Tool management system

A tool management system includes a plurality of individual tool retention units that are in electronic communication with a central webserver. Each tool retention unit is designed to independently monitor a designated toolset and transmit tool use data to the webserver. The data compiled by the webserver can be routinely evaluated to ensure proper accountability of all tools within a particular workspace. Due to the autonomous nature of each unit, subsets of tools within a larger monitored collection can be added, removed or replaced without disruption of monitoring amongst the remainder of tools. In one embodiment, a tool retention unit is constructed as a chest comprising a plurality of individual, swappable drawers housed within a common frame. In use, each drawer is provided with a controller that is configured to monitor its designated toolset and transmit any tool-related data to a main controller in communication with the webserver.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to toolboxes and, more particularly, to toolboxes which are specifically designed to monitor and thereby account for a set of individual tools retained therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handheld tools, such as wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers, are commonly used in a wide range of applications. To facilitate project productivity, a large quantity of tools is commonly maintained in an organized fashion within a designated workspace, such as a commercial or residential workshop.

In many environments, tool monitoring and accountability is essential. For instance, aircraft construction and/or maintenance workshops typically utilize a large quantity of very specific tools. The accountability of such tools is essential not only to prevent workplace theft, as many of the individual tools are often expensive in nature, but also to ensure proper aircraft safety. As can be appreciated, inadvertent misplacement of a single instrument within the body of an aircraft can pose significant dangers. As a result, in such precarious environments, it is essential that the workspace be limited to only the tools that are truly required and, in turn, maintained with full accountability for each tool.

Accordingly, tool storage devices, commonly referred to in the art simply as toolboxes, are designed to collect and retain a set of individual tools in an organized fashion. One type of toolbox which is well known in the art includes a cabinet, or chest, which houses a plurality of individual, slidable drawers. Each drawer includes an insert, often foam or rubber in construction, which is provided with a plurality of uniquely configured recesses, each recess being shaped to fittingly receive a corresponding tool. In this manner, a set of tools can be organized for ease of access and storage. Often, each recess is coated with a bright color to help recognize when a particular tool is not present in the storage device.

An electronic, or smart, toolbox is one type of toolbox that electronically monitors the presence of individual tools retained therein. Specifically, a plurality of sensors is provided in the toolbox to account for the presence of each instrument, with one sensor designated for each tool. In turn, each sensor in each drawer of the toolbox is connected to a common, or main, controller. As such, a single controller can monitor the presence of every tool within the toolbox, log historical data, and provide appropriate notifications to the user regarding instrument status via a monitor in communication therewith (e.g., all instruments present, tool x missing from toolbox, etc.). Additionally, smart tool boxes are often provided with login capabilities (e.g., using RFID technology) to correlate the accountability of instruments with certain personnel.

Smart toolboxes of the type as described above are uniquely designed and programmed for a specific set of instruments. This ad hoc nature of smart toolboxes introduces a notable shortcoming. Specifically, it has been found that certain worksites often engage in a variety of different undertakings, each task often requiring a unique set of instruments. For example, an aircraft construction workspace may be used to work on different models of aircraft engines, with each model requiring a unique set of instruments.

Under the circumstance set forth above, the preprogrammed, unmodifiable configuration of conventional smart toolboxes does not afford the user with the ability to readily swap certain tools from the set (e.g., for a new project or if certain instruments require upgrading or replacement). Rather, every time a single instrument is added or removed from the set of tools, the main controller needs to be reprogrammed to reflect the change in inventory (e.g., by shipping the smart tool box back to the manufacturer for reprogramming). As a consequence, the use of conventional smart toolboxes in complex, potentially dangerous and/or high volume work environments has been found to be both time consuming and highly inefficient.

Further, smart toolboxes of the type as described above have been found to be relatively expensive to implement. In particular, the main controller is required to, inter alia, (i) monitor the status of every tool and drawer in the toolbox, (ii) log historical tool use data, and (iii) interface with workspace personnel and administrators to provide access to such data. To meet all its functional requirements, the main controller needs substantial processing power, which commensurately increases overall manufacturing costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved system for managing a set of tools.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system as described above that organizes the set of tools in an easily accessible manner.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system as described above that electronically monitors each tool and compiles historical tool usage data in order to account for the entire tool set.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a system as described above that allows for dynamic modification of the particular tools to be managed.

It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a system as described above that is inexpensive to construct, easy to configure, and simple to use.

