KR20100080178A - Middleware system for book management of library, and book location display system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A middleware system for book management of a library, and a book location display system using the same are provided to connect lower RFID devices and a main system used for various book management works of the library. CONSTITUTION: The first communication unit(21) communicates with a main system(11) using a specific protocol. The second communication unit(22) communicates with various RFID devices(12) through a cable or a wireless LAN. A monitoring unit(23) monitors the state of the devices. An information transmitting unit(24) transmits uplink information received through the second communication unit to the main system through the first communication unit. The information transmitting unit transmits downlink information received through the first communication unit to a corresponding RFID device through the second communication unit.

Description

Middleware system for library book management and book location display system using the same {Middleware System for Book Management of Library, and Book Location Display System}

The present invention relates to a middleware system for book management of a library and a book position display system using the same, and in particular, various types of books used for library book management tasks such as book loan / return devices, anti-theft devices, book inspection devices, and smart gate devices. It interfaces the RFID devices and the library's main system so that they can interoperate with each other and also makes it easy to find books in the library.

RF ID (RFID) technology is a technology that attaches an RFID tag to an object and reads the information contactlessly through radio frequency, and can be applied to various fields such as logistics, traffic, security, and safety. .

This RFID technology is being evaluated as a next-generation technology to replace the bar code. When applying at a short distance of 1.8m or less, a low frequency of about 30kHz to 500kHz is used, and when applying at a long distance of 27m or more, 850MHz to 950MHz Or use a high frequency of about 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz.

On the other hand, attempts are being made in various fields to use RFID technology for book management in libraries. That is, by attaching an RFID tag to each book in the library and wirelessly reading the information recorded in the tag, the book can be applied to loans, returns, and theft prevention of books.

Various RFID devices used for book management are generally connected to a local area network (LAN) and configured to communicate according to a Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) scheme.

In addition, the upper system (hereinafter referred to as the main system) that manages the information related to the operation of the library as a whole is configured to use a specific protocol for information exchange with other devices.

One example is 3M's Standard Interchange Protocol (SIP), which is treated like a standard protocol.

Therefore, if RFID devices are used to automate book-related tasks in a library, such RFID devices may be configured to handle standard exchange protocol (SIP) for information exchange with the main system, or the main system may It must be configured to use the correct protocol.

Such dependencies can be a barrier to flexible library automation systems.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, the middleware system for book management of the library to interface with each other RFID devices and the main system of the library to be built independently and to interoperate with each other and use the same The purpose is to provide a book position display system that makes it easy to find books in the library.

In order to achieve the above object, a middleware system for book management of a library according to the present invention, the first communication unit for communicating by using a specific protocol and a main system that collectively manages information related to the operation of the library; A second communication unit which communicates with various RFID devices for managing a book to which an RFID tag is attached through a wired or wireless LAN; A monitoring unit communicating with RFID devices through the second communication unit and monitoring a state thereof; And information transmitting uplink information received through the second communication unit to the main system through the first communication unit, and downlink information received through the first communication unit to the corresponding RFID device through the second communication unit. It includes wealth.

The middleware system may include a loan status management unit which maintains a list of loan books up to date by using loan / return information of the book received through the second communication unit; And when the book export information is received through the second communication unit, determine whether the book is unloaded by using the loan book list managed by the loan status management unit, and perform a certain measure in the case of unauthorized unloading. It may further comprise a carrying out monitoring unit.

The middleware system may further include a log management unit that manages various log information related to the communication history performed through the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

The monitoring unit may be configured to transmit a message informing the manager when there is an error in the status of the RFID devices.

The unauthorized carrying out monitoring unit may transmit a message informing the administrator of the unauthorized carrying out situation, or may transmit an alarm signal to a predetermined alarm device to generate an alarm.

The specific protocol that the first communication unit communicates with the main system may be configured to conform to the Standard Interchange Protocol (SIP) of '3M', and the protocol that the second communication unit communicates with the RFID devices is TCP. It can be configured to comply with / IP.

