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Library circulation control system

1. DEACTIVATE UNIT 4 CONTROL 44 PANEL t U S Patent Feb 20 1979 Sheet 2 of 13 4 141 078 141 078 4 Feb 20 1979 Sheet 3 of 13 U S Patent 0 bt G 9 1 8 6 MOU 01 838802 109 df 3944 Quv9 01 1415 0108 NO 3008 19 14 Y0 9008 100 3H3 OL 0681965621 03 4 141 078 of 13 Sheet 4 U S Patent Feb 20 1979 U S Patent Feb 20 1979 Sheet 5 of 13 4 141 078 43 PERI UU ADDRESS TRANSMIT 19 LOGIC TRANSMIT Lock du TRANSMIT CLOCKS Tr TRANSMIT TRANSMIT TRANSMIT CONTROL LOGIC 95 TRANSMIT TRANSMIT DATA CONTROLLER 21 CONTROL TO LIBRARY TERMINAL STATION CE b TRANSMITTER RECEIVER DATA 29 MESSAGE RECEIVER CONTROL DECODE LOGIC RECEIVER RECEIVER CLOCKS 00 8 35 DATA RECEIVER DATA BUFFER TRANSMIT BUS 6T RECEIVE BUS 68 CONTROL DATA CLOCKS CONTRO RECEIVER 3 CONTROLLER i GATE 69 INTERFERENCE STATUS BUS INTERFERENCE STATION TRANSMITTER TWO BOOKS VoL CONT PANEL AND RECEIVER STATUS BUS 0 U S Patent Feb 20 1979 Sheet 6 of 13 4 141 078 Put m 110 DATA DATA CARD IN PLACE CONTROL LOGIC READ D EJECT STATUS i SCANNER DATA a CONTROL SCANNER CER CLOCKS CONTROL LO
2. United States Patent Bridges Jr et al 1 4 141 078 45 Feb 20 1979 541 LIBRARY CIRCULATION CONTROL SYSTEM 75 Inventors Louis E Bridges Jr Mesquite Terry L Parsons Plano both of Tex 73 Assignee Innovated Systems Inc Dallas Tex 21 Appl No 622 217 22 Filed Oct 14 1975 51 Int C1 08 13 24 GO6F 15 24 52 D S C 364 900 235 380 235 385 364 419 364 403 340 572 58 Field of Search 340 172 5 149 A 149 R 340 280 445 1 444 1 235 61 7 B 61 7 R 380 385 364 900 MS File 403 419 300 283 55 56 References Cited U S PATENT DOCUMENTS 3 637 989 1 1972 Howard et al 235 61 7 R 3 665 164 5 1972 Beveridge et al 2 235 61 11 E 3 741 245 6 1973 Saridis 186 1 R 3 852 571 12 1974 Hall et al 235 61 7 B 3 916 386 10 1975 Teixeira et al 340 172 5 3 937 925 2 1976 Boothroyd 235 61 7 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Report on a Library Automation Project Conducted at the University of Illinois by Robert Kozlow Chapt 3 4 plus appendices 1965 Robert Hayes et al Handbook of Data Processing for Libraries 1970 pp 481 509 313 316 323 Veneziano An Interactive Computer Based Circula Work U Lib Automation 1972 pp 101 117 see p 105 Aagaard An Interacti
3. c co Y ENTERED NO gt m lt gt ADDPAT ENTERED NO Qu lt c rna gt gt rn c lt m an c A ADDRES ENTERED NO 216 lt m en zm m rz rnc 2 m 2 lt gt e DISTRANES ENTERED gt E 7 ENTERED ENTERED PAID ENTERED ENTERED _ __ 10 FIG Sheet 9 of 13 4 141 078 ADD PATRON READ KB DATA RECORD WRITE RECORD SEN U S Patent Feb 20 1979 LIBRARIAN DISCHARGE BOOK IN PLACE NO RECORD ACTIVATE 258 BOOK 26 ook ON TES HOLD NO 268 AUTO N YES DISCHARGE NO Sheet 10 of 13 4 141 078 264 DISPLAY BOOK ON HOLD U S Patent Feb 20 1979 Sheet 11 of 13 4 141 078 LIBRARIAN OVERRIDE ee M Py eee s WRITE DISC TRANSACTION RECORD RECORD CALCULATE LOG DUE DATE BOOK UPDATE DISC HOLD amp RESERVE FILE 304 NO SFUL ETI SUCCES WRITE DISC TRANSACTION RECORD WRI
4. units 1 7 include the necessary processing circuitry to interface with its respective station component as well as buffers and serial parallel conversion circuitry as required Card reader 32 optical scanner 38 and key board 36 each pass data from input sensors to the re spective control logic units Display unit 34 and printer 42 receive data from the respective control logic units for display to the user The activate deactivate unit 40 10 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 14 provides data to control logic unit 6 indicating whether a magnetic strip in a book has been activated or deacti vated Control panel 44 provides no specific data input to its respective logic unit 7 Each of the station compo nents also provide a status signal to the respective con trol logic units and receive control commands actuating the components The control panel provides and re ceives status information including signals directing a change in the status of the system operation The card reader control logic unit 1 scanner control logic unit 2 and keyboard control logic unit 3 are con nected to a transmit bus 67 for transmitting data to and receiving clocking and control signals from a transmit ter logic unit 19 Transmitter logic unit 19 includes an address transmit logic circuit 21 a transmit clock gener ator 23 having a clock input from a system clock not shown and outputting clock impulses to the transmit ting comp
5. a failure is logged When the function is per formed as expected a clear message is logged Certain messages also provide insight to difficulties the user may be experiencing in the use of station 30 For exam ple the message STA 01 STATUS INT indicates station number 1 is not responding to a status interroga tion from the library terminal 12 This could indicate that the station power is off the station is not connected or a hardware failure has occurred When the problem is cleared a message STA 01 STATUS INT TO is logged User difficulties may be indicated if the message STA 02 GATE INTERFERENCE is logged fol lowed by STA 02 GATE INTERFERENCE This may indicate the user is not understanding the displayed message that his hands must be removed from the book tray area before the User Charge transaction is allowed to continue An On line diagnostic routine can be called by entering TESTX on keyboard 36 as shown at step 230 of FIG 13 This routine allows confirmation of all operations of book processor station 30 while the re maining stations remain On line to perform library transactions The diagnostic routine simulates normal operation using many of the same processes as used in performing transactions except access is not permitted to the data base files by the station under test Applications routines may be utilized Off line to perform additional functions for the system For e
6. by entering OVRIDE on keyboard 36 as shown at step 208 System control is then trans ferred to a Librarian Override routine shown in FIG 15 The system first looks for an eight digit book num ber entry on the keyboard at 270 and 272 followed by a or D entry charge or discharge at 274 and 276 For a entry keyboard 36 is read at 278 and ten digit user ID number is checked at 280 The ID number is not checked to determine if it is in the Patron file The computer next checks for a book in place in tray 82 and then deactivates the book at 282 and 284 After deacti vation the loan period is entered on keyboard 36 and checked at step 288 The due date is calculated and logged on printer 42 The Hold and Reserve files are updated at 290 and the transaction is recorded on disc 16 and cassette 28 at 292 and 294 The system then returns to the start of the routine to perform another Override function If a is entered indicating an override discharge the system checks for a book in place in tray 82 and activates the book strip 108 at 302 The Hold and Re serve files are first updated if applicable at 296 the tranaction is recorded on disc 16 and cassette 28 at 298 and the book strip is activated at 300 nd 302 The system is then ready to perform another Override function The remaining On line functions the librarian can select as shown in FIG 13 are associated with display ing adding or delet
7. comparing said first and second data signals with data files stored in memory of said computer having data representative of said authorized patrons and of the inventory items authorized to be charged by said authorized patrons generating an enabling signal in response to said first and second data signals corresponding to an autho rized patron and an authorized item respectively in said data files storing said first and second data signals in said stored records to charge said item to said patron changing the state of said status indicating element on said inventory item with said item positioned on said support in response to said enabling signal to change the control status of said item sensing the status indicating element of said item of inventory materials as it is removed from inventory to determine the control status of said item and generating an alarm signal in response to a sensed control status for which removal of said item is not authorized
8. of the bar coded label A Book Ac tivted indicator 72 is on when the detection strip of a book is sensed as being activated For proper indication the book must be in the correct position in the book tray A Book Deactivated indicator 73 is provided to turn on after the magnetic strip in a book in the book tray has been deactivated As will be described later the book tray has several detectos around the periphery to indicate when there is interference with the book tray A Gate Interference indicator 74 turns on when the periphery of the tray has been crossed by any object A Two Books indicator 75 is provided to turn on when more than one book is positioned in the book tray Finally a Printer Out of Paper indicator 76 informs the operator when the thermal printer 42 has run out of paper Referring to FIG 3 printer 42 is provided adjacent keyboard 36 and below control panel 44 to print out information for the patron at book processor station 30 such as date due slips after a book has been charged to a patron After each printout the printer automatically feeds a sufficient number of lines to allow the patron to tear off the printed information Printer 42 may be a model 755RO Silent 700 manufactured by Texas Instru ments as described in Texas Instruments Operating Manual TI 969536 9701 The unit preferably includes a 30 character per second non impact thermal printer utilizing the same print mechanism as printer 26 in s
9. said library items to only predetermined authorized users and for only predetermined authorized items by comparing data signals representative of said items and users to data files stored in memory of said computer and by transmitting a control signal in response to said items and users being authorized each item having a status indicating element alterable between multiple states to represent the circu lation status of said item a processor for changing the state of said element to alter the circulation status of said library item comprising means for generating a first data signal representative of a library item and means for generating a second data signal representative of a library user for trans mission to said computer support means in said processor including a recepta cle having a first portion in which said authorized library item is supported in a stationary position and a second portion in which said library item tends to move toward said first portion of said receptacle means in said receptacle for securing only one of said library items in said second portion of said recepta cle means associated with said support means for altering the status indicating element of said library item in said second portion in response to said control signal generated by said computer after receiving said first and second data signals first sensing means for said receptacle for sensing the presence of an object in the first port
10. system checks for keybaord entries giving an eight digit book number at 401 a ten digit user ID number at 403 and the amount of fine at 405 When the data is received in the proper format a record is written on disc storage 16 in the Paid Fine file at 406 and on cas sette recorder 28 at 407 A confirmation message is output to the station display unti 34 Once a routine is started station 30 is continually monitored for appropriate activity such as keyboard or scanner data depending on the specific routine in pro cess If no activity is detected within a predetermined time the transaction is automatically terminated by a timeout step such as 142 in FIG 10 and the system returns to the Task Determination routine The time out period varies with the function being performed but generally is approximately ten seconds in the User mode and fifty seconds in the Librarian mode In the User mode the ID card is automatically ejected when a timeout occurs Depressing the CLR key on keyboard 36 will terminate the transaction im mediately and return control to the Task Determination routine system also continually monitors station 30 to assure that proper response are being received and that station 30 is operating as expected When possible prob lems are detected they are logged on system console 20 facilitating quick diagnosis In most cases up to three attempts are made to perform a designated function before
