SK18642000A3 - MONITOROVAC SYSTM - Google Patents

Abstract

A library monitoring system includes a number of borrowable items. Each item has a radio frequency identification device mounted thereon and the radio frequency identification device has a unique identification code. A processing unit (1) is coupled to a database containing an indication of the location of each library item and is also coupled to a borrowing location (3), a borrowed item returning location (2) and the returned item sorting location (5). The borrowed item returning location (2) includes a receptacle (32, 33) into which the borrowed item (34) is inserted. The receptacle (32, 33) includes an antenna (10) which detects an insertion of library item (34) having a radio frequency identification device mounted thereon. The borrowed item returning location (2) responds to the insertion of a library item (34) into the receptacle (32, 33) detects the identification code and sends the identification code corresponding to the returned library item (34) to the processing unit (1). The processing unit (1) responds to the received identification code, updates the information on the database relating to the returned library item (34) to indicate that the returned library item (34) has been returned to the library.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a monitoring system, and in particular to a system for identifying and monitoring the location of library items, such as books.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current library identification and tracking systems generally use a combination of bar code and magnetic stripe to track the location of an item that is being borrowed as a means of preventing unauthorized removal of an item from the library. The drawbacks of this conventional system are that barcodes require each book to be opened individually and the barcode is scanned when the user wants to borrow the book, and for books that need to be individually scanned again when returning. In addition, deactivation of the magnetic stripe when this item is borrowed and reactivation of the magnetic stripe when returning are additional separate operations that are required.

Because of this strenuous intensive process, many libraries have started using bookshelf shelves where users can store returned books in a marked bin that is periodically emptied, and returned books are removed when the bin is emptied and not when the book returns. Therefore, this has the disadvantage that a book that returns to the library and is in the book box is not recorded in the library system as currently returned until the bookshelf is emptied and the books are scanned. Therefore, with this conventional system in a recording system maintained by a library of inaccuracies, there is no real-time image of books placed in the library space.

In addition, a user can borrow a certain number of books. If this number of books is stored in the book box, the borrower cannot borrow any

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more books until the books stored in your inbox are scanned as returned. For example, the total number of books that can be borrowed by one user may be limited to four.

There is also the further disadvantage that the entire sorting of books must be done manually before returning books to the right place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, the library monitoring system consists of a number of borrowable items, each item having a radio frequency identification symbol thereon, and the radio frequency identification symbol having a specific identification code, a processing unit connected to a database containing location information for each library item. and to a borrowed item return point according to the invention, wherein the borrowed item return point includes a receptacle into which the borrowed item can be inserted, the receptacle comprising an antenna that detects the insertion of a library item having a radio frequency identification symbol thereon. , instead of returning a borrowed item, it detects an identification code in response to the library item being inserted into the drawer and sends the identification code corresponding to the returned library item When in the processing unit, the processing unit, in response to the received identification code, updates the information in the database related to the returned library item to indicate that the returned library item has returned to the library.

The advantage of the present invention is that, since there is a library system in which high-frequency identifiers are located on items in the library that can be borrowed, it is possible to detect when the items are being returned to the library as soon as they enter the designated space .

Typically, the RFID can also be used as a security feature, so when attempting to take a library item out of a library or from a library. The space inside the library without authorization is detected by a processing unit that generates an alarm signal, which may be video or audio.

When the return location detects that a library item has been inserted into the drawer, the return location preferably also sends a signal to the processing unit to indicate the location to which the entry returned.

Preferably, the processing unit is additionally connected to the sorting point of the returned item. Thus, the library system may further include a transport mechanism between the return location and the sorting location, where the transport mechanism transports returned items from the drawer to the sorting location.

Preferably, the sorting location includes a high-frequency identifier sensor that detects the library item to be sorted at the sorting location and sends an identification signal corresponding to the sorted item to the processing unit, in response to the processing unit displaying sorting information on the display means in the sorting location. allowed the operator in the sorting location to identify the location to which this library item is to be returned.

Alternatively, the processing unit may transmit a signal to the automated sorting unit in response to the identification signal to instruct the automated sorting unit to classify the library item at the correct location to which to return.

The processing unit is preferably additionally attached to the rental location. Thus, the lending location may include a high-frequency identifier reader that reads the high-frequency identifier on the library item that the user wishes to borrow, and the borrowing site sends one borrower identification signal and one borrower identification signal to the processing unit and the processing unit. the entity updates the database with identification information regarding this library item and the borrower to show that the item has been borrowed by the borrower.

