JP5890135B2 - Collective object management system with object identification using addressable decoder unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to a collective object management system, and more particularly to an improved collective object management system using object identification by a digital decoder having a unique address.

  The term “collective object management system” is generally a term made to describe a system for keeping track of items (“objects”) in a collection of items. For example, an auto parts warehouse has a collection of auto parts (“objects”) in inventory at any given time. As parts are sold and new parts arrive, the type and number of these parts changes daily. In order to keep track of the number and type of auto parts in stock, some type of collective auto parts management system needs to be used. Similarly, in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, there is a set of one or more types of integrated circuits (“objects”) located somewhere in the facility at any given time, this set being a set Must be considered using an integrated circuit management system. In supermarkets, usually a collection of many different types of items such as meat, agricultural products, canned products, etc. is in stock, and the number and type of objects change greatly every day, thus requiring a complex object management system. Offices and some homes typically use file storage cabinets to store documents used for both business and personal activities. A typical file storage cabinet has several drawers, each containing a relatively large number of file folders ("objects"), each folder containing one or more documents. Some type of file management system is required so that documents contained in various files can be easily accessed.

  For file archiving management, each file folder generally has a read that can be viewed when a file drawer is opened (usually along the top edge of the folder) and describes the contents of the folder Provide a tab portion containing possible information. This readable information is typically an abbreviated identification such as an account name, subject (eg, “utility bill”), etc.

  In order to facilitate access to the individual documents contained within a folder, some type of indexing arrangement is typically used to identify the location of each folder drawer. A commonly used simple technique is an alphabetical index card placed on the front panel of each drawer that lists files and folders in alphabetical order. For example, a drawer panel for one file can have an index card that lists files that begin with the letters A-F, and another drawer can have an index card that lists files that begin with the letters GL, etc. . In many cases, more advanced indexing schemes are used, such as a computer-based index that enumerates all files with a short form of identifier and correspondingly detailed and complete description of the contents of the file. Even with such computer-based configurations, it is still necessary to use a readable tab or tag for each file folder so that the user can identify a given folder. This is highly undesirable as it makes it easy for any unauthorized user to search for files containing specific file names or specific types of information. Nevertheless, known file management systems require the use of visible tabs or tags in order to be able to reasonably locate the file.

  In applications where multiple individuals can access the contents of a file drawer, some arrangement for monitoring file placement is usually made. For example, in business applications it is convenient and sometimes necessary to provide a signature take-out and return procedure so that the location of a given file is always known. Typically, such monitoring attempts are unable to accurately track the file due to each individual not following the procedure faithfully. As a result, the integrity of the file management system can only be verified at any time by actually examining each file drawer thoroughly and checking the file folder and its contents against the main index. This requirement is time consuming and cumbersome and is therefore a major drawback.

  In known file management systems of the type described above, when a content identifier is given to a file / folder, the folder is permanently associated with the nature of its content. To change the content to some other category, it is necessary to either discard the folder and replace it with a new unlabeled folder instead, or change the identification label. Furthermore, the main index must be updated manually or using a computer in a computer-based indexing system. As office workers do not always follow these procedures, the resulting file system integrity is compromised.

  In all embodiments of known collective object management systems, the container for different objects or the object itself is usually some type of human readable or machine, such as a label or tag attached to the object or container. A readable identification mark is provided. In more sophisticated systems, computers are used to help grasp objects. In general, when an object is removed from its normal position, some procedure is used to record the fact that the object has been removed from its normal position. This is accomplished by an operator entering changes into the system computer or using a tag or label reader (eg, a barcode reader) to enter information into the system computer.

  Patent Document 1 issued on November 2, 1999, entitled “Collective Objects Management System Usage RF Object Identification”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, eliminates the above-mentioned shortcomings in file management systems. A collective object management system is disclosed. In addition, the collective object management system disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,057,836 provides a simple and efficient way to find a desired object stored somewhere in a large collection of different objects. The system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,059 uses RF sensing circuitry to maintain control of all objects in the set. Each object has an associated RF sensing circuit that resonates at the natural frequency when an RF signal at that natural frequency is received by the circuit, and an R.D. And an indicator coupled to the F circuit. The indicator is preferably a visual indicator, such as an LED coupled to an object or a container of objects that can be easily seen by a human operator. Alternatively, an audible indicator such as a buzzer can be used.

