Intelligent Library System (ILS) 2.
Intelligent Library System 2.6 (ILS) User Guide Copyright © 2/15/06 by Checkpoint Systems Inc. Released February 15, 2006. Published by: Checkpoint Systems Inc. 101 Wolf Drive Thorofare, NJ 08086 1st Edition - January 5, 2006 Part number: 7305198 For use with Checkpoint’s Intelligent Library System Version 2.6. Checkpoint, Circulation Circuit, Intelligent Library System are registered trademarks of Checkpoint Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
Important Information to our Users in North America FCC Regulatory Compliance Statement Checkpoint Systems, Inc., offers Radio Frequency Identification Products that have been FCC certified or verified to 47 CFR Part 15 Subparts B/C and/or 47 CFR Part 18. Appropriately, one of the following labels will apply to the approval: NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Important Information to our Users in Europe CE Compliance Statement Where applicable, Checkpoint Systems, Inc., offers certain Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products that have CE Declarations of Conformity according to R&TTE Directive 99/5/EC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction..............................................................................................................................................1-1 Library Network Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3 Single Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduling Checkout Cache Synchronization and Host Reconnections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6 Synchronizing the Checkout Cache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8 Downloading Inventory from the Portable Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10 Generating Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performing a Soft Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 Performing a Hard Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 Collecting Inventory Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12 Transferring Inventory Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Exception Ticket Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3 Setting the Printer’s Cut Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4 Inserting Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5 Running a Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applying Circulation Circuits to Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-2 Applying Circulation Circuits to Video Cassettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-3 Applying Circulation Circuits to CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-4 To place barcode labels on CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Touch Screen Does Not Respond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3 Self-Checkout Station Fails to Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4 Application Server Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-4 Self-Checkout Station Not Displaying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER INTRODUCTION CHAPTER0 The Intelligent Library System 2.6 (ILS) is an integrated security tracking and database system that maintains a library’s collection using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to wirelessly coordinate the subscription status of library materials. This protects collections, streamlines operations, and improves patron service. When using ILS, libraries reduce losses, enhance staff productivity, increase circulation flow, and improve patron satisfaction.
The following configuration illustrates an example of the ILS components and connections in a typical ILS setup. Circulation Circuit Programming Station Circulation Circuit Self-Checkout Station Staff Station Reader Intelligent Sensors Intelligent Library Controller Library Management System Portable Reader Figure 1.1 Sample Intelligent Library System Components Note: 1-2 Your specific ILS configuration may not include one or more of the components shown. ILS 2.
Library Network Topology In addition to supporting the Single Branch topology, ILS Version 2.6 supports the following library topologies: • “Single Branch” • “Single Server, Multi-Branch Architecture” • “Peer-to-Peer Communication” Figure 1.2 depicts the library network topologies supported by ILS Version 2.6. Single Branch Application Server Single Server, Multi-Branch Local Security Controller Peer Branch Main Branch Main Branch Peer-to-Peer = branch Peer Branch Peer Branch Figure 1.
Single Server, Multi-Branch Architecture New with this release, ILS Version 2.6 enables a single server to manage the circulation of not only its only branch but multiple remote branches as well, granting the administrator greater power and ease to manage the entire system. In this scenario, Local Security Controllers are used to assist the Application Server. The Local Security Controller (LSC) is a combination hardware and software solution for a multi-branch ILS deployment.
Document Overview This manual provides a general overview of the ILS technology and illustrates the use and operation of each component. This manual has been designed for the librarian and administrator and contains all the information necessary to take full advantage of the system capabilities. The Intelligent Library System enhances your library experience because of the system's inherent ease of use and efficiency.
System Overview The following sections describe how the Intelligent Library System interacts with a library’s circulation system to maintain its collection. How RF Query Circuits The Intelligent Library components - Self-Checkout Station, Intelligent Sensor, Staff Station Reader, and Portable Reader - all use a Radio Frequency (RF) antenna and transceiver system (interrogator) which detects and reads the Intelligent Circulation Circuits.
