JP3193612B2 - Automatic goods lending management system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention prevents illegal take-out of rented articles in a so-called article renting business, such as a library or a rental video shop.
Further, the present invention relates to an automatic article lending management system capable of saving labor in lending processing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a business of lending goods, such as a library or a rental video store, lending is performed by preventing unauthorized removal of books or video cassettes as lending goods and managing the lending period of the lending goods. It is necessary to prevent the expiration of the expiration date, and to perform so-called article carry-in / management of the rented article, such as contacting the customer and requesting a return when the expiration date of the loan has been exceeded. Libraries and rental video stores that lend such goods,
Usually, by the clerk or clerk to do the rental,
There is a window service for lending, which limits work hours.

[0003] Conventionally, in order to automate such an article lending operation, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H6-149831 has been proposed.
As described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-163, an automatic book lending / returning system including a lending guide by a display display and a device for transporting lending items and automatically reading the information is already proposed and known. . According to this,
Library users can perform library lending / returning operations themselves, which can reduce the burden on contact persons and enable processing when absent, reduce long-term service waiting and processing errors, and Is effective in improving the efficiency of window operations and improving services, such as measures to reduce labor shortages.

[0004] However, in the automatic book lending / returning system according to the prior art described above, no consideration is given to the prevention of unauthorized removal of books by library users. In the automation of lending procedures and sales to unspecified large numbers of customers, such as libraries and rental video stores, and even stores, prevention of fraud by customers is the most important issue, and if this issue is not resolved, actual Automation is difficult.

[0005] In order to prevent a customer from illegally taking out a product at a store or the like, for example, a method using a wireless tag including a capacitor and a spiral coil has already been put to practical use. According to this method, when the wireless tag is attached to a product and the product is illegally taken out of the store, a detector arranged at the entrance of the store reacts and issues a warning. On the other hand, if the payment is made properly, the tag is removed by a clerk or the circuit is destroyed to inactivate the tag, so that the tag can pass through the entrance without warning.

[0006]

However, when the system according to the prior art described above is used in a business or a store that lends goods such as a library or a rental video store, the goods to be rented usually include: Since it is repeatedly lent, there is an inconvenience that a new tag must be attached every time the rented article is returned.

[0007] As described above, in the prior art, a simple fraud prevention system cannot be constructed, especially in an industry that lends goods such as a library or a rental video store.
For this reason, it has been difficult to promote the automation of the article lending operation.

In view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the present invention realizes prevention of unauthorized removal of an article by simply attaching a simple tag on the article for lending, and furthermore, the lending business. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic article lending management system for enabling automatic operation of a leasing service.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a rental management system for a rental article which is housed in an area shielded from the outside and to which a carrier having at least a wireless tag and identification information for identification is added. An automatic article lending management system, comprising a passage connecting the inside and outside of the area, a management table for managing lending information of the lending article, and the area for inserting a lending article and a user ID card. An inside slot attached to the inside, reading means for reading the identification information and the user information stored in the ID card, and a lending article and the ID card inserted from the inside slot to the reading means. Transport means for transporting, and further transporting the read ID card to the outside of the area, identification information and user information read by the reading means. An article lending device installed in the middle of the passage, provided with first control means for performing registration in the management table and controlling the operation of the transport means, and Tag detection means for detecting a wireless tag added to the rental article and issuing a warning when the rental article passes through the passage without passing through the article rental apparatus, Disclose the management system.

[0010] Further, the present invention relates to a rental article and a user I
An outer insertion port attached to the outside of the area for inserting a D card, and the conveyance means conveys the lent article and the ID card inserted from the outer insertion port to the reading means, and after the reading is completed. Second control means for transporting the rented article and the ID card to the inside of the area, and for deleting registration on the management table corresponding to the identification information and the user information read by the reading means. An automatic article lending management system characterized by being added to the article lending apparatus is disclosed.

Also, the present invention provides a feature amount measuring means for measuring a feature amount of a rented article inserted into the inside or outside input port, a feature amount measured by the means, and a feature amount of the rented article. When the characteristic amount of the rented article stored in the carrier or the management table is in a mismatched state that is different from a predetermined value or more, registration of the rented article in the management table or deletion from the management table is performed. Instead, a third control means for controlling the lending article to return to the side where the lending article has been input is added to the article lending apparatus, and an automatic article lending management system is disclosed.

Further, according to the present invention, a first alarm means for issuing an alarm when the mismatch between the measured value of the characteristic amount and the stored value continuously occurs a predetermined number of times is added to the article lending apparatus. There is disclosed an automatic article lending management system characterized by the above.

Further, according to the present invention, the feature quantity measuring means may include:
Disclosed is an automatic article lending management system characterized by measuring the height or weight of a rental article as a feature amount.

[0014] The present invention further provides a fourth control means for returning the rental article to the side where the rental article has been input, when the reading of the identification information by the reading means is not successful. An automatic article lending management system characterized by being added to a lending device is disclosed.

