Abstract:
An object tracking system for automatically tracking a plurality of objects such as keys includes a plurality of tags each associated with an object to be tracked, and each having a depending tongue with opposed side faces. A touch memory device storing a unique ID code is attached to the tongue of each tag protrudes from one side face of its tag a distance greater than from the other side face. A storage unit for receiving and storing the tags has a plurality of slots each asymmetrically profiled with a bulge along one side to allow the tongue and touch memory device of one of the tags to pass through in one orientation of the tag but to prevent them to pass through in other orientations. A sensor is associated with each clot for engaging the touch memory device of the tongue of a tag inserted through the slot and a computer controller is coupled to the sensors for reading the ID codes of the touch memory devices to determine the presence and absence of tags and their objects in the container.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/073,757 filed May 6, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,441, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/708,617 filed Sep. 5, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,801,628. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the field of controlling and tracking access to various types of objects, and in its most preferred embodiments, to integrating an electronic identification code and tracking system to continually inventory a plurality of objects. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many objects have intrinsic value of their own or have value because they enable access to other valuable objects. For instance, jewelry and coins have intrinsic value due to the value of their precious stones or metals, automobiles have intrinsic value due to their ability to provide transportation, and files of business information have intrinsic value due to the content of the information contained within the files. Due to their intrinsic value and the potential for theft or misuse, jewelry, coins, and files are often kept in lockable storage cases or cabinets, while automobiles have their own door, trunk, and ignition locks. Because keys to the locks enable access to such objects, the keys, themselves, have value as well. Other objects may be inherently dangerous or create legal liability because unauthorized use of such an object can create a safety hazard for others. For instance, explosives and many medicines are inherently dangerous if used or dispensed improperly by untrained individuals. Also, unauthorized use or copying of keys to apartments or hotel rooms can enable theft of personal valuables and can create personal safety hazards to tenants and guests. 
     Regardless of the source of an object&#39;s value, its dangerous nature, or its potential for creating legal liability, business owners, landlords, and hotel proprietors have sought, over the years, to restrict access to the above-described objects, and others, by limiting their access to only those individuals who require access to the objects in order to perform their job functions. Typically, access has been restricted by first placing the objects in a lockable container for which a limited number of keys exist. Then, control over the removal and re-insertion of an object stored in the container has been maintained by employing manual procedural methods such as issuing keys for the container to only select individuals (i.e., usually managers or supervisors), requiring an employee or maintenance worker to request that a manager or supervisor provide access to the container for removal and/or re-insertion of objects from/to the container, and requiring the employee or worker to sign for any object removed and/or re-inserted from/to the container. For example, many automobile dealers place the keys to vehicles on their lot inside a locked box. When a potential customer desires to take a vehicle on a test drive, the customer&#39;s salesperson requests that a manager open the box so that the salesperson can remove the keys to the vehicle from the locked box. Similarly, many apartment landlords store the keys to tenants&#39; units in a locked container and require maintenance workers to request use of a key when it is necessary for them to enter a tenant&#39;s unit to perform various maintenance tasks. Likewise, many hospitals provide only nursing supervisors with a key to a medicine cabinet and require other nurses to request that the supervisor open the cabinet to enable the removal of medicine for a patient. 
     Unfortunately, such manual apparatus and methods have met with limited success since they typically rely heavily on the thoroughness of humans to consistently follow designated procedures. Also, such systems are often fraught with the potential for misuse and abuse due to the dishonesty of some individuals and the inability of the systems themselves to detect possible misuse and abuse. For instance, once a salesperson or maintenance worker gains access to a key, the salesperson or worker may keep the key out of the locked container until the next day unless a manager or landlord reviews a log at the end of the day to determine which, if any, keys have not been returned to the locked container. By keeping the key overnight, a salesperson or cohort may steal a car (or items from a car) or a worker may return to an apartment complex during the night to burglarize a unit and, potentially, cause physical harm to a tenant. Additionally, by keeping a key out of the locked container for a longer period of time than necessary without the knowledge of a manager or landlord, the key may be copied or become lost by the salesperson or maintenance worker. The limited success and inherent problems of manual systems suggest the need for a system which automatically controls access to and tracks the use of various types of objects. 
     At least one automatic system has been developed and used in the past. The system employed a lockable container for storing objects which were each attached to a unique assembly identified by a conventional bar-code symbol printed on a tongue of the assembly. The container incorporated an enclosure and a drawer which, after unlocking, could be slidably removed or inserted into the enclosure, thereby creating relative movement between the drawer and a bar-code scanner mounted to the enclosure. When stored in the container, the tongue of each assembly extended downward through an aperture in a top panel of the drawer to enable reading of the bar-code for each assembly by the bar-code scanner whenever the drawer was moved relative to the enclosure. Because the bar-code scanner required relative movement between the drawer and the enclosure to function, the bar-codes associated with each object could only be read if the drawer was opened or closed. Therefore, the system had no way of detecting the presence or absence of an object unless the drawer was opened or closed, for example, by a manager or landlord. Thus, the system could not accurately track the amount of time that an object was not present in the container, nor could it determine who actually had possession of the object. Also, because the assemblies were not restrained and were therefore, prone to variable, random movement relative to the drawer and enclosure, misreads by the bar-code scanner were a continual problem requiring repeated openings and closings of the drawer to effect accurate reading of all of the bar-codes on the present assemblies. Other problems, including dust and dirt present on the bar-codes, also caused misreads by the bar-code scanner. Additionally, because the bar-codes were visible on the assemblies, they could be easily copied by an individual for the creation of substitute objects designed to “fool”,the system, thereby compromising the security supposedly provided by the system. 
     There is a need, therefore, in the industry for a system which controls access to and tracks the use of objects of various types which address these and other related, and unrelated, problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly described, the present invention includes an inventoriable-object control and tracking system which limits access to an inventoriable-object, tracks activities performed related to the object, and automatically detects the absence of the object for an inordinate amount of time. More particularly, the present invention includes an inventory control and tracking system which couples an electronic device, having a unique identification code, to an inventoriable-object and interfaces the device to a remote controller through a novelly-designed interface to enable periodic, consistent, and accurate identification of the object&#39;s presence or absence. 
     In the preferred embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention, each of a plurality of inventoriable objects is coupled to an object identification assembly having an electronic device mounted to an interface member of the assembly. The electronic device stores a unique identification code which is invisible to the eye, but electronically readable upon supply of a proper sequence of signals to the electronic device. By associating each inventoriable object with a different electronic device and, hence, a different identification code, the system provides a unique, trackable identification code for each object. Each identification assembly is receivable by a connector comprised of opposed, self-aligning, spring contacts having separate portions which independently deflect to insure and maintain consistent electrical interaction of the electronic device and connector. Each connector is one of a plurality of connectors which are electrically attached to a backplane with one contact of each connector being electrically connected to a positive data line and the other contact of each connector being electrically connected .to a negative return line. The positive-connected contacts are arranged on the backplane in columns, while the negative-connected contacts are arranged on the backplane in rows, thereby defining a row and column matrix arrangement of connectors in which each connector has an associated row and column address and is independently, electrically-addressable from the other connectors of the matrix arrangement. The plurality of connectors and backplane are offset relative to panel which defines a polarized slot or opening aligned with each connector (the combination of a slot, or opening, and a connector being referred to herein as a receptacle) for receipt of an object identification assembly. The polarized design of each slot and opening enables receipt of an object identification assembly in only one orientation, thereby insuring that an identification assembly is always properly oriented for receipt by a connector. 
     The rows and columns of contacts are, in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, electrically coupled to a local controller by flexible cabling which enables relative motion between the backplane and the local controller should such relative motion be necessary in a particular embodiment. The local controller includes an electrically addressable switch which controls the supply of electrical power to most of the electronic components of the local controller. The addressable switch has a unique address and must electronically receive its address before it allows the supply of electrical power to the remaining electronic components of the local controller, thereby minimizing the opportunity for unauthorized operation of the local controller. The local controller also includes row and column address decoding and access circuitry which enables the unique identification of and independent interaction between a remote controller and each of the plurality of connectors to allow reading of the identification code of an electronic device by the remote controller when the electronic device resides in a connector. The remote controller connects electrically to and communicates with the local controller, in a bidirectional manner, using a parallel computer interface commonly employed for communication between computers and printers. Signals, including output data from the electrical devices, are transferred through the parallel interface in a serial protocol instead of the parallel protocol typically employed for communication between most computers and printers. The remote controller includes a central processing unit and a storage device to enable receipt and storage of data from the local controller which is related to the presence or absence of an object identification assembly and, hence, an object from the backplane. 