  In a particular implementation of the invention in a file management system, a folder circuit is included in each file folder that is placed in a file drawer. Each folder circuit has a crystal that responds to a specific RF frequency, and the resonant frequency of a given crystal is different from the resonant frequency of all other crystals. Each folder circuit is electrically coupled to a drawer signal input / output using conductive upper support rails commonly found in conventional file cabinets. One of the rails is modified by electrically isolating that rail from the remaining conductive elements of the drawer.

  Each folder circuit includes an indicator, preferably an LED visible indicator, mounted along the top edge of the folder in a position that is visible to the user when the drawer is opened. In addition, each drawer is provided with an indicator, preferably a flashing LED visible indicator, attached to the front panel of the drawer. A current detection circuit is used to control the state of the drawer panel indicator.

  All drawer input / output terminals are electrically coupled in parallel to the associated computer using either a dedicated connector (ie, a wired connection) or a transceiver (ie, wireless communication). The computer includes an RF signal generator that can generate signals that match all crystal frequencies. To find a file, the user typically designates the file to the computer using a keyboard or mouse. The computer generates an RF signal having a frequency that matches the frequency of the designated file. The RF signal is transmitted to all file cabinets in the system and thus to all file drawers. If the specified file is in any one of the drawers, both the indicator on the front panel of the drawer containing that file folder and the correct file folder indicator are activated. The user then opens a drawer with an active panel indicator and retrieves a file folder with an active file folder indicator.

  When applied to a file management system, the collective object management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires that a correct file / folder is specified by an activated indicator, so that a readable tab or tag is required on each file / folder. Disappears. In addition, the properties of files and folders can be changed simply by inputting necessary information into the computer. In addition, the entire file system can be checked for integrity by sweeping the entire frequency range of the crystal frequency using an RF sweep frequency generator and detecting any frequency where there is no resonant response. This system can be easily and conveniently incorporated into existing file cabinets with conductive double rail folder support mechanisms. In other types of collective object management systems, such as auto parts warehouses and integrated circuit manufacturers, the system can be implemented using standard object containers of known design.

  As described above, in the system of US Pat. No. 6,057,059, each object has an associated RF sensing circuit having a single crystal that resonates at the natural frequency when the circuit receives the RF signal at the natural frequency. This configuration provides a unique one-to-one correspondence between objects and a given frequency. In a collective object management system with a large number of objects, such as some file management system with a large number of files, correspondingly a large number of crystals, each having a different resonance frequency than all other crystals become. It has been found useful to provide minimal frequency separation between all crystals in the set of crystals in the system to prevent false crystal actuation. For example, in a system designed to operate over a frequency range from about 2 mHz to about 20 mHz, it has been found that the minimum frequency separation of a 1 kHz crystal provides good results. However, the minimum frequency separation requirement imposes an upper limit on the total number of crystals that can be used in the system, thereby placing an upper limit on the total number of objects that the system can accommodate.

  US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 586,552, which is co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 586,552, entitled “Collective Objects Management System Using RF Object Identification With Multiple Crystals”, filed on Sep. 24, 2009. It discloses improvements over the basic technology disclosed. This improvement increases the feasible number of objects that a given system can accommodate by providing more than one crystal for each RF sensing circuit associated with a given object. By using more than two crystals in each file folder circuit, the total number of individual frequencies required to uniquely identify a set of folders within a given system is greatly reduced. For example, to uniquely identify 20,000 different file folders, a slightly less than 200 different pair of frequencies is required in a system with two crystals in each RF sensing circuit (a single crystal). (Compared to 20,000 individual frequencies required in this system). In systems incorporating this improvement, even if at least twice as many crystals are needed (compared to a system using only a single crystal), from pre-manufactured crystal inventory with standard resonant frequencies Individual crystals can be selected (as opposed to crystals that need to be specially manufactured to provide a spectrum of resonant frequencies, each separated from the others by a fixed frequency separation of 1 kHz) As a substantial overall cost savings. Furthermore, this improvement is due to the use of two or more crystals in each object (file folder) circuit, effectively substituting the potential object (file folder) population in a given system. Enlarge. Thus, given a system constrained by the optimal frequency spectrum available (eg, 2 mHz to 20 mHz), this improvement corresponds to a population of objects several orders of magnitude larger than that provided by single crystal technology. Bring the possibility to. Furthermore, this improvement provides the advantages described above without sacrificing any of the advantages inherent in single crystal systems.

