Patent Description:
Modern automated tool control systems are often used with a computerized network system comprised of a wired and/or wireless network, a primary database, a network service, an administrative client software application, and a variety of tool control devices. In many cases, various tool control devices are connected to the network and are capable of transferring and receiving data through the network service to and from the primary database. Automated tool control devices include automated tool control storage devices that are capable of physically storing objects and data entry devices that are only capable of recording, transmitting and receiving data. Typically, the data entry devices are not capable of physically storing objects. The automated tool control storage devices include, but are not limited to, automated toolboxes, lockers, tool crib management systems, vending equipment, unmanned tool cribs, inventory scale systems, etc..

One of the problems related with the automated tool control storage devices is that various aspects of such tool control storage devices must be configured prior to their use. Examples of such configurable aspects and procedures include work locations, authorized users, authorized user access rights, languages, user groups, and user group access rights. Configurable aspects and procedures additionally include notifications and/or alerts, more specifically, recipients, types, and/or delivery methods related with such notifications/alerts. Other configurable aspects and procedures include reports, particularly, related with report recipients, report type, and/or report delivery options. In some cases, such configurable aspects and procedures may also include audit types, scheduling, and the like. In addition, typical configurations for such automated tool control storage devices are manually performed and, in many cases, pre-set to the default configurations. Moreover, those configurations must be manually modified if the automated tool storage device are to be moved from one work group and/or location to another work group and/or location, which require different configurations. This process is inefficient and time consuming.

<CIT> describes a computer-implemented inventory control system and a method of inventory control which includes an inventory control program executable to analyze a sensor signal generated by a distance sensor having a fixed position at a target location to calculate the inventory level of a target product positioned at the target location based on separation distance between the distance sensor and the target product.

<CIT> describes an inventory control system for controlling inventory in a receptacle comprising a plurality of compartments. The system includes an electronic reader, at least one antenna, a controller, and a processor. The electronic reader is configured to read a plurality of electronic labels in a plurality of the compartments of the receptacle, each electronic label being associated with, and identifying, an item in one of the compartments of the receptacle. The at least one antenna is in communication with the electronic reader. The at least one antenna is associated with two or more compartments and configured to read electronic labels in the two or more compartments so that the electronic reader identifies a group of labels associated with the two or more compartments.

<CIT> describes systems for monitoring an inventory condition of objects based on captured images. An exemplary system includes at least one storage drawer, each storage drawer including a plurality of storage locations for storing objects, wherein each drawer is associated with an identifier with known color attributes; and an image sensing device configured to capture an image of one of the storage drawers along with the associated identifier. A data storage device of the system stores, for each storage drawer, information of the known color attributes of the associated identifier.

<CIT> describes a data processing system and method for disabling a portable computer in response to the portable computer being moved outside of an authorized area of use. An authorized, geographical area of use is established. The authorized, geographical area is any geographical area capable of being defined. The geographical area is not limited to areas within an enclosure, and is not bounded by a transmitter's broadcast range. A determination is made regarding whether the portable computer is located outside of the authorized area. If the portable computer is moved outside of the authorized area, the portable computer is disabled. The portable computer is inoperable when disabled.

In view of foregoing shortcomings, there is a need for an improved system and method that enables the tool control storage devices to be automatically configured for any aspects and procedures that respond to such changes in the work group and/or location. Such an improved system and method may also send an alert and/or notifications to the users.

The underlying technical problem is solved by the subject-matter according to the independent claims. Additional embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification, and any written information in the drawings should be treated as part of this disclosure. In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

The various methods and systems disclosed herein relate to the automated tool control device within the inventory of an automated tool control tool crib management system.

<FIG> shows an automated tool control system <NUM> in the form of a tool crib management system <NUM>. While the tool crib management system <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a toolbox, the tool crib management system <NUM> may more generally be tool lockers or any other secure storage devices or enclosed secure storage areas (e.g., a tool crib or walk-in tool locker).

Each tool crib management system <NUM> is a highly automated inventory control system that utilizes multiple different sensing technologies for identifying inventory conditions of objects in the storage unit. In one example, the tool crib management system <NUM> uses machine imaging and RF sensing methodologies for identifying inventory conditions of objects in the storage unit.

Illustrative features of the tool crib management system <NUM> of the disclosure include the ability to process complex image data with efficient utilization of system resources, autonomous image and camera calibrations, identification of characteristics of tools from image data, adaptive timing for capturing inventory images, efficient generation of reference data for checking inventory status, and autonomous compensation of image quality, etc. Further features include the ability to emit and receive RF sensing signals, such as RF identification (RFID) signals, to process the received signals to identify particular tools, and to cross-reference tool information obtained through the multiple different sensing modalities (e.g., camera and RFID based modalities).