     In accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a backplane and top panel are rigidly positioned within a cavity of a drawer which is slidably mounted within a surrounding enclosure. The top panel is oriented to enable user access for the insertion and removal of object identification assemblies when the drawer is extended in an open position from within the enclosure. A flexible cable attaches electrically to the rear of the backplane and extends forward beneath the backplane where it connects to a local controller which is mounted to the enclosure. The flexing and routing of the cable enable motion of the drawer relative to the local controller without binding of the cable. The local controller connects electrically to a face plate connector, substantially similar to those mounted to the backplane, which resides in a face plate of the drawer. The face plate connector is accessible from the front of the drawer at all times for receipt of a personal identification assembly (i.e., an object identification assembly without a coupled inventoriable-object for use by a user to provide a unique identification code for the user) from a user. The local controller also connects to an electrically-actuated lock which is located at the rear of the enclosure cavity for interaction with and securing of the drawer when the drawer is oriented in a closed position within the enclosure and for release of the drawer from the enclosure in response to appropriate signals communicated to the local controller from a remote controller. A drawer switch, also connected to the local controller, is positioned to contact the drawer when the drawer is positioned completely within the enclosure and to indicate the position of the drawer (i.e., open or closed) to the remote controller. The local controller is additionally connected, via parallel ribbon cabling, to a pair of pass-through parallel port connectors (also referred to herein as data communication interfaces) mounted to and extending through the rear of the enclosure. One of the pass-through parallel port connectors receives a parallel cable extending to the enclosure from a parallel port of the remote controller, while the other pass-through parallel port connector receives a parallel cable extending from the enclosure to a printer. The parallel cable (also referred to herein as a communication link) extending between the enclosure and remote controller defines a plurality of parallel communication paths which enable the remote controller to communicate with the local controller and the various components connected to or a part of the local controller including, for example, the connectors, the addressable switch, the face plate connector, the electrically-actuated lock, and the drawer switch. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, multiple enclosures are daisy-chainable together using parallel cables, serving as data communication links, which extend between the pass-through parallel ports (or data communication interfaces) of each enclosure, thereby causing the parallel ports and cables to function as a parallel bus. The enclosures of this alternate embodiment are substantially similar to the enclosure of the first preferred embodiment and, therefore, include components and elements substantially similar to those of the enclosure of the first preferred embodiment. For example, the local controller of each enclosure of the alternate embodiment includes an addressable switch having a unique address which enables an addressable switch and, hence, its local controller to be uniquely selected from those of other enclosures for operation by and communication with a remote controller. 
     According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, each inventoriable-object of a first plurality of inventoriable-objects (for example, a vehicle ignition key) is coupled to an object identification assembly of a first plurality of object identification assemblies and each inventoriable-object of a second plurality of inventoriable-objects (different than those of the first plurality of inventoriable-objects and including, for example, a vehicle license plate) is coupled to an object identification assembly of a second plurality of object identification assemblies (different than those of the first plurality of object identification assemblies). A first backplane and a first plurality of connectors (substantially similar to those of the first preferred embodiment), attached to the first backplane and defining a row and column matrix arrangement of connectors, are positioned within a cavity of a drawer which is slidably mounted within a surrounding enclosure. The first backplane and first plurality of connectors reside near the front of the drawer&#39;s cavity for receipt of object identification assemblies of the first plurality of object identification assemblies. A second backplane and a second plurality of connectors (substantially similar to those of the first preferred embodiment), attached to the second backplane and defining a row and column matrix arrangement having a single row and multiple columns of connectors, are positioned near the rear of the drawer&#39;s cavity and receive object identification assemblies of the second plurality of object identification assemblies. The second plurality of connectors and second backplane are offset from a panel having polarized openings which are each aligned with a connector of the second plurality of connectors. Flexible cables connect the first and second pluralities of connectors to a local controller and, hence, to a remote controller which are substantially similar in structure and function to the local and remote controllers of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     In accordance with preferred methods of the present invention, the above-described connectors receive a plurality of object identification assemblies with each connector receiving one object identification assembly which extends through an aligned, polarized slot or opening in a panel. The remote controller executes a plurality of software routines which communicate bi-directionally and serially with the local controller, via the data communication links and interfaces, to control access to and tracking of the plurality (or pluralities) of object identification assemblies received by the backplane (or backplanes). The software routines provide a plurality of functions including for example, but not limited to: addressing/selecting a local controller&#39;s addressable switch to cause the local controller to become active (i.e., power up the remainder of its electronic components); reading the unique identification code stored by an electronic device of a personal identification assembly which is received by a face plate connector of an enclosure&#39;s drawer; signaling a local controller; and its electrically-actuated lock, to release its drawer from its enclosure; requesting a local controller to return data which indicates the current position of its connected drawer switch and, hence, the position of a drawer; and, causing a local controller, after being activated, to uniquely address and read the identification code of the electronic device of each object identification assembly present in a connector of a row and column matrix of connectors coupled to the local controller. When directed by a remote controller to uniquely address and read the identification codes of the present electronic devices, a local controller outputs each identification code to the remote controller for further processing, including, for instance, logging of all removals and insertions (or replacements) of object identification assemblies (and, hence, inventoriable-objects), determination of the current location (slot or opening, and drawer) of each object identification assembly, and periodic checking to determine whether or not an object identification assembly is absent from the connectors of a backplane and if so, whether or not the object identification assembly has been absent for an inordinate amount of time. Note that the remote controller may request that a local controller read and output the identification codes of any electronic devices present in a connector matrix at any time (whether or not its associated drawer is open, partially open, or closed relative to its enclosure) and without requiring any movement, relative or absolute, of the inventoriable-objects, their coupled object identification assemblies, or their corresponding connectors, drawers, or enclosures. 
     According to the preferred method of the present invention, a face plate connector of a drawer receives a personal identification assembly in response to a prompt issued to a user and a remote controller, functioning in cooperation with the drawer&#39;s local controller, reads the identification code stored by the electronic device of the personal identification assembly. Upon receiving a password from the user attempting to gain access to the system and verifying that the password is valid for the personal identification assembly received by the face plate connector, the remote controller prompts the user to identify the type of activity that the user wishes to perform on an object identification assembly (for example, removal of an object identification assembly from a drawer or insertion of an object identification assembly into a drawer). If the user indicates that lie wishes to remove an object identification assembly from an enclosure, the remote controller prompts for and receives the identity of an object desired by a user for removal and then determines which enclosure, of a plurality of enclosures (if more than one enclosure is present in the system), stores the object identification assembly which is coupled to the object desired by the user. The remote controller next displays the slot or opening location of the object identification assembly (and, hence, the location of the desired object) relative to the other slots and/or openings in the enclosure&#39;s drawer on a display screen shown by the system&#39;s video monitor and causes the enclosure&#39;s drawer electrically-actuated lock to be released by signaling the enclosure&#39;s local controller to operate the lock mechanism. If, on the other hand, the user indicates that he wishes to insert (or return) an object identification assembly into an enclosure and if the system is configured to track multiple objects, the remote controller prompts for and receives input from the user which identifies the type of object to be received by a drawer. The remote controller then determines the location of one or more empty slots or openings in an enclosure, suitable for the type of object to be received, and displays the locations on a display screen shown on the system&#39;s video monitor. The remote controller subsequently signals the appropriate local controller, via a data communication link and interface, to cause the electrically-actuated lock of the corresponding enclosure to operate, thereby releasing the enclosure&#39;s drawer for insertion of the object by the user. 
     The remote controller, acting in conjunction with the local controller and in accordance with the preferred method of the present invention, repeatedly scans the backplane connectors to identify which object identification assemblies have been removed or replaced and logs the identification code of the removed or replaced assemblies along with the date/time, location of the assemblies, and the identification code read from the personal identification assembly received by the face plate connector (i.e., thereby identifying the user accessing the drawer). The remote controller also monitors the drawer switch to determine whether or not the drawer has been open for an excessive amount of time. If so, the remote controller sounds an alarm to alert someone to close the drawer. If not, the remote controller continues to scan the backplane connectors and continues to monitor the drawer switch until the remote controller detects that the drawer has been closed. Once the drawer is closed, the remote controller performs a final scan of the backplane connectors to identify and log object identification assemblies which are present in the drawer. The remote controller then processes the identification codes of the present object identification assemblies to make a final determination of which assemblies have been removed or inserted while the drawer was open, a determination as to which user performed the removal or insertion, and a determination of the date and time which identifies when the assemblies were removed from or inserted into the drawer. The remote controller subsequently determines whether or not any assemblies have been removed from the system for an excessive amount of time and, if so, issues an alarm to call attention to the missing assemblies. 
     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to control access to and monitor activities related to a plurality of inventoriable-objects. 
