Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SPECIFICATION
Title of the Invention `-
Apparatus for Controlling File Retrieval
Backqround of the Invention
This invention relates to apparatus for retrieving a
desired file binder out of a large number of file binders
stored on a shelf.
A large number of document files, such as those of
clinical records, are arranged in the order of, for in-
stance, serial numbers and stored in a shelf for ease of
retrieval. When a patient comes to hospital for examina-
tion or treatment, his record file is manually extracted
from the shelf.
A file retrieval system disclosed in Japanese Provi- -
sional Patent Publication No. 8105 of 1990 facilitates the
retrieval of many files by the use of a retrieval unit
consisting of a battery-powered signal receiving element
and a light-emitting element to display the received
signal that is attached to a file binder and a host trans-
mitter that sends an slectromagnetlc wave carrying a
retrieval identifying signal to the receiving units on the ~ -
stored file binders. When the host transmitter sends a
specific identifying signal, the receiving units on all
stored files receive the transmitted identifying signal
but only one light-emittlng element corresponding to the
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emitted specific signal goes on. By finding out the
glowing light-emitting element, the desired file binder
can be extracted quickly.
However, this system necessitates periodic changing
of batteries on which the signal-receiving unit and light-
emitting element are dependent. As the retrieval informa-
tion flows unidirectionally from the host transmitter to
the retrleval unit, it is impossible to ensure that the
extracted file binder is properly returned to the original
position. This shortcoming can result in the missing of
the extracted file binder.
Summarv of the Invention
The ob~ect of this invention is to provide a new
battery-less file retrieval controlling apparatus working
on externally supplied electricity that is also capable of
controlling the restoring of extracted file binders.
A file retrieval controlling apparatus according to
this inventlon comprises a retriever proper that retrieves
and transmlts a retrieval identifying data based on a re- -
trieval instruction input from outside, a retrieval unit
having a memory that holds a set of retrieval identifying
data allocated to individual binders, a comparator that
compares the received retrieval identifying data with the
set of data stored in the memory and outputs a coincidence ;~
signal when a matching data is found, a response signal
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generator that actuates an externally recognizable display
accordlng to the coincidence signal and outputs a response
signal, contacts connected to feeder lines to feed elec-
tricity to the retriever proper, memory and comparator and
contacts connected to signal lines and attached to each ; -`
blnder, and a file container having feeder lines disposed
parallel to each other along the row of binders and signal
lines to transmit the signals from the retriever proper
and the retrieval unit.
When the retriever proper sends a retrieval identi-
fying data through a transmission line to the retrieval
units that are constantly powered by an external power
supply and on stand-by, the display of a retrieval unit
conforming to the transmitted data goes on. Thus, a
binder containing the desired file can be readily located
by finding the glowing display. Besides, the retriever
proper can confirm the presence of the binder conforming
to the retrieval identification data based on a response
signal the retrieval unit initiates when the display goes
on.
Brief DescriDtion of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodi-
ment of a retrieval unit according to this invention.
Fig. 2 shows the configuration of a file retrieval con-
trolling apparatus according to this invention. Fig. 3 is
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a perspective view showing the wiring in a binder holder
and the appearance of a retrieval unit. Fig. 4 is a flow
chart showing the operation of the same file retrieval
controlling apparatus.
DescriDtion of the Preferred Embodiment
Now details of this invention will be described below
by making reference to a preferred embodiment of this
invention applied to the binders containing clinical
records.
Fig. 2 sketches an apparatus according to this inven-
tlon. Reference numeral 1 designates a host computer that
serves as a retriever proper, to whlch a card reader 2 to
read the identification bard of a patient and a keyboard 3
to input the identifying data, such as the identification
number of the patient, order of retrieval request, and
priority of retrieval, to specify a binder or folder
containing clinical records, x-ray photographs, etc. When
the identifying data of a patient is read from his or her
identlfication card inserted in the card reader 2 or input
from the keyboard 3, the host computer 1 retrleves the
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personal informatlon of the patlent from a data base -
stored thereln and shows the obtained data on a display 4.
