Object carriers and lighted tags for an object control and tracking system
First Claim
1. In a key tracking system wherein a plurality of keys are each attached to a trackable object and are removably storable in a storage unit, the keys being individually requestable by a user via a computer controller coupled to said storage unit, the improvement comprising an LED on each trackable object and an electronic circuit in each trackable object coupled to said LED, each of said electronic circuits being adapted to light its LED when a key attached to the trackable object is requested by the user to identify to the user the location of the requested key within the storage unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Object carriers are provided for use with an object tracking and control system of the type having a storage receptacle with a tray provided with an array of slots for receiving ID tags bearing touch memory devices. A computer-based controller is provided for detecting the absence or presence and identity of ID tags disposed in the slots. The carrier of this invention includes a container with an openable panel for placing objects in and removing objects from the carrier. A thin plastic tongue projects from the carrier and bears a touch memory device. Carriers bearing objects to be tracked are placed in the storage receptacle with their tongues extending into the slots of the receptacle. The controller can thus detect and log the removal and replacement of the carrier in the storage receptacle. In one embodiment, the opening and closing of the carrier when it is not stored in the receptacle is detected and logged for tracking access to the carrier in more detail. The invention also includes lighted key tags for use with an object tracking system. Lighted key tags stored in an object tracking system are adapted to emit light when their attached keys are requested by a user. A portion of the key tag may be formed of transparent material that forms a light guide through which the light is transmitted.
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Citations
16 Claims
- 1. In a key tracking system wherein a plurality of keys are each attached to a trackable object and are removably storable in a storage unit, the keys being individually requestable by a user via a computer controller coupled to said storage unit, the improvement comprising an LED on each trackable object and an electronic circuit in each trackable object coupled to said LED, each of said electronic circuits being adapted to light its LED when a key attached to the trackable object is requested by the user to identify to the user the location of the requested key within the storage unit.
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9. A key tag for use in a Key Track system, said key tag comprising:
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a lower portion bearing contacts for coupling with the Key Track system;
a mid portion housing an electronic circuit that includes memory storing an identification code uniquely identifying said key tag and a key attached thereto, said electronic circuit being addressable by said Key Track system;
an upper portion to which a key associated with said key tag may be affixed;
an LED coupled to said electronic circuit, said electronic circuit lighting said LED when addressed by said Key Track system;
said LED, when lighted, projecting light at least upwardly from said upper portion of said key tag to identify said key tag visually to a user of said Key Track system. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification