Object controlled access and inventory system

Abstract

The object control and tracking system of the present invention includes a computer, a system controller, and at least one object storage drawer housed within a security cabinet. The system controller provides a bi-directional communication link between the computer and a printed circuit board located within the object storage drawer. The objects are symmetrically shaped acrylic key fobs each containing a touch memory device to store information about as set of keys or other valuable objects associated with the fob. A dress plate, incorporating a plurality of slots for interfacing with the fobs, is within the drawer and provides the mechanical support for the key fobs. The key fobs are generally symmetrically shaped to fit into the slot. The slot spacing is staggered in the array so that it is easier for a user to replace or to locate the key fob if the array is almost fully occupied. The slots of the array are symmetrical in nature so that a user can insert the tongue of the key fob in either orientation into the slots of the array. The top side of a PCB board is in immediate contact with the bottom side of the dress plate. Symmetrical slots are cut through the PCB and are in alignment with the dress panel slots. On the bottom side of the PCB board, each slot contains pairs of downward, vertically extending, biased metal contacts. Each slot incorporates an LED for providing a visual indication to a user of the location of an empty slot or the location of an inserted fob.