JP2005346210A - Article monitoring system, article identification tag, user identification tag and control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a flexible article monitoring system easily operable in an office or the like. <P>SOLUTION: This article monitoring system 1 comprises an article identification information transmitting means 101 transmitting article identification information which is attached to an article of a monitoring object and identifies this article; a user identification information transmitting means 102 transmitting user identification information identifying a user, who has the authority of operating the article; an article identification information receiving means 103 receiving the article identification information transmitted from the transmitting means 101; a user identification information receiving means 104 receiving the user identification information transmitted from the transmitting means 102; and a reporting means 105 executing a predetermined reporting operation at least in case that the receiving means 103 cannot receive the article identification information for the article, and the receiving means 104 cannot receive the user identification information for the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an article monitoring system that can suitably prevent an article from being illegally taken away or used.

A well-known example of a system for preventing goods from being taken away illegally is a shoplifting prevention system mainly used in retail stores. This type of shoplifting prevention system can attach an anti-crime tag mounted with an electronic circuit to a target article (that is, a product) in advance, generate an electromagnetic field at a store entrance, and detect a change in the electromagnetic field. A gate device is arranged to issue a notification when a change in the electromagnetic field generated when the tag passes through the electromagnetic field is detected (for example, refer to the following patent document).
Japanese Patent Publication No. 08-018630 Japanese Patent No. 3123737

  A system such as the above example is highly convenient as a system that simply detects unauthorized take-out of an article, and is currently widely used. However, it is impossible to prevent unauthorized take-out by a person who does not have proper authority while permitting take-out by a person having valid authority. In other words, the number of people who are trying to take items out is completely exaggerated. If the focus is on shoplifting in retail stores, it can be presumed that the act of taking goods without going through the cash register is shoplifting, so consider whether the person trying to take the goods has a legitimate authority. You do n’t have to. From the viewpoint of customer privacy, it may be preferable that there is no opportunity to confirm how many customers there are. For these reasons, the shoplifting prevention system of the above example cannot be applied to applications that allow or deter the take-out depending on how many people are trying to take the article.

  Moreover, the system of the above example has a very large spatial restriction. This is because it only detects that the tag has passed near the gate device. Actually, in stores where such a shoplifting prevention system is laid, the number of entrances is limited to a small number (sometimes one), and gate devices are arranged at all entrances. In other words, a large-scale preparatory work such as closing some doorways is necessary for the operation of the system. Also, it is not easy to apply to spaces other than retail stores, such as offices. And in the system of the said example, about the goods once taken out of the store, fundamentally nothing can be involved.

  The present invention made in view of the above problems is intended to realize an article monitoring system that can be easily operated in an office or the like.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation for the article is monitored, and the article identification information for identifying the article is attached to the article to be monitored. From the article identification information sending means 101 for sending, the user identification information sending means 102 for sending the user identification information for identifying the user possessed by the user having the authority to operate the article, and the article identification information sending means 101 Article identification information receiving means 103 for receiving the article identification information to be sent, user identification information receiving means 104 for receiving the user identification information sent from the user identification information sending means 102, and at least the article identification relating to the article Information cannot be received by the article identification information receiving means 103, and user identification information relating to the user is not received by the user identification information receiving means. If the 04 can not be received, it was constructed article surveillance system 1 formed by and a alarm unit 105 for executing a predetermined alarm operation.

  In the present invention, in a situation where there is no user having a legitimate authority (that is, user identification information relating to a user having the legitimate authority cannot be received), the article to be monitored is taken away (that is, the target of the monitoring target). When the article identification information related to the article cannot be received), the alarm is issued. If this is the case, it is possible to discriminate between regular take-out and unauthorized take-out of articles, and it is possible to report only unauthorized take-out by persons who do not have a legitimate authority and suppress this. It becomes. Also, the spatial constraints are greatly relaxed compared to known shoplifting prevention systems. A large-scale preparatory work such as closing some entrances and installing gate devices at the remaining entrances is unnecessary in the article monitoring system according to the present invention, and can be easily applied to offices and the like. In addition, by providing the article identification information transmitting unit 103, the user identification information receiving unit 104, and the reporting unit 105 at a plurality of locations, an article is continuously taken out from one place and brought into another place. The article can be protected.

  Here, the operation with respect to the article is a concept encompassing using the article by touching it and taking out the article. In addition, the predetermined notification operation is a concept that includes an operation that is executed in order to inform some people of the fact that an illegal operation has been performed. Enumeration includes the generation and recording of log information related to alarm sounding, light emission, vibration, and the fact that unauthorized operation was performed, notification to the owner or manager of goods, security officers, security authorities, etc., telecommunications line The transmission to an external information processing apparatus via the Internet, and the others generally correspond to the alerting operation.

  It further includes authority information storage means 106 for storing article identification information related to the article and user identification information related to a user who has authority to operate the article, and is stored in the authority information storage means 106. User identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the authority information storage means 106 in association with the article identification information, in which the article identification information receiving means 103 cannot receive the article identification information corresponding to the article identification information. If the user identification information receiving unit 104 cannot receive the notification, the reporting unit 105 can perform a reporting operation, so that it is possible to set an operable range of the article for each user.

  When the user identification information receiving means 104 can receive the user identification information related to the user who has the authority to operate the article, the article identification information receiving means 103 can no longer receive the article identification information related to the article. If it is further provided with a take-out log information output means 107 for generating and outputting take-out log information relating to the fact that the article has been taken out, the fact that the article to be monitored has been taken out or rented out is ex-post. It becomes possible to confirm. Here, the output of information is a concept that encompasses transmission via a telecommunication line, writing to a required recording medium, printing out, display on a screen, and the like.

  Both the user identification information and the user identification information are received when the authorized user himself / herself takes out the article, or when the authorized user leaves the place after lending the article to another person. It becomes impossible to meet the requirements for the alarm operation. However, if it is a legitimate takeout or loan, of course, the alerting action should not be performed. Therefore, when the takeout log information output means 107 generates takeout log information related to the fact that the article was taken out, even if the user identification information receiving means 104 cannot receive the user identification information related to the user, It is preferable that the reporting unit 105 does not execute the reporting operation for the article. With the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately carry out or lend an article. However, it may be assumed that the above-mentioned configuration is not dared to prevent the user who has approved the lending of the article from leaving the place until the article is returned.

  After the takeout log information output means 107 generates takeout log information relating to the fact that the article was taken out, the article identification information receiving means 103 can receive the article identification information related to the article again. If it further comprises return log information output means 108 for generating and outputting return log information relating to the fact that the article identified by this article identification information has been returned, the fact that the article has been returned is determined afterwards. It becomes possible to confirm.

  Article identification information that is not stored in the authority information storage means 106, further comprising authority information storage means 106 that stores article identification information relating to the article and user identification information relating to a user who has authority to operate the article. When the article identification information receiving means 103 can receive information, the brought-in log information output means 109 generates brought-in log information related to the fact that the article identified by the article identification information is brought in. If so, it is possible to detect an article brought in from another place, in other words, an article that did not originally exist.

  It further comprises take-out operation accepting means 110 for accepting an operation input indicating that the article is to be taken out, and accepting an operation input indicating that the user or another user approved by the user takes out the article. When the means 110 accepts, even if the article identification information receiving means 103 can no longer receive the article identification information related to this article, the reporting means 105 does not execute the reporting operation for the article. The system can surely know that the article is taken out or rented, which is preferable in terms of the processing procedure. Moreover, it becomes a psychological suppression with respect to a user trying to take an article easily. In addition, when the operation input indicating that the article is to be taken out is received, the article identification information sending means 101 attached to the taken-out article stops sending the article identification information, thereby saving power. . It is also conceivable to construct a system so that the reporting unit 105 performs a reporting operation when an article is taken out without any operation input (even if an authorized user exists).

  In the article monitoring system 1 according to the present invention, the article identification information cannot be transmitted / received when the battery for driving the article identification information transmitting unit 101 is exhausted, other than when the article is taken out. Battery consumption information indicating that the power of the battery driving the article identification information transmitting means 101 has been consumed (information indicating that the battery power is almost exhausted, or that the battery power will be exhausted in the near future. Battery exhaustion information transmitting means 111 for transmitting (information to be notified in advance), and battery exhaustion information receiving means 112 for receiving battery exhaustion information transmitted from the battery exhaustion information transmitting means 111, further comprising the article identification information transmitting means. When the battery consumption information receiving unit 112 receives battery consumption information indicating that the power of the battery driving the 101 has been consumed, the item identification information transmitted from the item identification information transmission unit 101 is the item identification information receiving unit. Even if 103 cannot be received, it is assumed that the reporting unit 105 does not execute the reporting operation for the item identified by the item identification information. It may perform adequately alarm operation after having determined the takeout and battery exhaustion of the article.

  If it further comprises battery consumption notifying means 113 for notifying the user and other third parties that the power of the battery for driving the article identification information transmitting means has been consumed, it is beneficial for maintenance work such as battery replacement. To do.