     Another object of the present invention is to detect the presence or absence of an object. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to detect the presence or absence of an object without movement of the object or an interface member coupled to the object. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to detect the presence or absence of an object without movement of the object, or an interface member coupled to the object, relative to another component. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to detect the presence or absence of an object at any time. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to detect the presence or absence of an object with the object&#39;s receiver in any position or orientation. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to rapidly locate a particular object. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to display the location of a particular object. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to suggest a storage location for the return of an object. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to log the removal and replacement of objects by the object&#39;s identification code, the user&#39;s identification code, and the date/time of removal and replacement. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to identify objects which have been removed for an excessive period of time. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to uniquely identify an object with an identification code which is difficult to copy. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to attach an object to an assembly which enables tracking of the object. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to interface an electronic device, having a unique identification code, and a connector to enable accurate, repeatable reading of the identification code from the electronic device. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to form a connector, for receipt of an electronic device, from opposed contacts having portions which deflect independently to insure electrical connection with the electronic device. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to form a row and column matrix of contacts from a plurality of two-contact connectors by electrically connecting a first contact of each connector to a row of the matrix and a second contact of each connector to a column of the matrix. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to individually address each connector to determine whether or not an identification assembly and, hence, an object is present. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to retrieve the identification code from each of a plurality of identification assemblies. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to enable bidirectional, serial communication between a remote controller and an identification assembly using a parallel communication path. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to control access to a plurality of objects by storing them in an enclosure and controlling access to the enclosure. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to identify a user who removes or replaces an object from the enclosure. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to supply a unique address to a local controller in order to activate and enable operation of the local controller. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to determine whether or not a drawer resides fully within an enclosure. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to release a drawer from an enclosure by operating an electrically-actuated lock. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to enable daisy-chaining of a plurality of enclosures in a parallel bus arrangement. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front, perspective, pictorial representation of an inventoriable-object control and tracking system in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a back, schematic view of the inventoriable-object control and tracking system of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a front, perspective, pictorial representation of an inventoriable-object control and tracking system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is an isolated, front, perspective, schematic view of an enclosure and drawer of the inventoriable-object control and tracking system of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is an isolated, top, plan view of an assembly retaining structure of the drawer of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6 is an isolated, top, plan view of a slot of the assembly retaining structure of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a partial, right side view of the assembly retaining structure of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 8 is a partial, front view of the assembly retaining structure of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 9 is an isolated, front view of a contact of the assembly retaining structure of FIG. 7 and 8. 
     FIG. 10 is a side view of the contact of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom, plan view of the contact of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 12 is an isolated, front view of an identification assembly in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is an isolated, side view of the identification assembly of FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 14 is a front view of the electronic device of FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 15 is a side view of the electronic device of FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 16 is a top, plan, schematic view of the backplane of the assembly retaining structure of FIGS. 7 and 8. 
     FIG. 17 is a side, pictorial view of the enclosure and drawer of FIG. 4, where the drawer is fully-inserted into the enclosure. 
     FIG. 18 is an isolated, front view of a utility panel of the enclosure of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 19 is an electrical schematic of the local controller of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 20 is an electrical schematic of the parallel port section of FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 21 is an electrical schematic of the receive direction section of FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 22 is an electrical schematic of the receive/transmit data section of FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 23 is an electrical schematic of the enable section of FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 24 is an electrical schematic of the matrix communication section of FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 25 is an electrical schematic of the receive/transmit ID slot data section of FIG. 19 
     FIG. 26 is an electrical schematic of the transmit enclosure position section of FIG. 19 
     FIG. 27 is an electrical schematic of the lock driver section of FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 28 is an electrical schematic of the LED driver section of FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 29 is an electrical schematic of the power supply section of FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 30 is an isolated, front, perspective, schematic view of an enclosure and drawer of an inventoriable-object control and tracking system in accordance with a second referred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 31 is an isolated, front, elevational view of an opening of the second assembly retaining structure of FIG.  30 . 
     FIG. 32 is an isolated, right side, elevational view of the channel member of the drawer of FIG.  30 . 
     FIG. 33 is a front, perspective view of an object identification assembly of a second plurality of object identification assemblies of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 34 is a front, elevational view of the interface member of the object identification assembly of FIG.  33 . 
     FIG. 35 is a top, plan view of the interface member of FIG.  33 . 
     FIG. 36 is a partial, top, plan view of a second assembly retaining structure of FIG.  30 . 
     FIG. 37 is a flowchart representation of a preferred method in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, an inventory control and tracking system  50 , in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, is displayed in FIGS. 1 and 2. The inventory control and tracking system  50  comprises an inventoriable-object storage unit  52  which is electronically interposed between a remote controller  54  and a printer  56 . An example of a remote controller  54 , acceptable in accordance with the present invention, is an IBM-compatible personal computer having a central processing unit, a hard disk drive, a random access memory, a keyboard, a video interface, and a parallel communications port  58  (or data communication interface  58 ). A video monitor  60  resides atop the remote controller  54  and receives video data for display to system users. The components of the remote controller  54  and video monitor  60  perform in accordance with their conventional functions, thereby enabling the execution of computer software routines as described below. It is understood that the scope of the present invention includes other forms of remote controllers having similar capabilities and performing similar functions. 
     FIG. 2 displays the rear of the remote controller  54 , the storage unit  52 , and the printer  56  and better illustrates the electronic connection of the three components than does FIG.  1 . As seen in FIG. 2, the storage unit  52  has a utility panel  62  and a back panel  64  which defines a cut-out  66  for receipt of electrical connectors attached to a portion of the utility panel  62  visible through the cut-out  66 . The utility panel  62 , discussed below in more detail, resides inside the storage unit  52  and against the back panel  64 . The utility panel  62  includes bi-directional, parallel data communications ports  68 , 70  (or data communication interfaces  68 , 70 ) which are interconnected in a pin-for-pin arrangement to enable parallel communications signals supplied to port  68  to be accessed at port  70  and vice versa (e.g., configuring the ports  68 , 70  as “pass-through”,or “daisy-chainable” parallel data communications ports  68 , 70 ). A parallel data communication path  72  (or data communication link  72 ) extends between the parallel communications port  58  of the remote controller  54  and parallel data communications port  68  of the storage unit  52 . Preferably, the parallel data communication path  72  is a conventional parallel data cable well-known to those in the computer industry. As discussed below, the parallel data communication path  72  carries data signals, in a serial protocol, bi-directionally between the remote controller  54  and the storage unit  52 . Another parallel data communication path  74  (or data communication link  74 ) extends between the pass-through, parallel data communications port  70  and a parallel data communications port  76  present at the back of the printer  56  to carry data signals, in a parallel protocol, from the remote controller  54  to the printer  56 . 
     The utility panel  62  also includes power supply connectors  78 , 80  which are connected together inside the storage unit  52  to allow one connector  78  to receive electrical power from a power source (not shown), while the other connector  80  supplies electrical power to an additional storage unit  52  as described below. A fuse holder  82  and fuse (not visible) are secured to utility panel  62  and are electrically connected to the power supply connectors  78 , 80 . The fuse protects internal electronic components of the storage unit  52  against over-current conditions. The back panel  64  also includes a key lock assembly  84 , discussed below, having an externally accessible keyway as seen in FIG.  2 . The key lock assembly  84  enables a user, in an extreme situation, to manually override an electrically-actuated lock mechanism  218  (see FIG.  17 ). 
     Note that in an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 3, multiple storage units  52 ′ (substantially similar to those of the first preferred embodiment) are employed to increase the number of inventoriable objects which may be stored and tracked by the system  50 ′. The pass-through, parallel data communications ports  68 ′, 70 ′ (or data communication interfaces  68 ′, 70 ′) of each storage unit  52 ′ are interconnected by parallel data communication paths  74   a ′, 74   b ′ (or data communication links  74   a ′, 74   b ′) to enable the remote controller  54 ′ to communicate serially, using a serial data protocol, with each storage unit  52 ′. It is understood that the scope of the present invention includes various system configurations, including those configurations having a plurality of storage units  52 ′. 
     FIG. 4 displays an isolated, front, perspective, schematic view of a storage unit  52  in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The storage unit  52  comprises an enclosure  86  having a front face  88 , a right side  90 , and a back  92 . The enclosure  86  defines a cavity  94  which is accessible via an opening  96  defined by the front face  88 . The cavity  94  slidably receives a drawer  98  which is shown partially extended from the cavity  94  in FIG.  4 . The drawer  98  has a right side member  100 , a left side member  102 , a front face assembly  104 , and a back member  106 . The front face assembly  104  has a front face plate  108  and an inset handle  110  which is flush with the front face plate  108 . The inset handle  110  enables easy withdrawal of the drawer  98  from the enclosure  86  after release of the drawer  98  by the electrically-actuated lock mechanism  218  (see FIGS.  17  and  18 ). The front face plate  108  defines an ID slot  112  for receipt of a user&#39;s personal identification assembly. A connector, similar to those described below, is mounted directly behind the ID slot  112  and within the front face assembly  104  for establishing electrical contact with the electronic device of a user&#39;s personal identification assembly. LED&#39;s  113  are positioned in the front face  88  and flash when the enclosure  86  is activated as discussed below. 
     The drawer  98  defines a reservoir  114  which receives an assembly retaining structure  116  having a top panel  118 . The top panel  118  defines a plurality of slots  120 , shown schematically in FIG. 4, which define a row and column matrix  122 . FIG. 5, a top plan view of the top panel  11 . 8 , more accurately displays the slot matrix  122  where the rows of slots  120  are labeled with letters A-O and the columns of slots  120  are labeled with numbers  1 - 16 . Note that each slot  120  has an outer perimeter  124  which is shaped to receive a tongue portion  184  of an object identification assembly  182  described below (see FIG.  12 ). As seen in the isolated, top plan view of FIG. 6, the outer perimeter  124  of each slot  120  is symmetrical about a center lateral axis  126 , but is not symmetric about a center longitudinal axis  128 . The lack of symmetry about center longitudinal axis  128  causes each slot  120  to be “polarized”, thereby allowing receipt of the tongue portion  184  of an object identification assembly  182  in only one orientation. Such polarization of each slot  120  is necessary to properly orient an object identification assembly  182 , which, when present in a drawer  98 , depends through a slot  120 , for electrical interaction with a connector I  54  as described below. 
