustrates schematicaLly the front panel of one embodiment of a hand held embodlment of the invention; and ~ -"':
Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the e~bodiment of Figure 4.

.

, .:

1~9~

Figure 1 is a simple flow diagram showing a list 30 of items ~ n"', a key bank 40 of signal keys l-n, a latch bank 50 of latching switches 1' nl, and a lamp bank 60 oflamps 1"-n". The lamps are usually light emitting diodes (referred to herein as LEDs). An on/off switch 100 is provided for a source of electric power which, as devices according to the invention are usually small enough to be hand held~ is conveniently a 9volt battery. A reset switch 20 is also provided.

Figure 1 also shows an optional counter/recorder 70 for counting the number of run-throughs of the list 30 using each of keys 1 -n of key bank 40 to change the condition of each of lamps l"-n" of lamp bank 60. An optional display 80 for displaying the result of the count from counter 70 is also shown.
' .
The list 30, key bank 40 and lamp bank 60 are arranged so that items of the list are visible to a user and each item is visibly associated with a corresponding one of the keys I and lamps. Thus a user will see item 1"' associated with ¦ 20 key 1 and lamp 1" and he will see item n"' associated with I key n and lamp n". The on/off switch 100 and ~he reset 20 are also normally available ~o the user.

I The latch bank 50, the counter 70, if present, and other additional circuitry need not be visible to the user and may be enclosed within a housing 102 for the check list (see ~ Figures 4 and 5), although a display window for the result I of the count must be visible either directly or on opening I it or unlocking it.

¦ Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram for a slmple embodiment of ¦ 30 the invention without the optional counter 70 and display 80 ~., .''"''','..
. ~ . ` :' - .
1. '''. :.

~3~99~5 ~--therefor. In this case there are 12 signal keys 1 - 12 and 12 corresponding LEDs 1" ~ 12" although it is to be unders~ood that these numbers are only exemplary. For check lists for normal domestic use the number of i~ems with associated keys, switching latches and LEDs may often usefully be in the range of from 10 to 25. In technical terms there is no reason why the lower llmit of this range can not be 2. Circuits for lists of items greater than 25 ~ can also be provided within the scope of the invention.

: 10 The positive terminal of a 9v battery 104 is connected to terminals VDD and Vss of cascaded banks 52 of NOR latches 1'-12' and to on/of switch 100. The on/off switch 100 is connected through banked JK flip-flops 93 to the reset 20 and hence to common enable inputs E for each bank 52 of NOR
latches 1'-12'and to set inputs S of the NOR latches. Flip-flops 93 may suitably be a dual JK master/slave flip-flop, e.g. CMOS CD4027. Each of signal keys 1-12, which may be a push button, is arranged to pass a pulse to rese~ inputs R
of NOR latches 1'-12'. The outputs Q of NOR latches 1'-12' are passed to LEDs 1"-12" respectively.

Initially, before any of keys 1-12 are pressed, ouEputs Q
are all high and LEDs 1"-12" are all lit~ When any one of keys 1-12 is pressed a pulse is passed so that the S input B goes high and output Q goes ~ to extiguish the respective LED until reset through reset 20.
'~ ,.
The NOR latches are shown in integra~ed circuits each i~ comprising four latches. These may suitably ~e CMOS CD 4043 latches.
:. . ., ~', Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram for the optional counting of run-throughs oE a check list according to the invention.
The changed condltion outputs9 e.gO from lit to unlit, from ~ ''''''' '.'~' .

13~9~
LEDs 1"-12" are compared by using them as inputs to banks 95 of OR gates 97, 97' and 97" and 98, 98', and 98". Triple input OR gates are suitable, for example CMOS CD 4075 gates.
The final output indicating that a run-through of the check list has been made is passed to counter 70, which may suitably be a banked counter such as CMOS CD4518 and to decoder/driver 84 which may sui~ably be CMOS CD4511.
Successive counts from counter 70 pass to a further OR gate for comparison with output from decoder/driver 84 for updating of the output of decoder 84. This further OR gate may be the last gate 98" in the second bank 95. The outputs of counter 70 from the for single digit counts are passed to a decoder 82, suitably CMOS CD 4511 and hence to a display window 83. The outputs of counter 70 for single digits xlO
are passed to the decoder 84 and hence to display winclow 85.

