Automatic Library Assistant

Automatic Library Assistant VALENTINA EMILIA BĂLAŞ Dept. Automatics and Applied Informatics, Faculty of Engineering Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad 79, Blvd. Revoluţiei, Arad 310130 ROMANIA ANDREI VALENTIN STOICA Dept. Automatics and Applied Informatics, Faculty of Engineering Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad 79, Blvd. Revoluţiei, Arad 310130 ROMANIA AURA LETIŢIA RUGEA Dept. Automatics and Applied Informatics, Faculty of Engineering Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad 79, Blvd. Revoluţiei, Arad 310130 ROMANIA Abstract: This paper presents a solution to the problem of library management in a small to medium size campus library. Our solution consists of a small robotic-like unit combined with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags on all books to keep track and direct students to the titles of interest. The system proposed is scalable, multiple robotic units being able to work together to cover a larger area of the library, or cope with an increased flow of people at certain times. We present a brief technical overview of the project, covering both hardware and software aspects. Key-Words: library management system, Radio Frequency Identification, robotic vehicle, library database 1 Introduction While we stepped well into the 21 st century, it is becoming more and more apparent that not all aspects of human life are taking advantage of new technologies. With the widespread of computing systems, with the development of large data base engines that can literally make the world a better place to live, humans should have no trouble at all accessing all the services and information they require. Sadly, this is not always the case. 2 Problem Formulation A few of our team members had a rather interesting experience recently that can illustrate the above said very well. We went to the student library of our local University in order to get some books for our exams. Once we arrived, we faced a rather unexpected issue: there were at least 50 or 60 other students waiting in line at the librarian s desk, all of them wanting the same thing as we wanted: quick access to information. After half an hour it was becoming ISSN: 1790-5109 185 ISBN: 978-960-474-005-5

obvious that the entire process of serving a book to a student was too slow. The librarian had to take several time consuming steps for each student. First of all, every student had to be identified. Then he made his request. The librarian told the student where to find the book. Sometimes the student did not find the book. He returned to the librarian to ask additional information. Several times the librarian went away from his desk to find the book. On a few occasions it happened that the book wasn t in the library at all. All this was happening while 50 other people were waiting in line. The problem here is obvious: This part of our lived isn t touched too much by modern technology. Sure, the librarian has a PC on which he searches for the students, and there are a dozen computers in the library at the disposal of students. But still, the entire process takes too much time. The second component of the system is one or more Automatic Library Units, or ALU s. These are robotic-like vehicles that have the ability to interact with the user, effectively allowing a person to search for the book without needing to go the librarian. The unit can then direct the person to his book, or inform him that the book is not present in the library at that time. In order to be able to further explain the system, let s imagine a hypothetical library (fig 1.). We will choose a small one to simplify things, but the system is potentially scalable to fit libraries of any size: 3 The Library Management Solution In order to shorten the time interval taken by this process, our team would like to present a solution to at least a few of the issues stated above. Our solution is called an Automatic Library Assistant. While it does suggest the use of a small autonomous robotlike vehicle, it actually is a digital solution to the problems facing every library. There have been a few similar attempts in the world, such as the Comprehensive Access to Print Materials (CAPM) robot built at the Johns Hopkins University of Baltimore, Maryland, USA, [1] as well as the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre at the University of British Columbia. [2], but none has attempted to actually eliminate or minimize the role of the librarian. 3.1 System Overview The system has two components. The first component is a library management system, containing every book in the library. It must contain not only the title and author, but also a category (such as Mechanics, for example), as well as the number of copies of that book. This database is managed, of course by different pieces of software, as detailed in the software section. Also, each book must be equipped with its individual RFID tag. Every section of the library, if not every shelf must have a RFID tag scanner, in order to keep track of the book flow. Fig1. The library model Our library has two rooms, several shelves, a librarian desk, with one person as the staff, and a ALU rack by a central support pylon. Also, it must be noted that our library is in a student campus. Each component of the system will be analyzed in depth, using this library model as an example. 3.2 The Library Management System The Library Management System is the informational nerve centre of the library. Implemented properly, it can even give the library itself a certain level of self-management, if you will, or at least give the librarian accurate information about what is going on at any given time. This component is composed of two distinct layers: The informational layer, represented by software. The physical, or hardware layer, composed of RFID tags and scanners. 3.2.1 The informational layer. In order to allow the library and the ALU to function together, a strong software foundation is required. Probably the most important role is held by the library database. ISSN: 1790-5109 186 ISBN: 978-960-474-005-5