     A portion of the assembly retaining structure  116 , in accordance with the preferred embodiment, is shown in the right side and front partial views of FIGS. 7 and 8. The views also display an object identification assembly  182  which is received by a slot  120  of the top panel  118  of the assembly retaining structure  116 . In addition to the top panel  118 , the assembly retaining structure  116  includes a backplane  130  positioned beneath and opposed to the top panel  118 . The backplane  130  is held in position relative to the top panel  118  by a plurality of standoffs  132  which are periodically located between the backplane  130  and top panel  118 . Each standoff  132  is secured to the top panel  118  by a press-in stud  134  having a head  136  which lies flush with an upper surface  138  of the top panel  118 . Each stud  134  extends downward through a hole  140  defined by the top panel  118  and is received by a hole  142  defined by a standoff  132 . Each standoff  132  is secured to the backplane  130  by a screw  144  having a head  146  which rests against a bottom surface  148  of the backplane  130 . The screw  144  extends through a hole  150  defined by the backplane  130  and is received by a threaded hole  152  defined by the standoff  132 . 
     The assembly retaining structure  116  further comprises a plurality of connectors  154  with one connector  154  being positioned directly beneath and aligned with each slot  120  of the row and column slot matrix  122 , thereby defining a row and column matrix of connectors  156  opposed to the row and column slot matrix  122  and residing between the top panel  118  and the backplane  130 . FIG. 7 displays two connectors  154   a,b , each being a member of a different row of the matrix of connectors  156 , while FIG. 8 shows the same two connectors  154   a,b , each also being a member of a different column of the matrix of connectors  156 . Each connector  154  comprises a pair of opposed contacts  158  which are each rigidly mounted to a top surface  160  of the backplane  130  by a rivet  162 . The opposed contacts  158  define a gap  164  between the contacts  158  for receipt of an object identification assembly  182  by connector  154   a  as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. 
     FIGS. 9-11 display left side, front, and bottom views of a single contact  158  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Each contact  154  includes an upper portion  166 , a mid-portion  168 , and a base portion  170 . The upper portion  166  is angled relative to the mid-portion  168  to enhance the reception of an object identification assembly  182  by guiding a received object identification assembly  182  toward the gap  164  defined between the contacts  158 . The mid-portion  168  of each contact  158  is angled relative to the base portion  170  and includes a tongue  172  which is, itself, angled relative to the mid-portion  168 . Upon receiving an object identification assembly  182 , as seen in FIG. 8, the mid-portion  168  and the tongue  172  deflect independently to insure electrical connectivity between the contact  158  and an electronic device  194  of the object identification assembly  182 . The base portion  170  resides atop and adjacent to a plated foil pad on the backplane  130  and defines a hole  174  for receipt of rivet  162  which extends through a plated-through hole  176  defined by an electrically-conductive surface of the backplane  130 . The plated foil pad, base portion  170 , and rivet  162  are crimped together, forcing expansion of the rivet  162  to fill the plated-through hole  176 , thereby creating electrical continuity between the backplane  130 , rivet  162 , and the contact  158 . The base portion  170  includes a tab  178  which depends from the base portion  170  and extends through a hole  180  defined by an electrically-conductive surface of the backplane  130  to aid in orienting the contact  158  relative to the backplane  130 . 
     FIGS. 7 and 8 display connector  154   a  in receipt of an object identification assembly  182  which is more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. In accordance with the first preferred embodiment, each object identification assembly  182  comprises an inventoriable-object  202  and an interface member  183  having a tongue portion  184 , an object connection portion  186 , and a main portion  188  which extends between the tongue and object connection portions  184 , 186 . Preferably, each interface member  183  is manufactured from plastic. The tongue portion  184  depends from the main portion  188  and, in conjunction with the main portion  188 , defines shoulders  190  which abut the top surface  138  of the top panel  118 , as seen in FIG. 7, when the tongue portion  184  is positioned within a slot  120 . The shoulders  190  prevent excessive downward travel of the interface member  183  through a slot  120  and aid in properly positioning the interface member  183  relative to a connector  154 . The sides of the tongue portion  184  are tapered to improve the ease of insertion into a slot  120  and to center the interface member  183  in the slot  120 . The tongue portion  184  defines a hole  192  which receives and secures an electronic device  194 . The object connection portion  186  defines apertures  196  (FIG. 12) and aperture  196   a  receives a tubular rivet  198  which receives a blind rivet  199 . A washer  200 , which resides adjacent to the object connection portion  186 , cooperates with the blind rivet  199  to connect an inventoriable object  202  to the interface member  183 . In FIGS. 7 and 8, the inventoriable object  202  is a key, however, it is understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses the connection of a different inventoriable object selected from a variety of other types of inventoriable objects. 
     The electronic device  194  is shown more clearly in the front view of FIG.  14  and the right side view of FIG.  15 . The electronic device  194  has a positive data contact  204  and a negative return contact  206  which are electrically engaged by the mid and tongue portions  168 , 172  of contacts  158   a,b , respectively, of a connector  154 . Internally, the electronic device  194  includes a memory which permanently stores a unique identification code. Upon connection of an inventoriable object  202  to an interface member  183 , the identification code in the electronic device  194  is associated with the inventoriable object  202 . The identification code is electronically readable, upon supply of the appropriate input data signals, from the electronic device  194  via its bidirectional data contact  204 . An electronic device  194 , acceptable in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, is a DS 1990A Touch Memory Device available from Dallas Semiconductor Corporation of Dallas, Tex. and includes a 48-bit serial number (i.e., which is a unique identification code), an 8-bit CRC code, and an 8-bit family code. It is understood that the scope of the present invention includes other electronic devices having a unique, electronically-readable identification code. It is also understood that the scope of the present invention includes other electronic devices having internal random access memories and timers which are electronically-communicable therewith and which enable additional functionality beyond the identification of objects. 
     The connectors  154 , as discussed above and seen schematically in FIG. 16, are arranged in a row and column matrix  156  on the backplane  130  with each connector  154  having a row address and a column address. Each connector  154  includes a contact  158   a  which is electrically connected to one of a plurality of column data lines  208  and a contact  158   b  which is electrically connected to one of a plurality of row return lines  210 . In accordance with the first preferred embodiment, each column data line  208  is a positive data line and each row return line  210  is a negative return line. By selecting the column data line  208  and the row return line  210  connected to a connector  154 , it is possible, as described below, to determine whether or not an electronic device  194  and, hence, an object identification assembly  182  is present between the contacts  158 . If an electronic device  194  is present, it is possible, as described below, to read the identification code of the electronic device  194  and, hence, the identification code of the object identification assembly  182  via column data line  208 . 
     FIG. 17 displays the enclosure  86  with a drawer  98 , holding an object identification assembly  182 , fully-inserted into the cavity  94  defined by the enclosure  86 . Note that portions of the enclosure  86 , drawer  98 , and lock mounting bracket  212  have been cut-away to enable viewing of various components located inside the enclosure  86 . As seen in FIG. 17, the assembly retaining structure  116  resides above a local controller  214  which is mounted to the enclosure  86  in proximity to the drawer&#39;s front face assembly  104 . A flexible cable  216  transfers electrical signals between the local controller  214  and the backplane  130  of the assembly retaining structure  116 . The local controller  214  and the flexible cable  216  are positioned relative to the backplane  130  so that the flexible cable  216  rolls when the drawer  98  is withdrawn or inserted into the enclosure  86 . The local controller  214  is also electrically connected to parallel data communications ports  68 , 70  (or data communication interfaces  68 , 70 ) by a ribbon cable  217  (see FIG. 18) to enable bidirectional serial communication with the remote controller  54 . The parallel data communications ports  68 , 70  are hidden by the electrically-actuated lock mechanism  218  and lock mounting bracket  212  in FIG. 17, but are visible in FIG.  18  and are connected to the utility panel  62  which resides inside cavity  94  adjacent to the back panel  64  of the enclosure  86 . Power supply lines  220  are electrically connected in series, via fuse holder  82  and pilot light  83 , to power supply connectors  78 , 80  (which are connected together in parallel) and to the local controller  214 . Lock signal lines  222  and drawer switch signal lines  224  are electrically interposed between the local controller  214  and the electrically-actuated lock mechanism  218  and drawer switch  248 , respectively. LED lines  490 , 492  electrically connect the local controller  214  to the LED&#39;s  113 . 