  Further, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation for the article is monitored, the sensor means 201 attached to the article to be monitored and sensing the operation for the article, and the article User identification information transmission means 202 for transmitting user identification information for identifying a user possessed by a user having the authority to operate, and receiving user identification information for receiving user identification information transmitted from the user identification information transmission means 202 A security operation for performing a predetermined security operation when the sensor unit 201 senses at least an operation on the article 203 and the user identification information receiving unit 203 cannot receive the user identification information relating to the user. The article monitoring system 2 comprising the means 204 was constructed.

  In the present invention, in a situation where there is no user having a legitimate authority (that is, user identification information relating to a user having the legitimate authority cannot be received), the article to be monitored is operated (that is, It is assumed that an alarm is issued when an operation on the article is sensed via the sensor means 201). Even in such a case, it is possible to discriminate between an operation by a user having a legitimate authority and an illegal operation by a person who does not have a legitimate authority, and to suppress only the illegal operation.

  Here, the crime prevention operation means a general operation effective for protecting an article from an unauthorized operation, and a typical example thereof is a reporting operation. However, the crime prevention operation is not limited to the reporting operation. For example, when the article is stored in a storage tool (folder, case, bag, fixture, etc.) that can be opened and closed, locking that prohibits the opening operation of the storage tool is one of crime prevention operations.

  Attached to an article to be monitored, sensor means 201 for sensing an operation on the article, and when the sensor means 201 senses an operation on the article, sensing information indicating that the article has been operated is transmitted. Sensing information sending means 205, user identification information sending means 202 for sending user identification information for identifying the user possessed by a user who has the authority to operate the article, and sensing information sent from the sensing information sending means 205 Sensing information receiving means 206 for receiving information, user identification information receiving means 203 for receiving user identification information sent from the user identification information sending means 202, and at least sensing information indicating that the article has been operated. The user identification information receiving unit 206 receives user identification information relating to the user and the user identification information receiving unit. If the 03 can not receive, it may be constructed article surveillance system 2 formed by and a security operation unit 204 for executing a predetermined security operation.

  Similarly, a sensor 201 attached to an article to be monitored, which senses an operation on the article, and a user possessed by a user who has the authority to operate the article and who transmits user identification information for identifying the user The identification information transmitting means 202, the user identification information receiving means 203 for receiving the user identification information transmitted from the user identification information transmitting means 202, and the user identification information receiving means 203 can receive the user identification information related to the user. A permissible information transmitting unit 207 for transmitting permissible information indicating that the operation on the article is permitted, a permissible information receiving unit 208 for receiving the permissible information transmitted from the permissible information transmitting unit 207, and at least the Indicates that the sensor means 201 senses an operation on an article and permits the operation on the article. Even if the article monitoring system 2 including the crime prevention operation unit 204 that executes a predetermined crime prevention operation when the tolerance information reception unit 208 cannot receive the tolerance information, the article monitoring system 2 is not authorized. Only unauthorized operations by the user can be suppressed.

  It further comprises authority information storage means 209 for storing user identification information relating to a user having authority to operate the article, and user identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the authority information storage means 209 is stored in the user. If the identification information receiving unit 203 cannot receive the crime, the crime prevention operation unit 204 executes the crime prevention operation, so that it is possible to set an operable range of the article for each user.

  It further comprises authority information storage means 209 for storing user identification information relating to a user having authority to operate the article in association with article identification information for identifying the article that can be operated by the user, Determines an article whose operation should be permitted based on the user identification information received by the user identification information receiving means 203 and the user identification information and article identification information stored in the authority information storage means 209. When the permissible information is transmitted, and the permissible information receiving means 208 cannot receive the permissible information indicating that the operation on the article is permissible, the crime prevention operation means 204 executes the crime prevention operation. It is possible to adjust the movable range of the article in a situation where a plurality of allowable information transmitting means 207 exists. In addition, the information processing apparatus further includes permission information storage means for storing permission information indicating that an operation on the article is permitted, and accepting permission information corresponding to permission information stored in the permission information storage means. It is good also as what the said crime prevention operation means 204 performs crime prevention operation | movement when cannot be received.

  When the user identification information receiving unit 203 can receive user identification information related to a user having authority to operate the article, the fact that the article is used when the sensor unit 201 senses an operation on the article. If the usage log information output means 211 for generating and outputting the usage log information is further provided, the fact that the article to be monitored has been operated can be confirmed afterwards.

  When the other user approved by the user takes out the article, the apparatus further comprises authority information receiving means 212 for receiving input of user identification information related to the other user and storing it in the authority information storage means 209, When the user identification information receiving unit 203 can receive the user identification information corresponding to the user identification information related to the other user stored in the authority information storage unit 209, the crime prevention operation unit 204 does not execute the crime prevention operation Then, it becomes possible to deliver the article from one user having a legitimate authority to another user who does not have the legitimate authority. That is, by storing the user identification information related to other users in the authority information storage unit 209, the operation of the article by the other users is permitted.

  The authority information receiving unit 212 can receive user identification information corresponding to user identification information stored in the authority information storage unit 209 when the user identification information receiving unit 203 can receive the user identification information. If it is possible for the receiving unit 208 to receive the input of the user identification information related to the other user, the security related to the registration of the authority information in the authority information storage unit 209 can be enhanced. .

  If the authority information accepting unit 212 can store the authority information in the authority information storage unit 209 after setting an expiration date in the user identification information related to the other user, a finite lending period, a usable period Can be set. When the expiration date has passed, even if the user identification information related to the other user is received, the execution of the crime prevention operation by the crime prevention operation means 204 cannot be avoided only by that fact. The expiration date may be manually input by the user, or may be defined in advance (for example, 24 hours, 48 hours, etc. from registration of user identification information relating to another user).

  A take-out log information output unit 213 for generating and outputting take-out log information relating to the fact that the article has been taken out when the authority information receiving unit 212 receives input of user identification information relating to the other user; If it is provided, the fact that the article to be monitored has been taken out or rented can be confirmed afterwards.

  The authority information accepting unit 212 accepts input of user identification information related to the other user and stores it in the authority information storage unit 209 when the article is delivered from the other user to another user. When the authority information receiving unit 212 receives input of user identification information related to the other user, the transfer log information generating unit 214 generates transfer log information regarding the fact that the article has been transferred. If the product is further lent, the history is accumulated.

  If delivery log information output means 215 for outputting delivery log information generated by the delivery log information generation means 214 is further provided, delivery log information can be browsed by a user or another third party.

  It should be noted that if it is further provided with a return operation receiving means 216 for receiving an operation input indicating that the taken-out article is to be returned, the system can surely know that the article is returned, which is preferable in terms of processing procedures. . Incidentally, examples of return processing to be executed when a return operation is performed include restoration of authority information (returning to a state in which only user identification information relating to the original user is stored), return log information or delivery log information Generation and output, and the like.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to accept or deter the operation depending on how many persons intend to operate the article. In addition, the article can be continuously protected in a series of flows where the article is taken out from one place and brought into another place. Moreover, the authority which operates an article | item can be provided to another user as needed, ensuring the security about an article | item. A flexible article monitoring system that can be easily operated in an office or the like can be realized.

  <First Embodiment> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The article monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes various articles placed in a work space assigned to each user in an office or the like, such as documents, stationery, a notebook computer, and PDA (Personal Digital Assistants). ) And mobile phone terminals and the like, and prevents unauthorized operation of these items when the user is absent.

  When a given workspace is assigned to a user, the articles placed in the workspace are basically under the control of the owner user who occupies this workspace. The owner user has the authority to operate all items in the workspace occupied by the owner user. On the other hand, guest users (owner's colleagues, subordinates, secretaries, etc.) other than the owner user may be given authority to operate at least a part of the articles placed in this workspace.

  Each individual user has a user identification tag 3. The user identification tag 3 is a key for releasing the security for the article. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the user identification tag 3 includes a memory 3a that stores user identification information for identifying a user, a transmission circuit 3b that wirelessly transmits user identification information stored in the memory 3a, and these A control circuit (which may be a processor that decodes and executes a program) 3c, and a battery (any type) 3d that supplies power. The user identification tag 3 functions as user identification information transmission means 102 that intermittently transmits user identification information. The external shape of the user identification tag 3 is not particularly limited. That is, the tag may have a shape (for example, a card, a folder, a file, etc.) larger than a tag generally associated with the word “tag”, or a shape (for example, a clip, ring, staple, chip) smaller than the tag. Etc.).

  An article identification tag 4 is attached to each article to be monitored. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the article identification tag 4 includes a memory 4a for storing article identification information for identifying articles, a transmission circuit 4b for wirelessly transmitting article identification information stored in the memory 4a, and the like. And a battery 4d for supplying power. The article identification tag 4 serves as article identification information sending means 101 that sends article identification information intermittently. The external shape of the article identification tag 4 is not particularly limited. It is also conceivable that the item identification tag 4 is attached to a folder, file, case, bag or the like that accommodates the item to be monitored. In addition, the article identification tag 4 of the present embodiment includes a switch device 4e that receives an operation input by the user. The switch device 4e accepts a switching operation for stopping the transmission of the article identification information or restarting the transmission of the stopped article identification information. Typically, it is a power switch that turns ON / OFF the power supply of the battery 4d. Further, although not shown, a display device such as a light emitting diode or a liquid crystal display may be mounted on the article identification tag 4.

