WO2010086157A1

WO2010086157A1 - Storage system for media

Info

Publication number: WO2010086157A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/000496
Authority: WO
Inventors: Georg Völkl
Original assignee: Voelkl Georg
Priority date: 2009-01-31
Filing date: 2010-01-27
Publication date: 2010-08-05
Also published as: DE102009006782A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an intelligent storage system (1) for media (3) and to a method and a computer program product for operating such a storage system (1). It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage system (1) for media which enables library operation entirely or virtually entirely without personnel. For this purpose, an intelligent storage system (1) is provided which enables a user to return borrowed media (3) to the correct position in a media-holding device (2).

Description

description

Storage system for media

The invention relates to an intelligent storage system for media as well as a method and a computer program product for operating such a storage system.

With "RFID" (Radio Frequency Identification), a technology is available with which it is possible to read and save data without contact.

For RFID recognition, the object to be identified by the data must be equipped with a so-called transponder, which can respond to a request from a reader. The "reading" of the transponder is carried out contactlessly by radio, for this the reader generates with the help of an antenna a electromagnetic high frequency field of short range

Transponders caught. With the field transmitted signals of the reader are received by the transponder and, if necessary. processed. In response, information (e.g., an object identifier in the form of a unique serial number or the like) from the memory of the transponder is applied to the

Reader by modulating this information in the field emitted by the antenna of the reader field.

The prior art uses RFID technology

Shelf systems for storing documents are known in which, for example, each document is provided with an RFID transponder. While in the beginning times only portable RFID scanners were used for inventory purposes, came later on the shelves integrated antennas used, which were connected to corresponding RFID readers. In order to reduce the number of antennas, it has been proposed to use movable antennas on the rack, cf. WO 2007/136353 Al. This is already a personnel-reduced management of documents, especially an automated inventory possible.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an advanced media storage system that enables full or almost completely staff-free library operation, particularly self-return of media by the user.

This object is achieved by a storage system according to claim 1 or a method according to claim 14 or a computer program according to claim 18.

The storage system according to the invention is a storage system for media, each medium having at least one unique, contactlessly readable label. The storage system is characterized by:

at least one media receiving device for receiving the media, wherein the media receiving device comprises a number Aufnähmeelernente, each adapted to receive one or more media, an activity recognition device for detecting at least one position change activity of one or more media,

- An identification device, designed for

Identifying at least one medium disposed in the at least one receptacle element and / or in the at least one group of receptacles based on its at least one tag, and having a control unit coupled to the activity detection device for operating the identification device based on at least one detected position change activity of one or more media .

a test device designed to obtain

Information about the correctness of the actual position and / or information about the desired position and / or information about the actual position of at least one of said obtaining at least on the basis of results of the identification device and / or on the basis of media data, in particular media inventory data and / or media position data, and with a control unit for operating the test apparatus,

a communication device having at least one communication element, which is designed to transmit information relating to the correctness of the actual position and / or the actual position and / or the desired position of at least one medium to the user of the storage system, and a control unit connected at least to the test apparatus for operating the communication apparatus based at least on the results of the test apparatus. The inventive method for operating this storage system for media, each medium having at least one unique, non-contact readable marking and wherein the storage system comprises at least one media receiving device for receiving the media, the at least one media receiving device having a number of receiving elements, each for receiving one or are formed of several media, is characterized by the following steps:

Detecting at least one position change activity of one or more media,

Identifying at least one medium arranged in the at least one receiving element and / or in the at least one group of receiving elements on the basis of its at least one identification,

- Obtaining information about the accuracy of the actual position and / or information about the desired position and / or information about the actual position of at least one medium, said winning at least on the basis of results of the identification device and / or the basis of media data, in particular Medienbescandsdacen and / or Medienposicionsdacen takes place,

- Transmitting a related to the accuracy of the actual position and / or the actual position and / or the desired position of the at least one medium information to the user of the storage system. The computer program product according to the invention for operating a storage system for media, wherein each medium has at least one unique, non-contact readable marking and wherein the storage system comprises at least one media receiving device for receiving the media, wherein the at least one media receiving device comprises a number of receiving elements, each for receiving one or are formed of several media is characterized by:

Computer program instructions for detecting at least one position change activity of one or more media,

computer program instructions for identifying at least one medium arranged in the at least one receiving element and / or in the at least one group of receiving elements on the basis of its at least one marking,

- with computer program instructions to win

Information about the correctness of the actual position and / or information about the desired position and / or information about the actual position of at least one medium, wherein this winning at least on the basis of results of the identification device and / or on the basis of Media data, in particular media inventory data and / or media position data, takes place,

with computer program instructions for transmitting to the user of the storage system information relating to the correctness of the actual position and / or the actual position and / or the desired position of the at least one medium, when the computer program is running on a computer.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims or will become apparent from the following description and the embodiments explained therein.

The advantages and embodiments explained below in connection with the method also apply mutatis mutandis to the system according to the invention and vice versa. Some talk of "libraries" as the scope of the storage system and "books" as a special form of media. However, this is not a limitation of the patent application and is only for better illustration of the invention.

An essential idea of the invention is to enable an automatically controllable return of the media. In conventional libraries, either the reset of the

If media are left to the library staff from the outset, or if the user puts the media back himself, then correction by a library staff will be necessary in the event of an incorrect reset.

The idea of the invention is realized by providing an intelligent storage system which enables a user to return borrowed media to the correct position in a media receiving device. As a result, a personnel and thus time-consuming and costly sorting of media by library staff is superfluous. Based on a storage system in which all media are provided with at least one identification feature, the basic idea of the invention is to provide feedback to the user as to whether or not the deferred one has returned after the medium has been returned

Medium is in the correct position. In other words, the user is informed of the correctness of his media return with respect to the setting position in the storage system. Previously, this is checked by the storage system by using a non-contact identification system, the media of the respective recording element or the group of recording elements read and information about the accuracy of the actual position and / or information about the desired position and / or information are obtained via the actual position of the at least one medium in the one receiving element or in a group of receiving elements.