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Typically, a number of return workplaces may be located at different geographical locations, which may be inside or outside the library space.

Advantageously, a number of lending systems and all lending stations may typically be located within the library premises.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the monitoring system comprises a plurality of items to be tracked, wherein each monitored item has a radio frequency identification symbol having a separate identification code stored thereon, and a plurality of radio frequency identifier sensors located within the monitored space and a processing unit connected to a database containing location information of each item within the space and to each of the RFID readers, the RFID readers performing scanning operations to identify all items near each sensor and to send the identification codes of each found item to the processing unit, whereupon the processing the unit identifies, in response to the received identification codes from each sensor, the location of each item located within that space and updates the database accordingly.

The processing unit preferably instructs the RFID sensors to periodically perform a scanning operation to identify all items near each sensor.

The processing unit may further preferably display a message to the system operator that an item is in the wrong location when the processing unit detects that a unit is at a location other than its correct location.

Preferably, the database includes information about each item, including specific identification information, the correct location of the item within the space, and the current location of that item.

From this second view of the invention, the monitoring system is preferably a library monitoring system and the items are library items. Typically, the space to be monitored is the library.

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The current location may typically be a location within the library, which may or may not be the correct location, or some location outside the library, such as when the item is borrowed by the library user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One example of a library monitoring system of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing showing a library monitoring system; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a borrowing station for use with the library system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic view of a return station for use with the library shown in Figure 1; for use with the library system shown in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a library system that includes a master computer 1 which is connected to a row of return stations (or book boxes) 2, a row of borrowing stations 3, two counting stations 4 and a sorting station 5. In addition, the master computer 1 is also connected to a local service point 6 resp. server and control computer 7.

This library system also includes a transport system 8 that transports library items, such as books, videotapes, compact discs or cassette tapes, from the return station 2 to the sorting station 5. Each of the return stations 2, the sorting station 5, the borrowing station 3 and the computer ···························· The station 4 is connected to the radio frequency sensor 9 and the sensor antenna 10. In addition, each from the rental workstations 3 and the computer station 4 connected to the mini-printer 11 and the barcode reader 12.

Each item in the library has a RFID tag (RFID) on it.

The borrowing station 3 is shown in more detail in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows that the borrowing station 3 includes a housing 20 and also includes a pentium personal computer 21 connected to a display unit 22 and a keyboard 23. In addition, a housing 20 is also mounted in the housing 20 the antenna 10, the sensor 9, the mini printer 11 and the bar code reader 12 are connected to the pentium PC 21. The antenna 10 is located on the surface of the pulse 24 that forms part of the housing 20.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation showing a reversing station 2 comprising a personal computer (PC) 30 which is connected to a sensor 9 which in turn is connected to the antenna 10 and to a display unit 31 connected to the PC 30. The antenna 10 is located in within the chute 32 through which the books pass after being inserted by the user returning the book 34 to the library, through the book slot 33 from the other side of the book slot 33. The transport system 8 is located at the bottom of the chute 32 so that the books pass through the chute 32 and to the surface of the conveying system 8. The conveying system 8 then transports the returning books 34 to the sorting station 5.

The sorting station 5 is shown in more detail in Figure 4. The sorting station 5 comprises a display unit 31 and a PC 30. The PC 30 is connected to the sensor 9 and the sensor is connected to the antenna 10. The books arrive at the sorting station 5 through the transport system 8 and the books 34 drop The books are then removed by the operator 36 from the receiver tray 35 and passed through the antenna 10 to allow reading of the RFID placed on the book 34 by the reader 9. The PC receives identification information regarding the book 34 that is read by the reader 9, and identification information to the main computer 1. The main computer 1 determines the correct positioning of the book 34 being scanned and illuminates the light 36 on the sorting section to indicate the library space into which has book 34 returned.

The operator 36 places the book 34 in the correct section to return to the correct section of the library.

During operation, a user may borrow a book 34 from the library by inserting a library membership card or identity card into the barcode reader 12. For multilingual use, the lending office 3 may include a multilingual interface which allows the user to select the language he wishes the lending office to use to communicate with the user during the lending procedure.