US Pat. No. 5,977,875

  Collective object management systems that use RF sensing circuitry and one or more RF signal generators are subject to radiation standards imposed by government authorities in most industrialized countries. In these countries, any RF system must be tested and approved by the competent supervisory authority for such equipment before it can be legally deployed. In many cases, this test requirement is relatively costly and time consuming, which acts as a deterrent to the implementation of such systems. In addition, any improvements and modifications to approved RF signal generators require that the system be resubmitted, tested and approved in its modified form, which means that an RF-based system can be implemented. Acts as a further suppression against

  While the present invention provides the advantages described above for RF-based systems, it avoids the need for RF radiation testing and is therefore easier and faster to implement at a lower cost than systems that rely on the transmission of RF radiation. Includes a collective object management system.

  According to an apparatus aspect, the present invention includes an apparatus for enabling management of objects distributed within an object placement space, the apparatus comprising at least one address provided by a source such as a system computer. An object container such as a file folder for one or more related documents having a plurality of conductive members for receiving signals, and a unique system address and electrical contact with the plurality of conductive members Address decoder circuit associated with an object having a plurality of conductive terminals, and address signals present on at least one of the plurality of conductive members and representing a unique system address of the address decoder circuit A possible coupling to the address decoder circuit to activate each time the decoder circuit detects. Indicator (e.g., LED) and an indicator, such as.

  An encoder for generating an address signal can be associated with all such devices, the encoder having at least one input terminal for receiving an object identification signal from a supply device and at least one coupled to an address decoder circuit. One output terminal and a circuit for generating a signal representing the unique system address of the object specified by the object identification signal.

  In certain embodiments, the container comprises a file folder having a pair of support braces, one of which includes a plurality of conductive members, and the address decoder circuit and indicator includes a support brace including a plurality of conductive members. Is supported by one of the In this embodiment, a support brace including a plurality of conductive members comprises an elongated body structure formed from a non-conductive material having a pair of opposing ends, each end secured to the elongated body structure. Having a downwardly open cutout channel with a pair of spring contacts, each spring contact being electrically coupled to a different one of the plurality of conductive members. In order to ensure proper mechanical attachment, each spring contact has a free end received in a corresponding slot formed in the elongated body structure adjacent its end. To ensure proper orientation of the file folder during attachment, the width of the cut-out channel at one of the opposite ends of the elongated body structure is determined by the cut-out at the other of the opposite ends of the elongated body structure. • It is different from the channel width.

  Preferably, each file folder has an upper edge, and the indicator is attached to the file folder at a position that extends above the upper edge for better visibility.

  According to an aspect of the system, the present invention includes a system for managing objects distributed within an object placement space, the system being supplied by at least one source and specifying an object to be found. For a plurality of objects, comprising a plurality of containers, such as file drawers, having a plurality of electrically isolated conductive paths capable of receiving signals and a plurality of object containers disposed in the container Each of the containers comprises: (a) a plurality of electrically conductive members each electrically coupled to a plurality of mutually electrically isolated electrically conductive paths; (b) a unique system address; An address decoder associated with an object in the container having a plurality of conductive terminals in electrical contact with the plurality of conductive members. And (c) coupled to the address decoder circuit to operate each time the address decoder circuit detects an address signal present in at least one of the plurality of conductive members and representing a unique system address. And an indicator such as a visible indicator (e.g., LED).

  The system further includes a source comprising an encoder for generating an address signal, the encoder including at least one input terminal for receiving an object identification signal from the supply device, and each address of the plurality of object containers. At least one output terminal coupled to the decoder circuit and a circuit for generating a signal representative of the unique system address of the object specified by the object identification signal.

  In certain embodiments, the container includes a file folder drawer, each object container includes a file folder having a pair of support braces, and one of the support braces includes a plurality of conductive members. In this embodiment, each address decoder circuit and indicator of the object container is supported by one of the two support braces of each of the file folders.

  Preferably, each file folder has an upper edge and each indicator is attached to the corresponding file folder in a position extending above the upper edge so that it can be seen when the file folder drawer is in the open position. To.

  The file folder drawer includes at least two non-conductive support members on which a plurality of electrically conductive paths different from each other are disposed. One of each support brace of the plurality of object containers includes an elongate body structure formed from a non-conductive material having a pair of opposing ends, each end being a spring secured to the elongate body structure. With a downwardly opening cutout channel with a pair of contacts, each spring contact is electrically coupled to a different one of the plurality of conductive members. Each end of one of the support braces of the plurality of object containers is supported by a different one of at least two non-conductive support members when the file folder is received in the drawer.

  Two non-conductive support members spaced apart in the lateral direction of the file folder drawer each have a width, and the widths of the non-conductive support members are different from each other. Similarly, the width of the cut-out channel at one of the opposing ends of each elongate body structure of the file folder is also equal to the cut-out channel at the other of the opposing ends of each elongate body structure of the file folder. Unlike the channel width, a given file folder can only have two support members in one appropriate orientation with each spring contact in mechanical and electrical contact with the appropriate one of the conductive paths. It becomes possible to fix removably.