The term "media" may be understood to mean any type of article that can be handled separately, in particular books, printed matter, such as lawyers' files, CDs, DVDs, magnetic tape cassettes, electronic data carriers such as memory chips or the like.

The identification system is preferably an RFID system. RFID systems are inexpensive and extremely reliable and are therefore particularly well suited for such an application. In the following, the terms identification system and RFID system are used synonymously, although other contactless systems can be used for identification.

An "RFID transponder associated with a medium" is understood to mean an RFID transponder which is arranged, mounted or fastened in or on a single medium or, in another form, makes it possible to localize the medium in the medium receiving device by means of its position In this case, each transponder is preferably assigned to exactly one medium.

Depending on the application, a "number of transponders" means several dozen, several hundred or several thousand, and in rare cases it can also be a single transponder

Storage system, for example, applied in a library, it can also be tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of transponders.

The number of media receiving device associated

RFID readers and RFID antennas can also vary and are preferably based on the size of the media receiving device, the number of receiving elements and / or the local conditions.

By a "communication element for conveying user information" is meant a communication belt capable of providing information to a user, for example, the communication element may be an optical display attached to the media receiving device or an acoustic signal transmitter In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this takes place Providing the information regardless of whether the user desires it. This ensures that the information is provided to the user in any case.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a direct information of the user takes place. This means that the information is made available promptly for changing the position of the medium, but preferably also near the location of the medium and the user. Of the

The advantage of immediate information is the increased receptivity of the user during or immediately after resetting the medium.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the user requires a direct and / or direct confirmation of the receipt of the information provided, otherwise, for example, no chargeback of the deferred medium takes place, but the medium is still considered borrowed. This ensures that the user has actually reached the information about the correctness of the reset process.

The "information relating to the correctness of the actual position and / or the actual position and / or the desired position of the at least one medium" can have a number of forms, for example quality information which indicates whether the medium whose position has changed is in the correct or in the wrong position (eg "Book has been reset correctly / wrongly"). In addition, the "information" may also include an indication of the wrong and / or correct position of a medium (eg the correct Position for this book would be compartment 206. ") Also, the" information "can only be a confirmation of a change in position (eg" book has been reset or removed ") .This can also be an" information " which relates to the recording element of the relevant medium or a corresponding group of recording elements (eg "All media of this compartment are correct.").

In one embodiment of the invention, the storage system comprises a plurality of

Media receiving devices, for example in the form of shelves. Each media receiving device in this case has a number of receiving elements, each receiving element is adapted to receive one or more media. The receiving elements can be arranged directly adjacent to each other or arranged spaced apart by arrangement of part or separating elements between the receiving elements. Accordingly, the detection device of the RFID system for reading the transponder is formed by itself in the receiving elements media, and preferably such that they allow assignment of a transponder to exactly one Aufnähmeelement or a group of recording elements. This makes it possible to determine the position of a transponder and thus of a medium in a specific receiving element or a group of receiving elements.

It is possible and useful for various applications to divide the media receiving device not only into a plurality of receiving elements, but also a further subdivision of the receiving elements in "subjects" or the like. Thus, not only a coarse sorting of the media by the user can be done, but depending on the size of the media and the size of the subdivisions also one, if necessary, even media accurate, fine sorting. The subdivision into "subjects" can be used at the same time to restrict the possibility of positioning the media, for example by preventing the books from being placed in a receiving compartment instead of being placed.

A constructive subdivision of the media receiving device or the receiving elements can be omitted if a precise position determination is not desired or not required or if a media-accurate position determination can be realized without constructive subdivisions, for example due to a very precise

Position determination by the RFID system. In such an embodiment, based on information about a position change activity of a particular medium at a particular position, the RFID system may perform positionally accurate identification of only that one medium. Although in this case it would not be absolutely necessary for the receiving device to have receiving elements in the sense of the receiving device in a number of sections dividing elements. However, in this case as well, recording elements would be required as physical media carriers.

The assignment of a transponder to a receiving element or to a group of receiving elements takes place in an embodiment of the invention in that the detection device of the RFID system permanently installed and the individual receiving elements and / or a group of Receiving elements associated with antennas and / or in that the detection device of the RFID system has antennas which are movable relative to the receiving elements or groups of receiving elements. In one case, a larger number of antennas is required because each receiving element must be assigned an antenna. In the other case, the number of antennas required is smaller and an antenna positioning device is needed.

The activity-recognition device preferably has at least one activity-determining device for automatically detecting at least one position-changing activity of a medium in a receiving element and / or a group of receiving elements and / or at least one activity-reporting device for user-initiated reporting of such a change in position.

The detection device for determining the position of a medium in the media receiving device is preferably designed such that an assignment of at least one medium to exactly one receiving element or exactly one group of receiving elements takes place. The same applies to any other structural subdivision of

Media receiving device, such as a further subdivision of the shelf compartments in subjects. Multiple media can be captured simultaneously or sequentially.

The data provided by the RFID system for the test device are preferably the read-out transponder data on the one hand and the assignment data of the readers for a specific one Receiving element (shelf compartment, compartment compartment, etc.) or to a group of receiving elements or to the media-accurate position in the media receiving device on the other.

The test device is for obtaining information about the correctness of the actual position and / or information about the desired position and / or information about the actual position of the at least one medium in at least one receiving element and / or in at least one group of Receiving elements formed. The basis for this winning is the results of the identification device and / or media data, in particular media inventory data and / or media position data.

The storage system according to the invention comprises a

Control unit. This is preferably used to control the devices contained in the intelligent storage system or to manage the resulting in connection with the operation of the storage system information.

In the following, further points of the invention as well as various embodiments are addressed.

Intelligent storage systems, as described herein, preferably serve as the main components of a novel library system that operates on the basis of RFID technology and is optionally equipped with digital video surveillance. This optical monitoring device is designed to identify users of the storage system, in particular for identifying illegal users, wherein the optical monitoring device has a number Monitoring elements, preferably video cameras, which are arranged directly on the media receiving device or adjacent to the media receiving device.