Book position display system according to the present invention, the middleware system of each of the above embodiments; A plurality of indicator lights disposed around the bookshelves of the library, respectively; And an indicator controller connected to a second communication unit of the middleware system to control ON / OFF of each indicator in accordance with an indicator control signal received from the main system.

By using the middleware system according to the present invention, the lower RFID devices and the main system, which are used for various book management tasks of the library, may be independently constructed and interworked with each other.

Even if the protocol used by the main system and the protocol used by the RFID devices are different, the middleware system interfaces with each other.

As a result, the main system does not need to be changed or reprogrammed with the RFID devices, and since the RFID devices can use any maker product, the library automation system can be more easily constructed.

In addition, the book position display system according to the present invention tells the bookshelf through which the user is looking for a book is stored through the indicator light. Accordingly, the user can easily visually check the bookshelf in which the book he is looking is provided, thereby improving the convenience of the user looking for the book in the library.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, a middleware system 20 (hereinafter, referred to as a middleware system) for managing books in a library according to the present invention interfaces the main system 11 and each RFID device 12 with each other.

The main system 11 is a system for managing information related to the operation of the library as a whole, a member information database 11-1 for managing information of library members, and a loan information database for managing information on borrowing and returning books. (11-2), it is linked with a database such as a collection information database 11-3 which manages collection information such as a list of books stored in a library, a location of collections, and a placement order.

The above database is just an example to help understand the description, and the type, content, and form of the database may be variously configured as necessary.

Since RFID devices 12 handle book management tasks using RFID technology, RFID tags are attached to each book.

The radio frequency band can be configured in various ways as necessary, but if configured to use the frequency of the 900MHz band can make the size of the RFID tag small, it is easy to attach to the book has the advantage of wide communication range.

The RFID tag attached to each book should be selected in size, type, and attachment position in consideration of concealment so that the general user will not intentionally damage or inadvertently damage the tag.

The book identification information stored in the RFID tag may be variously configured as necessary. For example, the book identification information may include an institution code for identifying an institution of a book and a unique registration number for identification of a book type.

RFID devices 12 allow for the handling of various types of library tasks using RFID technology.

Examples of the RFID devices 12 include book loan / return devices 12-1 and 12-2, anti-theft device 12-3, book inspection device 12-4, and smart gate device 12-5. For example, the RFID devices 12 may be connected to the middleware system 20 through a local area network (LAN) to communicate in a TCP / IP manner.

The role of each RFID device will be described.

The librarian loan / return device 12-1 enables the librarian of the library to face the user and handle the loan and return of the book.

The librarian loan / return device 12-1 reads book information by wirelessly communicating with the RFID tag attached to the book when the book with the RFID tag is accessed, and the librarian performs the procedures necessary to borrow or return the book. Proceed.

The unmanned loan / return device 12-2 is a device that enables non-face-to-face loan and return operations, and includes an input means such as a touch screen for the user to conveniently proceed with the loan or return process. can do.

The unmanned loan / return device 12-2 reads book information by wireless communication with the RFID tag attached to the book when the book with the RFID tag is accessed, and receives information necessary for loan or return of the book from the user. Proceed with the procedures necessary to borrow or return the book.

The unmanned loan / return device 12-2 reduces the user waiting time and increases the turnover rate of the book by automating the loan and return work of the book.

The anti-theft device 12-3, also called a BDS (Book Detection System), is installed at an exit to the outside such as a library or a reading room and serves to detect a book to be taken out.

When a user possesses a book and passes through the gate of the anti-theft device 12-3, the user reads the information of the RFID tag attached to the book and transmits the information to the middleware system 20 so as to check whether the book is normally borrowed. do.

The anti-theft device 12-3 may be configured to include an alarm that sounds an alarm sound or a camera that photographs a book taking out situation for the purpose of taking out the unauthorized carrying out.

The collection check device (12-4) allows the library to effectively identify and manage the status of the collections stored in the library, such as library check, data search, and misalignment check.

The collection checking device 12-4 is preferably configured to be portable. For example, a personal digital assistant (PDA) and an RFID reader may be integrated. In this case, the collection checking device 12-4 may communicate with the middleware system 20 using a wireless LAN.