Upon insertion of the library membership card or identity card, the lending office displays the screen instruction and at the correct point in the lending procedure the user places the book 34 above the RFID antenna 10 on the surface 24. The reception is printed by the mini printer 11 as each book is read. The PC 21 with the book identification information 34 from the reader 9 and the borrower identification information from the barcode reader 12 sends this information to the host 1 to allow the host 1 to update the data database to indicate that the borrowed book is now localized with the corresponding lenders on the lender's identification card. When the user has finished scanning all the books he wants to borrow, he selects a library card or identity card, which activates an unrecognized cutter in the minicomputer to trim the receipt confirmation, and the receipt of the borrowed books is given to the user.

Alternatively, a user may submit a book to one of the counting stations to allow the book to be viewed by some members of the library staff, after borrowing by that user.

When the user wishes to return the book 34, the user goes to the return station 2 and throws the book 34 inside through the book slot 33. The book 34 then passes on its way to the transport system 8 via the RFID antenna 10 in the slip 32. 32, PC 30 reads the book identification code from the reader 9 and sends the identification information to the host 1. The host then updates its database to indicate that the book 34 inserted by the blank 33 is now located in the library.

In addition, the master computer 1 may assign to the book 34 some number of different locations, so that when the book 34 enters the book slot 33, this book is recorded in the computer database as localized at the reversing station 2. update the database to indicate that book 34 has been classified and placed in the sorting section.

In addition, the antennas 10 and the sensor 9 can be positioned completely throughout the library. These readers 9 can be periodically informed by the main computer 1 to identify all books 34 near this sub-reader 9 and the database has been updated with placed books detected near the reader 9. This has the advantage of allowing all books 34 to be located in the library at potentially real time base.

In addition to books, the same library system can be used with any other item that can be borrowed from the library, such as compact discs, cassettes, tapes and videotapes.

Moreover, this system has the advantage that the return workplaces can be located outside the library itself, and provided that the PC 30 is connected to the main computer 1 via a suitable communication link, the main computer can also determine the position of the bookbox to which the book 34 has returned. It is possible that some book boxes outside the library cannot be connected to the library by the transport mechanisms 8, in which case books can be collected to return books to the library manually, for example by a delivery truck or courier or other collection agencies.

The advantages of the present invention are that when using an RFID-based system, it is not necessary to manually examine each book while borrowing, returning, and classifying the book.

In addition, the RFID tag may also be used as a means of protection to minimize the risk of books being taken out of the library without authorization. Typically, the security feature is deactivated when the user borrows a book on the rental work9999999

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9, tag 3, and reactivates when the book returns to the library, either at the return station 2 or at the sorting station 5. This security feature may be enabled by using a memory location in the EEPROM in the RFID tag. For example, one typical EEPROM in an RFID tag will have a memory of 128 bits. About 75% of memory locations are used to identify library items. For example, when the library item is a book, the identification information may include the Dewe decimal number and / or classification of the Library of Congress and the library branch code to which the book belongs. One of the remaining memory bits is allocated to indicate whether the removal of the library item from the library has been approved. Thus, if it contains a memory location of 0, it means that the library removal has not been approved. However, when the memory location contains 1, it means that the removal from the library (for example, by an authorized borrower) has been approved. Thus, when a person attempts to retrieve a book from a library that has not been borrowed officially, the sensor at or near the library exit detects 0 in the EEPROM and stores an alarm. If this sensor detects 1 in the EEPROM, the system knows that the book has been officially borrowed and no alarm will sound.

This character controls the reader at the borrowing station 3 to write 1 to the storage location when an item is being borrowed, and the reader at the backstage 2 to write 0 to the storage location when the book returns to reactivate this security feature.

Suitable RFID designations that can be mounted on books 34 are designations such as those manufactured by Motorola Indala Corporation, such as the miniature disc brand, the IT-52E, or the high voltage model IT-54E. Suitable sensors 9 that can be used with this library system include a Motorola Indala Corporation reader such as the IR-24E or IR-36E long range sensor, the universal IR-50E sensor, or the compact IR-12E sensor.

In addition, handheld sensors such as those manufactured by Motorola may be used for transfer applications such as manual book scanning, if required.

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a Motorola Indala Corporation reading device such as the IR-24E or IR-36E long range sensor, the universal IR-50E sensor, or the compact IR-12E sensor.