When the cllnlcal records of the patlent ls necessary, an
lnput of a pertlnent lnstructlon form the keyboard 3
results in an output of a retrieval ldentlfylng data for
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use in the retrieval of a binding or folder containing the - -
desired clinical records. Intended for use with a large
number of binders, the embodiment just described consti-
tutes a distributed processing system in conjunction with
sub-computers 6, 7 and 8 linked through cables 5. Obvi-
ously, a simpler system for smaller applications can be
composed by the use of one computer.
Reference numerals 10, 11, 12, 13, ... designate file
containers each of which carries a binder holding clinical
records and x-ray photographs and is connected to the sub-
computers 6, 7 and 8 through cables 15, 16 and 17. The
flle containers 10, 11, 12, 13, ... are partitioned into ~-
several rows by shelves 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 so that
a number of binders are contained in each row. Each of
the file containers 10, 11, 12, 13, ... has a power supply
30, 31, 32 and 33 attached thereto. Bare feeder lines 21
and 22 connected to power supplies 30, 31, 32 and 33 and ~--
signal wires 23, 24, 25 and 26 connected to cables 15, 16
and 17 from the computers 15, 16 and 17, which are dis-
posed parallel to one another in the direction in which
binders are arranged so as not cause short-circuiting, are
provided at the surface of a holding shelf 20.
Reference numeral 40 designates a retrieval unit that
can be freely attached to and detached from a binder F of
practically all commercially available types that holds
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documents as shown in Fig. 3. The retrieval unit 40 is
adapted to be fastened in a position, such as at the
bottom of the binder used in the embodiment being de-
scribed, where the unit comes ln contact with the feeder
llnes 21 and 22 and the signal lines 23, 24, 25 and 26 and
has contacts 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 disposed at the
bottom thereof. Thus, the retrleval unit 40 receives
power supply from the feeder lines 41 and 42 and the
retrieval identifying data and accompanying information
from the signal lines 23 and 24 and outputs signals from a
response signal transmitting circuit 53 to be described ~-
later through the signal lines 25 and 26 and the cables
15, 16 and 17 to the sub-computers 6, 7 and 8. -
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The retrieval unit 40 also has a visually perceptible
display, such as a light-emitting diode 48, to show the
coincidence between the stored and received retrieval data
at the back of the binder F that is exposed to view when
the binder F is placed on the shelves 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
and 20, together with, as required, a display panel 47 ~-
using a liquid-crystal display or an electrochromic dis-
play that retains, once activated, the displayed image
even after the applied power has been cut off.
Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the retrieval unit 4~ ;
described above. Reference numeral 50 denotes a receiving ~ -
aircult that recelves slgnals from the slgnal lines 23 and
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24 through contacts 43 and 44 and outputs the retrieval
identifying data to a comparing circuit 51 and the serial
number indicating the order of acceptance and such accom-
panying information as the priorlty of retrieval to a data
storage circuit 55 to be described later. Reference
numeral 52 denotes an identifying data storage circuit
consisting of a read-only memory that stores the identify-
ing data assigned to each retrieval unit. The comparing
circuit 51 compares the retrieval identifying data from
the receiving circuit 50 with the identifying data in the
ldentifying data storage circuit 52 and outputs a signal
when the compared data coincide.
The response signal transmitting circuit 52 outputs a
response signal through the contacts 45 and 46 when the
comparing circuit 51 outputs a coincidence signal and to
show the presence of the identifying data in the iden-
tifying data storage circuit 52 and the binders on the
shelves when power is first supplied through the feeder
lines 21 and 22, and actuates, as re~uired, an aurally or
vlsually perceptible display such as the light-emitting
diode 48 used in the embodiment being described.