     The electrically-actuated lock mechanism  218 , illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, is held in place by lock mounting bracket  212  which is secured to the utility panel  62 . The lock mechanism  218  includes a solenoid actuator  226  which is located in a well  228  defined by the lock mounting bracket  212 . The solenoid actuator  226  is positioned to enable interaction of the solenoid&#39;s plunger  230  with a keeper plate  232 . A bearing  234 , pressed into the keeper plate  232 , defines a bore for receipt of a shaft  236  which is rigidly attached to the lock mounting bracket  212  and extends through the bore. The bearing  234  enables the keeper plate  232  to rotate relative to the shaft  236  when the keeper plate  232  is rotated by linear movement of the solenoid actuator&#39;s plunger  230 . A biasing member (not visible) is positioned about the solenoid&#39;s plunger  230  between the solenoid actuator  226  and the keeper plate  232 . The keeper plate  232  defines a keeper slot  238  which receives a striker rod  240  when the drawer  98  is filly-inserted into the enclosure  86 . The striker rod  240  is rigidly mounted in a striker bracket  242  which is attached to the rear of the drawer  98 . Upon energization of the solenoid actuator  226  and the subsequent interaction of the solenoid&#39;s plunger  230  and keeper plate  232 , the keeper slot  238  rotates away from the striker rod  240 , thereby freeing the striker rod  240  and enabling the drawer  98  to be withdrawn from the enclosure  86 . Upon de-energization of the solenoid actuator  226 , the biasing member forces the keeper plate  232  to return to its normally-locked position. Note that key lock assembly  84  includes a striker plate  244  which, when rotated by an authorized user in an extreme situation, engages the keeper plate  232  to cause rotation of the keeper plate  232  away from striker rod  240 . 
     In accordance with the first preferred embodiment, the drawer switch  248  is mounted to a side of the lock mounting bracket  212  and includes a microswitch  250  and a switch actuator  252 . The switch actuator  252  extends from the microswitch  250  adjacent to a cut-out  254  defined by the lock mounting bracket  212 . When the drawer  98  is filly-inserted into the enclosure  86 , a portion of tile striker bracket  242  resides within the cut-out  254  and engages the switch actuator  252 . 
     FIG. 19 displays a block diagram representation of the circuitry of the local controller  214  in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention and identifies a plurality of major sections of the circuitry, including a parallel port section  300 , a receive direction section  302 , a receive/transmit data section  304 , a matrix communications section  306 , a transmit enclosure position section  308 , a receive/transmit ID slot data section  310 , a lock driver section  312 , an LED driver section  314 , an enable section  316 , and a power supply section  318 . To provide a more understandable description of the circuitry, the discussion below focuses on each section individually and describes its inputs, outputs, and relationship to the other sections of the local controller  214 . 
     The parallel port section  300  is displayed in FIG. 20, according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and includes a parallel connector  330  which connects to ribbon cable  217  for transmission and receipt of a plurality of signals from the remote controller  54 . The parallel connector  330  includes a BUSY line  332 , a plurality of data lines  334 , an ACK line  336 , a STROBE line  338 , a PAPEROUT line  340 , an AFEED line  344 , an ERR line  346 , an INITIAL line  348 , a SELIN line  350 , a plurality of remote controller return lines  352 , a RCGND line  354 , and a plurality of mounting ground lines  356 . The data lines  334  are protected by transient voltage suppressors  360  and series resistor network  362 . Signals carried by the data lines  334  are shaped and buffered by inverting Schmitt buffer  335  to yield stable signals on column and row select lines  364 , 366  for use by the matrix communications section  306 . The inverting Schmitt buffer  335  is enabled by the signal on the EN5V line  368  whenever the drawer is activated. The ACK line  336 , the AFEED line  344 , the ERR line  346 , the INITIAL line  348 , the SELIN line  350 , and the BUSY line  332  are protected by transient voltage suppressors  370  and series damping resistors (not shown in FIG.  20 ). The ACK line  336  is an output from the local controller  214  and carries serial signals from the ID slot connector. The AFEED line  344  is an input to the local controller  214  and carries serial data to an addressable switch  394 , the row and column matrix of connectors  156 , and the ID slot connector. The ERR line  346  is an output from the local controller  214  and carries a signal from the drawer switch  248  which is representative of the position of the drawer  98  relative to the enclosure  86 . The INITIAL line  348  is an input to the local controller  214  and carries a signal which is employed, in conjunction with a signal on the SELIN line  350 , to derive data direction signals SDIR  372  and NSDIR  374 . The SELIN line  350  is an input to the local controller  214  and carries a signal which is employed with the signal on the INITIAL line  348 , as described above, and enables selection of the local controller  214  to output data to the parallel connector  330 , thereby avoiding potential data collisions with data intended for use by the printer  56 . The BUSY line  332  is an output line and carries serial data from the connectors  154  of the row and column matrix of connectors  156  and the addressable switch  394 . The RCGND line  354  is an input line and carries a signal which resets the addressable switch  394  whenever the connection is lost between the remote controller  54  and enclosure  86 . 
     The receive direction section  302 , according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, is shown in FIG.  21  and receives signals on the INITIAL line  348  and SELIN line  350  from the parallel port section  300 . The SELIN signal is shaped and buffered by the inverting Schmitt buffers  376 , 378 . The INITIAL signal is shaped and buffered by the inverting Schmitt buffer  380  and inverted by the inverting Schmitt buffer  382 . The AND gates  384 , 386  receive the buffered SELIN signal and the inverted and non-inverted INITIAL signals to produce the data direction signals SDIR  372  and NSDIR  374  which are used as data routing signals throughout the local controller  214 . 
     The receive/transmit data section  304 , displayed in FIG. 22 in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, receives signals on the AFEED line  344  and RCGND line  354  and outputs signals on the BUSY line  332 . Signals on the AFEED line  344  are shaped and buffered by the inverting Schmitt buffers  388 ,  390  to generate signals on MATRIX IN line  392  for use by the matrix communications section  306 . An inverted signal on AFEED line  344  is NANDed with the signal on NSDIR line  374  to deliver serial data to an addressable switch  394  having a memory which stores a unique identification code (also referred to herein as an address). An inverted signal on AFEED line  344  is also routed to the DATAIN line  396  for use by the receive/transmit ID slot data section  310 . A high signal on the RCGND line  354 , caused by the loss of the connection between the remote controller  54  and the local controller  214 , is gated by NAND gate  398  to create a low reset signal which resets the addressable switch  394  and, thereby deactivates the drawer  98 . In response to the receipt of appropriate input data (including a switch address) from AFEED line  344 , via NAND gate  375 , the addressable switch  394  outputs serial data to an inverting Schmitt buffer  400  which provides inverted serial data to a two line-to-one line, open collector multiplexor  402  comprised of NAND gates  404 , 406 . Serial output data available from the addressable switch  394 , upon receipt of appropriate input data, includes a unique identification code for the switch, data residing in the switch&#39;s memory, and the status of the switch&#39;s bidirectional port. Preferably, the addressable switch is a DS2405 from Dallas Semiconductor Corporation of Dallas, Texas. A MATRIX OUT line  408 , from the matrix communications section  306 , and the EN5V line  368 , from the enable section  316 , also connect to the multiplexor  402 . Upon application of the appropriate SDIR and NSDIR signals  372 , 374  and EN5V signal  368 , the multiplexor  402  selects serial data from either the MATRIX OUT line  408  (i.e., from the matrix communications section  306 ) or the addressable switch  394  and outputs the selected serial data on the BUSY line  332  for receipt by the parallel port section  300 . 
     The addressable switch  394  has an input/output port  410  which is used to create an enable signal for the drawer  98  on ENABLE line  412 . Upon receipt of an appropriate input signal, the addressable switch  394  sets the input/output port  410  to a low state which activates the drawer  98  to enable functions including communication with the ID slot connector, the drawer switch. 248 , and the matrix communications section  306  (and, hence, the row and column matrix of connectors  156 ). 
     The enable section  316 , shown in FIG. 23 in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, receives an enable signal on ENABLE line  412  and outputs a power signal on the EN5V line  368  which is utilized to turn on and off various electronic components of the local controller  214 . When the enable signal is low, the enable section  316 , using NAND gate  414  and MOSFET transistor  416 , creates a 5-volt signal on the EN5V line  368 , thereby turning on various electronic components. When the enable signal is high, the enable section  316  creates, preferably, a 0-volt signal on the ENSV line  368 , thereby turning off various electronic components. 