  A control device 5 is interposed between the user identification tag 3 and the article identification tag 4. The control device 5 plays a role of repeatedly confirming whether a user having a legitimate authority exists in the workspace and whether or not an article to be monitored exists in the workspace. Yes. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the control device 5 includes a memory 5 a that stores various information, a light emitting device 5 b and a sound output device 5 c for notifying the user of some fact, and an operation for accepting an operation input by the user. An input device 5d, a transmission circuit 5e that wirelessly transmits information, a reception circuit 5f that wirelessly receives information, a communication interface 5g that exchanges information with an external computer 7 and the like, and a control that controls these The circuit 5h and the power supply circuit 5i which supplies the electric power obtained from the power supply outlet laid in the office etc. are provided. The operation input device 5d is an operation button that is pressed with a user's finger. The communication interface 5g is an interface represented by NIC (Network Interface Card), wireless LAN (Local Area Network) transceiver, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 1394, and the like. The control device 5 communicates with each of the user identification tag 3 and the article identification tag 4 by radio. The control device 5 is communicably connected to the personal computer 7 or a server computer (not shown) via an electric communication line.

  The memory 5a of the control device 5 stores article identification information relating to an article to be monitored by the control device 5. In other words, as a general rule, the control device 5 is not responsible for monitoring the articles identified by the article identification information not stored in the memory 5a. In other words, the article is not an article under the control of the owner user. In addition, authority information that defines articles that are allowed to be operated by each user is registered in the control device 5 in advance. Specifically, user identification information related to a user having a legitimate authority is stored in the memory 5a of the control device 5 in association with article identification information for identifying an article that can be operated by the user. At this time, the control device 5 functions as the authority information storage means 106. Since the authority information can be set for each user identification information, as a result, the range of articles that can be operated for each user can be defined. For example, the guest user cannot always operate all items that can be operated by the owner user. However, there is no difference in the items that can be operated among multiple users belonging to the same department (if the user belongs to the department, the articles within a predetermined range can be operated regardless of how many) It is not necessary to associate the user identification information with the item identification information.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the article monitoring system 1 will be described step by step. Article identification information for identifying an article is intermittently transmitted from the article identification tag 4 present in the workspace. The control device 5 receives this article identification information via the receiving circuit 5f. At this time, the control device 5 functions as the article identification information receiving means 103. Then, the received item identification information is compared with the item identification information stored in the memory 5a to determine whether there is a difference between the two. When a part of the article identification information stored in the memory 5a cannot be received, it means that the article identified by the article identification information has been taken out of the workspace (however, the battery 4d of the article identification tag 4 is Except when worn out). Further, when the article identification information not stored in the memory 5a is received, it means that an article identified by the article identification information is newly brought into the workspace.

  In addition, user identification information for identifying the user is intermittently transmitted from the user identification tag 3 possessed by the user present in the workspace. The control device 5 also receives this user identification information via the receiving circuit 5f. At this time, the control device 5 functions as the user identification information receiving means 104. Then, the received user identification information is compared with the user identification information stored in the memory 5a, and it is determined whether or not a user having a legitimate authority exists in the workspace. When the user identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the memory 5a is received, it means that there is a user having a valid authority. On the contrary, when the user identification information stored in the memory 5a cannot be received, it means that there is no user having a valid authority.

  When transmitting / receiving user identification information, the user identification tag 3 may transmit the user identification information when a predetermined request signal is wirelessly received via a receiving circuit (not shown). If it is such, since the user identification tag 3 is released from the necessity of constantly transmitting user identification information, the consumption of the battery 3d can be suppressed. In addition, the control device 5 may transmit the request signal via the transmission circuit 5e when the presence of some person is detected via a human sensor (not shown). With the above configuration, the frequency of transmitting the request signal can be reduced, and the amount of radio waves propagating in the workspace can be reduced.

  The control device 5 monitors whether or not an article in the workspace has been illegally taken out based on the reception status of the article identification information and the user identification information. As long as all the article identification information stored in the memory 5a can be received, it can be considered that all the articles to be monitored are present in the workspace. However, when it becomes impossible to receive a part of the article identification information stored in the memory 5a, it is determined whether the article identified by the article identification information has been taken out illegally or taken out normally. I have to do it. Whether the control device 5 refers to the currently received user identification information and the authority information stored in the memory 5a, and whether the received user identification information is associated with the article identification information that can no longer be received. Determine if. If the received user identification information is associated with the article identification information that can no longer be received, the article is taken out in the presence of a user with a legitimate authority (identified by the user identification information). It means that it was. In other words, this means lending of an article approved by a user having a legitimate authority or taking out an article by a user having a legitimate authority. Conversely, if the received user identification information is not associated with the article identification information that can no longer be received, or if the user identification information relating to a user with a legitimate authority cannot be received, there is a user with a legitimate authority. This means that the item was taken out under circumstances where it was not. That is, an illegal article is taken out by a person who does not have authority to operate the target article.

  The control device 5 that is aware of taking out an unauthorized article performs a predetermined notification operation. In the reporting operation, the light emitting device 5b and the audio output device 5c mounted on the control device 5 are operated to emit light and / or output sound, threaten the person who took the article illegally, and the article is also illegal. Notify owner users, guest users and other third parties of the facts Generally speaking, the control device 5 cannot receive the article identification information for identifying the article related to the article to be monitored, and cannot receive the user identification information for the user who has the authority to operate the article. Report (at least) as a condition. At this time, the control device 5 serves as the reporting means 105.

  Furthermore, regardless of whether it is an illegal take-out or a regular take-out, the control device 5 generates log information relating to the fact of take-out of an article when it is informed about the take-out of the article. That is, when a part of the article identification information stored in the memory 5a cannot be received, takeout log information indicating that the article identified by the article identification information has been taken out of the workspace is generated. The take-out log information includes, for example, article identification information related to the taken-out article, information regarding the date and time when the article was taken out, and user identification information received at this time. The generated export log information is temporarily stored in the memory 5a of the control device 5. The meaning of the logout log information differs depending on the user identification information received at that time. That is, taking out the article in a situation where the user identification information relating to the user who has the authority to operate the target article is received is regarded as normal taking out (or lending), and the taking-out generated at that time is generated. The log information indicates the fact that a regular article is taken out. However, taking out the article in a situation where the user identification information relating to the user who has the authority to operate the target article has not been received is considered to be illegal taking out, and the log information generated at that time is invalid. It shows the fact of taking out the goods. Then, the user identification information included in the takeout log information indicates the user who took the article illegally.

  The export log information generated by the control device 5 is output one by one. In the present embodiment, the control device 5 outputs the takeout log information in such a manner that the takeout log information is transmitted to the personal computer 7 or the server computer connected via the communication interface 5g. At this time, the control device 5 functions as a take-out log information output unit 107. The personal computer 7 or the server computer or the like that has received the takeout log information provided from the control device 5 accumulates it in a required storage area of an auxiliary storage device represented by the main memory or hard disk drive, and the owner user, guest user And other third party browsing.

  It should be noted that the item identification information related to the item taken out of the workspace cannot be received until the item is returned. However, when a user having a legitimate authority (a user who has approved the lending of the article or a user who intends to take out the article) leaves the workspace after the article is taken out, the user identification information and the article identification information The above-mentioned notification condition that it cannot be received is satisfied. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 5 determines whether or not to perform the alerting operation with reference to the export log information held in the memory 5a. That is, even when the article identification information related to a certain article cannot be received, if the takeout log information relating to the fact that the article is properly taken out is held, the notification is not performed.

  In addition, when the generated takeout log information indicates an illegal takeout fact, the control device 5, the personal computer 7, the server computer, or the like sends the takeout log information to the owner user, the security officer or the security authorities. For example, it is desirable to send a message in the form of e-mail, for example, to report that unauthorized take-out has been performed. Address information that is the destination of transmission of takeout log information relating to unauthorized takeout is stored in advance in the memory 5a of the control device 5, or in an auxiliary storage device such as a personal computer 7 or a server computer. However, it does not prevent the output of the takeout log information in a manner such as hard copy output using a printer (not shown), writing to a required recording medium, display on a display screen, and the like.

  From now on, processing when the article identification information that has not been received until the control device 5 is received will be described. As a case where the product identification information that could not be received until then can be received, if the product that has been taken out (or rented out) in the past is returned, the product under the control of another user is brought in If this is the case, there are two possible ways.

