Inventoriable-object control and tracking system
First Claim
1. An object tracking system for tracking the removal of an object from a location and the replacement of the object at the location, said object tracking system comprising:
- a trackable unit associated with the object to be tracked, said trackable unit carrying electronic memory means storing data uniquely identifying said trackable unit and its associated object, said electronic memory means having first and second electrically conducting surfaces for transmission of its stored data;
a panel defining a row and column matrix of receptacles, said trackable unit being selectively insertable in and removable from any of said receptacles of said matrix;
an electrical connector associated with each of said receptacles of said matrix for operatively engaging said memory means of said trackable unit when said trackable unit is inserted into the receptacle;
each electrical connector having a first contact associated with the column of its receptacle for engaging said first surface of said memory means and a second contact associated with the row of its receptacle for engaging said second surface of said memory means;
said first contact of each electrical connector in one column of said matrix being electrically connected to a common column data line and said second contact of each electrical connector on one row of said matrix being electrically connected to a common row data line, said row data lines and said column data lines defining a row and column matrix of data lines;
a pull-up resistance connected between each column data line and a voltage source;
a bleeder resistance connected between each row data line and a grounding potential, said pull-up resistances and said bleeder resistances preventing false triggering of memory devices located in said receptacles as a result of cross-talk; and
control means coupled to said row and column data lines for accessing and processing the data stored in said electronic memory means of said trackable unit when said trackable unit is present in one of said receptacles to determine the presence or absence of said trackable unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An inventoriable-object control and tracking system comprising, in accordance with its preferred embodiments, an object identification assembly having an electronic device, with a unique electronically-readable identification code, which is connected to an inventoriable-object to enable control over access to the object and tracking of the object to identify a user in possession of the object. The system further includes a row and column matrix of electrical connectors located offset from a panel defining a corresponding row and column matrix of polarized slots for receipt of a plurality of object identification assemblies in a single orientation. Each connector of a matrix of electrical connectors comprises a pair of opposed, spring contacts having independently-deflectable portions to insure proper electrical contact with an electronic device of each object identification assembly. The system also includes a local controller connected to the matrix of electrical connectors and to a remote controller which executes, in accordance with the preferred methods, a plurality of software routines that communicate bi-directionally using a serial protocol, via a parallel data communications interface, to acquire and process data from each object identification assembly present. In accordance with the preferred apparatus, the system additionally comprises a storage unit having a drawer which is withdrawable from an enclosure upon operation of an electronically-actuated locking mechanism. The storage unit includes a slot and electrical connector positioned in a drawer face plate assembly for receipt of a personal identification assembly which enables a user to gain access to the plurality of object identification assemblies residing in the storage unit.
161 Citations
6 Claims
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1. An object tracking system for tracking the removal of an object from a location and the replacement of the object at the location, said object tracking system comprising:
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a trackable unit associated with the object to be tracked, said trackable unit carrying electronic memory means storing data uniquely identifying said trackable unit and its associated object, said electronic memory means having first and second electrically conducting surfaces for transmission of its stored data; a panel defining a row and column matrix of receptacles, said trackable unit being selectively insertable in and removable from any of said receptacles of said matrix; an electrical connector associated with each of said receptacles of said matrix for operatively engaging said memory means of said trackable unit when said trackable unit is inserted into the receptacle; each electrical connector having a first contact associated with the column of its receptacle for engaging said first surface of said memory means and a second contact associated with the row of its receptacle for engaging said second surface of said memory means; said first contact of each electrical connector in one column of said matrix being electrically connected to a common column data line and said second contact of each electrical connector on one row of said matrix being electrically connected to a common row data line, said row data lines and said column data lines defining a row and column matrix of data lines; a pull-up resistance connected between each column data line and a voltage source; a bleeder resistance connected between each row data line and a grounding potential, said pull-up resistances and said bleeder resistances preventing false triggering of memory devices located in said receptacles as a result of cross-talk; and control means coupled to said row and column data lines for accessing and processing the data stored in said electronic memory means of said trackable unit when said trackable unit is present in one of said receptacles to determine the presence or absence of said trackable unit. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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- 3. An object tracking system comprising a plurality of electronic memory devices each storing data uniquely identifying an object to be tracked, a communication matrix created by conducting columns and rows of data communication lines defining communication nodes, each of said communication nodes being configured to couple with any one of said electronic memory devices when present at said communication node to define a data communication path from the conducting column of said node, through said electronic memory device, and to the conducting row of said node, a controller coupled to said conducting columns and rows for accessing and processing data stored in electronic memory devices located at nodes of said communication matrix, and a bleeder resistance coupled between each of said conducting rows and a grounding potential to inhibit accidental triggering of electronic memory devices located at the nodes of said communication matrix.
Specification