     The matrix communication section  306 , according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, is displayed in FIG.  24  and has inputs including column and row select lines  364 , 366 , MATRIX IN line  392 , NSDIR line  374 , and the EN5V line  368 . The matrix communication section  306  communicates bi-directionally with the row and column matrix of connectors  156  via a connector  418 , which is attached to flexible cable  216 , to supply connectors  154  with input data from the MATRIX IN line  392  and to receive output data generated by the electronic devices  194  of the object identification assemblies  182  which are present in the enclosure  86 . A demultiplexor  420  receives input data from the MATRIX IN line  392  and column select lines  364 . Upon being enabled by a power signal received on EN5V line  368  and a low signal on NSDIR line  374 , the demultiplexor  420  decodes the received column selection signal (which identifies the column, of the row and column matrix of connectors  156 , in which the connector  154  to be communicated with resides) to transfer the serial input data on MATRIX IN line  392  to the identified column data line  208  of the row and column matrix of connectors  156 . The column data lines  208  are pulled up by resistor networks  422 , 424  and reflected signals traveling on column data lines  208  are dampened by resistor networks  426 , 428 . The column data lines  208  are protected against transient voltages by transient voltage suppressors  430 , 432 . A decoder  434  receives the row selection signal (which identifies the row, of the row and column matrix of connectors  156 , in which the connector  154  to be communicated with resides) on row select lines  364  and, upon being enabled by a power signal received on EN5V line  368 , the decoder  434  defines a row return line  210  (which is associated with the connector  154  with which communication is desired) by connecting the row return line  210  to an active, low-level logic state, thereby transitioning the row return line  210  from the floating-level logic state in which it normally exists when not selected by the decoder  434 . Resistor networks  436 , 438  dampen reflected signals traveling on the row return lines  210  and transient voltages are suppressed by transient voltage suppressors  440 , 442 . Resistor networks  435 , 437 , connected to row return lines  210 , prevent oscillation of the signals communicated by the row return lines  210 . Once a column select line  364  and a row select line  366  have been identified (and, hence, a unique connector  154 ) by the demultiplexor  420  and decoder  434 , respectively, data communication with the corresponding connector  154  of the row and column matrix of connectors  156  is established, thereby enabling transmission of signals to the connector  154 . 
     The matrix communication section  306  also comprises cascaded multiplexors  444 , 446  which are connected to column data lines  208 , column select lines  364 , and EN5V line  368 . Note that inverter  448  inverts the fourth column select line  364  to enable multiplexor  444  to operate when multiplexor  446  does not and vice versa. Upon being enabled by a power signal received on EN5V line  368 , the multiplexors  444 , 446  transfer the serial output data from the previously identified column data line  208  (and, hence, from a connector  154  of the row and column matrix of connectors  156 ) to an inverting Schmitt buffer  450  for output on MATRIX OUT line  408  and reception by multiplexor  402  of the receive/transmit data section  304 . 
     Decoder  434  also provides an output signal on IDENABLE line  452  for receipt by the receive/transmit ID slot data section  310 . IDSLOT line  454  is connected, via the flexible cable  216 , to the positive data line of the ID slot connector to provide a bi-directional communication path. 
     The receive/transmit ID slot data section  310 , illustrated in FIG. 25 in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, receives a signal on the DATAIN line  396  from the receive/transmit data section  304  and supplies it to IDSLOT line  454  after selection by NAND gates  456 , 458  using a routing signal on the NSDIR line  374  and a routing signal on the IDENABLE line  452  which has been inverted by inverter  460 . Serial data from the ID slot connector is transferred on IDSLOT line  454  to the inverting Schmitt buffer  462  for supply to a two line-to-one line multiplexor  464  comprising NAND gates  466 , 468 . NAND gate  466  receives input serial data from IDSLOT line  454  and a selection signal on NSDIR line  374 . NAND gate  468  receives input serial data from IDSLOT line  454  and a selection signal on SDIR line  372 , in addition to a power signal on EN5V line  368 . Upon selecting a NAND gate&#39;s output by using the selection signals on SDIR and NSDIR lines  372 , 374  (i.e., thereby selecting data from an ID slot of an activated drawer or a non-activated drawer), the output signal is provided on ACK line  336  to the parallel port section  300 . 
     The transmit enclosure position section  308 , seen in FIG. 26 according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, receives a signal from the drawer switch  248  on POSITION line  224  (also referred to herein as drawer switch signal line  224 ). The signal is debounced utilizing an RC circuit  472  and an inverting Schmitt buffer  474 . Transient voltages are suppressed by transient voltage suppressor  476 . The inverting Schmitt buffer  474  provides an input signal to a multiplexor  478  including NAND gates  480 , 482 . NAND gate  480  receives input data from the inverting Schmitt buffer  474 , receives a selection signal from NSDIR line  374 , and a power signal from EN5V line  368 . NAND gate  482  receives input data from the inverting Schmitt buffer  474  and receives a selection signal from SDIR line  372 . Upon selecting a NAND gate&#39;s output by using the selection signals on SDIR and NSDIR lines  372 , 374  (i.e., thereby selecting data from a drawer switch  248  of an activated drawer or a non-activated drawer), the output signal is provided on ERR line  346  to the parallel port section  300 . 
     The lock driver section  312 , according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, is displayed in FIG.  27  and receives input signals from the inverted fourth line of the column select lines  364  of the matrix communication section  306 , the third line of the column select lines  364 , the NSDIR line  374 , and receives a power signal on EN5V line  368 . The input signals are ANDed by AND gates  484 , 486  to turn on and off MOSFET transistor  488 . When the MOSFET transistor  488  is turned on, it causes the solenoid actuator  226  to be energized via lock signal lines  222 , thereby unlocking the electrically-actuated lock mechanism  218 . When the MOSFET transistor  488  is turned off, the solenoid actuator  226  is not energized, thereby enabling the keeper plate  232  to return to its locked position as shown in FIG.  17 . 
     The LED driver section  314 , displayed in FIG. 28 in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, receives a power signal on EN5V line  368  when the drawer  98  is activated and supplies power to LED&#39;s  113  via LED lines  490 , 492 . The LED driver section  314  includes an oscillator  494  which causes the LED&#39;s  113  to flash. 
     The power supply section  318 , shown in FIG. 29 according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, receives input power from the fuse holder  82  on the utility panel  62  and conditions and regulates the power to provide a stable source of electrical energy for the local controller  214  and related components. The power supply section  318  includes decoupling capacitors  496 , 498  to filter out high-speed switching noise created by the logic circuits incorporated in the local controller  214 . 
     FIG. 30 displays an isolated, front, perspective, schematic view of a storage unit  52 ′ of an inventoriable-object control and tracking system in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The storage unit  52 ′ is substantially similar to storage units  52  of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, having an enclosure  86 ′ and a drawer  98 ′ with an assembly retaining structure  116 ′ (referred to in the second preferred embodiment, as a first assembly retaining structure  116 ′) for receipt of object identification assemblies  182 ′ (referred to in the second preferred embodiment, as a first plurality of object identification assemblies  182 ′) and a local controller  214 ′, and additionally includes a second assembly retaining structure  500  for receiving object identification assemblies  502  of a second plurality of object identification assemblies  502 . The second assembly retaining structure  500  rests atop the top panel  118 ′ of the first assembly retaining structure  116 ′ and comprises a base  504  (i.e., a drip pan for catching any liquid which may drop off of an object identification assembly  502  while the assembly  502  resides in the second assembly retaining structure  500 ) having upwardly extending walls  506  which bound a top surface  508  and define a recess  510 . The second assembly retaining structure  500  further comprises a housing  512  which extends upward from the top surface  508  of the base  504  and adjacent the back member  106 ′ of the drawer  98 ′ and a channel member  514  which is mounted, within recess  510 , atop the top surface  508  of the base  504 . 
     The housing  512 , as seen in FIGS. 30 and 36 in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, has a first panel  516 , an opposed second panel  518 , and a third panel  522  extending between the first and second panels  516 , 518  to partially define a cavity  520  within housing  512 . The first panel  516 , located nearest the front face assembly  104 ′ of the drawer  98 ′, defines a plurality of openings  524  with each opening  524  being defined by an edge  526  (or outer perimeter) which is shaped to receive a portion of an object identification assembly  502  of a second plurality of object identification assemblies  502  (see FIG.  33 ). As illustrated in FIG. 31, the first panel  516  also defines a longitudinal axis  528  and a lateral axis  530  extending through each opening  524 . Note that the edge  526  defining each opening  524  is asymmetrical about both axes  528 , 530 , thereby enabling each opening  524  to receive an object identification assembly  502  in only one orientation relative to the opening  524 . Such “polarization” of each opening  524  is necessary to orient each object identification assembly  502  relative to the housing  512  for proper electrical interaction as described below. Note also that object identification assemblies  502  of the second plurality of object identification assemblies  502 , as seen in FIG. 34, differ from object identification assemblies  182 ′ of the first plurality of object identification assemblies  182 ′ (described above with respect to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention) which are received by slots  120 ′ of top panel  118 ′ of first assembly retaining structure  116 ′. 
     The channel member  514  of the second assembly retaining structure  500 , displayed in FIGS. 30,  32 , and  36  in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, has a first leg  532  and a second leg  534  connected by a web  536  which is secured to base  504  of the second assembly retaining structure  500  by fasteners  538 . The legs  532 , 534  extend between the upwardly rising walls  506  of the base  504  of the second assembly retaining structure  500  with the first leg  532  being positioned nearer the housing  512  and the second leg  534  being positioned nearer the front face assembly  104 ′ of the drawer  98 ′. The legs  532 , 534  also extend upward from the top surface  508  of base  504  with the first leg  532  extending to a greater elevation than the second leg  534 . The first leg  532  and web  536  define a plurality of slots  540 , each slot  540  being aligned with a corresponding opening  524  defined by the first panel  516  of housing  512  for receipt of an object identification assembly  502 . The portions of the first leg  532  adjacent the slots  540  guide the object identification assemblies  502  during insertion and removal of object identification assemblies  502  from the second assembly retaining structure  500 , and provide support for and limit lateral movement of an object identification assembly  502  present in a slot  540 . Note that each slot  540 , preferably, extends through the entire vertical height of the first leg  532  and through the entire thickness of the web  536  and that a corresponding opening  524 , preferably, extends downward to the top surface  508  of base  504 , thereby enabling a received object identification assembly  502  to contact the top surface  508  of base  504  when the assembly  502  is positioned for proper electrical interaction as described below. Note also that the vertical height of the second leg  532  is, preferably, selected to enable an object identification assembly  502  to barely clear the second leg  532  during insertion and removal of object identification assemblies  502  from the second assembly retaining structure  500 . 