  Even when the article identification information that has not been received until a certain time is received, the control device 5 compares the received article identification information with the article identification information stored in advance in the memory 5a. If the received item identification information is not stored in the memory 5a, the item identified by the item identification information is not under the control of the control device 5, ie, the owner user. It is an article brought in from another place. When an article not under the control of the owner user is brought in, the control device 5 generates carry-in log information regarding the fact that the article is brought into the workspace. The brought-in log information includes, for example, item identification information related to a brought-in item and information related to the date and time when the item was brought in. The generated carry-in log information is temporarily held in the memory 5a of the control device 5. On the contrary, if the received item identification information is stored in the memory 5a, the item identified by the item identification information originally exists in the workspace, that is, after being taken out. The returned item. For the article to be taken out and returned, the above-mentioned takeout log information is already generated and held in the memory 5a. When the article is returned, the control device 5 generates return log information regarding the fact that the article has been returned. The return log information includes, for example, item identification information related to the returned item and information related to the date and time when the item is returned. The generated return log information is temporarily stored in the memory 5a of the control device 5. Instead, the takeout log information related to the article that has been held so far is deleted from the memory 5a.

  Bring-in log information or return log information generated by the control device 5 is output one by one. In the present embodiment, the control device 5 sends the brought-in log information or the return log information to the personal computer 7 or the server computer connected via the communication interface 5g. Output information. At this time, the control device 5 functions as a bring-in log information output unit 109 or a return log information output unit 108. The personal computer 7 or the server computer or the like that has received the carry-in log information or the return log information provided from the control device 5 accumulates it in a required storage area of the main memory or the auxiliary storage device, and the owner user, guest user, etc. For viewing by third parties. However, it does not prevent the output of carry-in log information and return log information in a manner such as hard copy output using a printer, writing to a required recording medium, and display on a display screen.

  By repeatedly executing the above procedure, the article to be monitored can be constantly monitored. And it becomes possible to deter the operation of the article by a person who does not have a legitimate authority.

  In the article monitoring system 1 of the present embodiment, for example, when a guest user intends to borrow a required article from an owner user, the accessory is attached to the article to be borrowed in a situation where the owner user is present in the workspace. The switch device 4e of the article identification tag 4 to be operated is operated. Then, transmission of the article identification information by the article identification tag 4 is stopped. At this time, the switch device 4e of the article identification tag 4 functions as a take-out operation accepting unit 110 that accepts an operation input indicating that an article is to be taken out. The control device 5 that is no longer able to receive the article identification information relating to the article has received the user identification information relating to the owner user, and therefore determines that the article is properly lent out or taken out by the owner user himself / herself. Then, export log information is generated and output. The guest user leaves the workspace with the required items. Thereafter, even if the owner user leaves the work space, the control device 5 holding the take-out log information does not perform the notification operation.

  By the way, the article identification tag 4 in the present embodiment is driven by the battery 4d, and when the battery 4d is exhausted, it becomes difficult to continue transmitting article identification information appropriately. On the other hand, when the control device 5 cannot receive the item identification information from a certain item identification tag 4, it determines whether the item means that the item has been taken out or that the battery 4d has been exhausted. There is no. From the above situation, in this embodiment, when the article identification tag 4 senses the consumption of the battery 4d, the battery consumption information is transmitted. The battery consumption information includes, for example, article identification information for identifying the article identification tag 4 that is the source of the battery consumption information. At this time, the article identification tag 4 functions as the battery consumption information transmission unit 111. Receiving the battery consumption information, the control device 5 holds the item identification information included in the battery consumption information in the memory 5a as information indicating the item identification tag 4 in which the battery 4d is consumed. At this time, the control device 5 functions as the battery consumption information receiving means 112. Even if the control device 5 cannot receive the item identification information related to a certain item, the control unit 5 already holds the battery consumption information indicating that the battery 4d of the item identification tag 4 attached to the item is depleted in the memory 5a. If this is the case, it can be recognized that the item has not been taken away but that the item identification tag 4 has run out of battery. In this case, it goes without saying that the alerting operation is not executed.

  Further, the article identification tag 4 notifies the user or other third parties of the fact that the battery 4d is consumed, specifically, an LED (not shown), a liquid crystal display, etc. mounted on the article identification tag. Is used to appeal to the visual sense of the user or the like that the power of the battery 4d has been consumed. The article identification tag at this time functions as the battery consumption notification means 113. However, the output indicating that the battery 4d has been exhausted is not limited to being executed in the article identification tag 4, and may be executed in the control device 5 or the information processing device 7. For example, the control device 5 that has received the battery consumption information transmitted from the item identification tag 4 may activate the light emitting device 5b to notify the user that the battery 4d in the item identification tag 4 is depleted, Alternatively, that fact may be displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus 7. At this time, the control device 5 or the information processing device 7 plays a role as the battery consumption notification means 113.

  According to the present embodiment, an article identification information transmitting means 101 for transmitting article identification information for identifying an article attached to an article to be monitored, possessed by a user having authority to operate the article, User identification information transmitting means 102 for transmitting user identification information for identifying a user, article identification information receiving means 103 for receiving article identification information transmitted from the article identification information transmitting means 101, and user identification information transmitting means 102 User identification information receiving means 104 for receiving user identification information transmitted from the user, and at least the article identification information receiving means 103 cannot receive the article identification information relating to the article, and the user identification information relating to the user is And a reporting unit 105 that executes a predetermined reporting operation when the user identification information receiving unit 104 cannot receive the information. Since the article monitoring system 1 is constructed, it is possible to discriminate between regular take-out and illegal take-out of articles, and it is possible to report only unauthorized take-out by persons who do not have a legitimate authority and suppress this. It becomes.

  It further includes authority information storage means 106 for storing article identification information related to the article and user identification information related to a user who has authority to operate the article, and is stored in the authority information storage means 106. User identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the authority information storage means 106 in association with the article identification information, in which the article identification information receiving means 103 cannot receive the article identification information corresponding to the article identification information. When the user identification information receiving unit 104 cannot receive the information, the reporting unit 105 executes the reporting operation, so that it is possible to set the operable range of the article for each user.

  When the user identification information receiving means 104 can receive the user identification information related to the user who has the authority to operate the article, the article identification information receiving means 103 can no longer receive the article identification information related to the article. Since it further comprises a take-out log information output means 107 for generating and outputting take-out log information relating to the fact that the article has been taken out, the fact that the article to be monitored has been taken out or rented out is later shown. It becomes possible to confirm.

  Both the user identification information and the user identification information are received when the authorized user himself / herself takes out the article, or when the authorized user leaves the place after lending the article to another person. It becomes impossible to meet the requirements for the alarm operation. However, if it is a legitimate takeout or loan, of course, the alerting action should not be performed. Therefore, when the takeout log information output means 107 generates takeout log information related to the fact that the article was taken out, even if the user identification information receiving means 104 cannot receive the user identification information related to the user, It is assumed that the notification means 105 does not execute the notification operation for the article. With the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately carry out or lend an article.

  After the takeout log information output means 107 generates takeout log information relating to the fact that the article was taken out, the article identification information receiving means 103 can receive the article identification information related to the article again. The apparatus further includes return log information output means 108 for generating and outputting return log information relating to the fact that the article identified by the article identification information has been returned. It becomes possible to confirm.

  Article identification information that is not stored in the authority information storage means 106, further comprising authority information storage means 106 that stores article identification information relating to the article and user identification information relating to a user who has authority to operate the article. Bring-in log information output means 109 for generating and outputting brought-in log information related to the fact that the article identified by the article identification information is brought in when the article identification information receiving means 103 can receive the information. Therefore, it is possible to detect an article brought in from another place, in other words, an article that did not originally exist.

  It further comprises take-out operation accepting means 110 for accepting an operation input indicating that the article is to be taken out, and accepting an operation input indicating that the user or another user approved by the user takes out the article. When the means 110 accepts, even if the article identification information receiving means 103 can no longer receive the article identification information related to this article, the reporting means 105 does not execute the reporting operation for the article. The system can surely know that the article is taken out or rented, which is preferable in terms of the processing procedure. In addition, when an operation input indicating that the article is to be taken out is received, the article identification information sending means 101 attached to the taken-out article stops sending the article identification information, and power saving in the article identification tag 4 is reduced. Can be planned.

  Battery consumption information transmitting means 111 for transmitting battery consumption information indicating that the power of the battery 4d for driving the article identification information transmitting means 101 has been consumed, and battery consumption information transmitted from the battery consumption information transmitting means 111 are received. The battery consumption information receiving means 112 for receiving the battery consumption information indicating that the power of the battery 4d for driving the article identification information transmitting means 101 has been consumed. Even if the article identification information receiving means 103 can no longer receive the article identification information transmitted from the article identification information transmitting means 101, the reporting means 105 executes the notification operation for the article identified by the article identification information. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether the product has been taken out and the battery has run out of the product tag, and then perform an appropriate alarm. It can be.

  Since it further comprises battery depletion notification means 113 for notifying the user and other third parties that the power of the battery 4d for driving the article identification information transmitting means 101 has been consumed, the battery 4d of the article identification tag 4 can be replaced. Maintenance work is simplified.

