AU2014371881B2

AU2014371881B2 - Mobile terminal, work information management system, work information management method, work information management program, communication device, information management system, information management method, and information management program

Info

Publication number: AU2014371881B2
Application number: AU2014371881A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Hisashi HAZEKAWA; Miyuki Kubo; Toshinori Nakamura; Ikuo Nakano; Takashi Saito; Jun Sakai; Eri TANEICHI
Original assignee: Secom Co Ltd
Current assignee: Secom Co Ltd
Priority date: 2013-12-24
Filing date: 2014-03-26
Publication date: 2017-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-26
Also published as: MY163829A; CN105408921A; WO2015098139A1; TW201525762A; KR20160101893A; CN105408921B; KR101834097B1; AU2014371881A1; TWI588678B

Abstract

The invention provides a mobile terminal, a work information management system, a work information management method and a work information management program with which it is possible for work information created using a mobile terminal during the course of the work to be sent reliably to a center device when each item of work has been completed. The mobile terminal is configured in such a way as to comprise: a storage unit; a communication processing unit which communicates with the center device; an operation unit which a user operates to input information; a work information processing unit which stores, in the storage unit, work information created on the basis of the input information; a work information transfer unit which sends the work information to the center device by way of the communication processing unit when a transfer instruction has been input from the operation unit; and a duty-completion processing unit which, when a duty-completion is input from the operation unit, does not send an off-duty signal, indicating that the user is completing his or her duties, if work information that has not been transferred is stored in the storage unit, and sends an off-duty signal to the center device by way of the communication processing unit if work information that has not been transferred is not stored in the storage unit.

Description

AC537-PCT - 1 -

DESCRIPTION

Title of the Invention:

MOBILE TERMINAL, WORK INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, WORK INFORMATION MANAGEMENT METHOD, WORK INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, COMMUNICATION DEVICE, INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, INFORMATION MANAGEMENT METHOD, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Technical Field [0001]

The embodiments relate to a portable terminal, a business information management system including a portable terminal and a center apparatus connected with the portable terminal through a communication line, a business information management method, a business information management program, a communication device, an information management system including a communication device and a center apparatus, an information management method, and an information management program.

Background [0002]

In buildings, such as office buildings, apartments, and independent housings, security systems which install various sensors and surveillance cameras to monitor security conditions of buildings is hitherto utilized.

In a security service utilizing such a security system, portable terminals come to be utilized with the spread of the portable terminals such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal in recent years. For example, when checking or patrolling a place at which a certain abnormality is detected in the security system, a security guard captures an image of a place which is difficult to be captured by a fixed surveillance camera, or inputs an inspection result into a portable terminal immediately by 2 utilizing a portable terminal, to thereby generate business information such as an inspection record or a monitor image, at any time on a portable terminal at a site. The information such as a monitor image includes personal information of a customer or confidential information in many cases, and this increases a risk of a security leak of personal information or confidential information, when the monitor information is kept in a portable terminal.

[0003]

Patent Literature 1 discloses that, in order to ensure the privacy of an image data captured with a digital camera, the image data obtained by photographing is encrypted with an encryption key to be stored, the encrypted image data is transmitted to an external device, and after that a reduced image is deleted from a storage device.

Citation List Patent Literature [0004]

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2004-120301

Technical Problem [0005]

In a system in which a plurality of users alternately use the same portable terminal, for example, in a shift-work system, it is preferable to efficiently collect business information to a center by transmitting the business information stored by each user in the portable terminal to the center before taking the place of the subsequent user. However, in Patent Literature 1, since transmission instructions of image data are given by a manual operation such as a press of a button by a user, there is a risk that highly-confidential 3 information is left in a terminal by an operation failure or the like. The business information may be read or updated by a user depending on progress of business, and therefore it is also difficult to automatically transmit or automatically delete the information during the business .

[0006]

The imaging device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 can transmit the encrypted image data to an external device and delete the data from a storage device, in response to transmission instructions from a user. In the above-mentioned security system, it is desired to immediately transmit an image captured with a device carried by a security guard at a site to a center apparatus located at a monitor center, so that an observer at the monitor center can check conditions of a site. However, when each information item is transmitted in response to instructions from a security guard, there is a possibility that each information item may be left in a device without transmitting the information to a center apparatus due to an operation failure of a security guard or the like.

For example, transmitting acquired information to a center apparatus automatically at the time of acquiring information by a device carried by a security guard can prevent the each information item from being untransmitted due to an operation failure of a security guard. However, information acquired by a device includes an inspection result or the like which need to be updated or changed on a site, and therefore, transmitting such information automatically makes it difficult for the security guard at a site to understand which timing the information is transmitted, and causes the information in the middle of change to be transmitted. In addition, there is a problem that deleting the information transmitted makes it difficult for a security guard at a site to browse the information. 4 [0007]

It is desired to provide a portable terminal, a center apparatus, a business information management system, a business information management method, and/or a business information management program that alleviate one or more difficulties of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

[0008]

Summary [0009]

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a portable terminal comprising : a memory; a communication processing module for communicating with a center apparatus; an operation module operated by a user to input information; a clock-in processing module for transmitting a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module, and receiving information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; a business information processing module for storing business information generated based on information input from the operation module after receiving the input for clock-in into the memory; a business information transfer module for transmitting the business information to the center 5 apparatus through the communication processing module when transfer instructions is input from the operation module; and a clock-out processing module for determining whether untransferred business information is stored in the memory, transmitting a clock-out. signal indicating that the user clocked out to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when untransferred business information is not stored in the memory, and not transmitting the clock-out signal when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory, at the time of receiving an input for clock-out from the operation module .