11. 30 Finally a transaction may be terminated at any time by depressing the CLR key on keyboard 36 These details are technical matters of design choice which are not elaborated upon here be cause they do not involve undue experimentation or invention by one skilled in the art Referring now to FIG 10 for system startup at step 120 the librarian enters the date time days of load and days of hold loan on keyboard 24 after which the sys tem is initialized at step 122 and the TCS establishes communications with all stations 30 connected to the system Each station 30 in interrogated at step 124 for status with the current status being logged on printer 26 of system console 20 and the appropriate message being output to the station s display 34 While a station 30 is on line its status is checked every two seconds and any changes are logged The startup time is logged on disc cassette recorder 28 and printer 26 and the time is logged at the beginning of each hour An inquiry 126 is then made to determine when an ID card is placed in the station s ID card reader 32 The library terminal 12 interrogates the station at step 128 for the ID card data and the station status When received the status of station 30 is checked at step 130 for User or Librari an Auto mode If in User mode the Patron file is checked at 132 to determine if the ID number is valid that is whether it is in the file and is eligible to charge books If t
12. 7 shown in FIG 2 may be removed to reach logic unit 43 and activate deactivate unit 40 Doors 55 56 and 57 are preferably key locked to prevent unauthorized tamper ing with the station units A card reader 32 is provided for reading the identifi cation number of a patron from his personal identifica tion card Card reader 32 is preferably an optical static unit capable of reading a ten character Hollerith code such as model ZU100RH 3Z1 manufactured by Pana sonic as described in Panasonic brochure 1CD 72 001 Reader 32 is mounted in the vertical portion 49 of cabinet 46 adjacent display unit 34 and above keyboard 36 A more detailed view is shown in FIG 5 Access to 8 card reader 32 is provided by slot 48 for insertion of 8 patron identification card 58 A sensor inside slot 48 indicates that the patron card is in the proper position for reading and initiates a scan which transmits the ten digit numeric patron number to computer 14 After being read the card is ejected via the computer control within a fixed time after completion of the transaction The patron identification card 58 is shown in greater detail in FIG 6 Reader 32 will preferably accept pa tron cards with overall dimensions of 3 25 inches by 2 34 inches with flat square parallel sides A cut corner 59 assures proper orientation of card 58 in reader 32 A unique patron number is punched in columns 1 through 10 and rows 0 through 9 as shown The remainder of the card are
13. GIC ENABLE SCAN CONTROL TATUS 2 EB DATA KB DATA CONTROL CONTROL Locic STROBE 3 DATA DATA jux 34 TATUS 4 Dos PRINTER COMMAND CONTROL CONTROL Logic XD PRINTER TATUS 42 5 FUNCTION SELECT CONTROL COMMAND M ACTIVATE ACTI VATE DEACTIVATE BOOK STATUS DEACTIVATE o STATUS CONTROL LOGIC UNIT BOOK IN PLACE 63 6 PANEL INTERFACE LOGIC CONTROL PANEL 44 FIG 9B U S Patent Feb 20 1979 Sheet 7 of 13 4 141 078 STARTUP 120 122 5 5 INITIALIZATION TASK DETERMINATION do ES READ Lag PROCESS L D CARD KB TASK yes ALS LIBRARIAN USER FAL yo Uy LIBRARIAN PATRON 4 NO NO YES 6 VALID USER PATRON ENTERED N ON KB AUTO 0 TES CHARGE N YES 0 NO 0 NO NO READ amp PROCESS STATUS AUTO DISCHARGE NO pe oe lt rm lt gt L 4 FIG IO o U S Patent Feb 20 1979 8 13 4 141 078 VM HOLD ES 1 teo UPDATE DISC HOLD amp RESERVE FILE 84 WRITE DISC 186 TRANSACTION RECORD BOOK IN HOLD FILE U S Patent Feb 20 1979 CF SELECT FUNCTION READ KB DATA 200 202 CHARGE ENTERED ce lt c lt rn co c gt gt DCHARGE ENTERED NO lt 74 lt cn m
14. TE TAPE RECORD PER 15 U S Patent PATRON FILE WITH DELETED REASON CODES TAPE RECORD Feb 20 1979 WRITE DISC RESERVE UPDATE DISC RESERVE RECORD RECORD Sheet 12 of 13 4 141 078 DELETE __ RESERVE DELETE DISC RESERVE RECORD FIG 19 FIG 18 U S Patent DISPLAY RESERVE FIG 20 FIG 21 Feb 20 1979 Sheet 13 of 13 4 141 078 DELETE HOLD BOOK NO YES READ KB 403 DIGIT NS M ID NO YES READ KB DATA USER ID IN HOLD WRITE DISC FINE PAID RECORD DELETE FILE 4 141 078 1 LIBRARY CIRCULATION CONTROL SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a library circulation control system and more particularly to a computer controlled system for processing library transactions and detecting unauthorized removal of library books In a conventional library system books are checked out and otherwise processed manually and circulation records are maintained by manual entries on index cards This process is slow and cumbersome and typi cally requires a substantial number of workers to keep the records current Special functions such as placing books on hold or reserve preparing lists of overdue books and fines and taking inventory of the library stock requires additional subst
15. Transmitters 11 and receivers 13 include the emitters 92 94 100 102 and receivers 97 98 and 103 discussed in connection with FIGS 3 and 7 Transmitter logic unit 19 and receiver logic unit 29 are each connected to a station transmitter receiver 15 which interfaces with library terminal 12 Outgoing data is transmitted from transmitter logic unit 19 to transmitter receiver 15 for conversion to an appropri ate multiplexing format and incoming data is received by transmitter receiver 15 converted and transmitted to receiver logic unit 29 Control signals flow both directions between each of units 19 and 29 and station transmitter receiver 15 Data flow to and from the library terminal is preferably at 2400 baud in an eight bit asynchronous data format In operation the system of the present invention uti lize several standard system software packages together with special application processes developed for partic ular functions of the present system It is understood that the application processes may be embodied in ap plication software or analogous hardware circuitry to perform the same functions within the scope of the present invention The flow charts for these applica 4 141 078 15 tions processes are shown FIGS 10 22 with the understanding that the specific design of hardware cir cuitry or software programming is easily within the grasp of one skiled in the art and having access to the flow charts The systems softwa
16. a can be used for other purposes as desired The use of an optical card reader in the present system is preferable since reading is not dependent on mechani cal contacts which tend to accumulate dirt The only maintenance required is periodical cleaning of the glass surface above the light source Alphanumeric display unit 34 and keyboard 36 of station 30 provide the primary man machine interface between the patron or librarian and computer 14 Dis 30 35 40 45 50 60 65 10 play unit 34 best seen in FIG 5 displays appropriate messages to instruct the patron or librarian of the steps to be taken in performing a function Display unit 34 may be a Burroughs Self Scan Panel Display Subsystem Hi Contrast Type BDS40832H200 as described in Bur roughs Maintenance and Repair Manual BDS 40832 200 with the capability of displaying 256 alphanumeric characters 32 characters per row for eight rows Dis play unit 34 is mounted in vertical portion 49 of cabinet 46 at a convenient height for the patron or librarian Unit 34 is mounted at an angle for easy viewing by a standing patron and a polaroid screen is placed in front of the display to minimize glare from overhead lights Keyboard 36 shown in FIG 3 inputs data from the patron or librarian to computer 14 The patron may enter a ten digit number to place a book on hold and the librarian can enter data change operating modes re quest data display and enter trouble shoo
17. also transmitted from control panel 44 to computer 14 Console 20 preferably includes a 30 character per second thermal printer 26 an alphanumeric keyboard 24 and a dual cassette recorder 28 all interfaced with computer 14 A suitable unit for system console 20 is the 733ASR Silent 700 Data Terminal manufactured by Texas Instruments as described in Texas Instruments Operating Instruction Manual TI 959227 9701 A solid state thermal print head of printer 26 provides quiet operation Console 20 preferably utilizes MOS LSI integrated circuits and a minimum of moving parts for high reliability and fast print speeds Keyboard 24 in cludes two key roll over to minimize operator errors Cassette recorder 28 preferably has two cassettes each containing 300 feet digital grade magnetic tape to pro vide a maximum storage capacity of 155 000 characters per track or 310 000 characters per cassette The system console printer 26 and keyboard 24 are utilized for entering system commands to access and modify data files transfer files to and from the central computer start up the system perform diagnostic testing and de velop programs 4 141 078 9 The book processor station 30 is shown greater detail in FIGS 3 and 4 Each station is enclosed in an integral cabinet 46 preferably mounted on wheels for easy movement Each station 30 includes card reader 32 alphanumeric display unit 34 keyboard 36 optical scanner 38 activate deacti
18. antial time and man power More sophisticated work such as preparing statistical reports about patrons and circulation are ex tremely difficult with manual systems Moreover addi tional personnel are required at each library exit to maintain security by checking all outgoing library mate rials Attempts at automating library functions have pro vided improvements but have lacked simplicity and completeness The complexity of operating such sys tems has required that trained library personnel inter face with the system input and output devices to insure accuracy For example the use of hand held optical readers for inputting patron and book data usually re quires a trained operator to properly move the device in order to accurately read the input information More over prior automated circulation control systems do not include an integrated theft control feature Systems providing for the detection of unauthorized removal of library items utilize separate units requiring additional steps which must be included with the procedures of a circulation control system SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with an auto mated library system combining circulation control and theft detection functions in one system The input and output devices are designed for operation by untrained patrons for several simple functions such as charging out books and can easily be switched to a different mode by librarians to perform a
19. arian Manual The User mode is for self charging books or placing a book on hold by a patron without any assistance from the librarian Upon selection of a book 106 from the stacks the user inserts an ID card 50 in the ID card reader 32 and places book 106 in the proper position in book tray 82 The ID card 50 is read and verified the book bar code label 110 is automati cally read book magnetic strip 108 is deactivated the due date is calculated the due date slip is logged and the transaction is recorded on disc storage unit 16 and cas sette tape recorder 28 Messages on the display unit 34 confirm the transaction and inform the patron when to proceed to the next transaction To place a book on hold a patron enters on keyboard 36 the number of the book desired but which cannot be found in the book stacks The computer 14 records the request flags the librarian when the book is returned and discharged and inhibits other patrons from charg ing the book Up to five hold entries will be accepted by computer 14 for any one book 4 141 078 17 The Librarian Auto mode allows a librarian to charge books for a patron discharge books and display add delete or modify data files stored at library termi nal 12 The librarian must insert a valid ID card in the ID card reader 32 The number is verified by computer 14 and the librarian enters on keyboard 36 the desired function to be performed Messages on display 34 then tell