  Second Embodiment The greatest difference between the article monitoring system 2 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the article monitoring system 2 of the first embodiment is the article identification incidental to the article to be monitored. It is in tag 6. Hereinafter, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  Since the user identification tag 3 possessed by the user can have the same configuration as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The article identification tag 6 in the present embodiment is also attached to each article to be guarded. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a memory 6a for storing various information, and an operation on the target article. A sensor 6b for detecting information, a light emitting device 6c and a sound output device 6d that operate when the sensor 6b senses an operation by some person, an operation input device 6e that receives an operation input by a user, and a transmission that performs wireless transmission of information It includes a circuit 6f, a receiving circuit 6g that wirelessly receives information, a control circuit 6h that controls these, and a battery 6i that supplies electric power. The sensor 6b is, for example, a vibration sensor (acceleration sensor) that detects vibration or an inclination sensor that detects inclination. If the object to be protected is a file, folder, etc. that can be opened and closed, an optical sensor that detects a light wave incident from the outside when the article is opened, a mechanical switch that contacts / opens in accordance with the opening / closing operation, etc. Can also be adopted. As will be described in detail later, the article identification tag 6 can execute a predetermined notification operation when an operation on the article is sensed via the sensor 6b. In the reporting operation, the light emitting device 6c emits light and / or the voice output device 6d outputs voice and threatens a person who performed an illegal operation. However, when the information for releasing the security of the article is received via the receiving circuit 6g, the above-described reporting operation is not executed. The article identification tag 6 functions as a crime prevention operation means 204 for executing a crime prevention operation, that is, a notification for suppressing an unauthorized operation on the article.

  Incidentally, when the article to be protected is a file, folder, or the like that can be opened and closed, an electric lock that prohibits the opening and closing operation of the article (dead due to the input of an electric signal) is used instead of the light emitting device 6c and the audio output device 6d. A lock for driving the bolt (not shown) may be mounted. The electric lock is preferably of the unlocking type when energized. Then, when the information for releasing the security for the article is received, the control circuit inputs the electric signal to unlock the electric lock, and the control is performed when the information for releasing the security is not received. It is assumed that an electric signal input from the circuit is cut off and the electric lock is locked. The article identification tag 6 at this time functions as a crime prevention operation means 204 for executing a crime prevention operation, that is, locking, which mechanically inhibits an unauthorized operation on the article.

  Information for releasing the security by the article identification tag 6 may be provided from the control device 5 or from the user identification tag 3. In the present embodiment, the control device 5 wirelessly transmits permission information, which is information for releasing the security, toward the article identification tag 6, and the article identification tag 6 receives the information.

  The control device 5 in this embodiment includes hardware resources equivalent to those in the first embodiment, and communicates with each of the user identification tag 3 and the item identification tag 6 by radio. In addition, the control device 5 is communicably connected to a personal computer 7 or a server computer via an electric communication line. In addition, the control device 5 stores article identification information related to the article to be monitored by the control device 5 in the memory 5a. After that, in the control device 5, as in the first embodiment, authority information that defines articles that are allowed to be operated by each user is registered in advance. Specifically, user identification information related to a user having a legitimate authority is stored in the memory 5a of the control device 5 in association with article identification information for identifying an article that can be operated by the user. The control device 5 at this time functions as authority information storage means 209. The authority information can be set for each user identification information, and as a result, the range of articles that can be operated for each user can be defined.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the article monitoring system 2 will be described step by step. The article identification tag 6 that senses an operation on the article via the sensor 6b first wirelessly transmits sensing information indicating that the article has been operated. The sensing information usually includes article identification information for identifying the article. The article identification tag 6 at this time functions as the sensor means 201 and the sensing information transmission means 205. When the article identification tag 6 exists in the workspace, the sensing information transmitted by the article identification tag 6 is received by the control device 5 in the same workspace. At this time, the control device 5 functions as sensing information receiving means 206. The control device 5 that has received the sensing information compares the article identification information included in the received sensing information with the article identification information stored in the memory 5a. When sensing information including article identification information corresponding to the article identification information stored in the memory 5a is received, it means that the article to be monitored is being operated by some person. Incidentally, when sensing information including article identification information not stored in the memory 5a is received, it means that an article identified by the article identification information included in the sensing information is newly brought into the workspace.

  In addition, the control device 5 also receives user identification information transmitted from the user identification tag 3 possessed by the user existing in the workspace. At this time, the control device 5 functions as the user identification information receiving means 203. Then, the received user identification information is compared with the user identification information stored in the memory 5a, and it is determined whether or not a user having a legitimate authority exists in the workspace. When the user identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the memory 5a is received, it means that there is a user having a valid authority. On the contrary, when the user identification information stored in the memory 5a cannot be received, it means that there is no user having a valid authority.

  The control device 5 monitors whether or not an article in the workspace has been illegally operated based on the reception status of the sensing information and the user identification information. As long as the sensing information is not received, it can be regarded as a normal state in which the article to be monitored is not operated. However, when sensing information including the item identification information stored in the memory 5a is received, it is determined whether the item identified by the item identification information has been illegally operated or has been properly operated. Must-have. The control device 5 refers to the currently received user identification information and the authority information stored in the memory 5a, and the article identification information included in the sensing information received by the received user identification information. To determine if it is associated with. If the received user identification information is associated with the item identification information included in the received sensing information, a situation exists in which there is a user having a legitimate authority (identified by the user identification information). The article has been manipulated below. This is an operation of an article approved by a user having a legitimate authority or an operation of an article by a user having a legitimate authority. Conversely, if the received user identification information is not associated with the item identification information included in the received sensing information, or if the user identification information relating to a user having a valid authority cannot be received, the right authority This means that the article has been operated in a situation where there is no user having In other words, this is an unauthorized operation of an article by a person who does not have the authority to operate the target article.

  The control device 5 that knows the operation of the regular article (determines that the manipulation on the article is a regular one) transmits permission information toward the article identification tag 6 attached to the article. At this time, the control device 5 functions as the allowable information transmission means 207. The aspect of the permissible information transmitted by the control device 5 is not uniquely limited. For example, the control device 5 sends the permission information including the item identification information related to the item identification tag 6 (and the item), which is the destination of transmission of the permission information, in other words, the security function to be released, via the transmission circuit 5e. send. Then, the article identification tag 6 identified by the article identification information included in the permission information receives the permission information via the receiving circuit 6g and releases the security function. That is, even if the operation on the article is sensed via the sensor 6b, the alarming operation is not performed. If the article identification tag 6 is to be locked with an electric lock, the electric lock is unlocked by receiving permission information addressed to itself. The article identification tag 6 at this time functions as the allowable information receiving means 208.

  As another aspect, it is also conceivable that the control device 5 transmits permissible information including identification information for identifying the control device 5 serving as a transmission source and / or item identification information for identifying the item identification tag 6 serving as a destination. It is done. On the other hand, permissible information to be compared with permissible information transmitted from the control device 5 is registered in the article identification tag 6 in advance. Specifically, in the memory 6a of the article identification tag 6, identification information for identifying the control device 5 that is the transmission source of the allowable information and / or an article for identifying the article identification tag 6 that is the destination of the transmission of the acceptable information The identification information is stored. The article identification tag 6 at this time functions as an allowable information storage unit. The article identification tag 6 that has received the permission information via the receiving circuit 6g compares the identification information included in the permission information with the identification information stored in the memory 6a. Judge that the information was sent to you. The article identification tag 6 that has received the permissible information destined for itself does not perform an alarm operation even if it senses an operation on the article via the sensor 6b. If the article identification tag 6 is to be locked with an electric lock, the electric lock is unlocked by receiving permission information addressed to itself.

  On the contrary, the control device 5 that knows the operation of the unauthorized article (determines that the operation on the article is unauthorized) does not send the permission information. Therefore, the article identification tag 6 that has transmitted the sensing information cannot receive the permissible information destined for itself. The user identification tag 3 that cannot receive the permissible information performs a reporting operation as a result of sensing an operation on the article via the sensor 6b. If the article identification tag 6 is to be locked with an electric lock, the operation with respect to the article is suppressed by maintaining the locking with the electric lock. Note that, as in the first embodiment, the control device 5 that is aware of an unauthorized operation of an article may execute a notification operation.

  Furthermore, regardless of whether the operation is an unauthorized operation or a regular operation, the control device 5 that is aware of the operation on a certain item generates log information regarding the fact that the item has been operated. That is, when sensing information including article identification information corresponding to the article identification information stored in the memory 5a is received, usage log information indicating that the article identified by the article identification information has been used is generated. The usage log information includes, for example, article identification information related to the operated article, information related to the date and time when the operation was performed, and user identification information received at this time. The generated usage log information is temporarily stored in the memory 5a of the control device 5. The usage log information has different meanings depending on the user identification information received at that time. That is, the operation for the article under the situation of receiving the user identification information related to the user who has authority to operate the target article is regarded as a regular operation, and the use log information generated at that time is the regular article. Indicates the fact of use. However, an operation on the article in a situation where user identification information relating to a user who has authority to operate the target article has not been received is regarded as an unauthorized operation, and the use log information generated at that time is an unauthorized article. Will show the fact of the use of. And the user identification information contained in this use log information points out the user who used the goods illegally.