According to the present invention, there is provided a display means for displaying an operation instruction to a user when the rental article is returned to the side where the rental article has been inserted, and the user is required to view the display on the display means. There is disclosed an automatic article lending management system characterized in that an operation input means for occasionally performing input is added to the article lending apparatus.

In the present invention, when the identification information read by the reading means is registered in the management table, a name representing the lent article and a lending period are written on a display unit provided on the ID card, Further, there is disclosed an automatic article lending management system, wherein a writing means for writing the lending period on a display unit provided on a carrier of the lending article is added to the article lending apparatus.

Further, the present invention provides a method for deleting a registration corresponding to the identification information and the user information at the time of returning the rented article from the management table, the ID card and the carrier display section of the rented article being deleted. An automatic article lending management system, characterized in that an erasing means for erasing the collected information is added to the article lending apparatus.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of the passages are provided,
An automatic article lending management system, wherein the article lending apparatus and the tag detecting means are installed in each of the apparatuses, is disclosed.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of the passages are provided,
The article lending device and the tag detection means are installed in a part thereof, and the other passage is provided with the tag detection means and a second alarm for issuing an alarm when the passage of the wireless tag is detected by the means. And an automatic article lending management system, characterized in that the means are installed.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, FIG. 1 shows an automatic article lending management system according to the present invention for managing carrying out (lending) or carrying in (returning) a lending article including a book from a predetermined area (library) such as a library. It is shown. In this figure, reference numeral 200 indicates an internal area of the library, that is, the inside of the hall, and reference numeral 201 indicates an external area of the library, that is, the outside of the hall. The automatic book lending system performs book (book) lending and return processing.

By the way, the boundary between the internal area (inside the field) 200 and the external area (outside the field) 201 of the library is, as is clear from FIG.
The entry and exit of humans, including library users (customers), into and out of the place are performed by the side passage 69 of the article lending apparatus 1 provided in a part of the partition 68 or the general entrance 66. Done. That is, the borrower 100 performs the lending process by self-service using the article lending apparatus 1, and then passes through the gate of the article lending apparatus 1 which will be described later, and passes through the side passage 6 which is a bypass.
Go out of the hall from 9. On the other hand, the returner 101 also performs return processing by self-service using the article lending apparatus 1, and similarly passes through the gate to the side passage 69 which is a side path.
We enter the hall more.

The general person 102 who does not borrow a book
Will enter and exit through the general entrance 66. At this time, if the user attempts to illegally take out the book from the general entrance 66, the wireless tag 44 of the information carrier 11 attached to the book 10 will be described in detail later. The tag detecting means 67 provided at the entrance 66 detects this, and issues a warning.
In addition, the article lending device 1 also has the tag detecting means 6.
7 is arranged so as to detect that the borrower 100 does not pass through the article lending apparatus 1 and take the book illegally through the side passage 69 and issue a warning. It is designed to prevent carry-out. The plurality of article lending apparatuses 1 are connected to a main control unit 61 described later through a line (not shown).

Next, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed structure of the article lending apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. This article lending device 1
Is the internal area of the library (inside the venue), as shown in the figure.
Boundary 21 that separates 00 and external area (outside the field) 201
It is located near zero. In addition, this article lending device 1
Is an automatic device operated by the customer himself. For example, when a customer wants to lend a book, a book 10 which is an article desired to be lent is inserted into the article lending apparatus 1 from the slot 2 inside the hall. The loaded book 10 is conveyed in the apparatus in the direction of arrow a in the figure by the action of the conveyer belt 9 composed of an endless belt.
This leads to the receiving port 3 outside the device.

The article lending apparatus 1 has a reading unit 4 above the conveyor belt 9, and the reading unit 4 is located between the slot 2 and the receiving port 3, and the loaded book 10. Has a so-called reading means for reading information of the information carrier 11 attached to (e.g., attached to the surface of) the book 10, and thereby the book 10 carried on the carrying belt 9. Read information. Then, the article lending apparatus 1 presents the lending processing procedure to the customer via the display means 5 according to the read information, and the lending operation is performed by the customer in accordance with the instruction. The display means 5 is constituted by, for example, a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and a touch panel is arranged on the display screen, for example. The customer directly designates a chart or the like displayed on the display screen of the display means 5. By doing so, the operation can be performed.

Next, the gate A of the article lending apparatus 1
Numeral 7 is located between the input port 2 and the receiving port 3 to restrict the traffic of a person passing through the side passage 69 by the opening and closing operation, and to illegally take out a book which is a rental article.
For example, it is prevented to take out without performing the lending procedure. For example, when the customer inserts the ID card 40 into the card slot 6 of the article lending device 1, the customer information of the ID card 40 is read by the device 1. as a result,
If the customer information and the operation are correct, the gate A7 closes in the direction shown by the arrow b from the illustrated state, and opens the side passage 69. Then, the book 10 inserted into the slot 2 of the article lending apparatus 1 is conveyed to the receiving port 3, and the inserted ID card 40 is also discharged from the card outlet 6 'on the receiving port 3 side of the apparatus 1. You. Thereby, the customer goes out of the hall through the gate unit and receives his / her ID card 40 and the book 10 to be lent.