Patron Checkout and Check-In Patrons use Self-Checkout Stations to checkout library materials. Self-Checkout Stations include a patron card reader, an RFID Circulation Circuit interrogator, a touch screen monitor, and a printer in one compact unit. This provides the patron with library transaction capability without any librarian assistance.
Checkout Process Diagrammed here is how library materials are checked out. Self-Checkout Station Staff Station Reader Intelligent Sensors Intelligent Library Controller Figure 1.4 Check Out Flow 1 The Circulation Circuit, encoded with the necessary information, is wirelessly read by either the Self-Checkout Station or the Staff Station Reader.
Inventory Collection You can use the Portable Reader to inventory the library’s contents or to find individual items. The unit is a battery powered hand-held device that interrogates RFID Circulation Circuits as you walk by tagged items, when the unit detection head is within a ten-inch (25 cm) radius. The Portable Reader searches for specified items using its search function.
Exit Monitoring The Intelligent Sensor protects exit/entry aisles against unchecked library materials leaving the secured area by determining whether tagged items have checked (authorized/ no alarm) or unchecked (unauthorized/alarm) events. Intelligent Sensors Intelligent Library Controller Figure 1.6 Exit Monitoring Programming Circuits The optional Circulation Circuit Programming Station allows libraries to read and create their own RFID Circulation Circuit tags and print barcode labels.
ILS Without an LMS Connection It is possible for ILS to operate without an active Library Management System (LMS) interconnection using the ILS Bridge Interface feature. The Bridge Interface feature allows libraries with non-supported circulation vendors or no circulation systems to use the security and Staff Station Reader functionality of the ILS. With the Bridge Interface, the user of the ILS Control program monitors and changes the operation mode (check-in or checkout) of the Staff Station Readers.
ILS Intelligent Sensor The ILS Intelligent Sensor (exit gates) provides security at library exits and corrals by generating a radio field that gathers circuit information from a distance up to 24 inches (61 cm). Two intelligent sensors form a secure aisle up to 48 inches (122 cm) wide for circuit detection range. Additionally, the sensor communicates back to the Library Management System via the Intelligent Library Controller in real-time, determining whether an item has been checked out.
Staff Station Reader The Staff Station Reader functions as an interface to ILS and circulation activities for library personnel. The Staff Station Reader reads RFID Circulation Circuits (tags) when a book is placed on the reader at up to 12 inches (30 cm) from the reader in a vertical direction.
The Self-Checkout Station supports multiple languages simultaneously. When programmed, a language selection screen is presented to the patron to select a language for the self-checkout transaction. A typical scenario for a patron to check out a book is as follows. 1 A patron arrives at the Self-Checkout Station and selects a language (if using multiple languages). 2 The patron is identified by the system with their patron ID card.
The wand can also be used for item searches and shelf order checking. Item information is uploaded to the data terminal, allowing you to scan the ID. Once found, an audible alert sounds and the ID displays. Inventory Wand Portable Data Terminal Figure 1.
One exception ticket printer can service multiple interrogators. This means that a receipt might print at the exception ticket printer near Drop Box A for a book that is returned at Drop Box B. CheckVIEW New in Version 2.6 is the CheckVIEW utility, enabling library staff to remotely monitor up to four different Self-Checkout Stations at one time from any computer within the library.
workstation that allows the library staff to program Circulation Circuits while moving around the library. Figure 1.13 Circulation Circuit Programmer When adding a new item to the collection and programming the Circulation Circuit, the library can also print a barcode label. In many cases, libraries will continue to support the use of barcodes in addition to the RFID inventory Circulation Circuits, mainly for compatibility with other branch libraries still using barcodes.
Notes 1-18 ILS 2.
CHAPTER APPLICATION SERVER CHAPTER0 The Application Server hardware hosts the Intelligent Library Controller software, which is the core-processing component of the Intelligent Library System.