  The usage log information generated by the control device 5 is output one by one. In the present embodiment, the control device 5 outputs the usage log information in such a manner that the usage log information is transmitted to a personal computer 7 or a server computer connected via the communication interface 5g. At this time, the control device 5 functions as the usage log information output unit 211. The personal computer 7 or server computer or the like that has received the usage log information provided by the control device 5 accumulates it in a required storage area of the main memory or auxiliary storage device, and is used by owner users, guest users, and other third parties. Provide for browsing.

  In addition, when the generated use log information indicates the fact of unauthorized use, the control device 5 or the personal computer 7, the server computer, etc. sends this use log information to the owner user, the security officer, the security authorities, or the like. For example, it is desirable to send e-mail in the form of an e-mail and report that unauthorized use has been made. Address information that is a destination of transmission of usage log information related to unauthorized use is stored in advance in the memory 5a of the control device 5, or in an auxiliary storage device such as a personal computer 7 or a server computer. However, it does not prevent the use log information from being output in a manner such as hard copy output using a printer, writing to a required recording medium, and display on a display screen.

  By repeatedly executing the above procedure, the article to be monitored can be constantly monitored. And it becomes possible to deter the operation of the article by a person who does not have a legitimate authority.

  Incidentally, although an article that should be present may be lost in the workspace, in the present embodiment, the location of the article in the workspace can be easily detected. A user who wants to search for an article performs an operation input for searching for an article via the operation input device 5 e mounted on the control device 5. Receiving this operation input, the control device 5 wirelessly transmits call information to the article identification tag 6 existing in the workspace. At this time, the control device 5 functions as call information transmitting means. The article identification tag 6 that has received the call information via the receiving circuit 6g executes a predetermined call operation. In the calling operation, the light emitting device 6c is used to emit light, or the sound output device 6d is used to output sound. The article identification tag 6 at this time functions as a calling operation means. With the above configuration, it is possible to search for articles borrowed from other users.

  According to the present embodiment, sensor identification means 201 that is attached to an article to be monitored and senses an operation on the article, and user identification information that is possessed by a user who has authority to operate the article and identifies the user. The user identification information transmitting means 202 for transmitting the user ID, the user identification information receiving means 203 for receiving the user identification information transmitted from the user identification information transmitting means 202, and at least the sensor means 201 senses an operation on the article. In addition, when the user identification information receiving unit 203 cannot receive the user identification information related to the user, the article monitoring system 2 including the crime prevention operation unit 204 that executes a predetermined crime prevention operation is constructed. It is possible to distinguish between legitimate and unauthorized operations, and only against unauthorized operations by persons who do not have the proper authority. It becomes possible to prevent this by broadcasting.

  It further comprises authority information storage means 209 for storing user identification information relating to a user having authority to operate the article, and user identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the authority information storage means 209 is stored in the user. Since the security operation means 204 performs the security operation when the identification information reception means 203 cannot receive, it is possible to set the range in which the article can be operated for each user.

  It further comprises authority information storage means 209 for storing user identification information relating to a user having authority to operate the article in association with article identification information for identifying the article that can be operated by the user, Determines an article whose operation should be permitted based on the user identification information received by the user identification information receiving means 203 and the user identification information and article identification information stored in the authority information storage means 209. When the permissible information is transmitted, and the permissible information indicating that the operation on the article is permissible cannot be received by the permissible information receiving means 208, the security operation means 204 executes the security operation. It is possible to adjust the movable range of the article in a situation where a plurality of allowable information transmitting means 207 exists. In addition, the information processing apparatus further includes permission information storage means for storing permission information indicating that the operation on the article is permitted, and the permission information corresponding to the permission information stored in the permission information storage means is the permission information reception means 208. It is also preferable that the crime prevention operation means 204 executes the crime prevention operation when it cannot be received.

  When the user identification information receiving unit 203 can receive user identification information related to a user having authority to operate the article, the fact that the article is used when the sensor unit 201 senses an operation on the article. If the usage log information output means 211 for generating and outputting the usage log information is further provided, the fact that the article to be monitored has been operated can be confirmed afterwards.

  <Third Embodiment> The article monitoring system 2 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is an advanced type of the article monitoring system 2 of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, even when a user takes an article out of the work space, the security of the taken article can be ensured. In addition, an article can be delivered from one user to another user. Hereinafter, the difference from the second embodiment will be mainly described.

  Since the user identification tag 3 possessed by the user can have the same configuration as that in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  The article identification tag 6 in this embodiment includes hardware resources equivalent to those in the second embodiment. However, since it is assumed that the article is taken out of the workspace, in other words, the area where the control device 5 and the article identification tag 6 cannot communicate with each other, the function is expanded as compared with that in the second embodiment. ing. When the article and the article identification tag 6 are in the workspace, the control device 5 determines the legitimacy of the operation on the article, but when the article and the article identification tag 6 are outside the workspace, the control apparatus 5 I can't leave the judgment. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the legitimacy of the operation on the article in the article identification tag 6.

  When the article is taken out of the workspace, the article identification tag 6 attached to the article communicates with the user identification tag 3. At this time, information for releasing security by the article identification tag 6 is provided from the user identification tag 3. More specifically, the article identification tag 6 wirelessly transmits sensing information when an operation on the article is sensed via the sensor 6b, and waits for permissible information that will be provided from the control device 5. As already described, if the control device 5 receives the sensing information and determines that the operation on the article is authorized, the control device 5 returns permission information for releasing the security toward the article identification tag 6. Is done. However, if the communication between the article identification tag 6 and the control device 5 is impossible, no permission information is provided to the article identification tag 6.

  Therefore, the article identification tag 6 waits for permissible information for a predetermined time-out period, and if it does not receive the permissible information before the time-out period elapses, it switches to waiting for user identification information (in particular, the user identification tag 3 is If the user identification information is transmitted when a predetermined request signal is wirelessly received, the user identification information is transmitted by transmitting the request signal via the transmission circuit 6f). That is, the article identification tag 6 wirelessly receives the user identification information transmitted from the user identification tag 3, and determines whether or not an operation on the article is possible based on this. In the article identification tag 6, user identification information related to a user who has authority to operate the article is registered in advance as authority information. Specifically, user identification information relating to a user having a legitimate authority is stored in the memory 6 a of the article identification tag 6. The article identification tag 6 at this time functions as authority information storage means 209.

  The article identification tag 6 that has not received the permission information provided from the control device 5 receives the user identification information provided from the user identification tag 3 via the receiving circuit 6g. The article identification tag 6 at this time functions as the user identification information receiving unit 203. Then, the received user identification information is compared with the user identification information stored in the memory 6a, and it is determined whether or not a user having a legitimate authority exists in the vicinity of the article identification tag 6. When the user identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the memory is received, it means that there is a user having a legitimate authority in the vicinity. In that case, even if the user identification tag 3 senses an operation on the article through the sensor, the user identification tag 3 does not perform a reporting operation. If the article identification tag 6 is to be locked with an electric lock, the electric lock is unlocked. Conversely, when the user identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the memory 6a cannot be received, it means that there is no user having a legitimate authority in the vicinity. In that case, a notification operation is performed as a result of sensing an operation on the article through a sensor. If the article identification tag 6 is to be locked with an electric lock, the operation with respect to the article is suppressed by maintaining the locking with the electric lock.

  Prior to taking out the article, the user who wants to take the article out of the workspace performs a procedure for registering the user identification information for identifying himself / herself in the article identification tag 6 as relating to a user having a legitimate authority (article This is not the case when the user identification information relating to the user who wants to take out is already registered). Specifically, an operation input indicating that user identification information is registered is performed by operating the operation input device 6 e mounted on the article identification tag 6, and the user identification tag 3 possessed by itself is stored in the article identification tag 6. Keep it close enough. In particular, in order to avoid erroneously registering user identification information of unrelated users, user identification information cannot be registered unless the user identification tag 3 and the article identification tag 6 are brought within a predetermined distance. It is preferable to do so. The article identification tag 6 that has received the operation input for registering the user identification information receives the user identification information transmitted from the user identification tag 3 that has been brought close through the receiving circuit 6g, and stores this as authority information. Store in 6a. The article identification tag 6 at this time functions as authority information receiving means 212. It should be noted that it is desirable that the authority information registration condition is that a user having a legitimate authority exists in the workspace or in the vicinity of the article identification tag 6. In other words, the article identification tag 6 is a receiving circuit only when receiving the permissible information transmitted by the control device 5 or the user identification information related to a user having a legitimate authority (already stored in the memory 6a). A process of storing user identification information received through 6g but not yet stored in the memory 6a as authority information in the memory 6a is executed. Incidentally, it does not prevent the expiration date from being set in the user identification information stored as the authority information. The expiration date of the user identification information may be manually input via the operation input device 6e, or may be a predetermined period defined in advance.