  The file folder drawer has a front panel with an additional indicator attached, and the system includes an address that is present in at least one of the plurality of conductive members and represents the unique system address of the address decoder. Further included is a circuit for operating an additional indicator each time a signal is detected by an address decoder circuit located in the file folder drawer.

  Each address decoder circuit is valid (VALID) signal each time the address decoder circuit detects an address signal that is present in at least one of the plurality of conductive members and represents the unique system address of the address decoder circuit. Includes a circuit for generating

  The microcomputer provides a power signal to the plurality of object containers via a portion of the conductive path, provides an address signal via at least one of the conductive paths, and an address decoder with a given incoming address When it matches the system address of the circuit, a valid signal generated by each address decoder circuit is received. The microcomputer also includes circuitry for generating an information signal that identifies the location in the system of any address decoder circuit that generates a valid signal.

  The present invention is for objects distributed within an object placement space that are comparable to those provided by RF-based systems using specific frequency crystals and do not have the disadvantages associated with RF legal regulatory testing and approval processes. Provides object management capabilities. Furthermore, the present invention can be configured and constructed with less equipment costs than RF-based systems, primarily due to the elimination of the RF signal generator at each object container container location.

  For a more complete understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying figures.

1 is a perspective view of a number of drawer file cabinets showing a wired connection embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic side perspective view of a single file drawer, file folder, and related elements in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partially cut away front elevation view of a folder brace supporting electrical components located in a file folder according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial view of a single folder brace and a pair of upper support members for the folder brace, showing how the folder brace is removably attached to the upper support member according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an encoder and decoder used to encode and decode an object process according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a single drawer and main system component of the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a single file computer single board computer. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of multiple file cabinet configurations in a wireless embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  The present invention can be widely applied to various collective object management systems. The following is a detailed description of one application of the present invention in the field of file management systems.

  Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the right side of the first embodiment of the present invention using a direct electrical connection between a file cabinet and an associated computer in a file storage system application. It is the perspective view seen from the front. As can be seen from this figure, a multi-drawer file cabinet 10 of known mechanical construction (four drawers shown) typically has a top surface 12, a bottom surface 13, side surfaces 14, 15 and a back surface 16. Four drawers 18-21 are slidably mounted within the cabinet 10, and each drawer 18-21 has a drawer handle 23 mounted on its front panel 25. A visual indicator device 27 is also mounted on the front panel 25 of each drawer 18-21. Indicator 27 may include any of a number of known elements that can provide a visible signal when activated in the manner described below. Examples of suitable indicators are conventional LED indicators, and 276-036 flashing LED indicators available from Radio Shack Corporation.

  The bottom drawer 18 is shown in the open position and provides a basic drawer structure and a perspective view of the manner in which the file folder is removably supported within the file drawer. As shown, the drawer 18 is provided with a pair of upper support members 28, 29, described in detail below, to support individual file folders, such as file folders 30, within the drawer. Plays. Second, the support members 28, 29 can also provide structural rigidity to the drawer 18 itself. The drawer 18 also has a pair of lower members 32, 33 (only one of which (member 33) is visible in FIG. 1), thereby completing the horizontal structural element. In a commonly used file cabinet structure, members 28, 29, 32 and 33 form an inner frame insert (with a vertically disposed frame member) that can be physically attached to a standard drawer. can do. To complete the drawer structure, the back surface 34 is coupled to the members 28, 29, 32, 33. All file folders such as folder 30 are removably supported by upper support members 28, 29 using a horizontal support brace (described below) to which folder 30 is mechanically secured. The mechanical structure of the folder 30 is conventional. The structure and configuration of the drawer 19-21 is the same as that of the drawer 18. The AC power connection provides AC power to the electronic components described below and located within the file cabinet 10, as shown by the illustrated lead out shown at the lower right of the cabinet 10. Similarly, a wired connection is coupled between the file cabinet 10 and an associated host computer for purposes described below.