The intelligent storage system may further comprise other monitoring elements that are not assigned to the optical monitoring device, namely on the one hand one or more monitoring elements for the visual determination of the position of the RFID antenna (s), for example by means of a video camera, and on the other hand several monitoring elements for the visual monitoring of the position and / or position of the media.

A core idea of the invention is the independent provision of borrowed media by the user and the associated cost savings in the area of personnel. This can not yet be done by a library system. Even the most modern RFID-based systems are not able to do this. It is essential that the storage system according to the invention checks the correct position of the recovered medium and gives the user feedback on this. This will always allow the media to be returned correctly, without the need for library staff.

The storage system according to the invention can independently determine which medium is in which Aufnahmeeiement (shelf compartment, compartment compartment, etc.) or in which group of receiving elements. As a result, an inventory of the media stock is possible at any time.

In one embodiment of the invention, borrowing, returning, prioritizing, and extending media is done by the Storage system independently, ie without personnel, settled. In this case, a communication interface with the user, for example in the form of a touchscreen monitor, is used. The operation is partially or exclusively user-related, wherein the user is identified by the system, preferably based on a photo ID with RFID transponder or other identification feature, such as a ring, bracelet or the like.

In combination with the use of an access control system with a password, the storage system according to the invention can even ensure that the user can not leave the library unless all the books have been sorted correctly.

In another embodiment, video cameras attached to or adjacent to the media receiving devices monitor all operations and thus automatically digitally track tampering or unauthorized media removal in a timely manner.

In addition, the computerized system can provide any kind of service and advice. For example, the library user can view statistics for

View media usage, read reviews, or view suggestions from similar media.

The main advantages which result from the use of the storage system according to the invention are explained below. In a traditional RFID-based library, the returned media that has been presorted by an electronic system must be sorted by staff even more finely and placed back in the right shelf compartment. This is when using the invention

Storage system not necessary because this task is transferred to the user. The storage system of the present invention monitors this process, i. It controls whether the media are placed in the right place. Should a user misclassify the media, the media will be considered as not returned and it may be provided that in this case a fee is payable which may, for example, be deducted from a deposit previously made.

However, it does not just eliminate the return of the returned media by the staff. Ordering the returned media is no longer required. When using the storage system according to the invention there is no more mislaid media, since the reset is controlled. This is preferably the case even if a medium is used only within the library. This is accomplished in accordance with one embodiment of the invention by introducing an "extended borrowing requirement." A user moves away from a shelf ("media picker") of the shelf

("Medienaufnahmevorrichcung ^" "), he must borrow the medium and is registered. If he returns the medium wrong, he can be easily identified and used to pay a fee.

The only exception where no registration occurs is when the user enters the media directly on the Shelf used. Should this user now reset a medium incorrectly, it is to be identified by the video surveillance system. However, it may also be provided to make a registration and / or a derecognition even if the medium is merely removed from the shelf, used inside the library and then reset again.

There are libraries in which the staff also postpones those media that are not borrowed, but used only in the library room. The media are stored in specially designated places by the users. The staff then sorts them into the shelves. In the storage system according to the invention this process is omitted because this task is transmitted to the user and is controlled by the system.

Further savings result from preventing theft. In conventional libraries, the shrinkage rate of the electronic-fuse media is about 0.05% to 0.5%. If a medium is now manipulated from the storage system according to the invention or removed without authorization, this is recorded by video cameras. To identify the thief more easily, entering the library becomes a shortcut

Identification performed in which an individual password in combination with the photo ID of the user is queried. If the ID card is stolen, the potential thief can not enter the library because he does not know the password.

If the thief uses his own ID, he can be identified by comparing the photographs on the card with the video. Thus, there is only one way to steal media. The thief would have to gain access to the database of the library to steal the password required for a stolen passport that he needed to enter the library. However, it is not to be expected that such a great effort will be made to steal a medium. Regardless, there is still the use of video surveillance nor the video recording, which can be used to identify the perpetrator.

Another very significant advantage of the storage system according to the invention lies in the learning ability of the shelves. In the case of conventional libraries, the new parking space must be manually entered into a database for each new medium when the media is restructured or restructured. This requires a lot of time and personnel. In the storage system according to the invention, the media are simply classified. Subsequently, a simple command can be used to have the system automatically determine the location of each medium and record it in the database. No personnel is needed for this process.

With the help of the storage system according to the invention, moreover, the automatic generation of evaluations and statistics is very easily possible. For example, it is very easy to determine how often a medium, even within the library, has been borrowed and how often it has just been taken off the shelf. These statistics make it possible to purchase new media in a purposeful way. New purchases can be better tailored to the needs of users. Mis-shopping and unnecessary Media purchases can be avoided, which also results in cost savings.

In addition, it seems obvious that the "extended borrowing obligation" will improve the treatment of the media because the identity of the user is known, resulting in longer media life and fewer replacement media.

As with other RFID-based library systems already in use, the use of the storage system of the present invention eliminates the borrowing and return operation performed by the personnel in a traditional library with media backup. In particular, eliminates the process of detecting a medium with bar code scanner and the release of this medium by the staff. In the storage system according to the invention, this process is performed on the shelf, in conventional RFID library systems at an accounting station and a return vending machine.

In RFID-based libraries, the staff carry out inventory revisions with a handheld reader at longer intervals, for example every five years. It determines if a medium is in the library or not. By using the storage system according to the invention, this process is associated with no additional time or personnel. Instead, the storage system of the invention provides a permanent inventory. This means that it is possible to determine at any time which medium is in stock. In addition, it is automatically possible to determine in which compartment of a shelf the medium is located. An important advantage in terms of time for the user is that there is no need to hire a loan and return counter. Furthermore, the storage system according to the invention can be equipped with an advisory function. About a touch screen can be z. For example, reviewing reviews, loan statistics, similar media, media requests and other guidance. The system thus takes over a large part of the services that are usually provided by personnel. In addition, the media are faster, ie immediately available because they do not have to be arranged by the library staff after the return. Furthermore, it is advantageous that users are no longer forced to store coats and bags before entering the library.