20. ath from the library to sense the status of said magnetic element attached to said item as it is removed from the library 7 The system of claim 1 and further characterized by keyboard means in electronic communication with said data processing means for modifying the data records stored by said data processing means representative of authorized users and authorized items to be charged by the authorized users 8 A book processor station for use in a library circu lation and security control system utilizing a computer and an actuable alarm unit for detecting the circulation status of library books said system enabling an autho rized user to independently conduct transactions with out librarian assistance and to independently modify the circulation status of library books each book having indicia to identify the book and multiple state means representative of the circulation status of the book hav ing at least one state which will actuate said actuable alarm unit comprising housing means including means for supporting a book in a stationary position and means for signaling the computer that the book is in position for process ing card reader means mounted in said housing means actuable by said user including means for accept ing a user card having indicia identifying said user and means for generating a first signal representa tive of said card indicia code reader means mounted in said housing means adjacent said supporting mea
21. ation 30 are shown grouped together it is under stood that each unit may be located remote from the others with interconnecting communication links Library terminal 12 includes computer 14 disc stor age unit 16 paper tape reader 17 book processor sta tions interface 18 and central computer communications interface 22 Each unit of terminal 12 is preferably a conventional system suitable for the particular library application described herein The units are preferably vertically stackable as shown to conserve space Programmable computer 14 is preferably a micropro grammable data processing system such as the HP 21 M 20 2108A Microprogrammable Processor manufac tured by Hewlett Packard as described in Hewlett Packard HP21MX Computer Series Reference Manual publication number 2108 90002 although other suitable processors may be used Some of the preferred features of computer 14 include 128 standard instructions 32K word semiconductor memory memory parity ex tended arithmetic function power fail auto restart with two hour battery backup for memory 64 word ROM bootstrap loader to disc 25 input output channels nine in mainframe and sixteen in I O expansion chassis operator panel memory protect time base generator dual channel direct memory access and privileged in terrupt Below computer 14 is disc storage unit 16 This unit preferably provides 2 45 million bytes 1 225 million words of storage capacity It is underst
22. be per formed The library control terminal 12 responds by displaying sequential instructions on display unit 34 The librarian responds with appropriate inputs on the alphanumeric keyboard 36 such as by entering a patron code or a book number The patron is locked out of this mode since a key is required to operate the mode switch In the librarian mode the library staff is able to re move a requester from the hold file by typing in a code the requester s card number and the book number The librarian can also add books to the reserve file by typing in a code the book number and the number of days or hours of the loan period In a similar fashion the librar ian can remove books from the reserve file by entering the reserve code and the book number Other functions which can be performed in the librarian mode include adding or deleting a number in the patron file overrid ing the charge and discharge operations displaying the contents of the reserve file displaying or entering the time of day and writing the time record file interrogat ing the transaction file by circulation number and en tering the date due In addition by using a telephone link the librarian can transfer data files to and from a remote central computer using system console 20 4 141 078 7 Referring now to FIG 2 a perspective view of li brary circulation control system 10 is shown Although library terminal 12 system console 20 and book proces sor st
23. book number to be placed on hold When eight digits are entered they are also determined to be one of numerals 0 9 The Hold file is interrogated at 188 to determine if the book is already on hold If so inquiry 190 checks whether the user is already in the Hold file or if there are more than five entries already at 192 If neither situation is present the user number is added at 194 if five are already entered or the user is already entered the hold request is not accepted Should a Hold file not exist for the book number entered a new one is created at 196 with the present user number as the first entry A confirmation of the hold request is logged on the cassette recorder 28 and the station s printer 42 The system is then ready at 199 to start processing another hold request at or to charge a book at Referring to FIG 10 in the User mode a time out that is a time delay of then seconds occurs at step 142 if no activity is detected resulting in an ID card being automatically ejected from card reader 32 In the Librarian mode at 134 in FIG 10 detection of a valid librarian number causes the system to switch to a 4 141 078 19 lect Function routine shown FIG 13 enabling the librarian to perform various functions by making entries on keyboard 36 To charge a book a User ID card 50 is inserted in the card reader 32 and the processing is identical to that described above for the Us
24. d means for processing a set of data in response to first and second enable signals Input means provide control data to the data processing means and include a first mode means for generating a first enable signal in response to a user who is autho rized to enable only the first processing means The input means further include a second mode means which generate a second enable signal in response to a user authorized to enable the first and second process ing means Switch means have first and second mode positions to provide mutually exclusinve actuation of the first or the second mode means In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention a processor for use in a library system con trolling the circulation of a plurality of library items includes actuable means for changing an alterable ele ment on each of the library items to modify the circula tion status of the item in response to actuating signals from the library system Support means hold one of the library items in a stationary position for the actuable means to change the alterable element Detection means are associated with the support means to detect the presence of an object other than the one library item on the support means A signal is provided to actuate the actuable means only when the detecting means indicates that only one library item is present on the support means Another aspect of the present invention includes a system for controlling the invento
25. d strip is used in connection with materials which are not to be taken from the library under any circumstances For books that are to be charged in and out of the library a strip is used which can be magnetized or demagnetized Typi cally the strips may be obtained in large quantities from a number of manufacturers and should be compatible with detection equipment located at the library exits One suitable system is the 3M TATTL TAPE detection system as described in 3M Technical specifications N T74SpB 14 3 JR which includes magnetic strips and compatible detection equipment at each exit Upon receipt of a command signal from computer 14 the activate deactivate unit 40 magnetizes or demagne tizes the magnetic strip 108 in book 106 Feedback is provided to computer 14 to indicate the new status of magnetic strip 108 The unit 40 will not detect the pres ence of two books if they are simultaneously placed in the book tray 82 However due to the slope of the bottom of book tray 82 under normal conditions only the bottom book will remain in position to be processed held by friction strips 104 Additional books will slide to the bottom of the tray and will be detected so as to stop the check out process If a patron attempts to hold several books in the processing position the rows of emitters 92 and 94 and receivers 97 and 98 will detect the interference and stop the process As further shown in FIG 8 a bar coded label 110 is affixed
26. dditional more sophisti cated tasks The system utilizes a centralized computer for data processing and storage and remote terminals which can be conveniently located for easy patron use Access to the terminals by patrons is provided by the presentation of an authorized patron identification card to the termial The patron then performs the charging and security functions using the terminal without the aid of a librarian The book is placed in a book tray where an identifying label on the book is read by an optical scanner mounted above the tray At about the same time a sensitized magnetic strip in the book bind ing is demagnetized to allow the book to be taken past magnetic detection devices at the library exits The tray is structured to accept only one book during the charg ing and demagnetizing operations Control of the termi nal functions is conducted by the computer which also prepares and stores transaction records and performs other data processing functions The terminals may be key accessed by librarians to generate modify and inter rogate data files in the computer to override the auto 5 20 25 30 35 45 50 60 65 2 matic patron functions and to test the operability of the system The transaction records and other data files is periodically communicated by the computer to a cen tral data processor for updating master inventory files In accordance with one aspect of the present inven tion a
27. device system inter faces and manages the disc file functions The software also provides for batch programming data communica tions support programmatic modification of files and buffer management among other functions The data management software system such as the HP IMAGE 2000 Data Base Management System is a set of software subsystems for generating accessing modifying and reporting on all data files Data files of the present system include the Patron file Librarian file Hold file Reserve file Transaction file and Fines Paid file The data management system operates under con trol of the disc operating system which allows single user access to the system Calls to and from the files are made utilizing the special applications programs Upon passing the necessary parameter such as a patron identi fication number or a book number system control is transferred to the data management software After searching the files and finding the requested data sys tem control and the accessed data are passed back to the appropriate applications program for processing the data and taking appropriate action The terminal control system is a control program which handies multipie terminal operations under the control of the disc operating system It schedules the uput output processing and enables multiple pe ripherais to update and reirieve information from the data files The job entry processor software is a telecommunica
28. e data for display at 373 The displayed information includes the load period current user ID number and due date if currently charged or date discharged if currently dis charged Similar routines are used to display the trans action Hold and Fine Paid files which are called at steps 220 224 and 228 respectively of FIG 13 and the separate flow charts need not be shown herein Another function performed by the librarian is to delete an entry in the Hold file This action is initiated by entering DELHOLD on keyboard 36 at step 222 in FIG 13 transferring control to the Delete Hold routine of FIG 21 The system requests the entry of the ten digit ID number of the user which is to be deleted at 380 followed by the corresponding eight digit book number at 382 The system then checks the hold file at 384 for the book number If the book number is found then the associated user ID numbers in the file are com pared at 385 with the keyboard entry If a match is found a record is written on cassette recorder 28 at 389 and the user ID number is deleted at 387 from the file for that book If there is only one ID number in the file for that book the user number and book number are 4 141 078 21 both deleted Confirmation is displayed on station dis play unit 34 To add an input to the Paid Fine file the librarian enters PAID on keyboard 36 at step 226 of FIG 13 This calls the Fine routine shown in FIG 22 The