The data storage circuit 55 stores the accompanying
information for each file that is received following the
retrieval identlfying data when the comparing circuit 51
outputs a coincidence signal and then output to a display
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drive circuit 56. - :
The essential elements of the retrieval unit 40, such
as the receiving circuit 50, comparing circuit 51 and
response signal transmitting circuit 53, are powered by
electric current supplied from the feeder lines 21 and 22. ~ ~ :
On the other hand, such incidental elements as the data
storage clrcuit 55 and display drive circuit 56 are selec- -
tively powered by electric current supplied through a ~:
power supply circuit 57 either from the feeder lines 21 ~-
and 22 or from a built-in battery 58.
When the retrieval unit 40 receives the supply of
electric current from an external source through the
feeder lines 21 and 22, the power supply circuit 57 cuts
the connection between the data storage circuit 55 and ~ ::
display drive circuit 56 and the battery 58 to feed the - :-~
power from the feeder lines 21 and 22 to the data storage ~ .
circuit 55 and display drive circuit 56. When a binder .
has been extracted from the finder containers 10 to 13 and
the power supply from the feeder lines 21 and 22 i8 cut
off, the power supply circuit 57 supplies electric current . u
to the data storage clrcult 55 and dlsplay drive circuit
56 only from the battery 58.
When a chargeable secondary battery, such as a lithi-
um battery or a nlckel-cadmlum battery, is used as the
battery 58, a floatlng charglng function may be added to
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the power supply circuit so that the battery is charged
while power is supplied from the feeder lines 21 and 22.
Now the operation of the apparatus just described
will be described by making reference to a flow chart
shown in Fig. 4. ;~
On inputting an identifying data for inspection from
the keyboard 3 or card reader 2 (Step 60) before starting `
the work of a day, the host computer 1 transmits an
identifying data to inspect throughout all binders. The `~
retrieval units 40 on the binders held in position are
supplied with power from the feeder lines 21 and 22 and, - ;
therefore, sends out a response signal on receiving the
identlfying instruction for inspection and turn on the
light-emitting diode 48 (Step 61).
Any irregular space visually found between the glow-
ing light-emitting diodes 48 on the retrieval units 40 on
the files held in the file containers 10 to 13 suggests a
possibility that the binder there is out of position. If
that is the case, the displaced binder is returned to its
proper position. A search must be made for any missing
binder. When the binders slightly gotten out of place in
the containers 10, 11, 12 and 13 are properly reset, the
contacts 41 and 42 on the retrieval unit 40 come in con-
tact with the feeder lines 21 and 22, thereby assuring the
supply of power to the receiving circuit 50, comparing
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circuit 51 and response signal transmitting circuit 53.
When the receiving circuit 50 receives the identi$ying
data for inspection, the response signal transmitting -
circuit 53 sends out a response signal and the light-
emitting diode 48 goes on to show that the displaced
binder has been brought back to its proper position.
The response signal initiated by the retrieval unit
40 passes through the contacts 45 and 46 to the signal
lines 25 and 26 and further through the cables 5, 15, 16
and 17 to the sub-computers 6, 7 and 8 and host computer .
1. With the result of the inspection shown on the display -
4, the condition of the contained files can be checked ~ -
from either the host oomputer 1 or the sub-computers 6, 7
and 8.
On inserting an identification card of a patient into
the card reader 2 following the completion of the prelimi-
nary inspection described above, the host computer 1
recognizes the identifying data contained therein and
shows the name and other retrieval identifying data of the
patient on the dlsplay 4. The receipt number, level of
emergency and other incidental information of the same :
patient then lnput from the keyboard 3 are displayed on
the dlsplay 4 and slmultaneously sent through the sub- -.
computers 6, 7 and 8 and the cables 5, 15, 16 and 17 to -
the containers 10, 11, 12 and 13. The retrieval units 40 -~ ~
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on all binders held in the containers 10 to 13 receive the
transmitted retrieval identifying data through the signal
lines 22 and 23 (Step 62).