  The article identification tag 6 that has received registration of authority information generates takeout log information indicating that the article is to be taken out of the workspace. The take-out log information includes, for example, article identification information related to the article, information related to the date and time when authority information was registered, and user identification information received at this time. And the produced | generated take-out log information is output in the aspect of carrying out radio transmission toward the control apparatus 5. FIG. The control device 5 that has received the take-out log information holds it in the memory 5a. The article identification tag 6 at this time works as a takeout log information output unit 213. However, export log information is output in a manner such as hard copy output using a printer, writing to a required recording medium, display on a display screen, etc. (directly or indirectly via the control device 5). I will not prevent it.

  In addition, the article identification tag 6 that has received the registration of the authority information generates delivery log information indicating that the article is left to the user. The delivery log information includes, for example, user identification information registered as authority information, information regarding the date and time when the authority information was registered, and user identification information received at this time. The generated delivery log information is stored in the memory 6 a of the article identification tag 6. If communication with the control device 5 is possible, the article identification tag 6 outputs the generated delivery log information to the control device 5 in a wireless manner. The article identification tag 6 at this time functions as delivery log information output means 215. However, the delivery log information is output in a manner such as hard copy output using a printer, writing to a required recording medium, display on a display screen, etc. (directly or indirectly via the control device 5). Not disturb.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, an article taken out by one user can be delivered to another user. At that time, a procedure for registering the user identification information relating to another user who receives the article in the article identification tag 6 as authority information is performed. Again, the article identification tag 6 receives the permissible information transmitted by the control device 5 or the user identification information related to a user who is about to deliver the article to the other party (already stored in the memory 6a). Only when the user identification information related to another user who is going to receive the article (not yet stored in the memory 6a) is stored as authority information in the memory 6a. Each time delivery is performed, delivery log information is generated and stored in the memory 6 a of the article identification tag 6.

  When returning an article taken or received by the user to the original workspace, an operation input indicating that the article is to be returned is performed by operating the operation input device 6e mounted on the article identification tag 6. The article identification tag 6 that has received an operation input for returning the article generates return log information. The return log information includes, for example, item identification information related to the returned item and information related to the date and time when the item is returned. Then, the generated return log information is output to the control device 5 in a wireless manner. However, return log information should be output in a manner such as hard copy output using a printer, writing to a required recording medium, display on a display screen, etc. (directly or indirectly via the control device 5). Not disturb. The control device 5 that has received the return log information updates the take-out log information held in the memory 5a with reference to the return log information. At the same time, the delivery log information stored in the memory 6a can also be output. Finally, the article identification tag 6 has user identification information other than user identification information (user identification information related to an owner user or guest user) stored in the memory 6a as a user who has the authority to operate the article. The user identification information additionally registered as authority information at the time of take-out or delivery is deleted from the memory 6a. The article identification tag 6 at this time works as a return operation accepting unit 216. However, processing such as the output of return log information accompanying the acceptance of the return operation and the deletion of the user identification information is performed when the article identification tag 6 establishes wireless communication with the control device 5 or has a proper authority. It is executed only when the user identification information relating to the user having is received.

  In the article monitoring system 2 of the present embodiment, the security of the article is ensured not only in the work space where the control by the control device 5 is achieved, but also outside the work space. That is, by cooperation of the user identification tag 3 and the article identification tag 6, the article is continuously protected even when the article is taken out of the workspace.

  According to the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus further includes authority information storage means 209 that stores user identification information related to a user who has authority to operate the article, and corresponds to the user identification information stored in the authority information storage means 209. When the user identification information receiving unit 203 cannot receive the user identification information to be performed, the crime prevention operation unit 204 performs the crime prevention operation, so that it is possible to set a range in which the article can be operated for each user. It becomes.

  When the user identification information receiving unit 203 can receive user identification information related to a user having authority to operate the article, the fact that the article is used when the sensor unit 201 senses an operation on the article. Since the usage log information output means 211 for generating and outputting the usage log information is further provided, the fact that the article to be monitored has been operated can be confirmed afterwards.

  When the other user approved by the user takes out the article, the apparatus further comprises authority information receiving means 212 for receiving input of user identification information related to the other user and storing it in the authority information storage means 209, When the user identification information receiving unit 203 can receive the user identification information corresponding to the user identification information related to the other user stored in the authority information storage unit 209, the crime prevention operation unit 204 does not execute the crime prevention operation Therefore, it is possible to deliver the article from one user having a legitimate authority to another user having no legitimate authority. That is, by storing the user identification information related to other users in the authority information storage unit 209, the operation of the article by the other users is permitted.

  The authority information receiving unit 212 can receive user identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the authority information storage unit 209 when the user identification information receiving unit 203 can receive the user identification information. In the case where the permission information receiving means 208 can receive the permission information corresponding to the stored permission information, it is possible to accept the input of the user identification information related to the other user, and the authority information storage means The security related to the registration of authority information to 209 is enhanced.

  Since the authority information accepting unit 212 can set an expiration date in the user identification information related to the other user and store it in the authority information storage unit 209, a limited lending period and a usable period can be set. It can be set. When the expiration date has passed, even if the user identification information related to the other user is received, the execution of the crime prevention operation by the crime prevention operation means 204 cannot be avoided only by that fact. The expiration date may be manually input by the user, or may be defined in advance (for example, 24 hours, 48 hours, etc. from registration of user identification information relating to another user).

  A take-out log information output means 213 for generating and outputting take-out log information relating to the fact that the article has been taken out when the authority information receiving means 212 receives input of user identification information relating to the other user; Since it is provided, it becomes possible to confirm the fact that the article to be monitored has been taken out or lent out afterwards.

  The authority information accepting unit 212 accepts input of user identification information related to the other user and stores it in the authority information storage unit 209 when the article is delivered from the other user to another user. When the authority information receiving unit 212 receives input of user identification information related to the other user, the transfer log information generating unit 214 generates transfer log information regarding the fact that the article has been transferred. Therefore, when an article is rented, the history is accumulated.

  Since the delivery log information output unit 215 that outputs the delivery log information generated by the delivery log information generation unit 214 is further provided, the delivery log information can be browsed by a user or another third party.

  In addition, since it further includes a return operation accepting unit 216 that accepts an operation input indicating that the taken-out article is to be returned, the system can surely know that the article is returned, which is preferable in terms of processing procedures. . Examples of return processing to be executed when a return operation is performed include restoration of authority information (returning to a state in which only user identification information related to the original user is stored), generation of return log information or delivery log information And output.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the effects described in the second embodiment can also be achieved.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in detail above. The specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The structure explanatory view of the present invention. The structure explanatory view of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system in an embodiment of the present invention. Structure explanatory drawing of the embodiment. The figure which shows the hardware resource of the user identification tag in the embodiment. The figure which shows the hardware resource of the article | item identification tag in the embodiment. The figure which shows the hardware resource of the control apparatus in the embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system in an embodiment of the present invention. Structure explanatory drawing of the embodiment. The figure which shows the hardware resource of the article | item identification tag in the embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system in an embodiment of the present invention. Structure explanatory drawing of the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Goods identification information transmission means 102 ... User identification information transmission means 103 ... Goods identification information reception means 104 ... User identification information reception means 105 ... Notification means 201 ... Sensor means 202 ... User identification information transmission means 203 ... User identification information reception Means 204 ... Crime prevention operation means

Claims (31)