29. er Charge function except the librarian must make an initial key board entry of USER at step 137 in FIG 10 To charge a book when a librarian ID card is inserted processing is identical to the User Charge routine except the librarian must first enter CHARGE keyboard 36 as shown at step 204 in FIG 13 and gate interference and two book status inquiries are not made It is therefore not necessary to show the Librar ian Charge process indicated as E in detail To discharge a book librarian enters DCHARGE on keyboard 36 as shown at step 206 in FIG 13 Control is then transferred to a Librarian Discharge routine shown in FIG 14 This system reads scanner data at step 240 and checks for a valid book number at 242 The Transaction data file is inter rogated at 244 to determine if the last transaction if any was a charge If so the Hold file and Reserve file are updated at steps 246 252 A transaction record is generated on disc 16 and cassette recorder 28 The book strip is activated at 258 and confirmed at 260 If the book is on hold an appropriate message is output to the station s display unit 34 at step 264 and an inquiry 266 is made about further activity It should be understood that a similar User Discharge routine may be imple mented by the present system to enable a patron to independently discharge a book The librarian can charge or discharge a book in an Override mode
30. er identification number the book number and the date that the hold request was entered Control Panel 44 provides for selection of librarian or user operation modes using a keylock switch Other functions which may be selected in the librarian mode include a switch for manual or automatic operation and a switch for manually charging or discharging a book Another switch provides a manual eject for the identifi cation card Status information displayed on the control panel in the librarian mode indicates that the ID card is in place the book is in place the book is activated the book is deactivated there is gate interference two books are presented and the printer is out of paper To charge a book a patron inserts his identification card in card reader 32 to be automatically read and checked against a patron file containing the numbers of all valid library patrons If the patron s number is not found in the file the transaction will not proceed and the alphanumeric display unit 34 advises the patron to consult the librarian in order to charge out the book The patron is also prevented from charging out any books if his record indicates that he has maximum num ber of books on loan has overdue books or has had library privileges suspended In any of these cases the librarian has the capability to override the transaction if desired Assuming that the patron s identification is accepted the patron then inserts the book in the book tra
31. etermination of overdue status and other operations This transfer is normally made after closing hours while the book processor sta tions are not being used When the central computer completes processing of the data the files are updated and transferred back to the library terminal after which the book processor stations resume operation utilizing the new data The book processor stations interface 18 is connected to a plurality of book processor stations 30 for charging and discharging books and for displaying and modifying the computer data files Each station 30 includes an identification card reader 32 a display unit 34 a key board 36 an optical scanner 38 a book activate deacti vate unit 40 a printer 42 and a control panel 44 A station logic unit 43 interfaces between each of the station components and library terminal 12 Logic unit 43 coordinates the transfer of data control signals and status signals between the library unit 12 and the com ponents of station 30 Card reader 32 reads an identification card which provides access for the user or librarian to station 30 The identification card is inserted in card reader 32 and a ten digit number on the card is matched with an au thorized number in an appropriate data file before a transaction can be performed at the station Display unit 34 provides alphanumeric messages to prompt the user or librarian on the use of book proces 4 141 078 5 sor station 18 Specif
32. f the book can be charged to the user Inquiries are made at 154 and 156 to determine whether a gate interference or two book status has been detected Further checks are made at 158 to determine that the last transaction if any in the transaction file for this book was a discharge and at 160 and 162 to ascer tain that the book is either not in the Hold file or that this user is the first one on the hold list for this book The book s magnetic strip 108 is deactivated at 164 upon command by computer 14 and confirmed at 166 by checking the status of the strip The due date for the book is then calculated at 168 based on whether the book is on reserve on hold but not in the reserve file or neither on reserve nor on hold After calculation of the due date the reserve and hold files are updated at 170 A transaction record is written on disc and cassette tape at 172 and 174 and a date due notice is logged on book processor station printer 42 at 176 to provide a user s record of the transaction The system is then ready to start transaction with an inquiry 178 about whether the system status calls for more activity If so the action proceeds to but if not the process returns to A If the user depresses the Hold key on the keyboard rather than placing a book in the book trav 82 the process goes to a User Hold routine at in FIG 12 Keyboard data is read at 184 and is checked at 186 for the entry of an eight digit
33. ght receiver is broken it indicates the presence of an object such as a hand in the vertical plane along the outer edge of the book tray 82 This gate system detects possible interference with the scanning or activate deactivate operations and thereby disables the system Additional light emitters 100 102 are shown inside book tray 82 in the lower portion to detect any books or objects that have fallen to the bottom of the tray A 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 12 corresponding row 103 of light receivers are located above emitters 100 102 in the slanted base 39 of cabinet portion 45 to receive the light emissions When objects are sensed in the bottom of tray 82 the system is dis abled so as to not proceed further with an activation or deactivation function Tray 82 further includes several friction strips 104 located parallel to each other near the top of tray 82 to hold a library book 106 in position to be processed If further books are placed on top of book 106 they will slide by gravity to the bottom of tray 82 thereby breaking the light beams between emitters 100 102 and the row 103 of light receivers As shown in FIG 8 each library book 106 includes a magnetic detector strip 108 inserted in its spine The strip 108 is designed to be magnetizable and demagnet izable by electromagnetic coil 84 to change the circula tion status of the book Preferably two types of strips may be used A permanently sensitize
34. gram of the library circulation control system 10 of the present invention is shown The system 10 includes a library terminal 12 consist ing of a computer 14 connected to a disc storage unit 16 a paper tape reader 17 a book processor station inter face 18 and a central computer communications inter face 22 Computer 14 is the controller for the system performing the necessary data processing functions for the system to operate as a library circulation control system Data files concerning valid users daily transac tions books on reserve books on hold and fines paid are stored on disc storage unit 16 Book processor station interface 18 enables the computer 14 to communicate with each book processor station A system console 20 is in communication with library terminal 12 and includes a keyboard 24 a printer 26 and a dual cassette recorder 28 Keyboard 24 communicates directly with computer 14 on system startup and shut down and certain other control functions not performed during normal system operation Printer 26 logs the current status of the system and prompts the librarian for inputs The daily transactions are recorded by cas sette recorder 28 on a cassette cartridge to provide a backup for the data files stored on disc storage unit 16 The central computer communications interface 22 permits the transfer of all the data files on the disc stor age unit 16 to a central computer at a remote location for updating user records d
35. he number is valid the appropriate program segments are called to continue the processing If the number is not valid the transaction is terminated and the process returns to the beginning at A The next activity on this station will then start a new transaction If station 30 is in the Librarian Auto mode the librar 25 30 40 45 50 55 60 65 18 ian file is checked at 134 to determine if the ID number represents a valid librarian If not the Patron file is checked at 136 to determine if the ID number represents a valid user A valid user number results in processing similar to station 30 being in the User mode valid librarian ID number permits various keyboard entries to be processed allowing the librarian to display and mod ify data files and perform various book charge or dis charge functions When a valid user ID number is processed inquiries 138 and 140 are made looking for keyboard or scanner activity respectively at station 30 If scanner activity is detected the system switches to a User Charge rou tine shown in FIG 11 Placing a book in book tray 82 starts scanner 38 reading bar coded label 110 on book 106 as shown at step 150 The library terminal 12 inter rogates for a nine digit book number 8 numerical digits and a modulo 9 check digit If the received number satisfies the check digit at step 152 indicating a valid book number a number of additional checks are made to determine i
36. ic step by step instructions are displayed for each function that is performed Key board entries by the operator from keyboard 36 are displayed as entered Additional messages such as con firmation of action and file data are displayed as re quested A bar coded label on each book representing the book circulation number is read by optical scanner 38 The book is oriented in a book tray at the station with the label facing up and the spine of the book facing the front of the station Scanner 38 reads a nine digit num ber on the label and generates signals representing the number which are transferred to computer 14 Activation and deactivation of a magnetic strip in a book is performed by the activate deactivate unit 40 located under the book tray The strip located in the spine of each book is demagnetized when the book is charged or checked out and magnetized when the book is discharged or returned Deactivation of the strip occurs on command from computer 14 after it is deter mined that the user is permitted to charge the book Failure of the user to deactivate the strip before taking the book from the library will initiate an alarm at the library exit Date due and book on hold confirmation messages are printed out by printer 42 for the user Included in the date due message is the user s identification number the book number the date charged and the date due If a book has been placed on hold the hold print out in cludes the us
37. id indicia on said card and means for generating said first signal representative of said card indicia 12 The station of claim 8 and further comprising keyboard entry means for generating data signals to be sent by said transmitting means to said computer 13 The book processor station of claim 8 and further comprising display means for receiving data signals from said computer by said receiving means and for visually displaying information for said user representa tive of said data signals 14 The book processing station of claim 8 and further comprising printing means for receiving data signals from said computer by said receiving means and for visually printing information for said user representa tive of said data signals 15 The book processing station of claim 8 wherein said multiple state means comprises a magnetic strip attached to the book and wherein said means for chang ing the state of said multiple state means comprises actuable electromagnetic means adjacent said support ing means for magnetizing and demagnetizing said mag netic strip attached to the book 16 The book processing station of claim 8 wherein said station is remote from said computer and wherein said transmitting and receiving means comprise electri cal cables connecting said station and said computer 17 In an automated real time library system having a computer for controlling the circulation of a plurality of library items and for limiting access to