The storage system according to the invention can be used for example in academic libraries at academies, colleges and universities, in public libraries, such as state libraries, urban and large

Municipal libraries, as well as in archives are used. The greater the ratio between the number of media reserves and the total number of media and the greater the media stock at the same time, the more quickly the libraries pay for the acquisition of the storage system according to the invention. In addition, there are further savings that result from the fact that the regular ordering of the media by the staff is eliminated. The larger the library, the higher the savings.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings. Hereby show: 1 is an illustration of an intelligent storage system,

2 is a detailed view of a shelf compartment,

3 is a detail view of a movable antenna,

Fig. 4 is a process explanatory flowchart.

All figures show the invention only schematically and with its essential components. The same reference numerals correspond to elements of the same or comparable function.

As shown in Figure 1, an intelligent storage system 1 according to the invention comprises a number of media receiving devices 2 for receiving media 3. The media receiving devices 2 are in the form of shelves. Each shelf, for example, has a capacity for 2500 to 5000 media. It consists of a variable number of shelf modules, each shelf module, as usual in libraries, six or seven superposed receiving elements 4 in the form of compartments. The number of modules and compartments of a shelf depends on the room structure, the customer requirements, the

Performance of the technology used and the requirements for optimum ease of use. For example, a compartment can contain between 30 and 60 media. The amount of media in a compartment is determined by both the dimensions of the individual media and the hardware performance. The storage system 1 according to the invention comprises an RFID system 5 for the contactless identification of the media 3. The RFID system 5 has a number of transponders 6, a number of readers 7 and a number of antennas 15 for reading out the transponders 6.

Each medium 3 is equipped with at least one RFID transponder 6. This is a prerequisite for the functioning of the system. Depending on the type of medium 3, it is also possible to provide a plurality of transponders 6 for a medium 3. It is thus possible, for example, to determine not only the position but also the position of the book 3 on the shelf 2 in the case of books 3 by suitably using a plurality of transponders 6. Thus, e.g. make sure that the book 3 is always set with the spine outward in the shelf 2. When using a suitable RFID system 5, the additional position determination can be determined even when using only a single transponder 6 per medium 3.

A previously used library-owned signature system can continue to be used. In order for the user to be able to find a medium 3 more quickly, the media 3 in a compartment 4 can additionally be marked with a colored number between "1" and "5".

The working frequency determines the essential characteristics of a wireless system. The reason for this lies in the different behavior of the electromagnetic waves in the different frequency ranges. Therefore, the selection of the working frequency is of great importance.

The RFID-equipped libraries almost exclusively use RF technology Working frequency of 13.56 MHz used. Based on results of extensive experiments, the RFID system 5 of the storage system according to the invention uses UHF technology with an operating frequency of 868 MHz, although this technology is unusual in the near field. However, the use of UHF technology enables better detection performance at the same cost compared to RF technology. So could be detected in tests over the fivefold of Media 3 in a compartment 4 flawless. Another advantage of UHF technology is that it can be done with the help of a

Identification feature of the user, such as a ring, tape or the like, it is possible to automatically register the borrower during the removal of a medium from the shelf and make a corresponding account booking. This advantage is not guaranteed by HF technology.

The storage system 1 according to the invention further comprises a control unit 12, which is used to control the devices contained in the intelligent storage system 1 or

Devices or for managing the incurred in connection with the operation of the storage system 1 information is formed.

In one embodiment, the control unit 12 and the test device 8 are formed as parts of a computer system 28 of the storage system 1.

The storage system 1 according to the invention further comprises a test device 8 for obtaining information about the correctness of the actual position and / or information about the desired position and / or information about the actual position of the at least one medium 3 in at least a receiving element 4 and / or in at least one group of receiving elements 4, wherein this winning takes place at least on the basis of results of the identification device 5 and / or on the basis of media data, in particular media inventory data and / or media position data.

In one embodiment of the invention, the test device 8 is designed as a comparison device 8 for comparing the actual position of at least one identified medium 3 with its desired position.

However, the test device 8 can also be designed as a comparison device for comparing the actual position of at least one selected medium 3 with its sole position. In this case, that indicates

Storage system 1, a selection device 23, which is designed to select the at least one position change activity causing medium 3. This can be done by comparing all identified media 3 on the one hand and one

Reference media inventory for the at least one

Aufnähmeelernent 4 and / or for the at least one group of

Receiving elements 4 on the other hand done.

In a further embodiment, the test apparatus 8 operates primarily based on information of a position change activity. This is z. Example, then the case when the detection device 26 reads out a group of example, four receiving elements 4 and can not distinguish in which compartment 4 of this group, the respective media are 3. It is only known that all media 3 are within the group. However, each of these four receiving elements 4 an activity determination device 10 and / or an activity reporting device 11 assigned. The test device 8 can thus determine, based on the position change activity triggered in one of these four compartments 4, in which of the compartments 4 the change in position of at least one medium 3 has taken place, as long as a position change activity has been automatically detected and / or reported in only one of the four compartments 4. Based on this information, the identification results of all four recording elements 4 and reference data for the individual

Receiving elements 4 of the group determines the test device 8, the identified media of that receiving element 4, which has undergone a position change activity, and can then information about the accuracy of the actual position and / or information about the desired position and / or information about the actual position of the at least one medium 3 in this a receiving element 4 determine.

The storage system 1 according to the invention preferably further comprises an activity recognition device 9 for

Recognizing a position change activity of at least one medium 3 in at least one receiving element 4 or a group of receiving elements 4.

In one embodiment, the activity recognition device 9 comprises at least one activity determination device 10 for automatically detecting a position change activity of a medium 3 in the media acquisition device 2 and / or at least one activity reporting device 11 for user-initiated reporting of such a position change activity.