  As best shown in FIG. 2, each folder, such as folder 30 shown in this figure, is mechanically supported in a removable manner by upper support members 28,29. The upper support members 28 and 29 of each drawer 18-21 are electrically insulated from the remaining drawer frame structure by an insulating element to be described later. The upper support members 28 and 29 each include two conductive strips connected to four terminals of the local microcomputer 35 located in the file cabinet 10 by individual conductors. These four terminals are labeled “data bus”, “+5 V”, “ground” and “valid signal” in FIG. Microcomputer 35 is preferably an AT89C2051 type device available from Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif., Coupled to a host computer (not shown in FIG. 2), and the AC described above. Coupled to a suitable source of DC power (+ 5V) derived from the power input. The microcomputer 35 has a pair of output terminals denoted by “LED” and “LOCK” for controlling the state of the indicator 27 and the electric drawer lock mechanism 37. The “+ 5V” and “ground” terminals provide DC power to circuits located within each file folder located in the drawer. The “data bus” terminal supplies address information to the file folder circuit. The “valid signal” terminal receives a valid signal each time the file / folder circuit of a given folder decodes an address received from the microcomputer 35 that matches the address of the file / folder circuit.

  3 and 4 show the structure of the main two horizontal support braces incorporated in each file folder 30. FIG. The other horizontal brace of each folder is of a conventional non-conductive configuration. As can be seen in these figures, the main support brace 40 has an elongated body structure 41 formed of a suitable non-conductive material such as conventional circuit board material, phenol or the like. At each end, the elongated body structure has cutout channels 42, 43 that are slightly wider than the width of the corresponding upper support members 28, 29. Each cutout channel 42, 43 comprises a pair of spring contacts 44-47 secured to the elongated body structure in any suitable manner, such as by thermal stamping, gluing, or mechanical embedding. Each spring contact has a free end 48-51 received in a corresponding slot 52-55 formed in the elongated body structure 41. The separation distance between the proximate portion of the spring contact 44-45 and the proximate portion of the spring contact 46-47 is slightly narrower than the width of the corresponding upper support portion 28, 29 so that the main brace is above the upper support member 28, 29. Effective mechanical and electrical contact will be formed when attached to.

  To facilitate correct installation of the main brace, the width of the cutout channels 42, 43 and the separation distance between the spring contacts 44, 45 and 46, 47 so that the main brace can only be installed in one orientation. Is substantially different. This is necessary to ensure that a proper electrical connection is always made when the main brace is installed in the file drawer.

  Correspondingly, the widths of the upper support members 28, 29 are different, as best shown in FIG. As can be seen in this figure, each upper support member 28, 29 has a central core 56 made of a non-conductive material, such as the same material used to make the elongated body structure 41, and an outer surface. A pair of conductive strips 57-60 that are fixed and extend along the length of the upper support members 28,29. Each conductive strip 57-60 is provided for a different electrical signal, strip 57 is electrically connected to the data bus terminal of microcomputer 35, and strip 58 is electrically connected to the + 5V terminal of microcomputer 35. The strip 59 is connected to the ground terminal of the microcomputer 35, and the strip 60 is electrically connected to the effective signal terminal of the microcomputer 35.

  Referring to FIG. 3, each spring contact 44-47 is electrically connected to a separate conductive path 62-65, each of which is electrically connected to a different terminal of the decoder integrated circuit chip 70. The decoder chip 70 is a commercially available device that receives multi-bit address information along the data bus conductor 62 from the microcomputer 35, and stores this address information in a unique address stored in the decoder chip 70. In comparison with the stored address, it generates a valid signal when it matches the stored address and is located at the upper edge of the elongated body structure 41 of the folder 30 in a position that can be seen when the drawer is open. Activate the attached folder LED 72. The internally generated activation signal for the folder LED 72 is latched by the decoder, and when an address match is detected, the activation signal for the folder LED 72 can be removed by removing the folder from the upper support members 28, 29 or D.E. C. The power is otherwise removed so that the decoder 70 latch remains active until reset. The valid signal remains active as long as the received address matches the stored address and is used by the microprocessor 35 to activate the drawer lock mechanism 37 and the drawer indicator 27. The decoder chip 70 is a Princeton Technology Corp. located in Taipei, Taiwan. A PT2272 type decoder available from the company is preferred.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a single decoder 70 and a compatible encoder 80. The encoder 80 is preferably a Princeton Technology Corp. located in Taipei, Taiwan. This is a PT2262 type encoder available from the company. The encoder 80 has a plurality of address input terminals A0-A10 to which address input signals are provided by a host computer (not shown in FIG. 5). The output terminal labeled “OUT” outputs address information given to the address input terminals A0 to A10 in a serial manner. These address output information signals are transmitted to the address input IN of the decoder 70 via the conductor 82. The decoder 70 has a plurality of address input terminals A0 to A10 that are wired to unique addresses. In the preferred implementation, the decoder 70 is a tri-state device and the wired connection to the address inputs A0-A10 can be either ground, Vcc or floating. The address signal generated by the encoder 80 is AC coupled to the address IN terminal of the decoder 70. At the time of reception, the address signal from the encoder 80 is compared with the address signal of the decoder connected in a wired manner inside the decoder 70. If a match occurs, the folder LED 72 is activated and a valid signal is generated by the decoder 70.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a single drawer 18 and the main system components of the present invention showing how multiple folder circuits can be physically located within a single file drawer. As can be seen in this figure, each folder 30-1, 30-2. . . 30-n is supported in the drawer in such a manner that the appropriate electrical connections described above are established by the data bus, + 5V, ground, and valid signal conductors of the upper support members 28, 29. The data bus, + 5V, ground, and valid signal conductors are connected to a single board computer 85 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a single board computer 85 of a single file cabinet 10 operably connected to the system. As can be seen in this figure, the single board computer 85 includes the microcomputer 35 and encoder 80 described above, and has inputs and outputs as shown. Each file cabinet 10 is provided with a single board computer 85. Optionally, each single board computer 85 can be given a unique identification address in the system for identification and maintenance purposes.