38. ile or operating the activate deactivate unit 40 manually This mode also enables the remainder of the switches and indicators on control panel 44 In the User mode simple functions can be performed by a patron such as charging a book and placing a book on hold An Auto Manual two position rocker arm switch 63 is provided to place station 30 in an off line manual mode which is enabled only when switches 62 and 63 are in the Librarian and Manual modes respec tively In the Charge position switch 64 enables the librarian to manually deactivate book strips by inserting a book into the book tray breking a light beam on ac tivate deactivate unit 40 In the Discharge position the librarian can manually activate book strips for man ual check in The book identification number must be manually recorded both modes Finally an ID Re lease momentary switch 65 initiates manual ejection of an identification card 50 from the card reader slot 48 Referring now to the status indicator portion 66 seven indicators are shown the first six being enabled only when switch 62 is in the Librarian mode An In Place indicator 70 is on when a patron identifi 4 141 078 11 cation card 50 is properly inserted the card reader slot 48 Below indicator 70 a Book In Place indicator 71 is provided for indicating when a book is properly positioned in the book tray for sensitizing or desensitiz ing and reading
39. ing data in the data base thus provid ing the librarian with current information required for efficient operation of the system To add a patron to the Patron file the librarian enters ADDPAT on board 36 as shown at 212 System control is transferred to an Add Patron routine shown in FIG 16 Key board 36 is read at 310 and checked for a ten digit num ber entry on keyboard 36 at 312 The keyboard is checked at 314 and 316 for a patron reason code up to 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 55 60 65 20 four digits long Examples of valid reason codes are Stolen Card Owes Fines Overdue Books and 20 Books or More Currently Charged If a patron is added without any comment or restriction the reason code is 0 Upon detection of valid keyboard entries the number and reason codes are added to the Patron file at 318 a cassette record is written at 320 and a confirmation message is output to the station s display 34 The system is then ready for entry of another ten digit user number to the Patron file The Librarian can delete reason codes for a patron by entering DELPAT at step 212 in FIG 13 Control is then switched to the Delete Reason routine in FIG 17 The system looks for a ten digit user ID keyboard entry at 330 and 332 searches the Patron file for the number at 334 and displays the current reason coes at 336 If the number is not in the file a message so indi cates A ke
40. ining said one library item stationary scanning means mounted in said housing near said support for reading said indicia on said item of library materials identifying said item and means for generating a second signal representative of said item data processing means in electrical communication with said card reading means and said code reading means including a memory for storing electronic records having data files representative of said authorized users and of the library items authorized to be charged by said authorized users including means for comparing said first and second signals with said data files means for generating an en abling signal in response to said first and second signals corresponding to an authorized user and authorized item in said data files and means for storing said first and second signals in said stored records to charge said item to said user security means adjacent said support and responsive to said enabling signal from said data processing means for changing the state of said status indicat ing element attached to said library item as said item rests on said support to change the circulation status of said item detection means near an exit of said library for sens ing the status indicating element of said library item as it is removed from the library to determine the circulation status of said item and alarm means in electrical communication with said detection means for generating a signal i
41. ion of said receptacle and thereby generating a first alarm signal 4 141 078 25 second sensing means about the periphery of said receptacle for sensing an object across said periph ery and thereby generating a second alarm signal and means in communication with said first and second sensing means for generating a disable signal to disable said altering means in response to either said first alarm signal or said second alarm signal 18 The processor of claim 17 wherein said support means comprises a tray having a bottom surface in clined at an angle to the horizontal for said library item to slide by gravity toward the lower part of said tray and wherein said altering means is positioned adjacent the upper part of said tray 19 The processor of claim 18 wherein said securing means comprises means on the bottom surface of said tray in said upper part for holding said library item stationary in said upper part of the tray 20 The processor of claim 17 wherein said first sens ing means in said receptacle comprises a photocell in communication with a light source across the lower part of the tray 21 The processor of claim 17 wherein said second sensing means comprises a plurality of photocell units around the periphery of said receptacle in communica tion with light sources in said support means above the periphery of the receptacle 22 The processor of claim 17 wherein said status indicating element comprises a magnetic s
42. library circulation control system is provided for automatically charging library materials to authorized users of the system Means are provided for generating first and second signals representative of the authorized user and an item of the library materials Other means process the first and second signals to charge the library item against the user and to change the state of alterable means on the library item to represent a change in the circulation status of the item In another aspect of the present invention a book processor terminal is used in an automatic library sys tem having a computer to conduct transactions modify ing the circulation status of library books for authorized users The book is supported in housing means in a stationary position for processing code reader in the housing means adjacent to the supporting means reads indicia on the stationary book to identify the book and generate a first signal representative of the book indicia card reader in the housing identifies indicia on a user card inserted therein and generates a second signal rep resentative of the card indicia Means are provided for transmitting the first and second signals to a computer for processing In yet another aspect of the present invention an automated library circulation control system includes data storage means for storing a set of data representa tive of library items and authorized users Data process ing means have first and secon
43. ms authorized to be charged by said authorized patrons including means for comparing said first and second signals with said data files means for generating an en abling signal in response to said first and second signals corresponding to an authorized patron and an authorized item respectively in said data files and means for storing said first and second signals in said stored records to charge said item to said patron and 20 25 30 35 45 55 65 26 security means adjacent said support responsive to said enabling signal from said data processing means for changing the state of said statusindicat ing element on said inventory item as said item rests on said support to change the control status of said item so that said item may be removed from inven tory without detection by said sensing device 24 The system of claim 23 wherein said identifying means comprises card reader means for reading patron indicia on a card presented by the patron to the card reader 25 The system of claim 23 wherein said code reading comprises an optical scanning means for reading said inventory indicia 26 The system of claim 23 wherein said status indicating element comprises a magnetic element on each item having magnetized and demagnetized states and wherein said security means comprises electromag netic means for changing said magnetic element be tween said magnetized and demagnetized states 27 The system of claim 26 wherei
44. n response to a sensed circulation status for which removal of said item is not authorized 2 The system of claim 1 wherein said card reading means comprises an optical reader having a slot for insertion of said card and optical sensors adjacent said slot to read said card indicia 3 The system of claim 1 wherein said scanning means comprises optical scanning means mounted in said hous ing above said support to read said visual indicia on said library item 4 The system of claim 1 wherein said data processing means comprises a digital electronic computer having first memory means for storing user data representative of said authorized users second memory means for storing item data representative of said authorized 4 141 078 23 items processing means for comparing said first signal to said user data and for comparing said second signal to said item data and control means for generating said enabling signal in response to said first signal corre sponding to said user data and said second signal corre sponding to said item data 5 The system of claim 1 wherein said status indicat ing element is a magnetic element attached to said li brary item and wherein said security means comprises electromagnetic means actuable by said data processing means for magnetizing and demagnetizing said mag netic element 6 The system of claim 5 wherein said detection means comprises means for generating an electromag netic field in an exit p
45. n said sensing de vice comprises means for generating a magnetic field in an exit path from said inventory to sense the state of said magnetic element of said item as it is removed from inventory 28 A method of using a book processor station in a library circulation and security control system utilizing a computer and an actuable alarm unit for detecting the circulation status of library books said system enabling an authorized user to independently conduct transac tions without librarian assistance and to independently modify the circulation status of library books each book having indicia to identify the book and multiple state means representative of the circulation status of the book having at least one state which will actuate said actuable alarm comprising supporting a book in a stationary position on a hous ing and generating a signal to the computer that the book is in position for processing actuating a card reader mounted in said housing to accept a user card having indicia identifying said user and to generate a first signal representative of said card indicia actuating a code reader mounted in said housing to sense said identifying indicia on the stationary book and means for generating a second signal represen tative of said book indicia transmitting said first and second signals to said com puter for comparison with data signals stored in said computer and receiving an enabling signal from said computer genera
46. ns including means for sensing said identifying indicia on the stationary book and means for generating a second signal representative of said book indicia communication means including means for transmit ting said first and second signals to said computer for comparison with data signals stored in said computer and means for receiving an enabling signal from said computer generated in response to said comparison and means mounted in said housing means adjacent said supporting means and actuable by said enabling signal for changing the state of said multiple state means as the book is placed adjacent thereto to a state which will not actuate said alarm unit for detecting circulation status of the book 9 The book processor station of claim 8 wherein said housing means comprises an enclosure for supporting said book sensing means associated with said enclosure for detecting the presence of an item other than said book in said enclosure and means for generating and transmitting to said computer a signal responsive to said sensing means 35 45 50 55 65 24 10 The book processor station of claim 8 wherein said code reader comprises an optical scanner pivotally supported in said housing means in a fixed position above said supporting means to scan said book indicia 11 The station of claim 8 wherein said card reader comprises an optical reader having a slot for inserting said card optical sensing means for reading sa
