This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Chinese Patent Application No. 201810117827.9 filed Feb. 6, 2018, the entire text of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein.
The present disclosure relates to a tool box containing tools for servicing a target device, such as computing device.
When servicing or maintaining computing devices on site, one has to use different tools (e.g. screwdriver bits) which differ from one another in terms of type, shape or size. Each model of a server may require use of different tools, different screwdriver bits, or different steps of using the different tools or different screwdriver bits. It is time-consuming to navigate through a relevant user guide to identify the relevant instructions, steps and parts which may have to be replaced, and the selection and use of the correct tool is error-prone.
One embodiment provides a tool box comprising a base having a tool storage area for removably storing a plurality of tools and a compartment below the tool storage area. The tool box further comprises a lid selectively securable to the base in a closed position to secure the plurality of tools and releasable to an open position that provides user access to the tools. Still further, the tool box comprises a processor and machine readable media storing instructions for performing a service operation with one or more of the tools, a data input device coupled to the processor, the data input device being for receiving identification data and providing the identification data to the processor, wherein the identification data identifies a target device upon which the service operation is to be performed, and an output device coupled to the processor for outputting at least a portion of the instructions to a user for servicing the target device.
Another embodiment provides a computer program product comprising non-transitory computer readable storage media having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions executable by a processor to: receive identification data through a data input device coupled to the processor, wherein the identification data identifies a target device upon which a service operation is to be performed; obtain instructions for performing the service operation on the identified target device; output at least a portion of the instructions to a user for servicing the target device; identify at least one tool that is identified in the portion of the instructions that is being output to the output device; and activate an indicator light that is viewable immediately adjacent one of a plurality of tools secured in a tool storage area of a tool box that incorporates the processor.
A tool box comprising a base having a tool storage area for removably storing a plurality of tools and a compartment below the tool storage area. The tool box further comprises a lid selectively securable to the base in a closed position to secure the plurality of tools and releasable to an open position that provides user access to the tools. Still further, the tool box comprises a processor and machine readable media storing instructions for performing a service operation with one or more of the tools, a data input device coupled to the processor, the data input device being for receiving identification data and providing the identification data to the processor, wherein the identification data identifies a target device upon which the service operation is to be performed, and an output device coupled to the processor for outputting at least a portion of the instructions to a user for servicing the target device.
The output device may, for example, be a speaker or display screen that is secured to the lid. The data input device may be, for example, selected from a radio frequency identification tag reader, a near field communication antenna, and a bar code scanner.
Embodiments of the tool storage area may include a plurality of receptacles, wherein each receptacle releasably secures a respective one of the tools. Furthermore, a plurality of indicator lights may be coupled to the processor for controlling the operation of each indicator light, where each indicator light is viewable in an area immediately adjacent a respective one of the plurality of receptacles. The indicator lights are preferably viewable when the lid is in the open position. In one option, each indicator light may include a light emitting diode secured to a printed circuit board within the compartment of the tool box and a light guide that directs light from the light emitting diode to the area immediately adjacent a respective one of the plurality of receptacles. The processor may control the operation of each of the indicator lights to independently and selectively present at least two lighting patterns. The tool box preferably further includes a machine readable memory coupled to the processor, wherein the machine readable memory is provided for storing the instructions, and the processor may activate an indicator light that is viewable immediately adjacent one of the tools identified in the portion of the instructions that is being output to the output device.
In a further embodiment, the tool box further includes a plurality of tool detectors coupled to the processor, where each tool detector is associated with one of the receptacles for indicating whether a tool is secured within one of the receptacles. In a related option, the tool box may further include a machine readable memory coupled to the processor, where the machine readable memory is provide for storing the instructions. The processor may monitor a tool detector that is associated with the receptacle securing one of the tools identified in the portion of the instructions that are being output to the output device, and the processor may maintain activation of the indicator light that is viewable immediately adjacent the receptacle for the identified tool until the identified tool has been removed and replaced.
Another embodiment provides a computer program product comprising non-transitory computer readable storage media having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions executable by a processor to: receive identification data through a data input device coupled to the processor, wherein the identification data identifies a target device upon which a service operation is to be performed; obtain instructions for performing the service operation on the identified target device; output at least a portion of the instructions to a user for servicing the target device; identify at least one tool that is identified in the portion of the instructions that is being output to the output device; and activate an indicator light that is viewable immediately adjacent one of a plurality of tools secured in a tool storage area of a tool box that incorporates the processor.