The collection inspection task is to collect the registration number of the physical collection and compare it with the information recorded in the collection information database (11-3). The material search task is to quickly find a desired book among many books in the library. However, the misalignment check task is to arrange the distracted books in a regular array based on the prescribed layout information of the books.

The smart gate device 12-5 is for supporting the work such as handover of books, reading statistics, and the like, and is located at a necessary place in the library.

When the book cart carrying books passes through the gate, the smart gate device 12-5 reads a large amount of information of RFID tags attached to various books on the book cart and collects registration numbers of the books.

Meanwhile, the middleware system 20 interfaces the main system 11 and the RFID devices 12 with each other so that the main system 11 and the RFID devices 12 are independent of the protocols used by the main system 11 and the RFID devices 12 independently. To be built.

An embodiment of the middleware system 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

The first communication unit 21 performs a role of communicating with the main system 11 using a protocol used by the main system 11. That is, the protocol used by the first communication unit 21 to exchange book management information with the main system 11 is set to be used by the main system 11.

An example of the protocol used by the main system 11 is the Standard Interchange Protocol (SIP) of '3M', which is treated as a standard protocol in building an automated system of a library.

The second communication unit 22 performs a role of communicating with each RFID device 12.

Each RFID device 12 is connected to the middleware system 20 through a wired or wireless LAN, and the second communication unit 22 communicates with each RFID device 12 according to a TCP / IP scheme.

That is, the middleware system 20 interfaces the main system 11 and the RFID devices 12 through the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22, respectively, and thus, the main system 11 and the RFID devices. Even if the protocols used by (12) are different, they can be configured and linked independently without being dependent on each other.

The information transfer unit 24 allows each RFID device 12 and the main system 11 to exchange information with each other for book management.

That is, the uplink information (information transmitted from the RFID device to the main system) received through the second communication unit 22 is transmitted to the main system 11 through the first communication unit 21, and the first communication unit 21 is transferred. The downlink information (information transmitted from the main system to the RFID device) received through the second communication unit 22 is transferred to the corresponding RFID device.

The types and contents of the information exchanged between each RFID device 12 and the main system 11 vary.

Specifically, in order for the main system 11 to collectively manage book related information, information simply transmitted by each of the RFID devices 12 and mains for each RFID device 12 to perform its own role. Information to request a response from the system 11;

Examples of the former include book loan information, book return information, book inspection information, unauthorized loan status information, book transfer information in the library, and the latter case, user authentication request information and book list request information. .

That is, loan / return information of books generated by RFID devices 12-1 and 12-2 used for loan or return work of books, and current collection information collected through the library check device 12-4 are main. It is delivered to the system 11 and managed through the loan information database 11-2 and the collection information database 11-3, respectively.

In addition, the RFID devices 12-1 and 12-2, which are used to borrow or return books, need to check whether the user is a registered member in order to perform loan or return books. In order to perform the return work, the user needs information on the loan history of the book to be returned, and in order to arrange the book using the collection checking device 12-4, the arrangement order information of the book is required.

In this case, the user authentication using the member information database 11-1, the loan history check using the loan information database 11-2, and the collection information database 11- between the main system 11 and the corresponding RFID device, respectively. It is necessary to transmit information such as downloading the collection arrangement order using 3).

As in the above example, various types of information must be exchanged between the main system 11 and each of the RFID devices 12, and the information transfer unit 24 connects the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22 to each other. Play this role.

The monitoring unit 23 monitors an operation state of each of the RFID devices 12 connected through the second communication unit 22. The content to be monitored by the monitoring unit 23 may be configured in various ways as necessary.

For example, the type of RFID devices connected to the middleware system 20 may be monitored and whether each RFID device is normally operating.

In addition, if there are RFID devices that do not operate normally, the monitoring unit 23 may transmit a message informing the administrator to the administrator in various ways such as an e-mail and a mobile phone short message (SMS).

On the other hand, the unauthorized carry-out monitoring of the book is carried out through the anti-theft device 12-3, by reading the RFID tag information of the book passing through the gate installed in a specific place of the library to determine whether the book is properly borrowed. By doing so.