Accordingly, as one feature of the present invention, there is provided a system for managing a plurality of tools, the system comprising (a) a first tool retention unit for storing and monitoring a first toolset, (b) a second tool retention unit for storing and monitoring a second toolset, the second tool retention unit operating independently of the first tool retention unit, and (c) a central controller in electronic communication with the first and second tool retention units, the central controller compiling tool monitoring data from the first and second tool retention units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Tool Management System11

Referring now toFIG. 1, there is shown a tool management system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the tool management system being identified generally by reference numeral11. As will be explained further in detail below, tool management system11is designed to monitor and thereby account for a collection of tools within a designated workspace. As a primary feature of the present invention, system11is able to modify the collection of tools to be monitored without substantial disruption of operation.

As defined therein, use of the term “tool” denotes any handheld instrument, such as a screwdriver, hammer or the like. In the description that follows, system11is occasionally described in connection with the management of handheld tools in a mechanical-type workspace, such as an aircraft construction workshop. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to a particular type of tool or a particular type of environment. Rather, it is to be understood that the principles of the present invention could be applied to any environment where instrument accountability is important, or even in certain circumstances critical, such as a hospital operating room.

System11comprises a plurality of independently operating tool retention units13-1thru13-n. As will be explained further below, each of units13-1thru13-nis specifically designed to store a corresponding set of tools, which are represented herein as toolsets15-1thru15-n, respectively. Additionally, each of units13-1thru13-nis provided with at least one controller, which is represented herein as controllers17-1thru17-n, respectively. In use, each unit controller17is configured to continuously monitor a corresponding toolset15in its associated unit13and, in turn, log various forms of tool-related data (e.g., tool usage, missing instruments, etc.).

One controller17in each tool retention unit13is in electronic communication with a tool management facilitator19via a local router21or one or more other similar types of intermediary communication devices. In this capacity, tool management facilitator19serves as the functional hub of system11by, inter alia, (i) accumulating tool-related data from each of the plurality of tool retention units13, and (ii) providing browser-based means for examining such data to ensure proper tool accountability.

Tool management facilitator19preferably includes a central controller, or webserver,23and a data storage device25in electronic communication with webserver23via network path27. It is to be understood that webserver23and data storage device25may be either housed at the toolbox itself, a common facility, or remotely connected.

Through connection with webserver23, a compute device29, such as a desktop computer or web-enabled mobile device, can easily view tool status data in real time (e.g., which person is currently accessing a particular unit13, whether the entire collection of tools is accounted for, etc.). This enables tool inventory data to be used for multiple purposes. For instance, by monitoring and displaying tool inventory data in a designated workspace (e.g., on an enlarged computer monitor in the workspace), full accountability of such tools can be maintained, thereby minimizing the risk of any hazardous tool-related conditions (e.g., leaving an instrument within the body of an aircraft). Additionally, by monitoring tool inventory data, management can more effectively analyze tool usage amongst workplace personnel and thereby track tool use trends as well as detect misuse or other forms of unscrupulous activity, such as tool theft.

Tool Retention Unit13-1

As referenced briefly above, each tool retention unit13is designed as a self-contained, independently operating tool management device which is configured to store and monitor a designated toolset15. As a result, the entire collection of toolsets15managed by system11can be modified on the fly by simply by adding, removing, replacing or reconfiguring individual tool retention units13or subcomponents thereof.

Referring now toFIGS. 2-3, the details of tool retention unit13-1are shown in greater detail. As will be described further below, tool retention unit13-1is designed as a unitary device that compartmentalizes, or fragments, tool monitoring into a plurality of independently operating modules. This, in turn, enables the toolset15-1monitored by unit13-1to be dynamically modified, as needed, by adding, removing, reconfiguring and/or replacing the individual modules.

Specifically, tool retention unit13-1is represented herein as comprising an enclosure, or common housing,51into which are slidably mounted a plurality of individual tool containers53-1thru53-4. In this manner, common housing51retains the plurality of individual containers53together to form a unitary device.

Housing51is represented herein as comprising a chest-type cabinet, or frame,55, a unit, or cabinet, controller57fixedly mounted on cabinet55, and a communication medium59which electronically connects unit controller57with a corresponding controller located in each container53, as will be explained further below. During normal operation, tool monitoring data compiled from each container53is received by unit controller57which can serve as the equivalent of facilitator19or, in turn, be transmitted from unit controller57to a remote, large-scale facilitator19for storage and analysis.