     In accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention and as displayed in FIG. 33, an object identification assembly  502  comprises an object  542  to be tracked (such as, for example, but not limitation, a license plate), an electronic device  544  having a memory which stores a unique identification code, and an interface member  546  which couples the object  542  and the electronic device  544 . The electronic device  544  is, like electronic device  194 ′ of the first preferred embodiment, a DS1990A Touch Memory Device available from Dallas Semiconductor Corporation of Dallas, Texas and has a positive data contact  543  and a negative return contact  545 . The object  542  has a front  548 , a back  550 , side edges  552 , and a top edge  554 . The interface member  546  (see FIGS. 34 and 35) wraps about side edge  552   a  of the object  542  and includes a first portion  556  adjacent to the front  548  of the object  542  and a second portion  558  adjacent to the back  550  of the object  542 . The first portion  556  of the interface member  546  defines a hole  560  extending therethrough for receipt of the electronic device  544  which contacts, both physically and electrically, the front  548  of the object  542  near top edge  554  and side edge  552   a . A crimp ring  561  resides about the electronic device  544 , adjacent to the first portion  556  of the interface member  546 , and secures the electronic device  544  to the interface member  546 . The second portion  558  of the interface member  546  extends adjacent to the back  550  of the object  542  from side edge  552   a  in a direction toward side edge  552   b  and defines a plurality of slots  562  which receive fasteners  564 , thereby securing the object  542  to the interface member  546  and electrically connecting the return line contact of the electronic device  544  to the interface member  546  and to the object  542 . Note that, in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the object identification assembly  502  further includes a magnet-holding bracket  566  which is secured to the rear of the second portion  558  of the interface member  546 . In an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, the magnet-holding bracket  566  is not present. 
     The second assembly retaining structure  500 , in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, additionally comprises a backplane  568  and plurality of connectors  570  which are substantially similar to the backplane  130 ′ and plurality of connectors  154 ′ of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 36, the backplane  568  resides within housing  512  and is secured to the second panel  518  of the housing  512  in a vertical orientation by a plurality of standoffs (not visible). Each connector  570  of the plurality of connectors  570  is positioned directly behind a corresponding opening  524  of the plurality of openings  524  defined by the first panel  516  of housing  512 . The connectors  570  define a matrix having, preferably, a single row and multiple columns of connectors  570 . Each connector  570  comprises a pair of opposed contacts  572  (substantially similar to contacts  158 ′ of connectors  154 ′ of the preferred embodiment of the present invention) which are rigidly mounted to backplane  568  by rivets  574 . Each contact  572   a  is electrically connected to one of a plurality of column data lines and each contact  572   b  is electrically connected to a row return line in a manner substantially similar to the contacts  158 ′ of connectors  154 ′. The backplane  568  and its column data lines and row return line connect to local controller  214 ′ via a flexible cable (not visible) in order to transfer electrical signals between the backplane  568  and the local controller  214 ′. 
     When an object identification assembly  502  is present between the contacts  572  of a particular connector  570 , the positive data contact  543  engages a contact  572   a  and the negative return contact  545  engages a contact  572   b  of the particular connector  570 . By selecting the column data line and row return line connected to the particular connector  570 , it is possible, as described below, to determine whether or not an electronic device  544  and, hence, an object identification assembly  502  of the second plurality of object identification assemblies  502  is present between the contacts  572  of the particular connector  570 . If an electronic device  544  is present, it is possible, as described below, to read the identification code stored within the electronic device  544  and, hence, the identification code of the object identification assembly  502  via the column data line. 
     In accordance with a preferred method of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 37, the process starts at step  600  and advances to step  602  where the system  50  initializes itself, locates the address of the parallel port  58  of the remote controller  54  which is connected to the storage unit  52 , and determines the speed at which software must execute in order to perform serial communications over parallel communication paths  58 . Next, at step  604 ; the system  50  begins a process of identifying a user who wishes to perform an activity on an object identification assembly  182 , 202  such as, for example, inserting an object identification assembly  182 , 202  into a drawer  98  for receipt by a respective assembly retaining structure  116 , 500  or removing an object identification assembly  182 , 202  from a respective assembly retaining structure  116 , 500 . At step  604 , the system  50  prompts a user to insert his personal identification assembly into the ID slot  112  of a drawer  98  by displaying prompt text on the video monitor  60 . After prompting the user, the system  50 , at step  606 , takes control over all access to the remote controller&#39;s parallel port  58  to prevent data collisions created by other application software programs attempting to communicate, via the parallel port  58 , to the printer  56 . 
     Once the system  50  has control over the parallel port  58 , the system  50 , at step  608 , reads the ID slots  112  of the various drawers  98  (if more than one drawer  98  is present in the system  50  or the only ID slot  112  if only one drawer  98  is present in the system  50 ) on the drawers&#39; front face  108  to acquire an identification code from the user&#39;s personal identification assembly. To read an ID slot  112 , the remote controller  54  selects the ID slot  112  by generating appropriate signals on the INITIAL and SELIN lines  348 , 350 , which are communicated through the necessary data communication link(s)  72 , 74  and data communication interfaces  68 , 70  using a serial protocol to the respective local controller  214 , for supply to the positive data contact  204  of the electronic device  194  of the personal identification assembly via AFEED line  344 . In response, the electronic device  194  outputs its unique identification code through its positive data contact  204  and ACK line  336  for transmission to the remote controller  54 . Upon receiving the identification code contained in the personal identification assembly, the remote controller  54 , at step  610 , verifies that the personal identification assembly is being used by its owner by prompting the user for a password on video monitor  60 , receiving a password from the user at the remote controller  54 , and then determining, at step  612 , whether or not the user is authorized to access the system  50  by looking-up the identification code and password in a table including authorized code/password combinations. If the user is not authorized to access the system  50 , the method loops back to step  604  where the remote controller  54  prompts the user to insert his personal identification assembly. If the user is authorized to access the system  50 , the method continues at step  614 . 
     After determining that the user is authorized, the remote controller  54 , at step  614 , prompts the user on video monitor  60  for the type of activity that the user wishes to perform on an object identification assembly  182 , 502 . The types of activities include for example, but not limitation, inserting (or re-inserting, or returning) an object identification assembly  182 , 502  into a drawer  98  for receipt by a slot  120  (or opening  524 ) and an associated connector  154 , 570 , and removing an object identification assembly  182 , 502  from a slot  120  (or opening  524 ) and an associated connector  154 , 570  of a drawer  98 . At step  616 , the remote controller  54  receives input from the user, in response to the prompt, which identifies the type of activity that the user wishes to perform. Then, at step  620 , the remote controller  54  evaluates the user&#39;s input to determine if the user wishes to remove an object identification assembly  182 , 502  and associated object from a respective assembly retaining structure  116 , 500 . 
     If the remote controller  54  determines, at step  620 , that the user wishes to remove an object identification assembly  182 , 502 , tile remote controller  54 , according to the preferred method of the present invention, prompts the user on video monitor  60  to provide information related to the removal of an object identification assembly  182 , 502  at step  621 . The information, for example and not limitation, may include the purpose or reason for the removal of the object identification assembly  182 , 502 , a work order number with which the removal of the object identification assembly  182 , 502  is to be associated with (i.e., when the work order number is utilized in conjunction with the time of removal and time of re-insertion of an object identification assembly  182 , 502 , the remote controller  54  may compute the amount of time required to perform the task identified by the work order number), etc. After receiving the information from the user in response to the prompt and storing the received information on storage media present in a disk drive of the remote controller  54  at step  622 , the remote controller  54  prompts the user on video monitor  60  to identify an object identification assembly  182 , 502  for removal from a drawer  98  at step  623 . The remote controller  54  receives input from the user at step  624 , in response to the prompt, which identifies the object identification assembly  182 , 502  (and, hence, an object) for removal. Advancing to step  626 , the remote controller  54  determines the location (including the slot  120  or opening  524 , and the drawer  98 , if more than one drawer  98  is present in the system  50 ) of the object identification assembly  182 , 502  identified by the user in step  624  by retrieving the location information from a data file, containing the location information, which is stored, preferably, on the remote controller&#39;s hard disk drive. The remote controller  54  then outputs, at step  628 , the location of the identified object identification assembly  182 , 502  on video monitor  60  by displaying, preferably, a row and column matrix representative of the connectors  154 , 570  of the assembly retaining structure  116 , 500  in which the identified object identification assembly  182 , 502  resides and by indicating, on the display, the particular row and column of the matrix in which the identified object identification assembly  182 , 502  is present. The remote controller  54  also, preferably, displays an identifier which distinguishes the drawer  98  in which the identified object identification assembly  182 , 502  resides. After outputting the location of the object identification assembly  182 , 502  identified by the user, the method continues at step  640  as described below. 