47. ntral computer or update the data base from cassette tape in case the daily transaction files are destroyed The applications processes provide a seties of calls to the systems software modules and performs validity checking on data from book processor station 30 and the data files Input output data transfers are made by calls to the terminal control system software package and access to the data files is provided by the data man agement software For example computer 14 after initialization issues a call to the terminal control systsm TCS to read ten characters from card reader 32 Upon receipt of ten characters TCS returns control to the computer which will check the data and make a call to the data management system to access the data files After obtaining the data and passing it to the computer the data is checked to determine if the patron is in good standing Then a call to TCS is made to transfer the appropriate message to display unit 34 Upon direction from computer 14 TCS will then look for an eight character message from optical scanner 38 representing the book number to pass to computer 14 The book number is then passed to the data management program to check for the number in the hold file If the number is not found computer 14 will call TCS to generate an output bit to deactivate magnetic strip 108 in book 106 Each book processor station 30 has three general modes of operation User Librarian Auto and Li br
48. one line to a central processing computer not shown such as an IBM 370 155 computer A suitable unit is the Hewlett Packard HP 12618A Synchronous Data Set Interface as described in Hewlett Packard Operating and Service Manual HP12618 90001 Due to the infre quent usage of the link in the present system configura tion a dial up link to the central computer is preferred synchronous data set is required such as the Bell 20 25 30 35 45 50 55 60 65 8 201C Data transmission rate is from 2400 to 9600 baud but 2400 baud is prefered since it will provide more reliable transmissions allow use of less expensive data sets and achieve transmission of the data files within a reasonable time frame Transfer of the files is initiated by a librarian dialing the telephone number of the cen tral computer link and after receipt of a tone indicating answer placing the telephone on an acoustic coupler The librarian then enters predetermined key words on system console 20 located adjacent to computer 14 initiating the transfer When the transfer is complete the operator is informed and if errors are detected in trans mission the transmission is repeated up to ten times The transfer to and from the central computer is per formed while system 10 is off line and is part of the daily start up and shut down procedure The book processor stations interface 18 shown in FIG 1 is preferably an asynchronous sixteen channel mul
49. onents a transmit priority logic circuit 25 providing transmit control signals for the station sys tem and a transmit controller 27 receiving the data transmitted from the station components Each of logic units 1 6 are connected to a receive bus 68 which feeds data to display control logic unit 4 and printer control logic unit 5 and which directs clocking and control signals to each of logic units 1 6 from a receiver logic unit 29 Receiver logic unit 29 includes a message decode logic circuit 31 providing receiver contro signals for the station receiver clock generator 33 having a clock input from a system clock not shown and outputting clock impulses to the receiving components a data buffer 34 for outputting receiver data to logic units 4 and 5 and a receiver controller 37 Each of logic units 1 7 except unit 3 ar connected to a status bus 69 run ning to a station status logic unit 8 A second two way status bus 61 runs between panel interface logic 7 and the station status logic unit 8 The station status logic unit 8 also receives clocking and control inputs from transmit bus 67 and receive bus 68 and outputs data representing the status of the station to transmit bus 67 The station status logic unit 8 receives further status input signals from gate interference transmitter and receiver 9 which monitors light emitter diode transmit ters 11 and light emitter diode receivers 13 to determine the operational status of book tray 82
50. ood that storage capacity requirements are a function of the amount of data to be stored The moving head unit contains one removable cartridge disc which is permanently in a cartridge for protection against contamination and dam age The disc unit 16 interfaces with computer 14 via two input output slots not shown A suitable system for the disc storage unit is the Hewlett Packard HP 12961A Cartridge Disc Subsystem as described in Hewlett Packard Operating and Service Manual HP12961 90001 The disc is utilized to store all data files operational programs and diagnostics leaving part of the disc capacity available for future expansion Pref erably the disc storage capability is expandable to at least 17 2 million bytes by the addition of drive units The paper tape reader 17 above computer 14 may be a Hewlett Packard HP 12925A High Speed Punched Tape Reader as described in Hewlett Packard Operat ing and Service Manual HP12925 90001 The reader 17 is a photoelectric unit interfacing with computer 14 which will read an eight level code on one inch wide tape at 500 characters per second Reader 17 is utilized primarily for software development and loading diag nostics to test the hardware Reader 17 is optional being required primarily if the system software is fur nished in punched paper form The central computer communications interface 22 provides the necessary hardware to manually connect computer 14 to a synchronous modem and teleph
51. re preferably includes a real time disc operating system a data management system a terminal control system and a job entry processor Other systems software packages may include a sort merge routine input and output drivers and a station emulator for interfacing with the remote central com puter The special applications processes are designed for communication between the computer 14 and the book processor station 30 to pass data such as patron number and book number to the systems software pro cess responses from the systems software to take appro priate action and perform other interface tasks as re quired Specia diagnostic processes for the system are provided as part of the applications processes Suitable standard systems software modules are avail able in the market To be compatible with the Hewlett Packard computer previously mentioned Hewlett Packard software may be used including the DOS III Disc Operating system as described in Hewlett Packard DOS 111 Reference Manual HP24307 90006 the IMA GE 2000 Data Base Management System as described in Hewlett Packard IMAGE 2000 Reference Manual 24376 90001 the TCS Terminal Control System as described in Hewlett Packard TCS Terminal and Appli cations Manual HP24342 90001 and the RJE Remote Job Entry Processor System as described in Hewlett Packard HPRJE Manual HP24380 90001 The disc opera ng system software controls data and execution flow handles operator system and
52. rec tional sweep of the light beam second synchronous motor 113 is located at the opposite end of the scanner assembly to provide the second direction of sweep for the light beam An output shaft 114 is eccentrically mounted on an output plate 115 of motor 113 and is connected at its opposite end 116 to a stationary plate 117 attached to the side of housing portion 45 The entire assembly of optical scanner 38 is pivotally mounted on a pivot 118 and secured in a centered posi tion by two spring loaded arms 109 and 111 Thus as output plate 115 of motor 113 turns the eccentrically connected shaft 114 causes the entire assembly to pivot about pivot member 118 thereby sweeping the light beam through a second direction to read the bar coded label Referring now to FIGS 9A and 9B a block diagram of station logic unit 43 is shown A brief overview of the interconnection between the components shown will be given followed by a more detailed description of the configuration and operation of each of the components Logic unit 43 coordinates the functions of the compo nents of book processor station 30 the card reader 32 optical scanner 38 keyboard 36 display unit 34 printer 42 activate deactivate unit 40 and control panel 44 and interfaces between those components and library terminal 12 Each of the components interface with a control logic unit 1 7 respectively to communicate data control and status signals Each of control logic
53. ry of a plurality of items each having a first element identifying the item and a second alterable element identifying the inventory status of the item Means sense the first element to deter mine its identity Actuable means are provided to alter the second element to change its inventory status Other means are responsive to the sensing means to actuate the actuable means 4 141 078 3 In accordance with another aspect of the present invention a label is provided for attaching to a library item Visual indicia on one side of the label include a plurality of coded bars each bar being representative of a decimal number to identify the library item Means on the other side of the label affix the label to the item so that the label is removable from the item only by being damaged so that it cannot be affixed to another library item From the foregoing it is apparent that the present invention provides several advantages over the prior art The system of the present invention allows a patron to charge out library materials without assistance or supervision by library personnel resulting in a savings of time and labor The theft detection unit is an integral part of the circulation control system so that the demag netization and magnetization of the detection strip in each book is accomplished during charging and dis charging of the book without additional effort by the patron or the librarian The charge out and desensitizing procedure
54. s are accomplished quickly and accurately by the use of a housing structure fixing the position of the scanning and activator units with respect to each library item A further advantage is seen in the use of a mode switch which allows the librarian to have direct access to the computer data storage in order to build and mod ify data files provide special instructions to the com puter controller and determine the readiness of each unit in the system Additional security features are in cluded in the system to maximize control and accuracy and to minimize attempts to beat the system The system is designed to generate data compatible with a remote central data processor and to transmit data to and from that processor periodically in order to utilize its greater capabilities The system is easily expanded to include additional patron book processing stations in creased data storage capacity and different types of input output devices The system is particularly adapt able to other real time applications at remote locations DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of the advantages structure and operation of the present invention may be had by referring to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein FIG 1 is a simplified block diagram showing the basic units of the present invention FIG 2 is a pictorial view of the computer console and book processor sta