Frame55is represented herein as a generally rectangular cabinet comprising a top panel61-1, a pair of opposing side panels61-2and61-3, an open front panel61-4, a rear panel61-5and a bottom panel61-6that together define a partially enclosed interior cavity63. Preferably, interior cavity63is appropriately dimensioned to receive a plurality of individual tool containers53in a stacked relationship. As shown herein, a plurality of wheels64is mounted on frame55to facilitate transport of unit13-1within the workspace.

Communication medium59is represented herein as comprising a plurality of cabinet connectors65-1thru65-4, with one designated for each tool container53. In turn, each connector65is electrically connected to main controller57through a network of interconnected data cables67(e.g., Ethernet cables).

It should be noted that communication medium59is not limited to the use of a network, or system, of electrical connectors and cables. Rather, it is to be understood that communication medium59could use alternative types of data transmission solutions, such as wireless transmission technologies, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Housing51is also preferably provided with a plurality of sensors69-1thru69-4for detecting the open/closed status of tool containers53-1thru53-4, respectively. Sensors69are fixedly mounted on frame55proximate rear panel61-5, with each sensor69in electronic communication with main controller57(e.g., via connection to communication medium59).

It should be noted that sensors69can mounted in alternative locations within housing51depending on the type of sensing mechanism utilized. The only requirement is that each sensor69be located within a few millimeters of the tool container53which it is designated to monitor.

Each sensor69represents any means for detecting the position of a tool container53within frame55(i.e., open condition or closed position) including, but not limited to, mechanical switches, proximity sensors, radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, and light sensors. For instance, sensor69may be in the form of an electrical contact switch that is positioned so as to selectively engage a corresponding tool container53. In other words, with tool container53disposed in its closed position within frame55, sensor69remains closed. However, when tool container53is pulled open, sensor69opens which in turn sends an open signal to controller57denoting the status change.

Although not shown herein, housing51could additionally be provided with a lock mechanism that is mounted on frame55in selective engagement with individual tool containers53. Accordingly, through activation of the lock mechanism (e.g., by receiving a lock activation signal from main controller57), one or more of the individual tool containers53can be mechanically retained in a closed position, thereby preventing tool withdrawal therefrom.

As noted briefly above, each tool container53is designed to store and monitor a designated set of tools. In this manner, each container53functions as an independently operating electronic tool storage device that compiles and transmits tool status data to main cabinet controller57. In turn, main controller57, which is not directly responsible for any tool management, performs a limited amount of data logging from the various containers53and transmits the collected tool monitoring data to server23.

Referring now toFIG. 4, there is shown a front perspective view, broken away in part, of the top tool container53-1in tool retention unit13-1. As can be seen, container53-1is designed to retain a toolset83consisting of four separate tools85-1thru85-4.

In the present embodiment, tool container53-1is in the form of a drawer that can be slidably coupled to frame55, for example, using complementary brackets (not shown). Accordingly, tool container53-1is adapted to slide between a closed position in which toolset83is disposed entirely within cavity63(therefore unavailable for access), and an open position in which toolset83is disposed outside of cavity63(therefore available for access).

However, it should be noted that each tool container53is not limited to one particular design. Rather, as will be explained further below, tool container53represents any construction or form that is suitable for retaining a plurality of tools.

As shown inFIG. 4, container53-1comprises a drawer91adapted to retain toolset83in an organized fashion, a plurality of sensors93-1thru93-4for detecting the presence of tools85-1thru85-4, respectively, within drawer91, a container controller95in electrical connection with sensors93for monitoring the status of tools85, and a connector97in electrical connection with controller95for facilitating communication between container controller95and main cabinet controller57.

Drawer91comprises a bottom wall99-1, a front wall99-2, a left sidewall99-3, a right sidewall99-4and a rear wall99-5that together define an interior receptacle101that is rendered accessible through an open top wall103. A handle105is fixedly coupled to the exterior of front wall99-2to facilitate displacement of container53-1within enclosure51. Although not shown herein, a plate, or lid, could be pivotally coupled to open top wall103of drawer91to selectively enclose interior receptacle101.

An insert, preferably foam or rubber in construction,107is fittingly disposed within interior receptacle101. Insert107is preferably molded or milled to define a plurality of recesses109-1thru109-4in its top surface. As can be seen, recesses109-1thru109-4are uniquely configured to fittingly receive corresponding tools85-1thru85-4, respectively. Storing toolset83within container53-1in a predefined pattern serves to facilitate use, since the operator knows exactly where each tool85is located, as well as assist in tool monitoring, as will explained further below.