The comparing circuit 51 in each retrieval unit 40
compares the retrieval identifying data from the receiving ~ :
circult 50 with the ldentifying data in the identifying
data storage circuit 52 and outputs a coincidence signal
when the compared data coincide (Step 63). On receiving
the coincidence signal, the response signal transmitting
circuit 53 outputs a response signal and turns of the
light-emitting diode 48 (Step 64). Thus, a binder con-
taining the desired cllnical records and other data can be
located with ease.
The response signal indicating the presence of a
binder is sent from the signal lines 25 and 26 through the
cables 15, 16 and 17 to the sub-computers 6, 7 and 8 and
host computer 1.
On receiving the response signal, the host computer 1
shows on the display 4 that the desired file has been
found and transmits the incidental information of the same
patlent, such as the receipt number and the level of
emergenay, through the cables 5, 15, 16 and 17 and the
signal lines 23 and 24 to each retrieval unit 40.
While all retrieval units can receive this incidental
information (Step 65), only the retrieval unit 40 whose
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identifying data coincides with the retrieval identifying ~-
data stores the incidental information in the data storage
circult 55 thereof. The information stored in the data
storage circuit 55 is shown on the display panel 47 actu~
ated by the display drive circult 56 (Step 66).
When the desired binder is extracted from the con-
talners 10 to 13, the contacts 41 and 42 on the retrleval
unit 40 thereof are disconnected from the feeder lines 21
and 22, whereupon the supply of power to the receiving
clrcult 50, comparing circuit 51, response signal trans-
mitting circuit 53 and power supply circuit 57 is cut off
(Step 67). The power supply circuit 57 supplies electric
current from the battery 58 to the data storage circuit 55
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and display drive circuit 56 (Step 68). Thus the informa-
tion stored in the data storage circuit 55 remains intact -
and appears on the display panel 47. Then, the display
panel 47 on the retrieval unit 40 continuously shows the ~ `
receipt number, level of emergency and other incidental
information of the patient. The clinical records and x-
ray photographs contalned in the located binder can thus
be easily sent to a proper place.
When a binder containing the used clinical records
and x-ray photographs is returned onto any one of the
shelves 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 in the containers 10,
11, 12 and 13, the contacts 41 and 42 on the retrieval
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unit 40 thereon come in contact with the feeder lines 21
and 22 to receive the supply of electricity therefrom. On
detecting the supply of electricity from the feeder lines
21 and 22 (Step 69), the power supply clrcuit 57 cuts off
the supply of electricity from the battery 58. When the
supply of electricity from the feeder lines 21 and 22 is
resumed, the response signal transmitting circuit 53
initiates a response signal representing the identifying
data stored in the identifying data storage circuit 52
(Step 70). With the arrival of the response signal
through the cables 5, 15, 16 and 17, the host computer 1
learns, and registers, the fact that the extracted binder
has been returned to the original position.
Such provlsion may be made that the information
stored in the data storage circuit 55 is erased when the
retrieval unit 40 is returned into the container 10, 11,
12 or 13, either automatically or by recording the next
incidental informatlon from the host computer 1 in a
"wrlte over" mode.
When the ldentlfying data for inspection ls input
from the card reader 2 or keyboard 3 on completion of the
work of a day, the display shows the identifying data and
incldental lnformatlon of the retrleval unlt 40 of any
binder not returned to the contalners 10 to 13. Then, the
misslng blnder can be easily located on the basis of the
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incidental information. All this permits a sure control
over the whole steps of a retrieval work from the extrac- ~
tion of a file to the return thereof. While the embodi- -
ment described here is applied to the retrieval of clini-
cal records at hospital, the apparatus of thls invention
ls also applicable to the retrieval of paper binders,
books and other documents, and other articles of given
shapes. ~ -~
The battery used to actuate the data storage and -
display drive circuits of the retrieval unit of the em-
bodiment ~ust described may be replaced, when used in a
well-lit place, by a built-in power supply that consists
of a combination of a solar battery and a supercapacitor.
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