It is preferable that the unauthorized export monitoring of the book is performed as soon as possible. For this purpose, the middleware system 20 may be configured to directly check whether or not the book is exported.

Referring to FIG. 3, the middleware system 20 may further include a loan status management unit 25 and an unauthorized release monitoring unit 26.

The loan status management unit 25 maintains a list of loan books up to date using the loan / return information of the books received through the second communication unit 22.

When the unauthorized carrying out monitoring unit 26 receives the book carrying information through the second communication unit 22, the unauthorized carrying out monitoring unit 26 compares with the list of loaned books managed by the loan status managing unit 25 to determine whether the books are taken out without permission. In the event of an export, certain actions shall be taken.

Referring to Figure 4 will be described the process of monitoring the unauthorized removal of the book.

When the anti-theft device 12-3 detects the carrying out state of the book (S41), the anti-theft device 12 transmits the book carrying information to the middleware system 20 (S42).

Then, the unauthorized carrying out monitoring unit 26 checks whether the book is properly loaned by comparing the book carrying information received through the second communication unit 22 with the list of loaned books managed by the loan status management unit 25. (S43).

If the book is normally borrowed as a result of the check in step S43, no action is required, but otherwise, the book is treated as being taken out without permission (S44, S45).

The actions to be performed in step S45 may be variously configured as necessary, for example, sending a message informing the administrator, sending an alarm signal to the alarm device, to the anti-theft device 12-3. If a camera is installed, the camera can be operated for a certain time (for example, 15 seconds).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the middleware system 20 may be configured to further include a log manager 27.

The log manager 27 manages various log information related to the communication details made through the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22. In addition, it may be configured to manage various log information related to the operation of the middleware system 20 as necessary, such as the login information of the administrator, and the administrator can query each log record.

Referring to FIG. 5, an overall operation of the middleware system 20 will be described.

The monitoring unit 23 communicates with each of the RFID devices 12 through the second communication unit 22 when monitoring is required, such as when booting or when a monitoring command of an administrator is inputted, and checks whether or not the normal operation of the currently connected RFID device is performed. (S51-1, 51-2).

If there is an RFID device that does not operate normally as a result of the check, a message informing of this is transmitted to the manager (S51-3, S51-4). If necessary, even when there is no abnormality, a message indicating that the RFID devices are operating normally may be transmitted.

The information transfer unit 24 receives the information sent from the RFID devices 12 to the main system 11 through the second communication unit 22 (S52-1), and through the first communication unit 11, the main system. It transfers to the main system 11 according to the protocol used by (11) (S52-2).

In addition, when the information transmission unit 24 receives the information sent from the main system 11 to each of the RFID devices 12 through the first communication unit 21 (S53-1), this information to the second communication unit 22 Transfers to each RFID device 12 through (S53-2).

When the loan status management unit 25 receives information on the loan or return of the book through the second communication unit 22 (S54-1), the loan book list currently loaned normally is kept up to date using this. (S54-2).

The unauthorized carrying out monitoring unit 26 receives the book carrying information through the second communication unit 22 (S55-1), and compares the received book carrying information with the list of loaned books managed by the loan status management unit 25. Check whether the book is normally borrowed (S55-2), and if the book is not normally borrowed, perform a certain measure for the unauthorized release situation (S55-3, S55-4).

Referring to FIG. 6, the book position display system 60 according to the present invention includes a middleware system 20, a plurality of indicators 62-1 to 62-n, and an indicator controller 61 for controlling each indicator. It is made to include.

Each light (62-1 through 62-n) is placed around each bookshelf (64-1 through 64-n) located in the library, providing a visual indication of which bookcase the user is looking for. do.

The indicator control unit 61 is connected to the second communication unit 22 of the middleware system 20, receives the indicator control signal from the main system 11, and displays each indicator 62 according to the received indicator control signal. -1 to 62-n) are controlled to ON / OFF state.

The process of displaying the book position that the user is looking for using the book position display system 60 will be described.