For ease of manufacturing and flexibility of use, insert107is represented herein as a separately formed item that is positioned in receptacle101during the assembly of container53-1. However, it is to be understood that insert107could be integrally formed with walls99of drawer91without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Sensors93-1thru93-4are preferably disposed within insert107in close proximity to recesses109-1thru109-4, respectively. Each sensor93represents any device capable of detecting the presence of an instrument within its recess109and, in turn, transmitting an appropriate electrical signal. For instance, each sensor93may be in the form of a mechanical switch that is disposed within insert107so as to be contacted by a tool85when properly disposed within its corresponding recess109. Alternatively, each sensor93may be in the form of other sensing devices, such proximity sensors, light sensors, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or the like, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

As referenced above, the output of each sensor93is electrically connected to container controller95(e.g., through direct connection via a corresponding wire). Because toolset83is designed for storage in a predefined arrangement, container controller95can be specifically programmed to monitor toolset83by associating each tool85with its associated sensor93. Furthermore, because container controller95is responsible for the management of a limited number of tools83, preferably no greater than 100 tools in total, controller95requires limited processing power. As a consequence, a relatively inexpensive processor can be utilized for container controller95.

As noted briefly above, connector97is in electrical connection with controller95and is adapted to be releasably electrically coupled to a corresponding cabinet connector65. As such, a communication path can be established between each tool container53and cabinet controller57.

In the present embodiment, connector97is located in the rear of insert107. An opening111is provided in rear wall99-5to provide access to container connector97. Accordingly, a cabinet connector65can be inserted through opening111and into electrical contact with container connector97.

With sensors93, container controller95and connector97all fixedly mounted therein, insert107can effectively serve as a unitary tool container (i.e., without any particular drawer associated therewith). In this manner, self-contained insert107can be disposed into a wide variety of different drawer styles and configurations, as long as the footprint and depth of the drawer is greater than insert107. This enables for greater ease in swapping tool containers from tool retention unit13-1, with each insert107serving as a generic, or standardized, component that can be easily installed into a wide variety of different housing types.

Preferably, connectors65and97are in the form of a complementary pair of components that can be mechanically coupled together to establish an electrical communication path therebetween. For instance, connectors65and97may be in the form of a complementary pair of male/female pin-type connectors. However, it is to be understood that alternative means for selectively establishing a communication path between each tool container53and main controller57could be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as through the use of magnetic coupling, inductive coupling, or wireless connectivity.

Operation of Tool Management System

Referring back toFIG. 1, tool management system11preferably operates in the following manner. As a part of the initial setup, each tool retention unit13is specifically configured to monitor its designated toolset15. In other words, each tool retention unit13preferably designed to retain its designated toolset15in a predefined, organized arrangement. Additionally, at least one controller in unit13is programmed to receive tool detection signals from its individual sensors, such as sensors93, and in turn monitor the status of specific individual tools in its toolset15using the tool detection signals.

For instance, in connection with multi-container unit13-1shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, each container53is preferably designed to retain its toolset83in an organized arrangement. Accordingly, insert107is preferably molded or milled with recesses109that are dimensioned to fittingly receive the individual tools85in toolset83.

Furthermore, each container controller95is specifically programmed to monitor its designated toolset83. Programming of each container controller95can be achieved, inter alia, by connecting container53to a computer which is installed with a designated software application for container configuration (or by accessing the software application from webserver23using the computer). Preferably, as part of the programming process, information regarding each tool85in the monitored toolset83is associated with each sensor93(e.g., a tool identifier, such as a name, model and/or image). In this manner, the information can be used by controller95to help a user more easily identify a tool missing from container53, as will be explained further below.

Once properly configured, each container53is installed in the housing51of a tool retention unit13-1. It is to be understood that if container53is constructed as comprising a drawer91, the entire drawer-like container53is slidably mounted within housing51. Alternatively, if container53is constructed simply as an insert107which functions as a self-contained tool retention device (i.e., with sensors93, controller95and connector97all integrated therein), insert107is simply disposed inside an open (i.e. unused) drawer in common housing51.