Note that the article lending apparatus 1 can be used as a rental article return apparatus by arranging the article lending apparatus in the opposite direction. It is also possible to use it for return processing. That is, in the article lending apparatus 1, at the time of the return operation, the gate A7 of the apparatus 1 is closed, while the other gate B8 is opened in the direction of arrow c in the drawing to block the side passage 69. Prevent unauthorized entry of humans from. Then, the customer inserts the book 10 to be returned from the reception port 3 on the outside of the device 1,
The card 40 is inserted into the card outlet 6 'of the device 1. As a result, the return operation method is displayed on the display device 5 'outside the venue, and when the customer completes the return operation in accordance with the display, the conveyor belt 9 of the device 1 causes the loaded book 10 to move the inserted book 10 into the entrance 2 inside the venue. Transport to Then, the gate B8 of the article lending apparatus 1 is closed to allow passage through the side passage 69, and the customer who has completed the above-described return processing proceeds to the hall, takes out the book to be returned from the slot 2 of the apparatus 1, and inserts the card. Take out the ID card from the mouth 6. Then, it is returned to the bookshelf or the like where the books are arranged.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of an ID card 40 used in the automatic book lending system. As is clear from the figure, for example, printing such as “XX book card” is performed on one surface of a synthetic resin plate-shaped card, and further information about the owner of the ID card 40 is, for example, The information is written as magnetic information on a magnetic material disposed on the other surface (back surface) of the card, or is written in a storage area of an IC memory mounted on the card. Further, in the ID card 40 used in the automatic book lending system, a display area made of a reversible thermosensitive material, which can be written by heating and erased by heating, is provided on one surface (the surface in this example). 41 are provided.

When the ID card 40 is inserted into the card slot 6 of the article lending apparatus 1, the ID card 40
Is transported to the outlet 6 '.
While the 0 is being conveyed, information stored in the magnetic material or the IC memory is read out and input by the device 1. After the ID card 40 is inserted into the card slot 6 of the device 1 and is discharged to the discharge port 6 ′, necessary information such as, for example, is displayed on the display area 41.
As shown in the figure, the title of the book to be borrowed and the return period are described by heating. As described above, the ID card 40 held by the book user who is the customer is provided with the display area 41 that can be written and erased, and the information necessary for the lending business can be written therein. For example, it is possible to prevent a delay in returning a book due to forgetting a return period of a book borrowed by the user. When returning the book, I
Since the information on the display area 41 of the D card 40 is deleted by reheating, the ID card 40 can be used any number of times.

Note that when one user has already borrowed a book and borrowed another book on top of that, or when only a part of a plurality of borrowed books is to be returned, a display is displayed. After the display of the area 41 is entirely deleted and the borrowing or returning process is performed from the main control unit 61 (FIG. 6) described later, the user still takes out the borrowed book data and writes it again.

FIG. 4 shows a rental article management carrier used in the automatic book lending system, for example, an information carrier 11 attached to the cover of a book for use. The information carrier 11 is in the form of a seal, and an adhesive is applied to the back side thereof, so that the information carrier 11 can be attached to the book 10. In addition, on the surface of the information carrier 11, for example, book information for specifying a book is displayed as a book ID by numbers and characters, and is described by a bar code 42. In addition, similarly to the display area 41 of the ID card 40 shown in FIG. 3, the information carrier 11 has a display area 43 made of a reversible thermosensitive material that can be written and erased by heating.
However, a tag (wireless tag) 44 for detecting unauthorized removal of a book is provided. As will be described later in detail, information such as a return period is recorded in the display area 43 by heating during the lending process by the article lending apparatus 1.

The tag 44 is formed of, for example, a capacitor, a spiral coil, etc.
It is preferable to use a wireless tag that can detect the presence of the tag 44 in a non-contact manner by the tag detecting means 67 provided in the general entrance 66 and the side passage 69 as described above. The wireless tag 44 composed of such a capacitor and a spiral coil has a simple configuration and is inexpensive.
Further, since it is possible to form a metal sheet or the like on a sheet of paper or resin, it can be formed very thin. Thereby, the sheet-shaped information carrier 1 is formed.
1 has an advantage that it does not increase the thickness thereof, and in particular, does not hinder the storage of articles even when attached on a book or the like. Then, as described above, the tag 44 is detected at an entrance other than the article conveyance path between the input port 2 and the reception port 3 in the article lending apparatus 1, that is, the general entrance 66 and the side passage 69. Tag detecting means 67 is arranged, thereby detecting an illegal take-out of an article (book) from a device other than the article lending apparatus 1 and, when this is detected, giving a warning by an alarm (not shown) or the like. To Thereby,
Prevent unauthorized removal of rental items such as books.

In the example of the information carrier 11 described above,
Although the book information is described by a barcode, the present invention is not limited thereto.
The same effect can be obtained by using a two-dimensional code or the like.