  Each single board computer 85 including the elements shown in FIG. 7 has associated object process signals received from the host computer 75 and encoded by an address encoder 80 located within the single board computer 85. Each folder 30-1, 30-2,. . . This is applied to all of the decoder circuits 70 incorporated in the 30-n main support brace 40. The object address signal is transmitted from a given folder 30-1, 30-2,... In a given drawer of a given file cabinet 10i. . . Each time an address encoded in the decoder circuit 70 located at 30-n is matched, a valid signal is generated by the target folder decoder circuit 70 and sent to the single board computer 85 in the associated file cabinet 10i. Combined. In response to receiving a valid signal, the corresponding single board computer 85 generates an activation signal for the appropriate drawer drawer lock 37 and activates the appropriate drawer drawer LED 27 in the file cabinet. In addition, the single board computer 85 returns to the host computer 75 to generate a signal indicating that the object folder has been found and identifying the drawer and file cabinet where the file folder with the correct address is located. To do. The single board computer 85 is returned to the host computer 75 and the object folder is found, as represented by the inputs “From Drawer 19”, “From Drawer 20” and “From Drawer 21” with descriptions. Responsive to the valid signal from each of these other drawers by generating a signal that identifies and identifies the drawer and file cabinet in which the file folder with the correct address is located. Upon receipt of this information, the host computer 75 compares the drawer and file cabinet information received from the single board computer 85 with the same information stored in the memory, changes the information as necessary, and First, the information stored therein is updated by terminating the object process signal transmitted to the single board computer 85.

  In order to find a file / folder in the system, the operator can obtain basic file information including a complete list of file / folder addresses and the drawer numbers and file cabinet IDs where each addressable folder is intentionally placed. Input to the host system computer 75. The host computer 75 transmits the file folder request to the single board computer 85 in all of the file cabinets 10i, and the single board computer 85 in all of the file cabinets 10i in the system receives the respective file cabinets 10i. Place the specified folder address on the data bus. If the file folder you are looking for is actually located in a given drawer, the single board computer 85 in the associated file cabinet 10i will have a decoder whose address matches the address required by the host computer 75. A valid signal is received from the circuit 70, the above-described control signals for the appropriate drawer lock 37 and drawer front LED 27 are generated, and the file cabinet and drawer information described above is returned to the host computer 75. When the operator opens the drawer with the illuminated drawer front LED 27, the correct file / folder is displayed by the illuminated file / folder LED 72i. If the file cabinet information and / or drawer location information (or both) do not match the same information stored in the memory of the host computer 75, this information is updated by the host computer 75. If there is no file folder 30i operably incorporated in the set of file cabinets 10i whose address matches the requested address, the host computer 75 indicates that there is no response to the file folder address query. Check and record as such.

  The integrity of the entire collection of file folders 30i can be quickly checked by operating the host computer 75 in the sweep address mode. When the address is swept across the range of possible addresses, all folder circuits that are operatively present in the set of file cabinets 10i respond to a valid signal, which means that a corresponding single board computer , And returned to the host computer 75. The address of any unknown or non-functioning file folder 30i does not result in the generation of a valid signal, and this lack of response is detected by the host computer 75. By ascertaining the address of the file folder circuit that is not responding, the host computer 75 identifies the lack of an available file folder 30i for this given specific address as the identification of the file folder in the host computer 75. Can be correlated.