In various embodiments of the computer program product, the tool storage area includes a plurality of receptacles, and each receptacle is identified as securing a specific one of the tools. Accordingly, the program instructions may be further executable by the processor to control the operation of each of a plurality of indicator lights coupled to the processor, wherein each indicator light is viewable in an area immediately adjacent a respective one of the plurality of receptacles. In one option, the program instructions are further executable by the processor to independently control the operation of each indicator light to selectively present at least two lighting patterns during the service operation on the identified target device. In another option, the program instructions are further executable by the processor to activate an indicator light that is viewable immediately adjacent one of the tools identified in the portion of the instructions that is being output to the output device. The program instructions may be further executable by the processor to receive a signal indicating whether the identified tool is secured within a respective one of the receptacles, and maintain activation of the indicator light that is viewable immediately adjacent the receptacle for the identified tool until the identified tool has been removed and replaced. Still further, the program instructions may be further executable by the processor to measure a time duration over which the service operation on the target device is performed.
A hard drive interface 232 is also coupled to the system bus 206. The hard drive interface 232 interfaces with a hard drive 234. In a preferred embodiment, the hard drive 234 communicates with system memory 236, which is also coupled to the system bus 206. System memory is defined as a lowest level of volatile memory in the computer 200. This volatile memory includes additional higher levels of volatile memory (not shown), including, but not limited to, cache memory, registers and buffers. Data that populates the system memory 236 includes the operating system (OS) 238 and application programs 244.
The hardware elements depicted in the computer 200 are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are representative. For instance, the computer 200 may include non-volatile memory and the like.
The operating system 238 includes a shell 240 for providing transparent user access to resources such as application programs 244. Generally, the shell 240 is a program that provides an interpreter and an interface between the user and the operating system. More specifically, the shell 240 executes commands that are entered into a command line user interface or from a file. Thus, the shell 240, also called a command processor, is generally the highest level of the operating system software hierarchy and serves as a command interpreter. The shell provides a system prompt, interprets commands entered by keyboard, mouse, or other user input media, and sends the interpreted command(s) to the appropriate lower levels of the operating system (e.g., a kernel 242) for processing. Note that while the shell 240 may be a text-based, line-oriented user interface, embodiments may support other user interface modes, such as graphical, voice, gestural, etc.
As depicted, the operating system 238 also includes the kernel 242, which includes lower levels of functionality for the operating system 238, including providing essential services required by other parts of the operating system 238 and application programs 244. Such essential services may include memory management, process and task management, disk management, and mouse and keyboard management.
As shown, the computer 200 includes application programs 244 in the system memory of the computer 200, including, without limitation, a user guide selection and display logic module 245, a receptacle detection and illumination logic module 246 and a local user guide repository 248 in order to implement one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein. Optionally, one or more of these modules 245, 246, 248 may be included in the operating system 238.
Accordingly, the tool box 10 that includes the computer 200 may include a machine readable memory which may store user guides of a number of servers which may be serviced by using the tools in the tool box 10. Upon receipt of the identification data of the server 28 through the scanner 26 (on manually input through a keyboard or voice command), the processing unit 204 (or called a “processor”) of the tool box 10 accesses the machine readable memory 236 and reads from the relevant user guide of the server 28 that is identified by the identification data, such that the display panel 12 may then display one or more portions of the relevant user guide of the identified server 28.
Additionally, in order to service an identified server it may be necessary to install parts to or remove parts from the server 28. In one embodiment, upon scanning of printed identification data, such as the barcode 27, disposed on an accessible surface of the server 28 as shown in
The PCB 56 may further include or connect with an array of detectors 59, each detector being positioned to detect the presence or absence of a screwdriver bit 54 within one of the receptacles 52. Such a detector 59 may be a conductivity sensor, light sensor or physical switch that provides a distinct signal when the screwdriver bit is present in the receptacle. By providing a detector 59 with each receptacle 52, the processor 204 is able to determine the receptacle from which a screwdriver bit has been removed and/or replaced.
In use, once the server 28 to be serviced is identified (e.g. by the scanner 26 obtaining the relevant identification data from a barcode on an outside surface of the server 28), the corresponding user guide stored in memory of the tool box 10 is displayed by the touch pad display panel 12, with the screw types, quantity of screws involved, and service order (and possibly even with a video) displayed by the display panel 12. The LCD display 24 and the LEDs 58 are also used in a manner to assist a user in quickly identifying and locating the needed screwdriver bit(s) 54.