The storage system 1 according to the invention further comprises a communication device 13 for communicating with a User of the storage system 1, wherein the communication device 13 at least one

Communication element 14, which is preferably designed for immediate information of the user on the changed position of the at least one medium 3 in the media receiving device 2. The communication device 13 is operated at least on the basis of information of the test device 8 about the correctness of the actual position and / or the actual position and / or the desired position. In addition, however, the control unit of the communication device 13 can also be provided with further information for operating the communication device 13, for example from the test device 8 and / or from a computer system connected to the control unit. This is the case, for example, if the user is to be told after a successful check of his media return for correctness that the medium has been reversed from his account. The readers 7 of the RFID system 5 are connected to fixed or movable antennas 15, by means of which the transponders 6 are read out. Optionally, the connection of readers 7 and antennas 15 via multiplexer and / or splitter (not shown).

In one embodiment of the invention, four movable antennas 15 are assigned to one reading device 7 and are used to read out two shelf groups of six compartments each. 4. The reading devices 7 are connected to the computer system 28, which has suitable functionality for processing the incoming information , If the antennas 15 are connected via a multiplexer to the reader 7, with the help of the multiplexer are set, which antenna 15 is to be activated, so that, for example, a time-controlled flow is possible in such a way that the multiplexer every five seconds, the connected to him antennas 15 turns on.

If antennas 15 are connected via a splitter to the reading device 7 or a multiplexer, the antennas 15 connected to the splitter can be interconnected and read out at the same time. The antennas 15 are preferably at the

In the case of an application adapted such that unwanted "leakage" of the field beyond the shelf 2 is avoided without the deterioration of the detection of the media 3 in the shelf 2 itself Measures for this are, for example, the use of a reflecting and / or absorbing material for individual components of the shelf 2 or the use of separating elements in the individual shelf compartments 4, for example in the form of individual media 3 receiving dividers 16.

The example of metal, wood, plastic or a combination thereof existing shelf 2 thus has in this embodiment of the invention not only individual compartments 4. Instead, 4 dividers 16 are used in the individual compartments, which serve a subdivision of the compartment 4 in several subjects. As a result, at the same time the influence on the positioning possibilities of a book 3 is increased, which can lead to an improvement of the reading results.

The materials used for the construction of the shelf 2 can be used to prevent the electromagnetic field of the antennas 15 of the readers 7, in the Reading a compartment 4 to get into the neighboring compartments. For this example, aluminum foil or other metallic material is suitable. In addition, it is also possible to incorporate absorbent materials on the shelf 2, so that the antenna fields can be better kept in the shelf 2. This can be prevented that the electromagnetic field outside the shelf 2 transponder 6 reaches and reads them. In a preferred embodiment of the storage system 1, the shelf 2, except for the divider in the receiving elements, made of metal, to shield the receiving elements 4 against each other.

Also possible is an extension of the side walls of the individual compartments 4 towards the front towards the user when the antennas 15 are arranged behind the shelf 2. This extension is also possible for the ceilings and / or floors of a receiving element. As a result, on the one hand it can be prevented that the antenna 15 detects a medium 3 which carries a user standing very close to the shelf 2, without this setting it into the compartment 4. On the other hand reflections of the antenna field in neighboring compartments or opposite shelves 2 can be reduced. The extended side parts thus allow a distance gain. In other words, a minimum distance from the antenna 15 to media 3, which are not to be read, guaranteed.

As an alternative or in addition to an extension of the side walls towards the front in the direction of the user, an extension of the side walls of the individual compartments 4 toward the rear in the direction of the antenna 15 is also possible. Prerequisite for this is that the reading by enlarging the Distance from the antenna 15 to the media 3 is not affected. Again, this extension is also possible for the ceilings and / or floors of the compartment 4.

Essential to the invention is the use of

Communication device 13 for communication between system and user. This serves to inform the user after a reset of a medium 3, whether he has set the medium 3 correctly. Optionally, the name of the selected medium 3 and further information can be communicated to it. The communication device 13 is connected for this purpose to the computer system 28, which has a suitable functionality for controlling the communication device 13.

In the communication element 14 of the

The communication device 13 can be a visual output unit, for example an LCD display, an LED display, a television screen, a computer monitor or the like. Instead of a visual output, a sound output, e.g. possible via radio headphones or loudspeakers. The communication elements 14 are arranged in a preferred embodiment of the invention to each individual shelf compartment 4. Alternatively, the communication elements 14 and groups of

Shelves (modules) or shelves be assigned.

Alternatively, it is possible to use a user-manageable device as a communication element 14. This may be, for example, the mobile phone or the organizer or another means of communication of the user. It is also possible for the user to own the library for this purpose Communication elements, such as PDAs borrowed. In these cases, the storage system 1 or the computer system 28 has corresponding devices for communication with the user-specific communication devices.

Other ways of informing the user about the correct position of the medium 3 are computer stations or communication terminals, which are preferably located on the shelves 2 themselves and / or elsewhere in the library. Also is an information transfer

Return stations, monitors on the ceiling of the library or the like, which are also connected to the computer system 28, possible. It is essential that the user receives the reset information also on these output devices.

The communication element 14 can also be used to alert the user when he has taken a medium 3 from the shelf 2. Thus, for example, an information of the user can be made to the effect that after the removal of the medium 3, he still has a limited period of time available to reset the medium 3 again, without it being considered borrowed or stolen.

With the invention, both movable and permanently installed antennas 15 can be used. In permanently installed antennas 15, these are preferably fixed so that one or more shelf compartments 4 or groups of sections can be read out simultaneously. Mounting possibilities for this are given in various ways, for example behind the shelf 2 and behind the shelves 4, in the side parts of the shelf 2 and the shelves 4, in the ceiling parts of the Shelf compartments 4 or shelf compartment groups. Optionally, additionally installed video cameras 20 can be used to provide information about the displacement of the 3 books.