  The system first creates a list of all allowable file folder addresses in the host computer 75 and incorporates a collection of file folders 30i, each having a different allowable address, into a random drawer in the file cabinet 10i. Can be constructed by sequentially generating a set of allowed addresses and associating the drawer ID and file cabinet ID information with each address at which the host computer 75 receives this information from the single board computer 85. it can. When a new folder is added to the system, the file folder address, file cabinet and drawer information can be entered directly into the host computer 75, but each address is unique and will not overlap.

  FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the implementation of the file management system of the present invention using wireless communication between individual file cabinets 10 i and host computer 75. As can be seen in this figure, each cabinet 10i is provided with a WIFI transceiver 91i for communication with a similarly equipped host computer 90. WIFI transceiver 91i is a product of Lantronix Inc., Irvine, California. It is preferably a commercially available unit that has undergone a radiation test, such as a Wibox wireless device server unit available from the company. The host computer 90 is equipped with a compatible internal WIFI transceiver. The operation of the system of FIG. 8 is not the wired connection of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, but the folder identification signal is transmitted to the file cabinet 10i using wireless transmission, and the file cabinet and the drawer information are transmitted using wireless transmission. Except that the signal is transmitted to the host computer 75, it is essentially the same as the operation of the system of FIGS. Furthermore, there may be additional security considerations for the wireless embodiment of FIG. 8 to prevent unauthorized transmission and reception and interception of WIFI signals.

  The present invention provides significant improvements over the RF-based systems disclosed in the above-referenced US Pat. First, by eliminating the RF signal generator from each file cabinet 10i, the need for system testing and approval by the local supervisory body is avoided. Also, a substantial overall cost saving is realized by eliminating the relatively expensive RF signal generator using the encoder / decoder configuration. Furthermore, the population of potential objects (file folders) in a given system is limited only by the number of distinct address combinations that can be implemented for the encoder / decoder configuration.

  Although the above description is directed to the implementation of the present invention in the field of file management systems, the present invention has broader applications. In general, the present invention can be used in any collective object management system where there is a need for techniques to quickly identify a given object class or type from a set of objects. For example, in a car parts warehouse operation, an object can be an individual car part (such as a carburetor, alternator, gasket, etc.) stored in a container on a shelf. In a manufacturing operation, an object can be an individual item manufactured in a factory (such as a different type of integrated circuit manufactured by an integrated circuit manufacturer) contained within an individual package. In any application, the address decoder circuit and indicator associated with a particular object are closely coupled to the object itself and electrically connected to a local address encoder so that the circuit can receive the desired object address. In response, the indicator can be activated so that a human operator can locate the object specified by the address.

  While the above provides a complete and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art will envision various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents. For example, although the present invention has been described with respect to a particular address encoder and decoder circuit, other circuits may be utilized depending on the system designer's preference. Moreover, although the indicators 27, 64 have been described as visible indicators, other types of indicators such as audible indicators can be used if desired. In addition, although a particular circuit has been described in connection with a single file cabinet, it is understood that the present invention can be implemented with multiple file cabinets located at the same or different locations in the office. The Furthermore, the present invention can be used to manage multiple cabinet file systems located at different physical locations, using internal or external computer networks as required. Therefore, the above should not be construed as limiting the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

10: file cabinet 12: top surface 13: bottom surface 14, 15: side surface 16: back surface 18, 19, 20, 21: drawer 23: drawer handle 25: front panel 27: indicator 28, 29: upper support member 30: file Folder 34: Back 35: Microcomputer 37: Drawer lock mechanism 40: Support brace 41: Main body structure part 42, 43: Cutout channel 44, 45, 46, 47: Spring contact 48, 49, 50, 51: Free End 52, 53, 54, 55: Slot 56: Central core 57, 58, 59, 60: Conductive strips 62, 63, 64, 65: Conductive path 70: Decoder 72: Folder LED
75, 90: Host computer 80: Address encoder 82: Conductor 85: Single board computer 91: WIFI transceivers A0-A10: Address input terminals

Claims (13)