This database must contain all the books of the library. It has to contain - besides the obvious fields, like the name of the book, author- a few special fields. These fields must include the category of the book, a few keywords, as well as two or three fields to hold flags from the various RFID scans each book goes thru. Also, it is imported to have every copy of the book present in the database, since every individual book will have its own RFID tag. Closely linked to the book database is a user database. It holds all the names and personal data of all readers in the library. This can not only be used to manage the library itself, but can also allow the creation of a feature that would enable the user to log in directly at an ALU, without even going to the librarian. Let s look at another basic function this system could implement: There is a RFID scanner that can flag a book in the database as signed out when scanned at the librarian s desk. It also marks the book s entry in the books table with the date that is signed out and the account that borrowed the book. Since our library is used primarily by students, it is likely that they have an email address. After the return date expires, the librarian can be alerted in a report that the book is due. Further action can implement a function that will automatically send emails to the address of the student that failed to return it on time. The databases can also be linked to a library website that would allow students to check from home whether a copy of the book they are looking for is available or not. If the book is not in the library at the moment, an estimated return date can be displayed, so the student will know when will be the best time to go and fetch that particular book. The database can be built using virtually any DB development tool on the market, but in order to maintain scalability and compatibly, this solution will be implemented using either Microsoft SQL Server or MySQL. Each ALU unit will need to have a user interface software package as well, besides the internal programs that will make it run. This particular part of software is currently under development, and its function in partially demonstrated in the last section of the paper. 3.2.2 The physical layer The physical layer of the LMS in composed of RFID tags and RFID scanners placed in such a manner that the movement of any book can be traced at all times. This is particularly useful when a student tries to find a book, only to discover that someone else has already taken the last copy. This method of tagging each book can also mean that no books end up in the wrong section or shelf, where they are forgotten until the librarian has time to rearrange the shelves. Thus, all copies of a sought after book can be used in the best possible way. Another noteworthy advantage of this method would be the reduction of book theft. No book could be taken out of the library without the librarian scanning it. So, a silent alarm could be mounted at the exit of the library, and the thief could be intercepted on time, and the book recovered. Each RFID tag could be programmed with the individual ID of the book, taken from the book database. RFID scanners could be mounted in key locations in the library to monitor book flow. Ideally, a small mid range scanner could be mounted on each bookshelf, thus enabling a very precise mode of pinpointing the exact position of each book within the library. This in turn could lead to more efficient and faster ALU s. Also, another scanner must be placed at the check-out point, where the librarian would mark all outbound and inbound books. Additional scanners can be mounted on each ALU, allowing the user to check out the book himself, if the ALU is equipped to handle independent interaction with the user. Figure 2 shows a proposed placement of RFID scanner within our library model. Figure 2. RFID Scanners layout While the Library Management System we propose is designed to be the infrastructure on which the operation of the ALU depends, it can be used as a stand alone system as it is. Thus, while smaller libraries may not have the funds, or indeed the need for the ALU Robot, the LMS can be implemented as a stand alone library application. ISSN: 1790-5109 187 ISBN: 978-960-474-005-5

3.3. The Automatic Library Assistant Unit (ALU) The Automatic Library Assistant is o robotic vehicle design to interact with the users, and to guide them to the book they request. Figure 3 shows the exterior design of such a unit. As can be observed from figure 3, the ALU is a small tracked vehicle. It stands about 1 meter tall. It is powered by rechargeable batteries. It features a touch screen or alternatively a keyboard to allow users to interact with the unit. In order to keep the price of each unit to a minimum, navigation and direction systems should be simple. Also, it can be noted that the unit itself can be built out of light materials, as it will be functioning in an indoor environment. It doesn t need high performance and expensive batteries, because it only requires about 15-20 minutes of autonomy, depending on the size of the actual library. the library. When the unit will sense that the battery level is low, it will head to the charging bay and charge itself. Also, the charging bay can be located near the check in point, so the unit will be able to charge while waiting for the next user. The CPU of the robot can be anything from a small factor PC to an E-box, depending on what functions the unit will have to perform. The CPU will coordinate the movement of the unit, will read sensor data, as well as enable interaction with the unit. Since a library is a well defined space, with little probability of drastic changes happening fast, the navigation of the unit can be done using simple optics. First, several digital routes will be established throughout the library. These routes will be laid out in order to allow the access of the unit to every part of the library (figure 4). The access routes will be laid out physically in the library by applying a contrasting band on the floor. The only requirement regarding color is to contrast sufficiently from the floor color to be able to be picked up by a webcam on the bottom of the ALU. This creates a cheap, easy to implement navigation system that does not require the use of more expensive and slightly less accurate GPS technology. Figure 3. The Automatic Library assistant The propulsion of the vehicle consists of a pair of rubber tracks, driven by a set of motor wheels. We chose this mode of propulsion because there may be stairs or other small obstacles in the path of the vehicle as it moves thru the library. Wheels may not be able to cross some of these obstacles. While using track does cause a reduction of the maximum speed of the unit, we don t consider this issue a problem because the robot will only have to travel at a maximum speed of 6 km/h, the average walking speed of a human. Using tracks also increases the unit s maneuverability. Thus, it can do a complete 180 degree turn on a spot. This feature can be useful in most libraries, as there is no ample open space to turn using wheels. Power will be supplied by a bank of rechargeable batteries. Since the unit can only move inside the library, it does need to have more than 20 minutes of autonomy. Recharging can be done at special recharging station placed in different points within Figure 4. The ALU Routes enable the unit to find its way within the library. In order to avoid the unit bumping into people, each unit will have infrared sensors that will see if a person is ahead using their body heat. If an obstacle does occur, it will try to go around the obstacle, then it will run a simple search algorithm to find the route line on the floor, and it will continue its journey. Communication with the databases will be provided by a wireless network interface aboard the ALU. ISSN: 1790-5109 188 ISBN: 978-960-474-005-5