Check System Status The Intelligent Library Controller provides current information on the status of the ILS system and ILS Portable Reader. You also use it to generate reports. The four main sections of the Intelligent Library Controller window include: • Self-Checkout Station Status (page 2-2) • Host Status (page 2-4) • Interrogator Status (page 2-4) • Exit Alarms (page 2-6) With the exception of the Interrogator Status section, these sections can be displayed or hidden from view.
• System State Identifies whether or not the Self-Checkout Station is connected (on-line) or not connected (off-line) to the LMS. • Printer State Displays messages about the printer, including: OK, out of paper, I/O error, and so on. These messages are generated by Windows. Figure 2.2 System Status Section To display the System Status Section: Click System Status in the button bar. See Figure 2.3. Figure 2.3 System Status Button OR Select Status > System Status Display in the menu bar.
Host Status The Host Status section notifies you if the host (Library Management System) is on-line or off-line and whether or not Off-Line Processing is enabled. Figure 2.5 Host Status Area The Off-Line Processing feature allows a library to configure the Intelligent Library Controller and Self-Checkout Stations so they can continue to operate while the LMS is off-line.
• Status Operational status of the interrogator (on-line or off-line). • Details Shows a history of connections for each interrogator, including IP address, port number, whether the connection was a connect or disconnect, connection date, and connection time. The number in parentheses (#) shows how many reconnections were attempted. (A high number of attempts may indicate network problems.) This section cannot be hidden from view.
Exit Alarms The Exit Alarms section displays information about each exit alarm that has occurred, including: Figure 2.
1 Select Maintenance > Task Scheduler. Figure 2.10 Task Scheduler Menu 2 In the ILS Task Scheduler window, click View Current Schedule or Modify Current Schedule, depending on which task you want to perform. View Current Schedule does not allow you to change the schedule. 3 Type the ILS username and password in the ILS Login window. The default username is ils and the default password is maint. 4 Click OK to log in to the Task Scheduler. The Task Scheduler window displays: Figure 2.
b Click the Disable Task checkbox to override the scheduled time that the task should run. The task will not run until you clear the checkbox. c Enter a name for the task. d Select whether the task should be run Weekly/Daily or Monthly. If you select Monthly, enter the day of the month on which the task should run. e For each day of the week that you want the task to run, enter a time to start the task.
3 Type a user name and password in the ILS Login dialog box and click OK. The default username is ils and the default password is maint. The Checkout Cache Synchronize window displays. Figure 2.13 Checkout Cache file location 4 In the Checkout Cache Synchronize window, navigate to and select the checkout cache file (the one that was downloaded from the LMS), usually located at c:\InetPub\ FTPRoot. The name of the file is customizable for each library. 5 Click Open to start the synchronization.
Downloading Inventory from the Portable Reader Downloading inventory information is a two-step process. First, you download the information from the Portable Reader to the Intelligent Library Controller. Then the Intelligent Library Controller converts the information to the inventory file format used by the LMS and copies it to a directory from which the LMS accesses it (using FTP).
Generating Reports This section describes the ILS reports provided by the Intelligent Library Controller and gives instructions for generating them. Available reports include: • Checkout Discrepancy Report Use this report only if your site allows off-line processing. This report lists off-line checkout events that were rejected by the LMS after it returned to on-line processing. See “Checkout Discrepancy Report” on page 2-14.
Specifying a Time Period for Any Report You can specify a time period in one of three ways: • “Choose a Time Period” • “Use the Calendar” • “Enter the From and To information” yourself Choose a Time Period 1 Choose the time period by using the drop-down list labelled Time Period of Interest. Choices include: Today, Yesterday, This Week, Last Week, This Month, Last Month, and All Data. 2 Enter a From and To time, or leave the fields blank to accept the default times: From = 12:00:00 A.M. To = 11:59:59 P.