An apparatus for enabling management of objects distributed in an object placement space,
Having at least four conductive members, a object container for at least one of the conductive member is provided so as to receive an address signal provided by the source, the object container can support brace pairs have a, comprises an elongated body structure one formed of non-conductive material having a pair of opposite ends of said support braces, each end of the elongate body structure is a pair of spring contact Each of the spring contacts is electrically coupled to a different one of the at least four conductive members and each spring contact is associated with each other and facing each other. the non-conductive support rail having two electrically conductive parts, electrical and mechanical order to provide both connection, the object container is the non-conductive If installed on a lifting rail, each spring contact has a free end which is received in each slot corresponding formed in the elongate body structure, and the object container,
Associated with the object, has a unique system address, said supported on one of the support brace, said address having at least four conductive terminals at least four conductive members in electrical contact A decoder circuit ;
An indicator coupled to the address decoder circuit and activated each time the address decoder circuit detects an address signal present in at least one of the plurality of conductive members and representative of the unique system address;
A device characterized by comprising.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indicator is a visual indicator.   The device according to claim 2, wherein the visual indicator is an LED. A source comprising an encoder for generating the address signal, wherein the encoder is at least one input terminal for receiving an object identification signal from a supply device; and at least coupled to the address decoder circuit and having a single output terminal, and a circuit for generating an address signal representative of said unique system address of the specified the object by the object identification signal, according to claim 1. Each spring contact is fixed to the respective non-conductive support rail so that a given object container can be removed, with only one suitable orientation, with each spring contact contacting the mechanically and electrically suitable conductive portion. For this purpose, the widths of the respective non-conductive support rails are different from each other, and the width of the cut-out channel at one of the opposing ends of the elongated body structure is opposite the elongated body structure. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the width of the cutout channel at the other end of the cutout is different. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the object container has an upper edge, and the indicator is attached to the object container at a position extending above the upper edge. A system for managing objects distributed in an object placement space,
A container including at least two non-conductive support members and a drawer having at least four mutually electrically isolated conductive paths on the non-conductive support members;
A plurality of object containers disposed in the drawer of the container, each of the plurality of object containers comprising a pair of support braces and an upper edge ; and (a) at least four mutually electric One of the support braces electrically coupled to different ones of electrically isolated conductive paths, wherein at least one of the conductive paths is provided to receive an address signal provided by a source. At least four conductive members supported;
(B) associated with the object and supported by one of the support braces having a unique system address and at least four conductive terminals in electrical contact with the at least four conductive members; An address decoder circuit;
(C) the address decoder circuit detects an address signal supported by one of the support braces and present in the at least one of the at least four conductive members and representing the unique system address; An indicator coupled to the address decoder circuit to operate each time ,
Each of the indicators is attached to the corresponding object container in a position that extends above the top edge so that a given indicator is visible when the drawer is in the open position;
One of the support braces of each of the plurality of object containers includes an elongate body structure formed from a non-conductive material having a pair of opposing ends , each end of the elongate body structure comprising: A downwardly opening cutout channel with a pair of spring contacts secured to the elongated body structure;
Each spring contact is electrically coupled to a different one of the plurality of conductive members;
Wherein each end of the support brace of the plurality of objects for containers, wherein is supported by a different one of at least two non-conductive support member when received in said drawer,
The two non-conductive support members are disposed Hedatare laterally with each having a given width, the width of the non-conductive support member Ri Tteo different for each
The width of the cutout channel definitive one of the opposite ends of the elongated body structure of each of the object container is, the cutouts in the other opposing ends of the elongated body structure of each of said object container -Unlike the channel width,
A given object container can be removed from the two non-conductive support members in only one orientation with each of the spring contacts in mechanical and electrical contact with the appropriate one of the conductive paths. system characterized in Ttei Rukoto including, things to stick to. The system of claim 7 , wherein the indicator is a visual indicator. The system of claim 8 , wherein the visual indicator is an LED. A source comprising an encoder for generating the address signal, wherein the encoder receives at least one input terminal for receiving an object identification signal from a supply device; and each address of the plurality of object containers. and having at least one output terminal coupled to the decoder circuit, and a circuit for generating an address signal representative of said unique system address of the specified the object by the object identification signal, The system according to claim 7 . The drawer has a front panel with an additional indicator attached, and the system is further present in the at least one of the plurality of conductive members and represents a unique system address of the address decoder. 10. The system of claim 9 including circuitry for operating the additional indicator each time an address decoder circuit located in the file folder drawer detects an address signal. The address decoder circuit is present in the at least one of the plurality of conductive members and stores the system address indicated by an address signal representative of the unique system address . Including a circuit that generates a valid signal in case
Further, the system provides a power signal to the plurality of object containers via a portion of the conductive path, and sends the address signal to the address decoder circuit via at least one of the conductive paths. 8. The system according to claim 7 , further comprising a microcomputer for supplying and receiving the valid signal from the address decoder circuit . 13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the microcomputer includes a circuit that generates an information signal that identifies a location in the system of any address decoder circuit that generates a valid signal.

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