55. ted in response to said comparison and changing the state of said multiple state means as the book is supported on the housing to a state which will not actuate said alarm unit for detecting circu lation status of the book 29 A method of using a processor in an automated real time library system having a computer for control ling the circulation of a plurality of library items and for limiting access to said library items to only predeter mined authorized users and for only predetermined authorized items each item having a status indicating element alterable between multiple states to represent the circulation status of said item said processor being adapted to change the state of said element io alter the circulation status of said library item comprising generating a first data signal identifying an authorized item and a second data signal identifying an autho 4 141 078 27 rized user of said item for transmission to said com puter supporting said library item in said processor in a receptacle having a first portion in which said au thorized library item is supported in a stationary position and a second portion in which said library item tends to move toward said first portion of said receptacle securing only one of said library items in said second portion of said receptacle altering the status indicating element of said library item in said second portion in response to a control signal generated by said compu
56. ter after receiving said first and second data signals sensing the presence of an object in the first portion of said receptacle and thereby generating a first alarm signal sensing an object across the periphery of said recepta cle and thereby generating a second alarm signal and generating a disable signal to disable said altering means in response to either said first alarm signal or said second alarm signal 30 A method of using an automated system having a computer for recording and controlling inventory transactions to enable patrons authorized for access to inventory materials to independently charge items of said materials to their accounts and to independently remove the charged items from the inventory each item of said materials having thereon inventory indicia and a status indicating element alterable between multi ple states to represent the control status of said item comprising 10 15 20 25 30 35 45 55 65 28 identifying said patron including interpreting patron indicia presented by said patron and generating a first data signal representative of said patron indi cia positioning said item stationary on a support having a scanning device capable of reading said inventory indicia reading said inventory indicia on said item of inven tory materials identifying said item using said scan ning device in said support and generating a sec ond data signal representative of said item
57. the librarian the next action to be taken such as place book in tray or type in ten digit user ID number When the transaction is complete the librarian may continue with additional transactions or depress the CLR key to stop the function being performed The librarian may then enter on the keyboard the next de sired function The Librarian Manual mode enables the librarian to use book processor station 30 to manually activate or deactivate book magnetic strips 108 Since this mode is Off Line activity at station 30 is not recorded by library terminal 12 and only the activate deactivate function is active Referring now to FIGS 10 22 some of the functions of the present system are described The flow diagrams shown represent the important operational steps of the system although some minor details are not included which are obvious to one skilled in the art For example all off line functions such as transfer of data to the central computer and updating data files from the cas sette tapes are not shown Moreover it is understood that all keyboard 36 inputs are prompted by appropriate messages on display unit 34 which are not shown in the flow charts Furthermore many possible error condi tions are monitored by the system using a conventional approach and up to three attempts are made to accu rately complete a specific function All errors are logged on printed 26 of console 20 or are displayed on display unit 34 of station
58. ting mes sages during diagnostic testing Alphanumeric key board 36 has a standard typewriter keyboard with addi tional special keys as required to communicate with computer 14 The keyboard employed may be a Micro switch model 67SW5 17 as described in Microswitch Product Sheet 67SW5by Micro Swich Co using a seven bit ASCII code plus parity Keyboard 36 is inter faced to computer 14 such that the keyboard will oper ate in a character mode with all displayable entries being shown on display unit 34 Thus all keyboard entries can be visually confirmed by the operator before initiating action Keyboard 36 is recessed in cabinet 46 toward the back on raised portion 47 in front of vertical portion 49 Mounting in this position minimizes the possibility of damage to the keyboard due to careless ness such as briefcases being thrown on top of the counter Control panel 44 shown in FIG 5 enables the librar ian to control the mode of operation of book processor station 30 to manually override the automatic func tions and to diagnose system difficulties Panel 44 in cludes a control portion 60 with four switches 62 65 and a status portion 66 adjacent the control portion with seven status indicators 70 76 In the control portion a key operated switch 62 has two modes The Librarian mode allos the librarian to perform transactions other than those which the patron can perform such as dis charging a book adding a number to a patron f
59. tion of the present invention FIG 3 is a partial cutaway front perspective view of the book processor station shown in FIG 2 FIG 4 is a partial cutaway back perspective view of the book processor station shown in FIG 2 FIG 5 is a front view of the book processor station of FIG 2 showing the control panel card reader and display unit FIG 6 is a top plan view of a patron identification card used with the card reader shown in FIG 5 FIG 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a portion of the book processor station of FIG 2 show ing the book tray and the activate deactivate unit FIG 8 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a library book shown in the magnetic detector strip and the bar coded label on the book FIG 9 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the book processor station of FIG 2 showing an optical scanner 5 20 25 30 50 55 60 65 4 FIGS 9A and 9B are block diagrams showing the logic interfacing of the components of the book proces sor station of FIG 2 with the rest of the system and FIGS 10 through 22 are flow diagrams showing the steps in the operation of the library circulation control system of the present invention DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A brief overview of the system and its operation will first be given The system apparatus will then be de scribed in detail followed by a description of the system operation Referring to FIG 1 a block dia
60. tions processor which uses a binary synchronous driver to interface with the remote central computer The software package is stored in disc storage unit 16 and called in upon demand to transfer data files to and from ihe disc the central computer 5 20 35 45 50 55 60 65 16 The applications processes in the present system pro vide the interface between the previously described hardware and the systems software and define the oper ation of the present system The applications processes provide the control of book processor stations 30 the checking and processing of the system data and per form the decision making required for an operational system Functionally the on line processes enable a user to self charge books or make a hold request for books enable a librarian to charge books in three different modes or discharge books in two different modes en able a librarian to add or modify an entry in a Patron file add display or delete an entry in a Reserve file display or delete an entry in a Hold file add or display an entry to a Fines Paid file or display a Transaction file enable a librarian to set current date time days of loan and days of hold loan perform on line diagnostic tests on the system and suspend or restart station opera tion Off line a librarian can initiate transfer of all data files in the data base to a central computer and rebuild the data base with updated information from a ce
61. tiplexer interfacing between book processor sta tions 30 and computer 14 A unit compatible with the previously mentioned HP Microprogrammable Proces sor is the Hewlett Packard HP 12920A multiplexer as described in Hewlett Packard Operating and Service Manual HP12920 90001 The multiplexer consists of three printed circuit cards mounted in the computer mainframe Interface 18 transmits and or receives eleven bit asynchronous data which includes a start bit seven data bits a parity bit and two stop bits Each Channel under program control is set for any data rate from 57 to 2400 baud The multiplexer interface 18 performs serial parallel data conversions so that data is transferred to and from computer 14 in eight bit incre ments thus minimizing computer overhead Each processor station 30 utilizes a single channel of multiplexer interface 18 with data communications at a 2400 baud rate Data transmissions to processor station 30 are directed to one of the component units of station 30 by preceding the data with an address corresponding to the unit to receive the data Selectable component units for each station to receive data transmission in clude the alphanumeric display unit 34 printer 42 and activate deactivate unit 40 Data transmission from processor station 30 is possible only by command from computer 14 Units which can transmit data to com puter 14 include keyboard 36 card reader 32 and optical scanner 38 Status information is
62. to the front cover of library book 106 positioned in the lower left hand portion of the cover surface 1 5 inches from the left side and 1 5 inches from the bottom of the book Label 110 is bar coded with a nine digit machine readable code including a modulo 9 check digit and also inclues the arabic numeral equivalent on the right side of each bar Each bar is shaped to repre sent a decimal number from 0 to 9 by different thick nesses and by discrete variations in thickness along the bar length The check digit represents a number which when added to the numbers represented by the other eight bars provides a sum divisible by nine The labels are preferably made of an easily destructable paper with a strong adhesive on the reverse side The adhesive is sufficiently strong to adhere to book 106 so that at tempts to remove the label 110 from book 106 will damage the label so that it cannot be reused As an alternate approach the bar code could be printed di rectly on the cover of book 106 or on one of the pages therein With reference to FIG 9 the optical scanner 38 of the present system is shown in greater detail Scanner 38 is positioned in side portion 45 of housing 46 directly 4 141 078 13 above tray 82 so as to scan label 110 on a book 106 in the book processing position Preferably scanner 38 utilizes a laser beam to scan and detect the code pattern as in Model 441 8 manufactured by Accu Sort Systems as described in Ins
63. to the system by the librarian is used to calculate the date due for the patron unless the hold record shows more than two requester numbers or the circulation number is found in a reserve file In these cases the date due is a shorter loan period A transaction record is entered in disc storage unit 16 and cassette recorder 28 after each transaction is completed Each record in cludes a charge code patron number date due and circulation number The detection strips of returned books are reactivated by the librarian inserting a special card in reader 32 and then properly placing the book in the book tray The bar coded label is read and the book detection strip is reactivated The check in or discharge transaction is entered on disc storage unit 16 and cassette recorder 28 and includes a discharge code book number date and time A patron can also use his identification card to place a book on hold After inserting the card in card reader 32 the patron depresses the HOLD key types in the book number on station keyboard 36 and confirms the number by observing the output of display unit 34 If the number is valid the entry of the data is recorded in the hold file The library staff is able to perform a number of addi tional functions by turning a key locked switch on con trol panel 44 to the Librarian position In this posi tion the librarian types in a four digit alphanumeric code on keyboard 36 indicating the function to