Further, in the above example, the ID card 4
Although the display area 41 of 0 and the display area 43 of the information carrier 11 have been described as being writable and erasable using a reversible thermosensitive material, the present invention is not limited to such materials. Alternatively, it is possible to use a normal heat-sensitive material. However, if ordinary heat-sensitive materials are used, the display area becomes insufficient during repeated borrowing, so the display size of the characters described in this display area is reduced and only this display area is replaced. It is necessary to take measures such as using a thermal paper that can be used.

Next, the internal configuration of the reading section 4 of the article lending apparatus 1 described above is shown in FIG. In this figure, on the conveyor belt 9,
The book 10 with the information carrier 11 attached to its cover,
It is transported in the direction of arrow d or e in the figure. FIG.
In the book lending process, the transport belt 9
Transports the book 10 in the direction indicated by the arrow d in the figure. On the other hand, the book 10 inserted from the slot 2 shown in FIG.
At its input port 2 side (ie, on the left side of the figure)
The height from the surface of the conveyor belt 9 is measured by first height detectors 20 and 21 provided opposite to both ends of the conveyor belt 9. Further, the first height detecting means 20, 2
1 detects not only the height of the book but also the insertion of the book 10 by its output. In addition,
In the first height detecting means on the input side, a plurality of light emitting elements such as, for example, light emitting diodes are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction in the one height detecting means 20, and the other height detecting means is used. Reference numeral 21 designates a configuration in which a plurality of light receiving elements such as light receiving transistors and light receiving diodes are similarly arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction. In the first height detecting means 20 and 21 having such a configuration, the detected height of the book 10 and its insertion are detected and measured from the position where the light emitted from the one height detecting means 20 is blocked. It will be.

The reading unit 4 of the article lending apparatus 1
In FIG. 1, a first video camera 22 is provided on the insertion port 2 side (left side in the figure), and the video camera 22 is disposed above the transport belt 9 and photographs the inserted book 10 from above. From the image captured by the first video camera 22, a control unit, which will be described later, performs image processing, and detects the position of the information carrier 11 attached to the inserted book 10. At this time, the control unit detects whether or not the information carrier 11 faces the barcode reader 24 side (that is, upward). If not, the barcode of the information carrier 11 cannot be read. The conveying belt 9 is turned over (that is, conveyed in the direction of arrow e in the figure), and the inserted book 10 is returned to the insertion slot 2, and the display unit 5
Is given to the customer via the display screen of the above to change the direction in which the book 10 is placed on the transport belt 9 and reinsert it.

After the bar code reader 24 reads the bar code 42 of the information carrier 11 attached to the book 10 in this manner, the bar code reader 24 then reads the first video camera 2
2 based on the position information obtained from the image taken
The laser writing machine 23 is provided on the information carrier 11 attached to the cover of the book 10, more specifically, on the information carrier 1.
For example, information such as a return date is written in the display area 43 of FIG. The laser writing machine 23 is configured by, for example, a device that reflects a laser beam by a mirror, scans the laser beam by operating the mirror, and forms characters and the like. In addition, the above barcode reader 2
Reference numeral 4 denotes a reader that performs a plurality of scans.
Reading is possible even if the position of 1 is not constant.

Further, the reading section 4 of the article lending apparatus 1 is provided with a so-called heat roller 27 which heats and erases information such as a return period written on the information carrier 11 attached to the book 10, that is, a swing arm. 26. The swing arm 26 is rotatable by, for example, a rotary drive device 25 such as a motor.
Is raised so as not to hinder the passage of the book 10. On the other hand, when the book is returned, the insertion of the book 10 is detected in the same manner as described above by the second height detecting means 20 ′ and 21 ′ provided on the opposite receiving port 3 side (right side in the figure). As a result, the transport belt 9 moves in the direction of arrow e in the figure, and the second height detecting means 20 ′ and 21 ′ move the book 1 on the transport belt 9.
Measure the height of zero. Thereafter, the second video camera 22 'on the receiving port 3 side similarly confirms whether the information carrier 11 attached to the inserted book 10 faces upward. That is, as described above, the information carrier 11 of the book 10 does not face upward (that is, the transport belt 9).
Side), the transport belt 9 is reversed and the book 10
Is returned to the receiving port 3 and the customer is instructed via the display screen of the display means 5 ′ to change the direction in which the book 10 is placed on the transport belt 9 and reinsert it.

After the above operation, when the information carrier 11 is normally facing upward, the transport belt 9 transports the book 10 as it is in the direction of the arrow e, and the second height detecting means 20 first. Depending on the height of the book measured by ', 21',
The swing arm 26 is rotated in the direction of the arrow f by the rotation drive device 25, thereby lowering the heat roller 27 and displaying the information on the information carrier 11 attached to the surface of the book 10 moving on the transport belt 9. The area 43 is heated, and the information written therein is erased. Thereafter, the barcode reader 24 further operates the information carrier 11.
Read the book information displayed above and perform the necessary return processing.