In addition, handheld sensors such as those manufactured by Motorola Indala Corporation, an IR-200E Geo Technology sensor and an IR-2E focal sensor and an IR- 100E.

Claims (17)

1. A library monitoring system comprising a series of borrowable items, wherein each item has a radio frequency identification symbol thereon, the radio frequency identification symbol having a specific identification code, a processing unit associated with a database containing an indication of the location of each library item and as well as a plurality of return stations located at different geographical locations remote from said library position, wherein the borrowed item return and return stations include a receptacle into which the borrowed item can be inserted, wherein the receptacle includes an antenna that detects library insertion of an item that has a high-frequency identifier on it, and the borrowed item's return point detects an identification code in response to a library item being placed in a drawer and sending the identification code corresponding to the returned library item to the processing unit, and the processing unit updates the database library related information in response to the received identification code to indicate that the returned library item has returned to the library. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the return location or return station also sends a signal to the processing unit to indicate the location to which the item returned when the return location or return station detects that the library item has been inserted into the drawer. 3. A library monitoring system comprising a series of borrowable items, wherein each item has a radio frequency identification symbol thereon, the radio frequency identification symbol having a specific identification code, a processing unit associated with a database containing the location information of each ·· ···· ·· · · Library item with a return item of the item being borrowed, characterized in that the borrowed item return location includes a drawer into which the borrowed item can be inserted, the drawer comprising an antenna that detects the insertion of a library item having a radio frequency identification mark thereon, while detecting the borrowed item return in response to insert library item into drawer identification code and send the identification code corresponding to the returned library item to the processing unit, which processing unit updates, in response to the received identification code, information in the database relating to the returned library item to indicate that the returned library item has returned to the library; a sorting point, the transport mechanism transporting returned items from the drawer to the sorting point. The system of claim 3, wherein the return location also sends a signal to the processing unit to indicate the location to which the item returned when the return location detects that the library item has been inserted into the drawer. System according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the processing unit is additionally connected to the sorting point of the returned item. The system of claim 5, wherein the sorting site comprises a radio frequency identification feature sensor that detects a library item to be sorted at the sorting location and sends an identification signal corresponding to the item to be sorted to a processing unit such as responding to what the processing unit displays on the display unit at the sorting location to allow the operator at the sorting location to identify the location to which the library item is to return. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit is additionally connected to the rental point. ·· ·· • · · · · · · 99 99 ·· • · · • 9,999 9 9 9 9 · · · ······· 99 999 9 9 The system of claim 7, wherein the borrowing location comprises a high-frequency identifier reader that reads the high-frequency identifier on the library item that the user wishes to borrow, and the borrowing site sends an identification signal related to the library item and an identification signal related to the library item. the lender to the processing unit and the processing unit updates the database with identification information regarding the library item and the lender to show that the item has been borrowed to the lender. The system of claim 8, wherein the borrowing point writes the borrowing code to the memory password within the RFID tag after reading the RFID tag and the sorting point writes a return code to the memory password in the RFID tag in response to the library insertion item. into a power outlet. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the borrowing place writes the borrowing code to the memory password in the high-frequency identification symbol after reading the high-frequency identification symbol and the return location or the workstation writes the return code to the memory password in the high-frequency identification symbol library items to the drawer. The system of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of return stations located at different geographical locations remote from the library. ·································· System according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that a series of rental workstations is provided inside the library. A monitoring system comprising a plurality of items to be monitored, wherein each of the items to be monitored has a radio frequency identification having a specific identifier thereon, and a plurality of radio frequency identification sensors located in the space to be monitored, a processing unit connected to a database containing an indication of the location of each item within that space and to each of the RFID readers by which RFID readers perform scanning operations to identify all items near each sensor and send the identification codes of each found item to the processing unit, the processing unit identifies in response to the received identification code from each sensor instead of each item within the space and updates the database accordingly. The system of claim 13, wherein the processing unit instructs the RFID sensors to periodically perform the scanning operation and identify all items near each sensor. » The system of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the processing unit displays a message to the system operator that an item is in the wrong location when the processing unit detects that an item is at a location other than its proper location. System according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the database contains information on each item comprising a specific · · · · · · ···· • • · • · • • · a * • • • · · · · • · • • • • · · • · • · • • • • · • • · · · ···· «· • • a ·· · identification information, correct placement of the item in the space, and the current location of the item. System according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the monitoring system is a library monitoring system and the items are library items.