Thereafter, installation is achieved by establishing a data communication path between each container53and cabinet controller57, for example, by mechanically coupling together mating electrical connectors65and97. Additionally, each container53is preferably slidably disposed within interior cavity63of frame55to selectively restrict access to toolset83.

Upon completion of the initial setup, each tool retention unit13continuously monitors the status of its corresponding toolset15, as shown inFIG. 1. If one or more tools in the toolset15are withdrawn from tool retention unit13, its unit controller17logs the tool usage event. In turn, the compiled data is periodically transmitted to tool management facilitator19based upon predefined data transmission protocols (e.g., at predefined intervals, upon any tool activity, etc.).

Central controller23receives all tool-related data from units13and stores relevant tool activity data in database25. As a feature of the present invention, a monitoring party can use a web-enabled device, such computer29, to discern, in near real time, the status of all tools within a designated workspace. For instance, a monitoring party, who is either located within the workspace or remotely situated, can determine at any time, among other things, which particular instruments are not secured in their proper tool retention units13along with relevant information relating to such instruments (e.g., a name, model or image). By extracting information regarding missing instruments (e.g., through use of computer29or a small screen display mounted on its tool retention unit13in direct electronic communication with controller17) potentially dangerous workspace conditions can be avoided.

As a principal feature of the invention, the construction of tool management system11allows for considerable ease in modifying the collection of tools to be monitored within a designated workspace. More particularly, system11allows for certain subsets of tools from a larger collection to be added, removed or replaced on the fly without disruption to the monitoring of the remainder of tools in the collection.

Modification of the collection of tools to be monitored can be readily achieved by removing one or more tool retention units13from tool management system11and/or adding one or more new, used or reconditioned tool retention units13to tool management system11. Both removing and/or adding tool retention units13from system11can be achieved by interfacing with a designated software application that is accessible, for example, through webserver19. More preferably, removing and/or adding tool retention units13from system11is achieved simply via an automatic, hot-swap handshake between each container controller95and cabinet controller57that is affected when the connection between the two is made or broken. During such an automatic handshake, container controller95preferably uploads its unique identifier as well as pertinent aspects of its configuration to cabinet controller57(e.g. its tool types and names as well as its layout image). In turn, cabinet controller57can utilize this information to present pertinent data to the user via its user interface (UI).

In this capacity, it is to be understood that the collection of toolsets15managed by system11can be easily modified to accommodate different needs within a designated workspace. For instance, when a particular toolset15is required for a specific application, the unit13housing that toolset15can be integrated into system11. However, when the workspace is utilized for an alternative application, the unit13housing the toolset15can be temporarily removed, or decommissioned, from system11pending further use. This results in better overall control of tools within a workspace.

As another example, a single tool within a designated toolset15may require replacement and/or upgrading. Rather than disable the entire tool management system11, the unit13which houses the toolset15can be either (i) temporarily deactivated to allow for reconfiguration, as needed, to accommodate the tool change or (ii) replaced entirely with another unit13that houses the desired toolset15.

As can be appreciated, multi-container unit13-1shown inFIGS. 2 and 3is particularly well suited to accommodate modification of the toolset15which it is configured to monitor. Specifically, as referenced above, each container53, whether constructed as either a whole drawer-like unit or a removable drawer-type insert, includes its own controller95and therefore functions as an independently operating tool monitoring device. Further, each container53is designed to be electrically and mechanically coupled to common housing51in a quick and easy fashion.

Accordingly, the collection of tools that is to be monitored by multi-container unit13-1can be modified by removing, replacing or reconfiguring individual tool containers53from common housing51, either as a whole drawer-like unit or as a removable drawer-type insert. Furthermore, due to its limited size and number of housed tools, each container53can be easily transported, for example, to a reconfiguration site where container53is structurally modified and/or reprogrammed to monitor a new set of instruments. In fact, it is envisioned that the ease in handling individual tool containers53encourages the frequent swapping of containers53amongst a multitude of different multi-container units13-1in order to suit the needs of various applications within a workspace.

Features and Advantages of the Present Invention

The construction and operation of tool management system11, as set forth in detail above, yields a number of notable advantages over traditional tool storage solutions.