In the reading section 4 of FIG. 5, the bar code reader is read from the information by the reader 24. However, the transport belt 9 is made of a transparent resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), If a bar code reader or a video camera is arranged, the bar code reader can be read from below, thereby improving the processing efficiency and making the device more user-friendly.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal circuit configuration of the article lending apparatus 1 and a main control unit 61 connected thereto. In this figure, only one article lending apparatus 1 is shown for simplicity of description, but in practice, a plurality of the article lending apparatuses 1 are provided by the main control unit 6.
1 will be connected. When the internal circuit configuration of the article lending apparatus 1 is described, as is clear from the figure,
It is mainly composed of various detecting means and driving devices, and a control unit 58 for controlling them. The control unit 58 controls the touch panels 51 and 51 ′, which are various detection units and driving devices, via the interface 57.
Display device 5, 5 ', motor driver 56, height detecting means 20, 20', 21, 21 ', bar code reader 2
4. Laser writing machine 23, ID card reader 54, ID
The controller 58 is connected to the card writer 55, the video cameras 22 and 22 ', and further to the controller 58, a storage device 59, a communication interface 60, and the like.

Of the above various detecting means and driving devices,
The motor driver 56 drives the transport belt drive motor 52, the swing arm drive motor 25, the gate opening / closing motor 53, and the like. In addition, the storage device 59 includes:
An operation program, image data to be displayed on the display device 5, and the like are stored. Further, the article lending apparatus 1 is connected to the main control unit 61 via the communication interface 60 described above. Then, the control unit 58 makes an inquiry to the main control unit 61 based on the information read by the barcode reader 24, thereby receiving the book information or sending the book lending or return information to the main control unit 61. As is clear from this, the main control unit 61 collectively manages information on all books in stock in the library, lending status, and the like.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 58 of the article lending apparatus 1 described above, and the details will be described below. First, the device in the operation state starts its operation and detects a customer approaching the device. Then, when it is detected that a human such as a customer approaches the apparatus (step 101), if the approach of the human is on the side of the input port 2 of the apparatus 1 inside the hall, the gate A7 (see FIG. 2) is opened. (Step 102) The side passage of the apparatus 1 is blocked. Thereafter, the operation method is displayed on the display means 5 inside the hall (step 103), and the operation method is instructed to the customer. In accordance with the instruction of this operation method, the customer inserts the book 10 to be borrowed into the slot 2 (step 104), and inserts the ID card 40 owned by the customer into the card slot 6 (step 10).
5). Thereafter, the device 1 is provided with the height detecting means 20, 21.
Detects that the book 10 has been inserted (step 106), the transport belt 9 is operated to transport the book 10 (step 1).
07). At this time, at the same time, the height detecting means 20 and 21 measure the thickness of the book 10 (that is, the height from the conveyor belt 9) (step 108). After that, video camera 2
2 detects the position of the information carrier 11 on the book 10 by taking in the image of the book 10 on the transport belt 9 and processing the image as described above (step 10).
9). At this time, the device 1 determines whether or not the information carrier 11 can be read (Step 110).

When the information carrier 11 can be read ("YES") as a result of the above determination, the transport belt 9 is stopped when the information carrier 11 reaches the bar code reading position (step 111), and the bar code is read there. Is read (step 112). At this time, it is determined whether the bar code has been read (step 113). If the data is read ("YES"), the read data is sent to the main control unit 61, where a data search is performed based on the book data, which is book information (step 114).
Note that the thickness (height) of the book 10 is included in the book data.
Is added, and the data of the thickness of the book is compared with the result measured in step 108 to determine whether or not the thickness (height) is normal (step 115).
If the value is significantly different from the stored thickness data (“NO”), for example, erroneous processing such as the customer putting the book 10 on another book, or an improper act may be considered. As described later, the device 1
Instructs the customer to start over. If it is normal ("YES"), the data of the inserted book is displayed (step 116), and it is further determined whether or not the borrowed content is correct, that is, whether the content is OK. Ask the customer (step 117). In the above description, the thickness, which is the feature amount of the book, is stored in the main control unit, but this is written in the barcode of the carrier,
It can also be read.

In the determination at step 117, the customer determines "YE
When the answer is “S”, the device 1 enters information such as the return deadline into the display area 41 of the information carrier 11 attached to the surface of the book 10 and the display area 43 of the inserted ID card 40. (Step 118). After the entry of this information is completed, the apparatus 1 operates the conveyor belt 9 to convey the book 10 to the reception port 3 outside the hall (step 119), and conveys the ID card 40 to eject the card outside the hall. The ID card 40 is protruded from the exit 6 ′,
Thereafter, the gate A7 is closed (step 120), and the side passage 69 is opened to urge the customer to pass. As a result, the customer passes through the gate A7 and goes to the receiving port 3 arranged outside the hall, where the book 10 borrowed therefrom and his / her own ID card 4
0 is received (step 121), and the process returns to step 101 again to perform the subsequent processing.