Use the Calendar 1 Click From (or To) to display the calendar form. Figure 2.18 Calendar 1 Select the month and year from the drop-down lists. 2 Select the day from the calendar table. 3 Specify the time. Enter the time yourself, or select the time by pressing the up-down arrow buttons at the end of the field. Click Now to use the current time. 4 Click OK. Enter the From and To information In the From and To fields, enter the date and time yourself.
Checkout Discrepancy Report Use this report only if your site allows off-line processing. This report lists off-line checkout events that were rejected by the LMS after it returned to on-line processing. Before you can successfully generate this report, you must use the Offline Synchronize function (see “Synchronize Offline Transactions” on page 13-3) to move off-line transactions into the transaction database.
5 Click Generate Report. The report displays. Figure 2.20 Sample Checkout Discrepancy Report 6 Resolve any discrepancies using the Library Management System. The Checkout Discrepancy Report contains the following fields. Table 2.1 Checkout Discrepancy Report Field Names and Data Description Field Name Possible Field Data Data Description Branch Name of branch The branch at which the discrepancy occurred. Patron Identifier ID Number The patron ID number in this transaction.
2 In the Intelligent Library System Control window, select Reports > Patron Status Discrepancy, or click the Patron Discrepancy Report button. The Patron Status Discrepancy window displays: Figure 2.21 Patron Status Discrepancy List window 3 In the Specific Report: Patron Discrepancy List window, enter the time period for which to run the report. See “Specifying a Time Period for Any Report” on page 2-12 for details on the different ways to enter time criteria.
7 Resolve any discrepancies using the Library Management System. The Patron Discrepancy Report contains the following fields. Table 2.2 Patron Discrepancy Report Field Names and Descriptions Field Name Possible Field Data Data Description Branch Name of branch The branch at which the discrepancy occurred. Patron Identifier ID Number The patron ID number in this transaction. Transaction Date Date/Time Date and time of the transaction.
Generic Reports The Intelligent Library Controller stores all activity, such as patron validation, checkout, check-in, and exit alarms, as a transaction. You can generate custom reports from these activities, which list specific transactions and transaction counts. To generate a Generic Report: 1 In the Intelligent Library System Control window, select Reports > Generic Report. The Generic Report window displays: Figure 2.
d The type of report to generate (list or count), or keep the default All Transactions List. Choices include: All Transactions Count, Discrepancy Count, Discrepancy List, Failed Transaction Count, Failed Transaction List, Successful Transaction Count, and Successful Transaction List. 4 If desired, enter the Patron ID for which you are searching. 5 If desired, enter the Item ID for which you are searching.
The Generic Report contains the following fields. Table 2.3 User Specified - Report for All Transaction List Field Names and Descriptions Field Name Possible Field Data Data Description Branch Branch Name of the branch. Transaction date Date/Time Date and time of the transaction. Station Name Name of Interrogator Name of the interrogator where the transaction occurred. Status Completed The transaction was successfully completed on-line.
Exit Alarm Report This report lists items that caused an alarm at specified exits. To generate an Exit Alarm Report: 1 In the Intelligent Library System Control window, select Reports > Exit Alarm, or click on the Exit Alarm Report button. The Exit Alarm Report window displays: Figure 2.25 Exit Alarm Report window 2 In the Specific Report: Exit Alarm Report window, enter the time period for which to run the report.
4 Click Generate Report. The report displays: Figure 2.26 Sample Exit Alarm Report The Generic Report contains the following fields. Table 2.4 Exit Alarm Report Field Names and Descriptions Field Name Possible Field Data Data Description Transaction date Date/Time Date and time of transaction Item Identifier ID Number The item number in this transaction Book Title Book title Name of the book. Branch Name of branch The branch at which the discrepancy occurred.
Check In Report This report lists items that failed to check-in or that require special handling. To generate the Check In Report: 1 In the Intelligent Library System Control window, select Reports > Check In. The Check In Report window displays: Figure 2.27 Check In Report window 2 In the Specific Report: Check In Report window, enter the time period for which to run the report. See “Specifying a Time Period for Any Report” on page 2-12 for details on the different ways to enter time criteria.