64. trip on said library item and wherein said altering means comprises electromagnetic coil means for magnetizing and demag netizing said magnetic strip 23 An automated system for recording and control ling inventory transactions by enabling patrons autho rized for access to inventory materials to independently charge items of said materials to their accounts and to independently remove the charged items from the in ventory each item of said materials having thereon inventory indicia and a status indicating element alter able between multiple state to represent a control status of said item detectible by a sensing device comprising means actuable by said patron for identifying said patron including means for interpreting patron indicia presented by said patron and means for generating a first signal representative of said pa tron indicia code reading means responsive to said identifying means including a housing having a support for maintaining said one inventory item stationary scanning means mounted in said housing near said support for reading said inventory indicia on said item of inventory materials identifying said item and means for generating a second signal represen tative of said item data processing means in communication with said identification means and said code reading means including a memory for storing electronic records having data files representative of said authorized patrons and of the inventory ite
65. truction Manual Number 441 by Accu Sort Co An aperture not shown is cut in the slanted floor 39 of housing portion 45 above tray 82 for the scanner to project its sweeping light beam to label 110 The unit first locates the code pattern on label 110 then reads and verifies the information on the label The scanner 38 is bidirectional and allows the bar coded label 110 to be located within one inch of the preferred location Scanner 38 is also able to read labels which are skewed up to 10 degrees from the preferred orientation shown in FIG 8 The scanner preferably has a variable depth field capability allowing it to read books up to eight inches in thickness The scan cycle is initiated by a signal from a photo cell not shown in book tray 82 which senses the pres ence of book 106 in the processing position Scans which produce two consecutive identical readings are required before the eight digit number is transmitted to computer 14 The ninth digit on label 110 is a modulo nine check digit to insure accuracy in reading The optical scanner also detects and flags damaged or missed codes and scanner malfunctions The scanner preferably utilizes a helium neon light source which is continually monitored to detect deterioration of the light output requiring replacement before significant errors can be produced A synchronous motor 112 lo cated near the front of scanner 38 drives a multi faceted mirror assembly not shown to provide a unit di
66. ts with its data files to determine that the patron is autho rized to charge out books and that the book is autho rized to be checked out If authorization is given the transaction is recorded by the computer which then enables the printer to provide a print out of the transac tion for the patron 30 Claims 24 Drawing Figures PRINTER CASSETTE RECORDER PAPER TAPE READER CENTRAL COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE 22 F deja 30 718 BOOK PROCESSOR STATION 1 OPTICAL SCANNER 40 UNIT BOOK PROCESSOR STATIONS INTERFACE 43 PROCESSOR STATION 34 KEYBOARD 30 PRINTER 42 CONTROL 44 PANEL i 6 U S Patent Feb 20 1979 Sheet 1 of 13 4 141 078 a DLL EC TU I 24 26 EE 28 20 KEYBOARD PRINTER RECORDER La ee b 1 i CENTRAL COMPUTER COMPUTER CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS COMPUTER INTERFACE DISK STORAGE 22 30 16 30 BOOK BOOK PROCESSOR PROCESSOR PROCESSOR STATION STATIONS INTERFACE STATION CERES J CARD DISPLAY FIG 32 READER UNIT 34 KEYBOARD 36 38 OPTICAL SCANNER 30 p
67. vate unit 40 printer 42 and control panel 44 A key operated switch 77 allows the librarian to turn the station on and off and a second key operated switch 48 enables the librarian to switch to the Librarian mode to perform special functions Cabinet 46 includes a flat substantially horizontal work area 41 enclosing station logic unit 43 a vertical por tion 49 behind area 41 enclosing card reader 32 display unit 34 control panel 44 and switch 48 A raised portion 47 between area 41 and portion 49 contains keyboard 36 and printer 42 A side portion 45 integral with the rest of cabinet 46 includes a slanted book tray 82 and en closed portions above and below the tray for enclosing scanner 38 and activate deactivate unit 40 respectively best seen in FIG 4 printer 42 is placed on a slid ing shelf 50 for easy access from the rear of cabinet 46 A conventional power supply 52 is also accessable from the rear of cabinet 46 preferably capable of supplying five volts at 6 amperes plus and minus 12 volts at 0 8 amperes minus 250 volts at 0 1 amperes and 24 volts at 1 6 amps A conventional logic unit 53 is provided adja cent to power supply 52 to interface between system logic unit 43 and optical scanner 38 A fan 54 is pro vided adjacent logic unit 53 to cool the book processor station 30 A rear door 55 on cabinet 46 may be re moved to access the units side door 56 is removable to provide access to scanner 38 A front door 5
68. ve in Development 1972 U Lib Automation pp 3 9 Buckland Circulation Control Hybrid 1972 U Lib Automation pp 30 37 see p 36 Primary Examiner Mark E Nusbaum Attorney Agent or Firm Hubbard Thurman Turner Tucker amp Glaser 57 ABSTRACT An automated library circulation control system in cludes a plurality of remote book processing terminals and a computer controlling the terminals and process ing data between the terminals and the computer to maintain a current inventory of the circulation status of the library books The system provides for automatic charging of library materials by patrons record keeping of all library transactions modification and interroga tion of computer data files intercommunication be tween the computer and a remote data processor and detection of unauthorized removal of books from the library Each terminal has a card reader for patron identification an optical reader for book identification an electromagnetic activator for magnetizing and de magnetizing a magnetic strip in each book a printer for printing charge out information and a display screen and keyboard for communications between patron and computer In charging a book a patron inserts his card in the card reader and places the book in a book tray in the terminal The optical scanner reads bar coded sym bols on a label on the front of the book The computer compares the card reader and optical scanner inpu
69. xam ple a remote job entry process which includes the conventional remote job entry systems software trans fers data files to and from the central computer and a data file recovery process searches the cassette tape and updates the disc data files from the cassette tape re cords 20 35 45 50 55 65 22 While one embodiment of the invention has been described in detail herein and shown in the acompan ying drawings it is understood that the present inven tion is not limited to the described embodiment but is capable of numerous rearrangements modifications and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention What is claimed is 1 An automated library circulation and security con trol system for enabling only authorized users of library materials to independently charge items of said library materials to their accounts and to independently re move the charged items from the library each item of said materials having identifying indicia thereon and a status indicating element attached thereto alterable be tween multiple states to represent the circulation status of said item comprising card reading means actuable by said user including means for reading user indicia on a card presented by an authorized user and means for generating a first signal representative of said user indicia code reading means actuable by said user including a housing having a support for mainta
70. y with the spine next to the activator deactivator unit 40 and the bar code label facing up The book circulation num ber is read by optical scanner 38 and checked against the list of books in the hold data file on disc storage unit 16 If the circulation number is found in the hold file the computer will check the number of the first re quester If this requester number matches the number on the patron identification card currently in the machine the requester number is removed from the hold file which is updated and rewritten on disc storage unit 16 Otherwise the patron is advised by the display to con 20 25 30 40 45 50 55 65 6 sult the librarian If the circulation number is not found in the hold file the computer is authorized to proceed To deactivate the detection strip in the book the library control terminal 12 sends a signal to activator deactiva tor unit 40 which then desensitizes the detection strip in the book If the patron attempts to insert two or more books simultaneously in the book tray the top books will slide out of position since the book tray is sloped The bottom book is held in place by a rough surface with a high coefficient of friction The tray includes a number of photoelectric devices around its periphery so the additional books cannot be held in place by the patron After the book strip is deactivated a date due slip is printed by printer 42 The loan period previously en tered in
71. yboard entry is made at 338 indicating the reason codes to be deleted Upon receipt the Patron file is updated at 342 a cassette record is written at 344 and a confirming message is displayed A book can be added or deleted from the Reserve file by entering ADDRES or DELRES respectively on keyboard 36 as shown at 214 and 216 in FIG 13 Control is transferred to the Add Reserve or Delete Reserve routines of FIGS 18 and 19 respectively The system initially looks for an eight digit keyboard entry at 350 and 360 For the Reserve function the load period is entered on keyboard 36 at 354 and checked at 355 The Reserve file is then interrogated at 356 to determine if the book in question is already in the file If not it is added at 357 if so then the new load period is entered at 358 The entry is recorded on cas sette recorder 28 at 359 and confirmed on the display unit 34 For the Delete Reserve routine a check is first made to determine if the book is on reserve at step 362 If so the eight digit number is deleted from the file at 363 and the confirmation is displayed Finally the transaction is recorded on cassette recorder 28 at step 364 A Display Reserve routine shown in FIG 20 is initiated by entering DISRES at 218 in the Selection Function routine Upon entry of an eight digit book number at 370 the system searches the Reserve file at 372 and if the number is in the file formats th
72. ys tem console 20 Referring to FIGS 3 and 7 the activate deactivate unit 40 book tray 82 and interference detection gates of book processor station 30 are shown Unit 40 and tray 82 are enclosed within side portion 45 of housing cabi net 46 A slanted book tray 82 is contained in portion 45 with an electromagnetic coil 84 disposed immediately under the upper portion of tray 82 Coil 84 is connected to a capacitor bank 86 sitting on a shelf 87 beneath work portion 41 of cabinet 46 and activatable by computer 14 As shown coil 84 is disposed with one portion 88 run ning substantially parallel to the bottom of tray 82 and a second portion 90 at approximately a right angle to portion 88 running substantially parallel to the upper side of tray 82 Activate deactivate unit 40 is used to sensitize or desensitize a magnetic detection strip in a book placed in tray 82 A suitable system for unit 40 is Model 31 B2 manufactured by 3M Company as de scribed in 3M Technical Specifications N T74SpB 14 3 Jr A row 92 of obstruction detection light emitters ex tends along the upper edge of tray 82 and a second row 94 of emitters 96 is located on the slanted side of tray 82 along the front of station 30 The light emitters 96 com prises photoelectric cell emitters directing infrared light beams to corresponding rows 97 and 98 of infrared light receivers as shown in FIG 3 When a light beam be tween one of the light emitters 96 and a corresponding li

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