In the above processing, in particular, when the result of the determination is negative in the following four determination steps, that is, (1) in the above determination step 110, the If the information carrier 11 is not facing upward and the device 1 cannot read the information carrier 11 ("NO"),
(2) In the above determination step 113, the bar code on the information carrier 11 could not be read ("NO").
(3) In the above step 115, the measured thickness (height) of the book 10 is significantly different from the stored data, and is therefore determined to be abnormal ("NO"); and (4) In the above step 117, unlike the lending contents intended by the customer, if the result of displaying the contents and asking the customer to judge is “NO”,
The apparatus 1 reverses the transport belt 9 to return the book 10 to the slot 2 (step 150), notifies the user of the content of the abnormality via the display means 5, and notifies the customer via the display means 5 via the display means 5. Then, the book 10 to be borrowed is input again, that is, an instruction to start over is given (step 151).

In the device 1, a key for requesting a call of a clerk is displayed on the touch panel 51 on the display device 5, and when the customer presses this key as necessary, the clerk can press the key. It is possible to call Then, by further pressing this key, it is determined whether or not a clerk is called (step 152).
As a result, if it is determined that this key has been pressed ("YES"), a clerk can be called to request assistance for the operation or to request a manual lending procedure by the clerk (step S1). 153). As a result, even in the event of a malfunction of the apparatus 1 or an operation error of the customer, the borrowing process or, as will be described later, prevent a large delay in the return process, thereby preventing a decrease in customer service. It becomes possible. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step 152, the key for calling the attendant has not been pressed ("N
If "O") is determined, the flow returns to step 104, and the subsequent processing is repeated. Further, when the book 10 is returned a predetermined number of times or more without calling the attendant, an alert may be generated to call the attendant.

In the above, the operation at the time of lending of the article lending apparatus 1 has been described. Next, the return processing by the apparatus 1 will be described. First, in order to perform a return process, the personal detection is performed by the customer approaching the device from the outlet 3 of the device 1 placed outside the hall (step 101), similar to the operation at the time of lending. When the proximity of the customer is detected, the device 1
Opens the gate B8 (step 122) and blocks the side passage 69.

Thereafter, as is clear from the flow of the figure, the operation method is displayed on the off-site display means 5 'similarly to the above-mentioned operation at the time of lending (step 123).
Instruct customers how to operate. In accordance with the displayed instruction, the customer inputs the book 10 to be returned into the off-site reception 3 (step 124). Then, the ID card is inserted into the card ejection port 6 '(in this case, functioning as a card insertion port) arranged outside the hall (step 125). Thereafter, when the second height detecting means 20 ′, 21 ′ arranged outside the venue detects the insertion of the book 10 (step 126), the transport belt 9 operates and the book 1 is moved.
0 is conveyed (step 127). At the same time, the height detecting means 20 'and 21' measure the thickness of the book 10 (step 128). Further, the second video camera 22 ′, which is also disposed outside the field, captures an image of the book 10 moving on the conveyor belt 9 and processes the captured image, thereby processing the information carrier attached to the book 10. 11
Is detected (step 129), and it is determined whether or not the information carrier 11 has been read (step 130).

If it is determined that the information carrier 11 has been read ("YES"), then the information carrier 11 is read.
When the belt reaches the barcode reading position,
Is stopped (step 131), and the barcode written on the information carrier 11 is read (step 132).
At this time, it is further determined whether or not the bar code has been read (step 133). As a result, if it is read ("YES"), the read data is sent to the main control unit 61, and the book information is searched in the same manner as described above (step 134). Further, the measurement result of the thickness (height) of the book in step 128 is compared with the recorded data to determine whether or not the thickness of the inserted book 10 is normal (step 135). As a result, if the values are significantly different ("NO"), an erroneous process such as inserting the books 10 repeatedly or an improper operation is considered, and the customer is instructed to start over. On the other hand, if it is normal ("YES"), the data read from the information carrier 11 of the inserted book 10 is displayed (step 136), and it is determined whether or not the return content is correct. Ask the customer (step 137).

If the customer answers "YES" in this determination, the apparatus 1 presses the heat roller 20 against the information carrier 11 on the book 10, and returns the information such as the return deadline entered in the display area 43 at the time of borrowing. Erasing information (Step 1
38). After the erasure of this information is completed, the transport belt 9 is operated to transport the book 10 to the slot 2 in the hall (step 139). At this time, the ID card 40 is also conveyed and is made to protrude from the card slot 6 provided inside the hall. Thereafter, the apparatus 1 closes the gate B8 (Step 1).
40), the side passage 69 is opened to encourage the passage of the customer. As a result, the customer passes through the gate B8 and enters the library, goes to the slot 2, and enters the book 10 to be returned.
And its own ID card 40 (step 14).
1).

It should be noted that the book 1
0, the information carrier 11 does not face upward and cannot be read, the bar code cannot be read in the decision step 133, the thickness is not normal in the decision step 135, and the decision step If the content displayed at 137 is not OK, unlike the rental content, as in the case of the rental, the transport belt 9 is turned over, and the book 10 is returned to the take-out port 3 again (step 154). The display means 5 'informs the customer of the contents of the abnormality and gives an instruction to re-insert the book 10 to be returned (step 155).