5 Click Generate Report. The report displays: Figure 2.28 Sample Check In Report The Check In Report contains the following fields. Table 2.5 Check In Report Field Names and Descriptions Field Name Possible Field Data Data Description Branch Name of branch Name of branch at which check-in occurred Transaction Date Date/Time Date and time of the transaction. Check-in Location Name of location Location of the check-in station. Item ID ID Number The item identifier number in this transaction.
Working with the Bridge Interface The Bridge Interface allows libraries with non-supported circulation vendors, or no LMS at all, to use the ILS security and Staff Station reader features. Self-Checkout Stations are not available when using Bridge mode. You can change the operation mode of the Staff Station Readers programmed as a tag pad to either check-in or checkout materials during normal operations.
2 Click Edit. The Edit Interrogator window displays. Figure 2.30 Edit Interrogator Window 3 Type a Group number in the Group number dialog box. 4 Click Save. 5 Close the window using the top right-hand corner X. 6 Click Save on the main window to save your changes. 7 Repeat step 2 through step 6 for each Staff Station Reader you wish to assign to a group. You can create multiple groups.
Display System Information To display copyright and version information about ILS: 1 In the Intelligent Library System Control window, select Help > About ILS. Figure 2.31 Help About Navigation 2 Click System Info to see a detailed listing of all components and their versions. Figure 2.
Notes 2-28 ILS 2.
CHAPTER PATRON SELF-CHECKOUT STATION CHAPTER0 The Self-Checkout Station enables library patrons to check out library materials without the assistance of library staff. The Self-Checkout Station guides patrons smoothly through the checkout process with step-by-step instructions to assist in checking out materials properly. The process is quick, efficient, and (if available) delivers a printed receipt listing the checked out materials and their due dates.
Beginning a Self-Checkout Station Session If the Self-Checkout Station is configured to use multiple languages, the first window shown is the ILS multiple language welcome window. Figure 3.1 ILS Multiple Language Welcome window If configured to use a single language, the first window shown is the ILS single language welcome window. Figure 3.2 ILS Single Language Welcome window 1 Touch the screen or select a language to begin the checkout process. • Some libraries support multiple institutions.
Presenting a Patron ID Card, Step 1 Have your patron ID card ready and follow the instructions shown on the window, seen here. Figure 3.3 Patron Identification window 1 On the right side of the window, you are given visual instructions on how to present your patron ID card for authorization.
4 If you have not been authorized, the Patron Identification Failure window appears. Figure 3.4 Patron Identification Failure window Contact the librarian desk for further assistance. After a short period the Welcome window is displayed again allowing normal checkout procedure. 3-4 ILS 2.
Scanning Items for Checkout, Step 2 Once authorized for checkout, the window advances and instructions appear on how to check out each item. On the left side of the window, the patron’s name displays at the top. Once you have checked out items, a list of those items displays as shown in the Items Identification window - Item List shown below. Figure 3.
2 Repeat the above step for each item you want to check out. As you pass the item over the pad, the system identifies each item and lists it on the left side of the window. Some institutions may provide additional information along with the item name. Figure 3.6 Items Identification window - Item List At anytime in the checkout process you may touch Done to complete your checkout session. The Done button is on the right bottom of the window.
Viewing Items that Could Not be Checked Out If any item you tried to check out is not accepted, a message appears indicating the system was unable to process the item. Listed are the title (if available) of the item and the reason for denied access. If the title is not available, No Match appears next to Title. Figure 3.8 Item Identification window - Failure If numerous items have been rejected so that all cannot be fully displayed on the left, a scroll bar appears to the right of the list.
Finishing Checkout, Step 3 The Step 3 window displays when you have finished checking out all your items and touched Done. The window instructs you to collect your printed receipt and shows you the total number of items checked out. Figure 3.9 End Session window Collect the printed receipt from the receipt dispenser. Your receipt lists the items you have checked out as well as the return due date for each item. Note: Some institutions may not provide a printed receipt.