More cost-effective than the use of a plurality of permanently installed antennas 15 is the use of movable antennas 15 in conjunction with an antenna positioning device 17. In this case, one or more antennas 15 are positioned so that one or more shelf compartments 4 or groups of sections can be read out simultaneously. The reading can be done in the rest position of the antenna positioning device 17 or during the departure of the desired shelf compartment 4 or the shelf compartments. Preferably, one or more antennas 15 are used to simultaneously or consecutively test a number of compartments 4, wherein in one embodiment of the invention, additional information (e.g., signals from motion sensors and / or optical monitoring elements) are used to provide a unique

Assigning a received transponder signal to a compartment 4 to ensure. This is useful, for example, when the antenna 15 has to be moved beyond the actual compartment 4 into the area of a neighboring compartment for safe reading of a transponder 6.

The Antennenpositionierungsemπcntung i / can daoei be designed such that the antennas 15 behind the shelf 2 in - horizontal direction 18 or in the vertical direction 19 or combined can be moved horizontally and vertically

(see Fig. 3). Alternatively, it is possible to accommodate the antennas 15 in designated cavities of compartment or ceiling floors of the shelf 2, as well as in the side panels of Compartments 4. Overall, not only a two-dimensional, but a three-dimensional movement of the antennas 15 is possible. Also, in one

Media recording device 2 different types of movement of the antennas are combined.

In a further embodiment, the movable and / or fixed antennas 15 and / or the antenna positioning device 17 may be designed such that an assignment of the antennas 15 not only to

Divisions 4 or groups of compartments 4, but also or exclusively to individual areas of the shelf 2 is given, these areas do not define by constructive boundaries, such as shelving walls or the like, but by design elements independent location, for example by an X coordinate area, a Y coordinate area and a Z coordinate area.

Optionally, images of video cameras 20 attached to the positioning device 17 may also provide additional information about the location of the books 3 and / or the position of the antenna 15.

The antenna positioning device 17 is preferably designed as a simple electromotive-driven mechanism in which the antennas 15 and possibly video cameras 20 can be stored on telephone rails 21 or the like.

For controlling the antenna positioning device 17, this is connected to the computer system 28.

The antenna positioning device 17 is preferably based on the results of

Activity detection device 9 operated. The basis lying data can also be further supplemented by data of the identification system 5. This may be data about the read-out status or the position of the antennas 15.

When using video cameras 20, these are also connected to the computer system 28, where a computer-aided image analysis takes place, the result of which can likewise be taken into account when the communication device 13 is actuated.

The activity-determining device 10 is preferably used for automatically detecting an activity in a compartment 4, in a group of shelves 4 or throughout the shelf 2. For this purpose, for example, a correspondingly close-mounted light barrier (see Fig. 2), a thermal sensor, a video camera, a Motion detector or similar. The activity determining device 10 is connected for this purpose to the computer system 28 of the system, which has suitable functionality for processing the incoming information.

Alternatively, the activity detection device 10 is not in the form of an external sensor or the like, but is implemented by the system itself by checking the activity of all the compartments 4 continuously or at regular time intervals. A comparison between a desired state and the current actual state takes place in one embodiment of the invention after each inactivity of more than five seconds. Alternatively, an activity check can always be made for those compartments 4 that have not been checked in the last five seconds. At the same time or as an alternative to the activity determination device 10, an activity reporting device 11 can be used. In contrast to the activity determination device 10, in which the system determines the activity on its own, the system receives the activity message from the user at the activity reporting device 11. The activity reporting device 11 is connected for this purpose to the computer system 28, which via a suitable

Has functionality to process the incoming information. The activity reporting device 11 registers the message of the user, e.g. in the form of an operation of a corresponding button 22 or the like. Instead of the button, a touchscreen, a keyboard or other input, including a voice input, can be provided. The actuating element 22 is preferably combined with the communication element 14 and forms a user interface provided for each shelf compartment 4. But it can also be attached to a group of shelves 4, on the shelf 2 or at another position in the library. The message of the user can be submitted in a further embodiment of the invention to terminals, stations or the like within the library.

So that the user does not simply leave the shelf 2 after the request of the system for checking the returned medium 3, but awaits the result of the check, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the user directly and / or indirectly the result of the test must confirm. This confirmation may be subject to follow-up actions, such as discarding the medium from the user account and / or a Transmission of information about the successful derecognition of the medium from the user account. A direct confirmation exists when the user confirms the receipt of the test result with an action immediately following the transmission of the result, for example a push of a button. Indirect confirmation, on the other hand, occurs when the user communicates with the storage system following the transmission of the result and, based on that communication, can conclude that the user is doing so

Obtained the test result. This is the case, for example, when the user, after properly resetting a medium, must initiate the successful retirement of his account with an action. Either he has been informed in advance (direct transmission) that the medium is right or he can deduce from the request to complete the writing out that his medium must be correct (indirect transmission), otherwise he could not cancel the medium.

For confirmation, a confirmation element 22 of the confirmation device 21 is provided in the form of a user-operable input (button, keyboard or the like). The confirmation device 21 is connected for this purpose to the computer system 28, which has suitable functionality for processing the incoming information. In a particularly simple embodiment, the confirmation element 22 is also used as an activity reporting device.

Additional video cameras 25, which are installed, for example, on the shelf 2 or adjacent to it, serve in a further embodiment of the invention for preventing Thefts, because in combination with the removal or return activity on the shelf 2 and a time comparison, the corresponding images can be used to prosecute perpetrators. The video cameras may for this purpose be connected to the computer system 28, which has suitable functionality for processing the incoming information.

The reference data, which are preferably stored in a data memory of the computer system 28 and are constantly updated for comparison with the current actual state used to determine a change in position, ie a withdrawal or a return of a medium 3, are preferably after each "turn "of the shelf 2 created in a complete test.

The following describes a typical procedure.

The method according to the invention first assumes that it is detected whether a medium 3 is removed from the shelf 2 or reset, in short, whether a change in position of a medium 3 is present. According to one embodiment of the invention, this is done, for example, as follows.