     If the remote controller  54  determines, at step  620 , that the user wishes to insert (or re-insert) an object identification assembly  182 , 502  into a drawer  98 , the remote controller  54 , according to the preferred method of the present invention, determines whether or not the system  50  tracks multiple types of objects (for example and not limitation, vehicle keys and vehicle license plates) by reading and evaluating data stored in a configuration file residing on the remote controller&#39;s hard disk at step  630 . If the system  50  determines, at step  630 , that it is configured to track only one type of object, the method advances to step  636 , described below. If the system  50  determines, at step  630 , that it is configured to track multiple types of objects, the remote controller  54  prompts the user, at step  632 , to prompt the user, on video monitor  60 , to identify the type of object to be inserted into a drawer  98  for receipt by a slot  120  or opening  524  (and respective connectors  154 , 570 ) of a respective assembly retaining structure  116 , 500 . The remote controller  54 , at step  634 , receives input from the user, in response to the prompt at step  632 , which identifies the type of object to be inserted into a drawer  98 . 
     At step  636 , the remote controller  54  determines, based on the type of object to be received from the user by a drawer  98 , the location (including the slot  120  or opening  524 , and the drawer  98 , if more than one drawer  98  is present in the system  50 ) of a site which is available for receipt of the object identification assembly  182 , 502  by retrieving and comparing location and configuration information from data files stored, preferably, on the remote controller&#39;s hard disk drive. The location information includes the locations of each object identification assembly  182 , 502  which currently resides in an assembly retaining structure  116 , 500  of a drawer  98  and the configuration information includes the locations of the slots  120 , or openings  524 , which are available in a particular drawer  98  when the drawer  98  contains no object identification assemblies  182 , 502 . After determining the location of an available site for receipt of an object identification assembly  182 , 502 , the remote controller  54  then outputs, at step  638 , the location of the available site on video monitor  60  by displaying, preferably, a row and column matrix representative of the connectors  154 , 570  of the assembly retaining structure  116 , 500  in which the available site is present and by indicating, on the display, the particular row and column of the matrix in which the available site is present. The remote controller  54  also, preferably, displays an identifier which identifies the drawer  98  in which the available site resides. After outputting the location of the available site, the method advances to step  640  as described below. 
     According to the preferred method of the present invention, the remote controller  54 , at step  640  activates the appropriate storage unit  52 , containing the object identification assembly  182 , 502  to be removed or containing an available site for receipt of an object identification assembly  182 , 502 , by establishing communications with the unit&#39;s addressable switch  394  through generation of appropriate signals on the INITIAL and SELIN lines  348 , 350  and communicating the unique address of the addressable switch  394  to the addressable switch  394 . Once the addressable switch  394  replies to the remote controller  54 , acknowledging receipt of its unique address, appropriate signals are sent to the addressable switch  394  over the AFEED line  344  to toggle the status of the switch&#39;s bidirectional port to an active state, thereby enabling the supply of electrical power (which was previously not supplied) to the remainder of the local controller  214 . 
     Advancing to step  642 , the remote controller  54  unlocks the appropriate drawer  98  by actuating the drawer&#39;s lock mechanism  218 . In order to energize the lock solenoid  226 , the remote controller  54  generates the appropriate signals on the INITIAL and SELIN lines  348 , 350  and supplies an energize signal on data lines  334 . Then, at step  644 , the remote controller  54  checks to see if the drawer  98  is open by generating the appropriate signals on the INITIAL and SELIN lines  348 , 350  and by reading the signal present on the ERR line  346 . If the signal has a logical low level, the drawer  98  is not open and the method loops back to step  640  to maintain energization of the lock solenoid  226 . If the signal has a logical high level, the drawer  98  is open and the method continues at step  646  where the lock mechanism  218  is reset by removing the energize signal on data lines  334  to de-energize the lock solenoid  226 . 
     At step  648 , the system  50  monitors, or scans, the object identification assemblies  182 , 502  to detect which, if any, assemblies  182 , 502  are present in the drawer  98 . Detection of the assemblies  182 , 502  is accomplished by the remote controller  54  selecting each connector  154 , 570  of a row and column matrix of connectors  154 , 570  (by transmitting the row and column addresses of the connector  154 , 570  to the local controller  214 ) and attempting to read output data from the data output contact of an electronic device  194  (by supplying appropriate data signals to the data output contact and waiting for a response from the electronic device  194 ) which may or may not be present in the selected connector  154 , 570 . If an object identification assembly  182 , 502  (and, hence, an electronic device  194 ) is present in the selected connector  154 , 570 , output data, including the unique identification code of the electronic device  194 , is communicated by the local controller  214  to the remote controller  54  on BUSY line  332 . The remote controller  54  stores the identification code and location of the object identification assembly  182 , 502  in a list for subsequent review. If no object identification assembly  182 , 502  is present in the selected connector  154 , 570 , no output data is detected by the remote controller  54 , within an appropriate period of time, and the remote controller  54  proceeds to attempt to read output data from the next connector  154 , 570  of the row and column matrix of connectors  154 , 570  being monitored until all connectors  154 , 570  have been selected for reading. 
     In accordance with the preferred method, the remote controller  54  detects, at step  650 , whether or not any object identification assemblies  182 , 502  have been inserted or removed from the drawer  98  by comparing the identification codes of the assemblies  182 , 502  which discovered and stored in a list at step  648  with the identification codes of the assemblies  182 , 502  which were discovered and stored in a different list on the remote controller&#39;s hard disk drive at a previous point in time. If no object identification assembly  182 , 502  removals or insertions are detected at step  650 , the method advances to step  652 , as discussed below, where the remote controller  54  checks to see whether or not the drawer  98  is closed. If object identification assembly  182 , 502  removals or insertions are detected at step  650 , the remote controller  54  outputs the identification codes of the assemblies  182 , 502  which were removed or inserted on the video monitor  60  at step  654 . The removed or inserted object identification assemblies  182 , 502  are then stored, at step  656 , in a log file by the remote controller  54  to replace the previous list of assemblies  182 , 502  which are present in an assembly retaining structure  116 , 540  of the drawer  98 . The stored information includes the user&#39;s identification code, the object identification code, and the date and time of the activity. At step  652 , the remote controller  54  checks to see if the drawer  98  is closed by generating the appropriate signals on the INITIAL and SELIN lines  348 , 350  and reading the signal present on the ERR line  346 . If the signal has a logical low level, the drawer  98  is determined to be closed and the method advances to step  658 . If the signal has a logical high level, the drawer  98  is determined to be open and the method loops back to step  648  to scan the object identification assemblies  182 , 502  present in the drawer  98 . 
     The remote controller  54 , at step  658 , reads the identification codes of the object identification assemblies  182  which are present in the drawer  98 . To read the identification codes, the remote controller  54 , as described above, scans the connectors  154 , 570  by selecting each connector  154 , 570  of each row and column matrix of connectors  154 , 570  and attempting to read output data, on BUSY line  332 , from an electronic device  194  which may or may not be present in the selected connector  154 , 570 . Then, at step  660 , the remote controller  54  processes the identification codes held by the connectors  154 , 570  and received from the object identification assemblies  182 , 502  at step  658 , as described above, to determine and log which assemblies  182 , 502  were removed and/or inserted, which user did so, and the date and time when the removal or insertion was made by the user. The remote controller  54  also determines, by comparing the identification codes of the assemblies  182 , 502  presently in the drawer  98  with those already removed from the drawer  98  and with an acceptable amount of time stored in a configuration file on the remote controller  54 , which assemblies  182 , 502  have been absent from the drawer  98  for an excessive amount of time and displays them on the video monitor  60 . Additionally, the remote controller  54  performs supplementary data processing related to, and in conjunction with, the information collected from the user at step  622 . For instance, the amount of time required to do a job may be computed from the time of removal and re-insertion of an object identification assembly  182 , 502  (i.e., connected to a door key) and associated with a work order number, the amount of time spent on vehicle test drives may be computed from the times of removals and re-insertions of object identification assemblies  182 , 502  (i.e., connected to vehicle keys) and associated with the salesperson who accessed the assemblies  182 , 502 , etc. Advancing to step  662 , control over the remote controller&#39;s parallel port  58  is released and the method loops back to step  604  where the user is prompted to insert his personal identification assembly. 
     In accordance with an alternate preferred method of the present invention, the identification codes of the object identification assemblies  182 , 502  are loaded into the remote controller  54  for later use by receiving the assemblies  182 , 502  in the front face ID slot  112  of a drawer  98  and then by reading their identification codes. After reading, the identification codes are associated with descriptive information related to the object being controlled and tracked by the system  50 . 
     Whereas this invention has been described in detail with particular reference to its most preferred embodiments, it is understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention, as described herein before and as defined in the appended claims. The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing the functions in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.