Monitoring the operation of the article,
An article identification information transmitting means attached to an article to be monitored and transmitting article identification information for identifying the article;
User identification information transmitting means possessed by a user having authority to operate the article and transmitting user identification information for identifying the user;
Article identification information receiving means for receiving article identification information transmitted from the article identification information transmitting means;
User identification information receiving means for receiving user identification information transmitted from the user identification information transmitting means;
At least when the article identification information receiving means cannot receive the article identification information related to the article and the user identification information receiving means cannot receive the user identification information related to the user, a predetermined notification operation is executed. An article monitoring system comprising reporting means. Further comprising authority information storage means for associating and storing article identification information related to the article and user identification information relating to a user having authority to operate the article;
A user who cannot receive the item identification information corresponding to the item identification information stored in the authority information storage unit and is stored in the authority information storage unit in association with the item identification information. The article monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein when the user identification information receiving unit cannot receive the user identification information corresponding to the identification information, the reporting unit executes a reporting operation. When the user identification information receiving means can receive user identification information related to a user who has authority to operate the article, the article identification information receiving means cannot receive the article identification information related to the article. The article monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising a takeout log information output unit that generates and outputs takeout log information related to the fact that the item was taken out. When the takeout log information output means generates takeout log information relating to the fact that the article was taken out, even if the user identification information receiving means cannot receive the user identification information related to the user, 4. The article monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein the reporting means does not execute a reporting operation. After the takeout log information output means generates takeout log information relating to the fact that the article has been taken out, the article identification information receiving means can receive the article identification information related to the article again. 5. The article monitoring system according to claim 3, further comprising return log information output means for generating and outputting return log information relating to the fact that the article identified by the article identification information is returned. Further comprising authority information storage means for storing article identification information relating to the article and user identification information relating to a user having authority to operate the article;
When the article identification information receiving means can receive the article identification information that is not stored in the authority information storage means, the log information about the fact that the article identified by the article identification information is brought in is generated. The article monitoring system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, further comprising a brought-in log information output means for outputting. Further comprising take-out operation accepting means for accepting an operation input indicating that the article is to be taken out;
When the take-out operation accepting means accepts an operation input indicating that the user or another user approved by the user takes out the article, the article identification information receiving means receives the article identification information related to the article. The article monitoring system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein even if it becomes impossible, the reporting means does not execute a reporting operation for the article. Battery consumption information transmitting means for transmitting battery consumption information indicating that the power of the battery driving the article identification information transmitting means is exhausted;
Battery consumption information receiving means for receiving battery consumption information transmitted from the battery consumption information transmission means,
When the battery consumption information receiving means receives battery consumption information indicating that the battery driving the article identification information transmission means has been consumed, the article identification information transmitted from the article identification information transmission means is identified by the article identification. The article according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein even if the information receiving means cannot receive the information, the reporting means does not execute the reporting operation for the article identified by the article identification information. Monitoring system. 9. The article monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising battery depletion notification means for notifying that power of a battery driving the article identification information transmitting means has been consumed. It is used for constructing the article monitoring system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
An article identification tag comprising article identification information sending means attached to an article to be monitored and sending article identification information for identifying the article. It is used for constructing the article monitoring system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
Article identification information receiving means for receiving article identification information transmitted from the article identification information transmitting means attached to the article to be monitored;
User identification information receiving means for receiving user identification information transmitted from user identification information transmitting means possessed by a user having authority to operate the article;
At least when the article identification information receiving means cannot receive the article identification information related to the article and the user identification information receiving means cannot receive the user identification information related to the user, a predetermined notification operation is executed. A control device comprising a reporting means. Monitoring the operation of the article,
Sensor means attached to an article to be monitored and sensing an operation on the article;
User identification information transmitting means possessed by a user having authority to operate the article and transmitting user identification information for identifying the user;
User identification information receiving means for receiving user identification information transmitted from the user identification information transmitting means;
And a security operation means for performing a predetermined security operation when the sensor means senses an operation on the article and the user identification information receiving means cannot receive the user identification information relating to the user. An article monitoring system. Monitoring the operation of the article,
Sensor means attached to an article to be monitored and sensing an operation on the article;
Sensing information transmitting means for transmitting sensing information indicating that the article has been operated when the sensor means senses an operation on the article;
User identification information transmitting means possessed by a user having authority to operate the article and transmitting user identification information for identifying the user;
Sensing information receiving means for receiving sensing information transmitted from the sensing information transmitting means;
User identification information receiving means for receiving user identification information transmitted from the user identification information transmitting means;
At least when the sensing information receiving means receives sensing information indicating that the article has been operated and the user identification information receiving means cannot receive the user identification information related to the user, a predetermined crime prevention operation is executed. An article surveillance system comprising crime prevention operation means. Monitoring the operation of the article,
Sensor means attached to an article to be monitored and sensing an operation on the article;
User identification information transmitting means possessed by a user having authority to operate the article and transmitting user identification information for identifying the user;
User identification information receiving means for receiving user identification information transmitted from the user identification information transmitting means;
When the user identification information receiving unit can receive the user identification information related to the user, the permission information transmission unit that transmits the permission information indicating that the operation on the article is permitted;
Permission information receiving means for receiving permission information transmitted from the permission information transmitting means;
A security operation means for executing a predetermined security operation when at least the sensor means senses an operation on the article and the permission information receiving means cannot receive the permission information indicating that the operation on the article is permitted; An article monitoring system comprising: Further comprising authority information storage means for storing user identification information relating to a user having authority to operate the article,
The article according to claim 12 or 13, wherein when the user identification information receiving means cannot receive user identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the authority information storage means, the crime prevention operation means performs a crime prevention operation. Monitoring system. The article monitoring system according to claim 15, wherein the authority information storage unit stores user identification information relating to the user in association with article identification information for identifying an article operable by the user. Further comprising authority information storage means for storing user identification information relating to a user having authority to operate the article in association with article identification information for identifying an article operable by the user;
The permissible information transmitting means selects an article whose operation is permitted based on the user identification information received by the user identification information receiving means and the user identification information and the article identification information stored in the authority information storage means. Judging and sending the allowance information,
15. The article monitoring system according to claim 14, wherein the crime prevention operation means performs a crime prevention operation when the permission information receiving means cannot receive permission information indicating that an operation on the article is allowed. Usage log relating to the fact that the article is used when the sensor means senses an operation on the article when the user identification information receiving means can receive user identification information relating to a user who has authority to operate the article. 18. The article monitoring system according to claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17, further comprising usage log information output means for generating and outputting information. When another user approved by the user takes out the article, the apparatus further comprises authority information receiving means for receiving input of user identification information related to the other user and storing it in the authority information storage means,
16. The crime prevention operation means does not execute a crime prevention operation when the user identification information reception means can receive user identification information corresponding to user identification information related to the other user stored in the authority information storage means. Goods monitoring system. The authority information receiving means
When the user identification information receiving means can receive user identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the authority information storage means, or
In the case where the permission information receiving means can receive the permission information corresponding to the permission information stored in the authority information storage means,
20. The article monitoring system according to claim 19, wherein an input of user identification information relating to the other user can be received. 21. The article monitoring system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the authority information receiving means can set an expiration date in user identification information relating to the other user and then store it in the authority information storage means. When the authority information accepting unit accepts input of user identification information related to the other user, it further includes a takeout log information output unit that generates and outputs takeout log information regarding the fact that the article has been taken out. The article monitoring system according to claim 19, 20 or 21. When the article is delivered from the other user to another user,
The authority information accepting unit accepts input of the user identification information related to the other user on the condition that the user identification information receiving means can receive the user identification information related to the other user and stores the user identification information related to the other user in the authority information storage It can be memorized,
21. A delivery log information generating means for generating delivery log information relating to the fact that the article has been delivered when the authority information accepting means accepts input of user identification information relating to the other user. Or the article monitoring system of 21. The article monitoring system according to claim 23, further comprising delivery log information output means for outputting delivery log information generated by said delivery log information generation means. 25. The article monitoring system according to claim 19, 20, 21, 21, 23, or 24, further comprising a return operation receiving means for receiving an operation input indicating that the taken-out article is to be returned. It is used for constructing an article monitoring system according to claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25,
Sensor means for sensing an operation on the article;
Authority information storage means for storing user identification information relating to a user having authority to operate the article;
User identification information receiving means for receiving user identification information transmitted from user identification information transmitting means possessed by a user having authority to operate the article;
At least when the sensor means senses an operation on the article and the user identification information receiving means cannot receive user identification information corresponding to the user identification information stored in the authority information storage means. An article identification tag attached to an article to be monitored, comprising a crime prevention operation means for executing an action. It is used for constructing an article monitoring system according to claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25,
Sensor means for sensing an operation on the article;
Permission information receiving means for receiving permission information indicating that operation on the article is permitted;
A security operation means for performing a predetermined security operation when at least the sensor means senses an operation on the article and the permission information receiving means cannot receive the permission information indicating that the operation on the article is permitted. An article identification tag attached to an article to be monitored. It is used for constructing an article monitoring system according to claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25,
Sensor means for sensing an operation on the article;
Authority information storage means for storing user identification information relating to a user having authority to operate the article;
Sensing information transmitting means for transmitting sensing information indicating that the article has been operated when the sensor means senses an operation on the article;
A permissible information receiving means for waiting and receiving permissible information provided as a response to the sensing information transmitting means transmitting the sensing information;
User identification information receiving means for waiting and receiving user identification information transmitted from user identification information transmitting means possessed by a user having authority to operate the article when the allowable information receiving means cannot receive the allowable information; and
At least a user who senses an operation on the article by the sensor means and cannot accept the permission information indicating that the operation on the article is permitted, and is stored in the authority information storage means An article identification tag attached to an article to be monitored, comprising: a crime prevention operation means for executing a predetermined crime prevention operation when the user identification information receiving means cannot receive the user identification information corresponding to the identification information. Call information receiving means for receiving predetermined call information;
29. The article identification tag according to claim 26, 27 or 28, further comprising a call operation means for executing a predetermined call operation when the call information receiving means receives the call information. Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 used to construct the article monitoring system according to 25,
A user identification tag provided with a user identification information transmitting means possessed by a user having authority to operate an article and transmitting user identification information for identifying the user. It is used for constructing an article monitoring system according to claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25,
User identification information receiving means for receiving user identification information transmitted from user identification information transmitting means possessed by a user who has the authority to operate an article to be monitored;
A control apparatus comprising: permission information transmitting means for transmitting permission information indicating that an operation on the article is permitted when the user identification information receiving means can receive user identification information relating to the user.

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