The display in windows 83, 85 may be automatic or may be accessed though switch 87 which, itself may only be accessed through a separate key.
The whole device may be assembled in a housing for hand held operatlon as shown in Figures 4 and 5. As in the circuit diagram~, the number of items in the list, and the associated signal keys and LEDs is shown as 12. It is emphasised again that this number is only exemplary, although since the specific NOR gates referred to are banked in banks of four, multiples of four may, in some cases be convenient.
A list 30 of items 1"'- 12"' may be an integraL list or a series of independent cards. In the case of cards each card will have written on it a legend of ~he item to be checked. Some blank cards may be included, on which the user may write a CUStObl legend. In the case of a list the items will be listed at separate and distinct intervals.

There may again be some blank intervals for which the user may specify.
A housing 102, containing the circuitry and which may be of moulded plastic, e.g vinyl plastic, may include means for mounting the list 30, either as separate cards or as a single list, centrally on a front face of the housing, each item 1"'- 12"' being below another. The list may be headed with a title 0"'. To one side of the list 30, as illustrated on the left, is a column 40 of push buttong signal keys 1-12, each key being horizontally aligned with a corresponding item and being adjacent or substantially adjacent to it. To the other side of the list 30 i5 a column of LEDs 1"-12", each LED being horizon~ally aligned with a corresponding item and key and adjacent or substantially adjacent the corresponding item.

The arrangement described is one o~ many possible and it is noted that a single column comprising touch sensitive keys coincident with LEDs is possible. Moreover, a single column comprising an integral list 30, touch sensitive keys and LEDs is also possible~

At the bottomj left of the front face of the housing 102 is an on/off button 100. At the bottom, right is a reset button 20. At the centre, bottom is shown display windows 83, 85 to display the result of any count of the run-throughs of the check list. These windows may automaticaly display the count or it may only be accessible though a switch 87 which, itself, may only be accesible through a separate key 104.
: .~
The use of such a key 104 is of value when it is desired to check whether a user who should perform a certain check a certain number of times, has in fact, done so. An example of such a case is that of a truck driver who is supposed to .

~ 319~

carry out certain vehicle checks every so often. If he does not physically note the checks by pressing keys on his check list, his supervisor will note that that required number of checks do not appear to have been ~ade.

The reset 20 may also be made to be key operated. Sometimes it is necessary for checks to be made at speclfic locations.
If a key to the reset 20 is resident at such locations the device will not be operative until it is taken to the location so that the key may be used.
~ . .
0Other features may be added for convenience. For example, an automatic switch-off may be incorporated to avoid drain of the battery after a certain time limit. Thus, should the user forget to switch off the device after use. The time limit for automa~ic switch off will necessarily be long for check lists which are checked over a long period and will be shorter for check lists which are checked through quickly.
'3 ', ~
Should the device be required for use in more than one field by a single user, then extra lists, or sets of cards, may be aquired by the user and substituted at will.

~c 20 The device is believed to be useful in any field requiring the checking of lists. It May be useul to salesmen, recreational vehicle owners~ housewives, fleetowners, ! manufacturers, speakers, mechanics, maintenance personneL, farmers, millwrights, security personnel, business plersons, stock-keepers, students, office personnel~ bakers, doctors, 3 pilots, and many others.

. .: "
.

1 ~, ", ':1 ..

Claims (8)

1. An interactive check list comprising:
a list of items to be checked, a light emitting diode associated with each item, means to connect all the lamps to a battery to bring them all into a first condition indicative of items to be checked, a single independent, manually operable signal key associated with each item and with the respective light emitting diode, a switch for each key to change the state of the respective light emitting diode in response to a signal from the key from the first condition to a second condition and to maintain it in the second condition indicating that the respective item has been checked, means to count the number of times the light emitting diodes change to the second condition and display means for the number counted by the counting means, and reset means to return the light emitting diodes to the first condition.

2. A check list as claimed in claim 1 in which manually operable access means is provided between the display means and the counter means to cause display of said number on said display means.

3. A check list as claimed in claim 2, in which the access means is an access switch.

4. A check list as claimed in claim 3, in which the access switch is key operated.

5. An interactive check list comprising:
a list of items to be checked, a light emitting diode associated with each item, means to connect all the lamps to a battery to bring them all into a first condition indicative of items to be checked, a single independent, manually operable signal key associated with each item and with the respective light emitting diode, a switch for each key to change the state of the respective light emitting diode in response to a signal from the key from the first condition to a second condition and to maintain it it the second condition indicating that the respective item has been checked, including a switch actuable to complete an independent circuit when all the light emitting diodes change to the second condition, and reset means to return the light emitting diodes to the first condition.

6. A check list as claimed in claim 5, in which the independent circuit is an ignition circuit.

7. A check list as claimed in claim 6, in which independent opening of the ignition circuit acts to operate the reset means.

8. A check list as claimed in claim 7, in which a delay is provided between the ignition circuit and the reset means.