First, either by the

Activity detection device 10 and / or the activity mechanism Ii or by the repetitive driving of the identification device (5) with comparison of these identification results an activity, ie a withdrawal or return of a medium

3, detected (step 101). One or more antennas 15 are then directed to the relevant compartment 4 (step 102). This can be done either with the help of one Antenna positioning device 17 done or by switching of at least one multiplexer to read a permanently installed antenna.

After reading the entire compartment 4 (step 103), the data read out is processed in the computer system 28 by comparison with reference data to determine new withdrawals or provisions (step 104). The reference data required for this purpose are located in the memory of the computer system 28. The read-out can take place in the idle state of the one or more antennas 15, ie when the antennas 15 are not moving, and / or during the movement of the one or more antennas 15 For example, if an antenna 15 from a first rest position to a second rest position, then the reading of the data either during the movement of the antenna 15, or during one or both phases of rest, or both during the movement, as well as in the resting phases. The reading takes place either immediately without a time delay or in a multiplexer operation during a certain "time slot".

In the case of a removal (step 105), the medium 3 is registered as "withdrawn", if necessary while retaining the time of removal (step 106)

Computer system 28 of the storage system 1 according to the invention with a library computer (not shown), whose functionality is known to a person skilled in the art and therefore will not be explained further here, or the computer system 28 is an integral part of a

Library computer system formed. Subsequently, it is checked whether the medium 3 within a predetermined period of time, for example five minutes, again is reset (step 107). If this is the case, the registration of the medium 3 is canceled as "withdrawn" (step 108). If the medium 3 is not reset again, it is checked whether the medium has been borrowed (step 109), in which case the registration of the medium 3 removed as "withdrawn" (step 110). Otherwise, it is considered stolen (step 111).

At this point it should be noted that in individual steps very complex issues are summarized, which in turn can include a variety of individual steps. For example, step 107 includes a method, which in turn includes steps 102-104.

In the case of a reset (step 105), it is checked whether the medium has been returned to the correct position by the user (step 112). If this is the case, on the one hand the medium 3 is re-booked into the stock and, on the other hand, it is indicated to the user at the issue monitor 14, which is assigned to the compartment 4, in which the medium 3 was reset correctly, that a correct return has taken place (step 113). Such or similar information of the user is also provided that a provision is made by the user without the book 3 was borrowed, so in the event that the user

Medium used in the immediate vicinity of the shelf 2. If no confirmation device is used, the system also books medium 3 from the user's account.

If the user has reset the medium to the correct position, it may be provided that he must confirm the positive display of the output monitor 14 by actuating a control element 22, for example a button complete the deletion of the medium in his loan account. This is to ensure that the user, after resetting a medium 3, obtains output information, eg about the correctness of the return and / or desired position. In this case, the medium will be on the loan account of the

User cleared (step 115) if previously confirmed by the user (step 114). Otherwise, a message (step 116) and possibly information of the user in another way.

If the book is returned in a wrong position, the book is first rebooked, whereby it is optionally noted in which wrong bookshelf section 4 the book 3 is (step 117). At the same time, information is sent to the user about the wrong position (step 118). Optionally, the correct position can be displayed at the same time.

If the user is notified that the position of the deferred medium is incorrect, a check is made as to whether the user has retrieved the book within a predetermined period of time and returned it to the correct position (step 119). If this is not the case, then another action, for. For example, a deduction from a user deposit or a charge request follows (step 120). Otherwise, an appropriate positive deformation of the user takes place optionally (step 121).

The storage system 1 according to the invention is designed to carry out the method described. Preferably, the storage system 1 comprises a

Data processing unit in the form of a computer system 28, designed to carry out all steps according to the described in the context of the processing of data. The computer system 28 is preferably a central system controlling the entire storage system 1. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to use decentralized computers which only control individual shelves 2, individual devices or devices or other subdivisions which are networked with one another and / or coupled to a central computer.

The data processing unit 28 preferably has a number of functional modules, each functional module being designed to perform a specific function or a number of specific functions according to the described method. The function modules can be hardware modules or software modules. In other words, as far as the data processing unit is concerned, the invention can be implemented either in the form of computer hardware or in the form of computer software or in a combination of hardware and software. Insofar as the invention is implemented in the form of software, ie as a computer program product, all the functions described are realized by computer program instructions when the computer program is executed on a computer 28 with a processor. The

Computer program instructions are implemented in a manner known per se m any programming language and can be provided to the computer in any form, for example in the form of data packets that are transmitted via a computer network, or in the form of a diskette, a CD-ROM or any other computer stored computer program product. All in the description, the following claims and the drawings illustrated features may be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 storage system 2 media storage device, shelf

3 medium, book

4 receiving element, compartment

5 identification device

6 transponder 7 reader

8 test device

9 activity recognition device

10 Activity Assessment Facility

11 activity reporting device 12 control unit

13 communication device

14 communication element, output monitor

15 antenna

16 compartment 17 Antenna positioning device 18 Direction of movement, horizontal

1 Q Rβωnnn nαα ri c Vi t- 1 1 n <τ i lra l

20 monitoring element for position or position of the

Medium, camera 21 confirmation device

22 Confirmation element, control knob

23 selection device

24 monitoring device

25 monitoring element for monitoring the user, Camera detection device Running track Computer system Monitoring element for monitoring the position of the antenna

Claims

claims

1. Storage system (1) for media (3), each medium (3) having at least one unique, contactlessly readable identification (6),

- With at least one media receiving device (2) for receiving the media (3), wherein the media receiving device

(2) has a number of receiving elements (4), which are each designed to receive one or more media (3),

with an activity recognition device (9) for recognizing at least one position change activity of one or more media (3),

- formed with an identification device (5) for identifying at least one in the at least one receiving element (4) and / or in the at least one group of receiving elements (4) arranged medium (3) based on its at least one label (6), and with a control unit (12) connected to the activity recognition device (9) for operating the

Identification device (5) based on at least one detected position change activity of one or more media (3),

- With a PrüfVorrichtung (8), designed to obtain information about the accuracy of the actual position and / or information about the desired position and / or information about the actual position of at least one medium (3), said winning based at least on results of the identification device (5) and / or on the basis of media data, in particular Media inventory data and / or media position data, and with a control unit (12) for operating the test apparatus (8),

- With a communication device (13) having at least one communication element (14) which is adapted to transmit a in connection with the correctness of the actual position and / or the actual position and / or the desired position of the at least one medium (3 ) to the user of the storage system (1), and to a control unit (12) connected to at least the checking device (8) for operating the

Communication device (13) based at least on the results of the test device (8).