If, on the other hand, the user retrieves an incorrect screwdriver bit 54 in the course of servicing the server 28, all the LEDs 58 may be controlled to turn on simultaneously, thus causing all the light guides adjacent or surrounding all of the receptacles 52 to illuminate simultaneously in order to act as an alert to the user that an incorrect screwdriver bit 54 has been retrieved. The user should then return the incorrectly-retrieved screwdriver bit 54 back to the corresponding receptacle 52. Then, the LED 58 for illuminating the light guide adjacent or surrounding the receptacle 52 containing the next correct screwdriver bit 54 to be used may flash, whereas the LED(s) 58 for illuminating the light guide adjacent or surrounding the receptacle(s) 52 containing the subsequent screwdriver bit(s) 54 to be used subsequently may light up continuously. Optionally, the machine readable memory in the tool box 10 may also store data relating to the times and/or frequency of use of each of the screwdriver bits 54 in the tool box 10.
If Step 112 determines that the actual service/operation time duration is longer than the service time slot that was set/defined in Step 102, then Step 114 determines whether the service time slot is to be re-set. If the time slot is not re-set, then the method returns to Step 102. If, however, the service time slot is re-set (Step 114), then the operator may require further training (Step 116) and a real time monitor may be carried out or feedback may be issued (Step 118). For example, such feedback may reflect expired content, a change in the service step, a change in the part or part number, or that defect or damage has occurred, or online troubleshooting is carried out. After Step 118, a decision is made (Step 120) as to whether a service time update is required. If not, the process may end (Step 122). If a service time update is required (Step 120), service time slot setting/definition (Step 102) may be carried out again. If Step 112 determines that the service/operation time duration is not longer than the time slot set/defined in Step 102, then the service time is recorded and analyzed (Step 124), e.g. for considering how it may be possible to reduce the service time for cost reduction. The process may then end (Step 126), until a next screw driver bit is taken out from the tool box 10, whereupon Step 102 commences again.
According to a further embodiment, a method of operating the tool box 10 involves: scanning an RFID/NFC tag of the server 28 by the scanner 26 to obtain identification data and providing the identification data to the tool box 10; and scanning a QR code displayed on the server 28 to obtain error-related data and providing the error-related data to the tool box 10.
By way of such an arrangement, the relevant part of the relevant user guide can be provided to the data center technician via the tool box display 12, thereby enabling the technician to rectify a specific problem of the server 28. Otherwise, the user guide is provided to the technician “as is”, regardless of the specific problem of the server 28.
It should be noted that although an embodiment has thus far been discussed in the context of being suitable for servicing and/or maintaining servers, it is envisaged that such may be used for servicing and/or maintaining other machines and apparatus, e.g. televisions, washing machines, etc. In addition, although an embodiment has thus far been discussed in the context in which the receptacles 52 are for releasably containing screwdriver bits 54 of different shapes and/or sizes, it is envisaged that different types of tools may be releasably contained within the receptacles 52. For example, the base 14 of the tool box 10 may contain receptacles of different shapes for receiving different tools, e.g. pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, soldering devices etc. Thus, the words “tool” and “tools” in the specification and claims should be construed broadly to cover both tools and tool parts.
In addition, although an embodiment has thus been discussed in the context in which instructions (user guide) for servicing and/or maintaining servers are provided visually, it is envisaged that such user guide may be issued audibly. Furthermore, a user guide may provide information that involves a “tool-less” method of servicing and/or maintaining the computer servers.
It should be understood that the above only illustrates and describes an example whereby an embodiment may be carried out, and that modifications and/or alterations may be made thereto. It should also be understood that certain features of the embodiments, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, embodiments may take the form of a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, embodiments may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.
Any combination of one or more computer readable storage medium(s) may be utilized. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Furthermore, any program instruction or code that is embodied on such computer readable storage media (including forms referred to as volatile memory) that is not a transitory signal are, for the avoidance of doubt, considered “non-transitory”.
Program code embodied on a computer readable storage medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out various operations may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).
Embodiments may be described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer program instructions may also be stored on computer readable storage media is not a transitory signal, such that the program instructions can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, and such that the program instructions stored in the computer readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture.
The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the embodiment.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or steps plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure. The disclosed embodiments were chosen and described as non-limiting examples to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand these embodiments and other embodiments involving modifications suited to a particular implementation.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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201810117827.9 | Feb 2018 | CN | national |