First, each book sensing device 65-1 to 65-n provided in correspondence with each bookshelf 64-1 to 64-n may be configured to include an RFID antenna and an RFID reader. According to the command transmitted by the system 11, book information on the bookshelf is collected and transmitted to the main system 11 through the middleware system 20.

RFID antennas of each of the book sensing devices 65-1 to 65-n may be configured by using a shelf antenna to prevent errors in recognizing books located in adjacent bookcases.

On the other hand, the library is provided with a book search device (12-7) that allows each user to search the books stored in the library.

The book search apparatus 12-7 may be configured in the form of a personal computer (PC) or an unmanned apparatus, and connected to the second communication unit 22 of the middleware system 20 through a LAN.

When a user searches for a book in the book search apparatus 12-7, the search information is transferred to the main system 11 through the middleware system 20, and the main system 11 displays the bookshelf in which the book is located. The lamp control unit 61 transmits an indicator control signal to turn on the indicator of the bookcase.

The indicator control unit 61 turns on the indicator corresponding to the bookshelf according to the indicator control signal received from the main system 11.

Then, the user can easily visually check the bookshelf containing the book he is looking for.

Each embodiment described above is intended to help the understanding of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be variously modified and implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Of course.

1 is an overview of configuring a library automation system according to the present invention;

2 is an embodiment of a middleware system according to the present invention;

3 is another embodiment of a middleware system according to the present invention;

4 is an example of the process of monitoring the unauthorized removal of books;

5 is an example of an overall operation process of a middleware system according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is an embodiment of a book position display system according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

11: Main System 11-1: Member Information Database

11-2: Loan Information Database 11-3: Collection Information Database

12: RFID device 12-1: librarian loan / return device

12-2: Unattended Loan / Return Device 12-3: Anti-Theft Device

12-4: collection check device 12-5: smart gate device

12-7: Book Search Device 20: Middleware System

21: first communication unit 22: second communication unit

23: monitoring unit 24: information delivery unit

25: Loan Status Management Department 26: Unauthorized Export Monitoring Department

27: log management unit 60: book position display system

61: indicator controller 62-1 to 62-n: indicator

64-1 ~ 64-n: Bookshelf 65-1 ~ 65-n: Book detection device

Claims (7)

A first communication unit communicating with a main system which collectively manages information related to the operation of the library using a specific protocol; A second communication unit which communicates with various RFID devices for managing a book to which an RFID tag is attached through a wired or wireless LAN; A monitoring unit communicating with RFID devices through the second communication unit and monitoring a state thereof; And An information transfer unit for transmitting uplink information received through the second communication unit to the main system through the first communication unit, and downlink information received through the first communication unit to the corresponding RFID device through the second communication unit. Middleware system for book management of the library, including. The method of claim 1, A loan status management unit which maintains a list of loan books up to date by using loan / return information of books received through the second communication unit; And When the book export information is received through the second communication unit, it is determined whether the book is unloaded using the list of loan books managed by the loan status management unit. Middleware system for book management of the library further comprises a monitoring unit. The method of claim 1, The middleware system for library management of the library further comprises a log management unit for managing various log information related to the communication history performed through the first communication unit and the second communication unit. The method of claim 1, The monitoring unit is a middleware system for book management of a library, characterized in that configured to transmit a message informing the administrator of the abnormal state of the RFID device. The method of claim 2, The action performed by the unauthorized carrying out monitoring unit in the unauthorized carrying out situation may include at least one of transmitting a message informing the administrator of this, and transmitting an alarm signal to a predetermined alarm device. Middleware system for. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The specific protocol that the first communication unit communicates with the main system includes a standard interchange protocol (SIP) of '3M', The protocol of the second communication unit to communicate with the RFID devices is a middleware system for book management of the library, characterized in that configured to include TCP / IP. A middleware system for managing books in a library according to any one of claims 1 to 5; A plurality of indicator lights disposed around the bookshelves of the library, respectively; And And a light control unit connected to a second communication unit of the middleware system to control ON / OFF of each light in response to a light control signal received from the main system.

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