The tool crib management system <NUM> utilizes one or more of various sensing technologies <NUM> to determine issue/return or presence/absence of objects from its storage. For example, the issue/return or presence/absence of objects can be sensed using one or more of imaging-based sensing technology (e.g., using cameras), RFID-based sensing technology, wireless sensors including Bluetooth sensors, individual switches or sensors (e.g., contact, capacitive, inductive, weight, or other sensors), such as sensing technologies used in automated tool control imaging toolboxes and/or automated tool control RFID lockers. Unique identifiers, such as machine readable bar codes, color coded tags, RFID tags, etc., can be attached to inventory objects or tools stored in the storage container of the automated tool control system <NUM> and used to uniquely identify items (e.g., so as to distinguish between two items that are otherwise undistinguishable to the system's sensing technology, such as two visually identical tools being sensed using an imaging system). In some embodiments, one or more processors are configured to determine a location of the inventory objects or tools based on triangulation of three or more sensors including the Bluetooth sensor. For example, time of arrival (ToA) or time of flight (ToF) may be used to calculate the distance of the inventory objects or tools from each of the three or more sensors, and to determine the location of the inventory objects or tools. The three or more sensors may be determined to maximize the strength of the signals received or detected by the three or more sensors. In some cases, triangulation may be used with RFID based modalities (e.g., RFID triangulation).

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary automated tool control system <NUM> that may also comprise a networked tool control system <NUM> including multiple tool control devices <NUM>. For example, the networked tool control system <NUM> can include a plurality of automated tool control storage devices <NUM> which each may be similar to the tool control system <NUM> so as to each include storage locations, sensing devices, and one or more battery chargers therein. The automated tool control storage devices <NUM> may be communicatively connected to each other and/or to an inventory control server <NUM> via a wired or wireless communication network <NUM>. A system administrator terminal <NUM> may be connected to the server <NUM> to enable a system administrator to manage the system as needed and receive alerts from the system. In this manner, the processor and memory storing executable program instructions of any individual tool control device <NUM> can be connected to the computer network (e.g., <NUM>) and exchange data with an administrative software application running on the server <NUM> and used to manipulate and store data and store and display information relative to the data to system users. The administrative software application running on the server <NUM> can include a system wide location monitor (not shown).

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary tool crib management system <NUM> in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The tool crib management system <NUM> includes an automated tool control storage device <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the automated tool control storage device <NUM> can include an access control component <NUM>, an asset management component <NUM>, and a transaction reporting component <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the asset management component <NUM> can include an artificial intelligence component.

The automated tool control storage device <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, automated toolboxes, lockers, vending equipment, unmanned tool cribs, inventory scale systems, etc. These devices can be secured by various electronically-controlled locking mechanisms and may be used with various authentication means such as, for example, a proximity card reader, a biometrics device, and/or the like, to verify authorized personnel and allow such access. The automated tool control storage device <NUM> can issue objects from inventory, return objects to inventory, and record the details of the transactions, including user log in and logoff, transaction time and date, and tool status.

The automated tool control storage device <NUM> is capable of managing the issue and return of objects utilizing any of various sensing technologies. These devices are equipped with a processor, a memory, a local database, and software codes used to interpret the sensor data and to determine the current status of objects managed by the device. These devices may communicate with the networked service via wired or wireless networks and can transmit and receive the object related data.

The access control component <NUM> may work in concert with at least one electronically controlled locking mechanism for securely locking the drawers and doors of any cabinets. The access control component <NUM>, such as a card reader, along with a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM> storing executable program instructions, electronically identifies a user requesting access to the tool crib management server <NUM>, determines an authorization level for the user, and selectively provides access to the secure area of the automated tool control storage device <NUM> based on the determined authorization level. The processor <NUM> and the memory <NUM> storing executable program instructions operatively identify predetermined authorized access levels to the tool crib management server <NUM> and allow or deny physical access by the user to the automated tool control storage device <NUM> based on those predetermined authorized levels of access. The access control component <NUM>, configured to identify the user requesting access, may also use any of the following technologies, individually or in combination but not limited to: RFID proximity sensors with cards; magnetic strip (magstripe) cards and scanners; barcode cards and scanners; common access cards and readers; biometric sensor ID systems, such as facial recognition; fingerprint recognition; handwriting analysis; iris recognition; retinal scan; vein matching; voice analysis; and/or multimodal biometric systems.

The automated tool control storage device <NUM> is also equipped with at least one electronically controlled locking mechanism, along with the processor <NUM> and machine readable instructions configured to electronically identify a user requesting access to the secure area or object storage device. The processor <NUM> may further be configured to identify predetermined authorized access levels to the system and allow or deny physical access by a user to a three dimensional space, object storage and control device based on those predetermined authorized levels of access.

As shown in <FIG>, the automated tool control storage device <NUM> includes an asset management component <NUM>. The asset management component <NUM> is configured to manage an issuance and return of the objects using any of various sensing technologies. The automated tool control storage device <NUM> may be equipped with the processor <NUM> and the memory <NUM>, a database <NUM> and software code used to interpret the sensor data and to determine the current status of the objects managed by the device. The automated tool control storage device <NUM> communicates with the networked service via wired or wireless networks <NUM> and can transmit and receive the object related data.