2. storage system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the

Test device (8) is designed as a comparison device (8) for comparing the actual position of at least one identified medium (3) with its desired position, and with one connected to the identification device (5)

Control unit (12) for operating the checking device (8) on the basis of the identification result.

3. storage system (1) according to claim 1, with a selection device (23), adapted for selecting the at least one position change activity causing medium (3) based on a comparison of all identified media (3) on the one hand and a reference media inventory for the at least one receiving element (4 ) and / or for the at least one group of receiving elements (4) on the other hand, and to a control unit (12) connected to the identification device (5). for operating the selection device (23) on the basis of the identification results,

- The test device (8) is designed as a comparison device (8) for comparing the actual position of the at least one selected medium (3) with its desired position, and with a with the selection device (23) connected control unit (12) for operating the test device (8) on the basis of at least one selection result.

A storage system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the identification device (5) comprises:

- A number of labels (6) in the form of RFID transponders (6), each RFID transponder (6) is assigned to exactly one medium (3), and

- At least one detection device (26) for reading one or more RFID transponder (6) of at least one in at least one receiving element (4) and / or in at least one group of receiving elements (4) located medium (3).

5. storage system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the

Detection device (26) one or more permanently installed and the individual receiving elements (4) and / or a group of receiving elements (4) associated with antennas (15).

6.Aufbewahrungssystem according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the

Detection device (26) at least one antenna (15) which relative to the individual receiving elements (4) and / or relative to a group of receiving elements (4) is movable.

The storage system of claim 6, wherein the detection device (26) comprises:

at least one antenna positioning device (17) for positioning and / or moving at least one antenna (15) relative to at least one receiving element (4) and / or relative to a group of receiving elements (4)

8. Storage system according to claim 7, wherein the antenna positioning means (17) comprises at least one monitoring element (29), which is designed for visual monitoring of the position of the antenna (15).

9. storage system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the activity detection device (9) comprises:

- At least one activity detection device (10) for automatically detecting a position change activity of one or more media (3) and / or

- At least one activity reporting device (11) for user-initiated reporting a position change activity of one or more media (3).

A storage system (1) according to claim 9, wherein said activity determining means (10) is arranged to return to said identification means (5) and to detect at least one position change activity by comparing identification results.

A storage system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising an acknowledgment device (21) having at least one confirmation element (22) adapted to acknowledge receipt of the information transmitted by the communication device (13).

12. Storage system according to one of claims 1 to 11, with at least one monitoring element (20) which is designed for visual monitoring of the position and / or position of the media (3).

13. Storage system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, with an optical monitoring device (24) for identifying users of the storage system (1), in particular for identifying illegal users, wherein the optical monitoring device (24) comprises a number of monitoring elements (24). 25), preferably video cameras (25), which are arranged directly on the media receiving device (2) or adjacent to the media receiving device (2).

14. A method for operating a storage system (1) for media (3), wherein each medium (3) has at least one unique, non-contact readable marking (6) and wherein the storage system (1) at least one

Media receiving device (2) for receiving the media (3), wherein the at least one Medienautnanmevorrichtung (2) comprises a number of receiving elements (4), each for receiving one or more media (3) are formed, comprising the steps:

Detecting at least one position change activity of one or more media (3), Identifying at least one medium (3) arranged in the at least one receiving element (4) and / or in the at least one group of receiving elements (4) on the basis of its at least one marking (6),

Obtaining information about the correctness of the actual position and / or information about the target position and / or information about the actual position of at least one medium (3), said winning at least on the basis of results of the identification device ( 5) and / or on the basis of media data, in particular media inventory data and / or media position data,

- Transmitting an information related to the correctness of the actual position and / or the actual position and / or the desired position of the at least one medium (3) information to the user of the storage system (1).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein obtaining the

Information about the correctness of the actual position of the at least one medium (3) comprises comparing the actual position of at least one identified medium (3) with its desired position.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of: selecting the at least one

Position change activity causing medium (3) based on a comparison of all identified media (3) on the one hand and a reference media inventory for the at least one

On the other hand, recording the information about the correctness of the actual position of the at least one medium (3) by comparing the actual position of the at least one selected medium (3) with its desired position.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, with the further step:

- monitoring by the user one or more acknowledgments of the receipt of at least one information transmitted by the communication device (13), wherein the execution of follow-up actions is dependent on the monitoring status.

18. Computer program product for operating a storage system (1) for media, wherein each medium (3) at least one unique, non-contact readable

Characterized in that the storage system (1) comprises at least one media receiving device (2) for receiving the media (3), wherein the at least one media receiving device (2) comprises a number of receiving elements (4), each for receiving one or more

Media (3) are formed

with computer program instructions for recognizing at least one position change activity of one or more media (3),

with computer program instructions for identifying at least one medium (3) arranged in the at least one receiving element (4) and / or in the at least one group of receiving elements (4) on the basis of its at least one

Marking (6), with computer program instructions for obtaining information about the correctness of the actual position and / or information about the desired position and / or information about the actual position of at least one medium (3), this gaining at least on the basis of results the identification device (5) and / or on the basis of media data, in particular media inventory data and / or media position data, takes place,

with computer program instructions for communicating information relating to the correctness of the actual position and / or the actual position and / or the desired position of the at least one medium (3) to the user of the storage system (1)

when the computer program is executed on a computer (28).

19. Computer program according to claim 18,

computer program instructions for monitoring one or more acknowledgments of receipt of the at least one information transmitted by the communication device (13) by the user, the execution of follow-up actions being dependent on the monitoring status,

when the computer program is executed on a computer (28).