1 Remove the printer cover on the Self-Checkout Station. Paper Roll Release Lever Figure 3.10 Paper Roll Release 2 Press the paper roll release lever to the front of the unit and swing the paper guide up and away from the printer. Insert paper in this direction. Do not insert paper in this direction. Figure 3.11 Insert Paper 3 Remove the empty roll and lower in the new roll, with the paper facing the correct direction.
4 Pull the paper out a bit, as seen below in Figure 3.12, “Lower the Paper Guide.” Figure 3.12 Lower the Paper Guide 5 Rotate the paper guide back down until you position the guide in between the main roll and the paper fed underneath the paper guide. 6 Once the paper guide clicks into place, the paper cutter should activate and partially cut the paper. If not, then reseat the paper guide again. If the cutter still fails to activate, reboot the Self-Checkout Station and try again.
Powering Off the Self-Checkout Station The following procedure shuts down a Self-Checkout Station using CheckVIEW: 1 Launch CheckVIEW on the library staff’s computer by clicking Start > Programs > Checkpoint Systems > CheckVIEW Monitor from the library staff’s computer. 2 Access the specific Self-Checkout Station by selecting View from the menu and then select one of the Display (1-4) options for the desired Self-Checkout Station. 3 On the keyboard, press CTRL + SHIFT + DEL. 4 Click Shut down.
Notes 3-12 ILS 2.
CHAPTER PORTABLE READER CHAPTER0 Overview The Portable Reader is an easy-to-use wireless long range reader that changes how library staff take inventory. The Portable Reader combines convenience with versatility, using a lightweight, handheld portable data terminal connected to an extendable inventory wand. This makes it easy to read items in hard-to-reach areas, and, because of the sophisticated antenna design and electronics, the Portable Reader becomes a very long-range reader.
Inventory Wand LED Indicators The inventory wand uses three LED lights: Green Red Yellow Figure 4.2 Wand LED Indicators Table 4.1 4-2 Wand LED Indicators LED Description Green The power is on Red Circulation circuit is being read Yellow Low battery condition ILS 2.
Charging the Inventory Wand Battery Prior to using the inventory wand for any significant inventory collection or inventory search session, ensure that its battery is fully charged to guarantee that the entire collection is inventoried all at once. Press here and lift the battery upwards Figure 4.3 Extracting Inventory Wand battery To extract the battery from the inventory wand: 1 Rotate the inventory wand so that the antenna is facing away from you as shown in “Extracting Inventory Wand battery”.
There is an LED indicator on the battery charger that indicates when the battery is completely charged. 5 When charging completes, disconnect the power plug. Insert the front of the battery (with the tab) first into the wand’s battery receptacle, then rotate the back of battery down until it clicks into place. Maintaining the Portable Data Terminal This section details how to charge and turn on and off the portable data terminal.
2 Plug the power cable into a wall outlet and plug the other end into the battery charging receptacle on the side of the synchronization cable. Serial Charging Cable * . Figure 4.6 Battery charging with serial charging cable Using the Universal Cable Cup to charge the battery To charge the battery using the Universal Cable Cup: 1 On the cable cup, ensure the locking tabs are in the open position (up). 2 Insert the PDT into the cable cup. 3 Press down on the two locking tabs. Locking Tabs Figure 4.
5 Open the rubber cap covering the power port. Rubber Cap Figure 4.8 Connecting power cable 6 Plug the power connector into the power port. The battery is fully charged after approximately 2 1/2 hours. Powering On and Off the Portable Data Terminal 1 To turn on the PDT, press the red power button on the lower left-hand side of the terminal to turn on the unit. * . Power Button Figure 4.
