Utilization of work order data in an automated tool control system

Abstract

An inventory control system is provided for monitoring the removal and replacement of objects stored in the system. The system includes a storage container including a plurality of storage locations for storing objects; a sensing device configured to detect the presence or absence of objects in the storage locations; a display device; and a data processor. The data processor is configured to receive work order data identifying a particular work order; receive information associated with the work order based on the work order data; and display the information associated with the work order on the display device.

1 . An inventory control system for monitoring the removal and replacement of tools stored in the system, the system comprising:
 a storage container including a plurality of storage locations for storing objects;   a sensing device configured to detect the presence or absence of tools in the storage locations;   a display device; and   a data processor configured to:
 receive a tool list; 
 determine whether each of the tools on the tool list is present in one of the storage locations; and 
 cause the display device to display a list of users and locations for each of the tools that is not present. 
   
     
     
         2 . The inventory control system of  claim 1 , wherein the data processor is further configured to:
 cause the display device to display information relating to which of the storage locations contains each of the tools that are present, and   cause the display device to display alternative tool locations for each of the tools that is not present.   
     
     
         3 . The inventory control system of  claim 1 , wherein the storage locations are a plurality of drawers or trays. 
     
     
         4 . The inventory control system of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the data processor is further configured to receive a work order and information associated with the work order, and   wherein the information associated with the work order includes the tool list.   
     
     
         5 . The inventory control system of  claim 1 , further comprising a data storage device operatively connected to the data processor;
 wherein the tool list is stored in the storage device.   
     
     
         6 . The inventory control system of  claim 1 , further comprising a network communications device operatively connected to the data processor and to a remote database;
 wherein the tool list is stored in the remote database.   
     
     
         7 . The inventory control system of  claim 1 , further comprising a user display device wirelessly connected to the data processor, wherein the data processor is configured to transfer the tool list to the user display device. 
     
     
         8 . The inventory system of  claim 1 , wherein the data processor is configured to cause the display device to display, responsive to a user opening one of the drawers or trays containing one of the tools on the tool list, at least one of an image of a layout of the drawer or tray with the tool highlighted, an image of the tool, and information relating to the tool.