As a first advantage, system11enables a user-modifiable collection of tools to be conveniently stored and acutely monitored. Whereas conventional smart toolboxes are only designed to monitor a designated toolset, system11allows for certain subsets of tools within a larger monitored collection to be added, removed or replaced, on the fly, at various degrees or levels. For instance, on a larger scale, an entire tool retention unit13-1(and all instruments housed and monitored therein) can be readily integrated into and/or segregated from tool management system11without affecting the monitoring of other units13. On a smaller scale, a single container53, whether constructed as either as a whole drawer-like unit or as a removable drawer-type insert that holds a limited number of instruments (e.g., only one tool), could be removed from or added into common housing51without affecting the monitoring of other containers53held within the same unit13-1. This enables the scope of dynamic tool modification to range from as little as a single instrument to as many as hundreds of instruments.

As a second advantage, system11is relatively inexpensive to implement because tool monitoring operations are spread amongst a plurality of controllers17-1. With respect to multi-container unit13-1, limited processing power is required by each container controller95since each container53is preferably designed to hold and monitor no greater than 100 tools. Furthermore, cabinet controller57is not responsible for any direct tool monitoring, since all tool monitoring Is accomplished by the individual container controllers95. Rather, cabinet controller57is responsible for, inter alia, logging cabinet data, such as who is logged into the cabinet when and which drawers are opened or closed at what times, as well as logging certain usage data from the various container controllers95(e.g., when a tool is used) and, in turn, transmitting logged data to facilitator19. As a consequence, no single controller in multi-container unit13-1(i.e., neither container controllers95nor cabinet controller57) requires high processing power. Because complex controllers with high processing capabilities typically introduce a substantial increase in cost, the present design is rendered comparatively inexpensive.

As a third advantage, system11is relatively easy to implement. Preferably, each tool retention unit13can be integrated into or segregated from system11through a user-intuitive configuration application that is accessible from webserver19via a web browser or preferably via an automatic, hot-swap handshake between each container controller95and the cabinet controller57that is affected when the connection between the two is made or broken. During such an automatic handshake, container controller95preferably uploads its unique identifier as well as pertinent aspects of its configuration to cabinet controller57(e.g. its tool types and names as well as its layout image). In turn, cabinet controller57can utilize this information to present pertinent data to the user via its user interface. Furthermore, with respect to multi-container unit13-1, an individual drawer-like container53that has been properly programmed can be easily installed into common housing51through quick connection of mating connectors65and97.

Design Modifications and Alternative Embodiments

For instance, tool retention unit13-1is described above as having a chest-like construction with multiple, individual drawer-like containers53which are housed within a common, floor-mounted, cabinet-style frame55. However, it should be noted that tool retention unit13-1is not limited to one particular configuration or form. Rather, it is to be understood that tool retention unit13could be manufactured in any construct or form that is suitable for retaining a plurality of tools.

As an example, tool retention unit13-1could be alternatively constructed as a portable handheld caddy which includes a small, box-like housing that is adapted to receive a plurality of individual trays. In a similar fashion to tool retention unit13-1, each tray in the caddy-like unit could be provided with its own processor that is responsible for monitoring a designated set of tools. In this manner, individual trays could be swapped, as needed, to modify the collection of tools to be managed.

As another example, tool retention unit13-1could be alternatively constructed as a workstation which includes a worktable, or workbench, on which a plurality of individual modules can be mounted, for example, in a stacked relationship. In a similar fashion to tool retention unit13-1, each module could be provided with its own processor that is responsible for monitoring a designated set of tools. In this manner, individual modules could be swapped, as needed, to modify the collection of tools to be managed.

As yet another example, it should be noted that each tool retention unit13need not include a plurality of individual, self-operating containers (e.g., containers53) retained within a common housing (e.g., housing51). Rather, tool retention unit13may consist of a single controller that is responsible for monitoring a limited set of tools and, in turn, transmitting tool status data to facilitator15. For instance, tool retention unit13could be in the form of a small, self-contained tool storage device, such as a tool belt, a handheld bin-type toolbox, or even a single tool container53, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

As yet still another example, it should be noted that facilitator19need not be a separate, or remote, component from tool retention unit13-1. Rather, it is to be understood that facilitator19could be directly integrated into one tool retention unit13-1to form a comprehensive, single component system. In this scenario, unit controller17would serve as the functional hub of the tool management system by (i) compiling tool-related data from each independent tool container53and (ii) creating an interface for extraction of such data for review (e.g., through an integrated display monitor or a separate compute device). In this manner, a single tool retention unit13-1can serve as an all-in-one tool management system which is able to monitor the status of multiple toolsets while, at the same time, allow for instantaneous adding, removing and/or swapping of individual tool containers53in order to modify the collection of tools under surveillance.