Using the Portable Data Terminal In this chapter the word tap is used instead of click because the stylus supplied is used to tap the touch screen. There are no double-clicks on the Portable Data Terminal unit as all actions are accomplished by a single tap. The stylus is stored in a silo on the back of the Portable Data Terminal. Please refer to the Symbol Portable Data Terminal Series Quick Reference Guide for more information regarding use of this device.
3 Tap the System tab at the bottom of the Settings Panel window. Figure 4.11 Settings Window 4 Tap the Power icon. The Battery Status window displays. This window shows you the power status of both the main and the backup batteries. Figure 4.12 Battery Status 4-8 ILS 2.
A warning displays if either battery is low. Figure 4.
Performing a Reset If your PDT stops responding to input from buttons or the screen, reset it by performing a soft or hard reset. Only perform a hard reset if a soft reset fails to clear the problem. Performing a Soft Reset A soft reset restarts the terminal and saves all stored records and entries. Caution Files that remain open during a warm boot may not be retained. DO NOT perform a soft reset if the terminal is suspended. Press the power button to wake the terminal. Right Scan Trigger Figure 4.
2 Turn the locking screw counterclockwise until the cover releases from the terminal and lift the battery door away from the terminal. Reset Button 3 While holding down the button, use the tip of the stylus (or similar object without a sharp tip) to gently press the Reset button. 4 Release the button. 5 Replace the battery cover and hand strap and press the button. As the terminal initializes its unique Flash File system, the Symbol splash screen displays for about a minute.
Collecting Inventory Data Now that the Portable Data Terminal has been initialized, you are ready to begin collecting inventory information. 1 Connect the synchronization cable from the inventory wand to the Portable Data Terminal. * . Synchronization Cable Figure 4.16 Attaching Synchronization Cable to Portable Data Terminal 2 Turn on the Portable Data Terminal by pressing the red button in the lower-left hand corner of the device. * . Power Button Figure 4.
Once you have powered on the Portable Data Terminal, you are presented with the ILS Inventory main menu window. Figure 4.18 ILS Inventory Main window Note: If you do not see the main ILS Inventory window, tap the Start button in the upper-left hand corner of the screen. Tap on the ILS Inventory menu item in the start menu to launch the program. 3 Tap Inventory Collection located in the center of the screen. Figure 4.
• Selecting Yes continues the previous inventory collection and new items are added to the file. • If you select No, you are asked to confirm that you do not wish to keep the existing data. Tap OK if sure and a new inventory file is created. Tap Cancel to append to the file (as if you had selected Yes). • If you want to transfer the previous file after selecting Yes, you can immediately tap Done to initiate a file transfer. 6 Begin scanning for items. 3-8 in 7-20cm Figure 4.
Alternatively, you can use the barcode scanner of the PDT to scan for barcodes. Press either the left or right scan trigger button to activate the barcode scanner, which beams from the front of the PDT. Figure 4.21 Inventory Collection In Progress Once you begin scanning, the following information displays in the ILS Inventory screen: • Most recently scanned items The bar code number for that circuit displays on the Portable Data Terminal in the Most Recently Scanned Items field.
Transferring Inventory Data Once you complete scanning inventory, follow these instructions to transfer the data. 1 After you have finished collecting inventory by tapping Done, a dialog window displays asking if you want to transfer the data collected. Tap OK to do so. Note: If you wish to continue the inventory collection after you have pressed Done, press Cancel to prevent file transfer and re-enter inventory collection mode. 2 Unplug the cable from the bottom of the Portable Data Terminal.
Searching the Inventory Use this function to search for missing or desired materials. Library material must have a circulation circuit attached to it for this function to succeed. Also, it is helpful if scanning for more than one item that you prepare an Item Search List file before searching. Preparing an Item Search List File An Item Search List file contains the barcodes you wish to find. The file uses the .
4 Navigate to the location of your file and change the extension of the file to PSL. For example, “Item Search.txt” becomes “Item Search.psl”. Figure 4.24 PSL File Name Change The next section informs you how to transfer this file to the Portable Data Terminal using the docking station. Transferring the Search List File To transfer a search list file (or files) from the Intelligent Library Controller to your Portable Data Terminal 1 Place the search file (for example, Item Search.