Similarly to the above, a key for requesting the call of the attendant is also displayed on the touch panel 51 'of the display device 5' outside the hall so that the call of the attendant can be instructed (step 156). , Press this key ("Y
ES ") to call the attendant and assist with the operation or return procedure manually by the attendant (step 157).
To be able to request. Step 15
In step 6, if the call key of the attendant has not been pressed ("NO"), the flow proceeds to step 124 described above.
And the subsequent steps are sequentially performed. Then, the operation is ended by turning off the switch of the device 1 or the like.

As described above, the article lending apparatus 1 described above, and the ID card 40 and the information carrier 1
According to the automatic book lending system according to the present invention, the book lending process and the return process are automated, and the lending and returning of the book can be performed by self-service by the customer. As a result, the number of people who borrow and return books is reduced, or
By extending the lending time, it is possible to lend articles efficiently and conveniently for the user. In addition, in particular, according to the article lending apparatus 1 described above, the book lending process and the book return process can be performed by one device, as described above, whereby many customer processes can be performed with a small number of devices. There is an advantage that it becomes possible.

FIG. 8 shows the article lending apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another configuration example different from the internal configuration of the reading unit 4 of FIG. Here, only the differences from the above-described FIG. 5 will be described, but the main difference is that information such as the return deadline is entered by a thermal head. That is, in another configuration example of the reading unit 4, the thermal head 32 is attached to the second swing arm 31 and is moved up and down by the second driving device 30.

In such a configuration, the book 10 inserted
The heat-sensitive head 32 is moved up and down in accordance with the thickness (height) of the information carrier 11 so that the heating element always comes into contact with the display means 41 of the information carrier 11 with a pressing force within a certain range. Note that the pressing force is controlled to be within a certain range by the spring 33.

On the side of the thermal head 32 that contacts the book, a plurality of heating elements are arranged in a straight line in the width direction. Then, the book 10 is transported while the heating elements are pressed against the display area 43 (FIG. 4), and the heating elements are turned on or off according to the information to be written, thereby forming character information such as a return time limit. Note that here, the book 10
A guide roller 34 is provided at the end of the thermal head 32 in order to smoothly move the head. When the book 10 is returned, the second driving means 30 is connected to the swing arm 3.
1 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow g in the figure, and thereby the thermal head 32 is raised so as not to obstruct the book 10 being conveyed.

In the configuration of the reading section 4 as another example of the configuration, as compared with the configuration of the reading section shown in FIG. 5, a laser is not used for writing information in the display area 43 of the information carrier 11, so that the apparatus Is easier to handle,
Since the thermal head itself is a general and inexpensive part, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the apparatus itself.

Further, in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 8 described above, a book is targeted, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, although the height is used as the feature amount of the object in order to prevent fraud and error, this may be another feature amount. For example, if the weight of the object to be handled is constant, such as a rental video, if the weight of the object is measured instead of height and checked for fraud prevention, the characteristic amount of each rented item will be reduced. There is no need to read, and the processing efficiency is improved. When weight measurement is used, a guide that supports the conveying belt 9 in the direction of gravity may be provided, and the load of the guide in the direction of gravity may be detected by a load cell or the like. According to this method, the number of sensors can be reduced as compared with the detection of height, so that there is an advantage that the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

As described above, according to the automatic article lending management system according to the present invention, when a book is taken out or brought in from a device other than the above-mentioned article lending apparatus, it becomes illegal and an alarm is issued. The customer always needs to perform a process for lending with the article lending device. In addition, since it is passed through the device even when returned, there is no need to deactivate the fraud detection wireless tag as in the past, and once it is given to the book, it is used semipermanently thereafter. It becomes possible. That is,
Using an inexpensive wireless tag, it is possible to prevent unauthorized carrying. In addition, by realizing automatic lending and return using the above-mentioned automatic article lending management system, it is possible to save labor and long-time business of lending a library, a video rental store, or the like. in addition,
The automation of lending / returning by the above system can also protect the privacy of customers. Further, in the above-mentioned system, FIG.
Since the information carrier or the display area of the ID card in FIG. 3 displays the lending period, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the customer from forgetting to return.

[0060]

As is clear from the above detailed description, according to the automatic article lending management system according to the present invention,
Lending and returning of goods in libraries, video rental stores, etc., while preventing unauthorized removal,
Automatic management, that is, lending and return processing can be performed unmanned, so that labor can be saved, including a significant reduction in the number of people involved in those tasks, and service can be performed by prolonging business hours. It has the added benefit of improving and further protecting customers' privacy through automation, while at the same time achieving economical operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an automatic article lending management system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed structure of an article lending apparatus used in the automatic article lending management system.

FIG. 3 shows an I used in the automatic article lending management system.
It is an external view for explaining a D card.

FIG. 4 is an external view for explaining an information carrier of a book used by attaching to the book in the automatic article lending management system.