In some embodiments, the asset management component <NUM> may further perform an analysis of the issued or returned objects in connection with access control of the work locations. The asset management component <NUM> can analyze whether the issued objects of a certain transaction are checked against the returned list. The asset management component <NUM> can further determine availability and schedule maintenance or calibration services.

The automated tool control storage device <NUM> is configured to automatically set to the default crib configurations by the system software when the automated tool control storage device <NUM> is loaded into the automated tool control system <NUM> and assigned to a tool crib (not shown) in the tool crib management system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the automated tool control storage device <NUM> updates the configurable data in communication with the tool crib based on revised system or work location requirements. When the automated tool control storage device <NUM> is electronically issued to a work location, the system software identifies a transaction and automatically configures the device to a pre-stored system and user configurations specific for that location. In some embodiments, the automated tool control storage device <NUM> is configured to coordinate with a GPS device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the tool crib. The access control component <NUM> of the automated tool control storage device <NUM> is configured to update the configurable data and procedures based on a changed work order related with the work location.

When the automated tool control storage device <NUM> is electronically returned to the tool crib location, the system software identifies the transaction and automatically reconfigures the device to the stored system and user configurations specific for the tool crib.

In some embodiments of this disclosure, the automated tool control storage device <NUM> can be transferred to a first location, then transferred to a second location without being returned to the first location. In such case, the default configurations are changed by the system from the first location's default settings to the second location's default settings. In accordance with some aspects of this disclosure, the automated tool control storage device <NUM> may include various methods to update the configuration data. In one embodiment, the automated tool control storage device <NUM> may be configured to include the entirety of configuration data (e.g., settings and/or users) for each of the various locations within the database <NUM>. The data for each of the objects, tools, and other inventory items may be pre-stored in the database <NUM> and/or preloaded into the memory <NUM> of the automated tool control storage device <NUM>. The objects, tools and other inventory items are notified by the system and/or network where the tools, objects and other inventory items are assigned to and update only appropriate system and user configurations from the memory <NUM>. In such an embodiment, when the work location is entered as the objects, tools, and other inventory items are issued from the tool crib and/or the tool crib management system <NUM>, the automated tool control storage device <NUM> automatically updates the configuration issued to the location.

In the automated tool control storage device <NUM>, changing or moving an automated tool control device's location may not necessarily involve physical movement and may instead relate to the circumstance in which it is used or a relationship to an element or feature. For example, an automated tool control storage device <NUM> may be assigned to a location of "landing gear," which may later change to a location of "wing structure repair" even if the automated tool control storage device <NUM> does not change its physical location in space.

In another embodiment, the automated tool control storage device <NUM> may be configured to recognize each location by the GPS device <NUM> (or the location server). The appropriate system and user configurations may be transferred and assigned to the device for each of the various locations. The GPS device <NUM> (or the location server) may receive a configuration data request generated by the automated tool control storage device <NUM> via the network <NUM>. The GPS device <NUM> can generate the configuration data in response to a configuration data request and send the configuration data to the automated tool control storage device <NUM> also via network <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the GPS device <NUM> communicatively connected to the tool crib management system <NUM> determines the location and automatically updates when the location is determined.

In some embodiments, a particular job may require specific tools. The automated tool control storage device <NUM> can display in the user interface <NUM> shown in <FIG> with the configurable data that indicates only the tool or objects to be used to fulfill job and/or work location requirements. The access control component <NUM>, the asset management component <NUM>, and configuration component <NUM> of the automated tool control storage device <NUM> can coordinate with the database <NUM> to adjust the current or anticipated tools that satisfy job and/or work location requirements, and accordingly change the access control mode as the needs of the automated tool control storage device <NUM> change.

The automated tool control storage device <NUM> may record and store a transactions record of every event in each of the various locations. The status and condition of the device may be included in the status and condition of the location to which it is issued. In some embodiments, while the device is in a location, it can automatically inherit any changes that occur in the location status, configuration, alert and notifications, and other aspects.

Claim 1:
An inventory control system comprising:
a storage device (<NUM>) including a plurality of storage locations for storing objects;
a sensing system configured to associate the storage device (<NUM>) with a first location and with a second location, and including a first network communication device and a second network communication device;
a data storage configured to store configurable data of the storage device (<NUM>); and
one or more processors (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to the storage device (<NUM>) and the sensing system,
wherein the one or more processors (<NUM>) are configured to:
in response to receiving information associating the storage device (<NUM>) with the first location from the sensing system, send configurable data corresponding to the first location to the storage device (<NUM>);
after sending configurable data corresponding to the first location to the storage device (<NUM>), associate, with the sensing system, the storage device (<NUM>) with the second location; and
in response to receiving information associating the storage device (<NUM>) with the second location from the sensing system, send configurable data corresponding to the second location to the storage device (<NUM>); and
wherein the first network communication device is capable to communicate with the storage device (<NUM>) corresponding to the first location;
wherein the second network communication device is capable to communicate with the storage device (<NUM>) corresponding to the second location; and
wherein the one or more processors (<NUM>) are further configured to change default configurations from default settings of the first location to default settings of the second location.