It will interface with people using a touch screen, but it can be adapted to use a keyboard and mouse as an input device. It can have two distinct modes of operation: Stand alone the unit is capable of interacting with humans without the assistance of the librarian. It can allow to user to log in, search the database, pick a book then the user will be directed to the book itself, after which the unit will return to its place in the check in area. Assisted mode in this mode, the unit will wait for a command from the librarian. It will receive the name of the book it must search then it will prompt the reader to follow the unit to the book. In this mode, the unit has limited human interaction capabilities, but the equipment required on board is also less sophisticated. Several ALU s can work in the same area with little difficulty. Each one will service its user without being distracted. If two units happen to come across on the same route, they will go around each other and continue their journey. 3.4. Example of use With both main components explained, let s look at how the system processes a request for the book. Both operation modes for the ALU is covered. The scenario differs depending on the mode of operation of the ALU: In the stand alone mode, the user walks to the unit, logs in. The unit then checks the credentials of the users in the database. At this point two things can happen: the user is ok, and database reports all clear. However, if there is a problem with the user, for instance he forgot to return a book or he has been banned from the library, the ALU will refuse to serve him, and will display the reason. If it is because of a unreturned book, it will display the book details, the date when the book should have been returned, and asks the user to return the book. If there is no problem, the user is asked to select the book he wants. Figure 5 shows a screen capture of the window the ALU displays. The ALU submits the query, and receives the location of the book. Then the ALU becomes the guide of the user. Figure 5. The Search Book Screen displayed on the ALU In the assisted mode, the user tells the librarian his password. The librarian submits this information to the database, and receives the user report. If everything is in order, the user tells the librarian the title he wants. The librarian submits the query and gets the location of the book. He then assigns an ALU to be the guide for the user. The next steps are identical to both modes of operation. The ALU will walk along the predetermined routes to the location of the book. Naturally, it will calculate the shortest route possible to the book. While it is moving, it will display a map on screen, as seen in figure 6. Figure 6. As the ALU advances in the library, it updates the map with the current location of the unit and reader When the ALU found the book, it will display a message to the user telling him about where should the book be located according to the RFID scans. ISSN: 1790-5109 189 ISBN: 978-960-474-005-5

After the user picks up the book, he tells the ALU if he needs another one, or if the unit can return back to the check in point using the dialog box shown in Figure 7. If the user decides to leave the library with the book, and does not perform the checkout procedure for the book, the RFID scanner at the entrance of the library will trigger a silent alarm and alert the librarian or the caretakers. If the book is not there, the user can press the NOT Here button, and a message will be sent to the librarians desk, and he or she can intervene to solve the problem. Figure 7. The book has been pinpointed. 4. Conclusion This project attempts to optimize libraries using both a sturdy software base, represented by the LMS, as well a scalable hardware solution, namely the ALU. Proper implementation of this system could mean an increased level of control over the library s assets, as well as shorter waiting lines for the readers. By using RFID technology to mark books, the system allows for many different management applications, more than this paper has presented so far. For now the focus of the project is set on finishing the application, and installing it in a yet undetermined experimental location. So far we have concentrated on putting together the Informational and Physical Layers of the Library Managements System, as well as some parts of the Automatic Library Unit navigation and interface software. The next immediate step in the robot s development is to find the best architecture for the database, in order to ensure optimal search time for each query. Only after this step is completed, the ALU Unit itself can be built and deployed. References: [1]http://jhu.edu/news/audio-video/robot.html - CAPM [2]http://publicaffairs.ubc.ca/media/releases/2005/mr-05-118.html ASRS [3]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfxIIbpOH84 [4]http://handheld.softpedia.com/get/Business/Databases/L ibrary-assistant-6469.shtml [5]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_library_system [6]How to program, Ed. Deitel, 2002 [7] Applied Control of Manipulation, Vukobratovic, M., Stokic, D. [8]Robots - Analysis, Synthesis and Exercises, Springer Verlag, 1991 [9]Sisteme de conducere a roboţilor, Moise, A., Ed. Cartfil, Ploiesti, 1999 [10] Proiectarea sistemelor mecatronice, Dolga, V., Ed. Politehnica, ISBN 978-973-625-573-1, Timişoara, 2007 [11] Roboţi mobili, Mircea Niţulescu, Ed. SITECH Craiova, 1998 [12] Programming C#, Jesse Liberty, 4th edition, 2005 [13]Microsoft C# 2005 Step by Step, John Sharp, Microsoft Press, 2005 [14]Core C# and.net, Stephen C. Perry, Prentice Hall, 2005 ISSN: 1790-5109 190 ISBN: 978-960-474-005-5