Importing the Search List File To import the search list file: 1 From the main screen of ILS Inventory, tap Item Search. The Item Search window displays. Figure 4.25 Search List File 2 Follow either instruction for importing barcodes: a If you are searching for a single barcode, you can input the number directly into the Item Search Barcode field. Tap Add when finished and the barcode number appears below. The name of the search result file is stated in the Result File field (for example, “search2.
b If you have created a search file, tap Import. The Import window displays. Figure 4.26 Search File Import c Ensure that Item Search List Files (*.psl) is selected as the type, using the down arrow at right to select the type of file displayed. Your search file appears below in the Name field (the example shows “Item Search” already highlighted). d Tap the file name (for example, you would tap Item Search, shown above), and the file imports automatically.
3 In the Item Search window, the Barcodes field displays the barcodes that will be used in searching for items. Figure 4.27 Item Search Input If you need to move or delete a particular barcode, highlight it and select the appropriate action at right. 4 Tap OK. You see the ILS Inventory window. Figure 4.28 Inventory Search 5 Tap Start to begin your inventory search.
Scanning for Inventory There are several ways to view information on the Search Mode window. • View 1 - Items Found Indicates all of the barcodes that were found. • View 2 - Items Not Found Indicates all of the barcodes that the system has not yet found. • View 3 - Show All Items Shows both the Items Found and the Items Not Yet Found. This is the default selection. • Alerts Enabled When the Alerts enabled is selected, an alert displays and sound occurs for each item found.
Note: While the red light may flash when the scanner detects any tag, a barcode only displays in the Items found list if it matches an item present in your Search Items list. 3 When a barcode is found; the barcode, shelf location, and title of the item (if all configured in your search file) display. Retrieve the item, if necessary, and tap Continue to resume the search. Figure 4.30 Item Found Alert 4 When finished, tap Done at the bottom of the screen.
5 Tap OK to continue and the Item Search result files are generated. A dialog box displays asking you to dock the Portable Data Terminal to transfer the Search Results file. Figure 4.32 Portable Data Terminal Docking 6 Tap OK and place the Portable Data Terminal into the docking station to begin the transfer. Note: In Wireless mode the file transfer is automatic. If you would like to abort the file transfer, tap Cancel. You are returned to the Item Search window.
Two additional files are also created to list the items found and the items not found. • The Items Found file uses the file extension *.psf. • The Items Not Found file uses the file extension *.psm. These files may be used to perform another search, or may be processed as results of the search on the circulation system. Every time you upload the results of an Item Search, the search results file “PPTSearchRst.txt” is overwritten with the new data automatically.
Importing Shelf Order File To import a Shelf Order file: 1 From the main screen of ILS Inventory, tap Shelf Order. The Shelf Order window displays. Figure 4.34 Shelf Order Window 2 Follow either instruction for importing a shelf order list: a If you are checking a single barcode, you can input the number directly into the Shelf Order Barcode field. Tap Add when finished and the barcode number appears below. The name of the search result file is stated in the Result File field (for example, “sorder1.
b If you have created a shelf order search file, tap Import. The Import window displays. Figure 4.35 Search File Import c Ensure that Shelf Order List Files (*.pso) is selected as the type, using the down arrow at right to select the type of file displayed. Your search file appears below in the Name field (the example shows “shelf order” already highlighted). d Tap the file name (for example, you would tap shelf order, shown above), and the file imports automatically.
3 In the Shelf Order Barcode window, the Barcodes field displays the barcodes that are used in searching for items. Figure 4.36 Item Search Input If you need to move or delete a particular barcode, highlight it and select the appropriate action at right. 4 Tap OK. You are taken to the ILS Inventory window. Figure 4.37 Shelf Order Start 4-28 ILS 2.