FIG. 5 is a developed perspective view showing an internal detailed structure of a reading unit in the article lending apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal circuit configuration of the article lending apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of lending and returning in the article lending apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an internal detailed structure of a reading unit in an article lending apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Article lending apparatus 2 Input port 3 Receiving port 4 Reading part 5, 5 'display means 6 Card insertion port 6' Card discharge port 10 Books 11 Information carrier 40 ID card 42 Barcode 41, 43 Display area 44 Tag (wireless tag) 58 control section 61 main control section 66 general entrance 67 tag detecting means 68 partition 69 side passageway 100 borrower (customer) 101 returner (customer) 102 general user (customer)

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Junichi Oizumi 502 Kandate-cho, Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki Pref., Hitachi, Ltd.Mechanical Research Laboratory Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Ikuo Takeuchi 502, Kantate-cho, Tsuchiura-City, Ibaraki Pref., Hitachi, Ltd. ) Inventor Ryoko Sato 502 Kandate-cho, Tsuchiura-city, Ibaraki Pref. Hitachi, Ltd. Mechanical Research Laboratory Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-6-149831 (JP, A) JP-A-5-238517 (JP, A) JP-A Sho JP-A-6-1602043 (JP, A) JP-A-2-182602 (JP, A) JP-A-4-109393 (JP, A) JP-A-4-313146 (JP, A) A) JP-A-2-301189 (JP, A) JP-A-63-113667 (JP, A) JP-A-6-51940 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) ) G06F 17/60 342 G06F 17/60 124 G06F 17/60 154 B65G 1/137 JICST file (JOIS)

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. An automatic article lending management system for performing lending management of a lending article which is stored in an area shielded from the outside and to which a carrier having at least a wireless tag and identification information for identification is added. A passage connecting the inside and the outside of the area, a management table for managing rental information of the rental article, and an inside insertion attached to the inside of the area to insert a rental article and a user ID card. A mouth, reading means for reading the identification information and the user information stored in the ID card, and transporting the lending article and the ID card inserted from the inner slot to the reading means, and further after the reading is completed. Transport means for transporting the ID card to the outside of the area, and identification information and user information read by the reading means to the management table. An article lending device installed in the middle of the passage, provided with first control means for performing registration and operation control of the transporting unit; and an article lending device installed in the passage and not passing the article lending device. And a tag detecting means for detecting a wireless tag added to the rental article and issuing a warning when the rental article passes through the passage. 2. An outside insertion port attached to the outside of the area for inserting a rented article and an ID card of a user, and the transporting means inserts the lent article and the ID card inserted from the outside insertion port into the area. Convey the lending article and the ID card after completion of the reading to the reading means and inside the area, and further delete the registration on the management table corresponding to the identification information and the user information read by the reading means. 2. The automatic article lending management system according to claim 1, wherein a second control unit for performing the following is added to the article lending apparatus. 3. A feature quantity measuring means for measuring a feature quantity of a lending article inserted into the inside or outside input port, and a feature quantity measured by the means and a carrier of the rental article or the management. When the feature amount of the rented article stored in the table is in a mismatch state that is different from the predetermined value and exceeds a predetermined value, the rented article is not registered in the management table or deleted from the management table without performing the deletion. 3. The automatic article lending management system according to claim 2, wherein a third control unit for controlling the lending article to return to the input side is added to the article lending apparatus. 4. 4. The article lending apparatus further comprises a first alarm means for issuing an alarm when a mismatch between the measured value of the feature quantity and a stored value continues for a predetermined number of times. The automatic article lending management system according to claim 3, wherein 5. The automatic article lending management system according to claim 3, wherein the feature quantity measuring means measures a height or a weight of the rental article as a feature quantity. 6. A fourth control means for controlling the return of the rented article to the input side when the reading of the identification information by the reading means is not successful is added to the article lending apparatus. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein
Automatic lending management system according to the above. 7. A display means for displaying an operation instruction to a user when the rental article is returned to the side where the rental article is inserted, and when the user sees the display on the display means, inputs an input when necessary. 7. The automatic article lending management system according to claim 3, wherein operation input means for performing the operation is added to the article lending apparatus. 8. When the identification information read by the reading means is registered in the management table, a name representing the lent article and a lending period are written on a display section provided on the ID card, and the lending period is further written. 3. An automatic article lending management system according to claim 2, wherein a writing means for writing the item on a display unit provided on the carrier of the rental article is added to the article rental apparatus. 9. When the registration corresponding to the identification information and the user information at the time of returning the lent article is deleted from the management table, the information written in the carrier display section of the ID card and the rented article is deleted. 9. The automatic article lending management system according to claim 8, further comprising an erasing means for adding to the article lending apparatus. 10. The automatic article lending management system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said passages are provided, and said article lending device and said tag detecting means are installed in each of said passages. . 11. A plurality of the passages are provided, and the article lending device and the tag detection unit are installed in a part of the passages. In the other passages, the passage of the wireless tag is detected by the tag detection unit and the unit. The automatic article lending management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second alarm means for issuing an alarm when the alarm is issued.