[0010]

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a business information management system including a portable terminal and a center apparatus connected to the portable terminal by a communication line, wherein the portable terminal comprises: a memory; a communication processing module for communicating with the center apparatus; an operation module operated by a user to input information; a clock-in processing module for transmitting a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module, and receiving information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; a business information processing module for storing 6 business information generated based on information input from the operation module after receiving the input for clock-in into the memory; a business information transfer module which transmits the business information to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when transfer instructions is input from the operation module; and a clock-out processing module for determining whether untransferred business information is stored in the memory, transmitting a clock-out signal indicating that the user clocked out to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when untransferred business information is not stored in the memory, and not transmitting the clock-out. signal when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory, the center apparatus comprises: a memory; a communication processing module for communicating with the portable terminal; a clock-in registration module for registering clock-in of the user corresponding to the personal identification information of the user included in the clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the communication processing module receives the clock-in signal, and transmitting the information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; a business information receiving module for storing the business information received by the communication processing module from the portable terminal into the memory; and a clock-out registration module for registering 7 2014371881 04 Μ 2017 clock-out of the user of the portable terminal when the communication processing module receives the clock-out signal. 5 [0011]

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a business information management method executed with a portable terminal including a memory, a communication processing module for 10 communicating with a center apparatus, and an operation module operated by a user to input information, the method comprising: transmitting a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center 15 apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module; receiving information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; 20 storing business information generated based on information input from the operation module after receiving the input for clock-in into the memory; transmitting the business information to the center apparatus through the communication processing module 25 when transfer instructions is input from the operation module; and determining whether untransferred business information is stored in the memory, transmitting a clock-out. signal indicating that the user clocked out to 30 the center apparatus through the communication processing module when untransferred business information is not stored in the memory, and not transmitting the clock-out signal when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory. 8 [0012]

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a business information management method executed with a business information management system including a portable terminal and a center apparatus connected to the portable terminal by a communication line, the portable terminal comprising: a memory; a communication processing module for communicating with the center apparatus; and an operation module operated by a user to input information, the center apparatus comprising: a memory; and a communication processing module for communicating with the portable terminal, the method comprising: transmitting, by the portable terminal, a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module; receiving, by the portable terminal, information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; storing, by the portable terminal, business information generated based on information input from the operation module after receiving the input for clock-in into the memory; transmitting, by the portable terminal, the business information to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when transfer 9 instructions is input from the operation module; determining, by the portable terminal, whether untransferred business information is stored in the memory, transmitting a clock-out signal indicating that the user clocked out to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when untransferred business information is not stored in the memory, and not transmitting the clock-out signal when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory; registering, by the center apparatus, clock-in of the user corresponding to the personal identification information of the user included in the clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the communication processing module receives the clock-in signal, and transmitting the information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; storing, by the center apparatus, the business information received by the communication processing module from the portable terminal into the memory; and registering, by the center apparatus, clock-out of the user of the portable terminal when the communication processing module receives the clock-out signal.

[0013]

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a business information management program executed in a portable terminal including a control module, a memory, a communication processing module for communicating with a center apparatus, and an operation module operated by a user to input information, the program causing the control module to execute: transmitting a clock-in signal including personal 10 identification information of the user to the center apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module; receiving information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; storing business information generated based on information input from the operation module after receiving the input for clock-in into the memory; transmitting the business information to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when transfer instructions is input from the operation module; and determining whether untransferred business information is stored in the memory, transmitting a clock-out signal indicating that the user clocked out to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when untransferred business information is not stored in the memory, and not transmitting the clock-out signal when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory.

[0014]

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a business information management system including a center apparatus, and a portable terminal connected to the center apparatus by a communication line, the center apparatus comprising: a communication processing module for communicating with a communication device including the portable terminal; a clock-in registration module for registering clock-in of the user corresponding to personal 11 identification information of the user included in a clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the communication processing module receives the clock-in signal including the personal identification information of the user from the portable terminal, and transmitting information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; a business information transfer instructing module for transmitting, when receiving a clock-out signal including personal identification information of a user and a terminal identification information of the portable terminal used by the user through the communication processing module, a transfer-instructions signal instructing the center apparatus to transfer business information to the portable terminal corresponding to the terminal identification information through the communication processing module; a business information receiving module for receiving the business information received from the portable terminal through the communication processing module; and a clock-out registration module for registering clock-out of the user corresponding to the personal identification information when reception of the business information from the portable terminal through the communication processing module is completed, and not registering clock-out of the user when reception of the business information is not completed, the portable terminal comprising: a memory; a communication processing module for communicating with the center apparatus; an operation module operated by the user to input 12 information; a clock-in processing module for transmitting a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module, and receiving information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; a business information processing module for storing business information generated based on input information into the memory; and a business information transfer module for transmitting the business information stored in the memory to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when receiving the transfer-instructions signal from the center apparatus through the communication processing module.

[0015]

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a center apparatus comprising: a communication processing module for communicating with a communication device including a portable terminal; a clock-in registration module for registering clock-in of the user corresponding to personal identification information of the user included in a clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the communication processing module receives the clock-in signal including the personal identification information of the user from the portable terminal, and transmitting information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; 13 a business information transfer instructing module for transmitting, when receiving a clock-out signal including personal identification information of a user and a terminal identification information of the portable terminal used by the user through the communication processing module, a transfer-instructions signal instructing a center apparatus to transfer business information to the portable terminal corresponding to the terminal identification information through the communication processing module; a business information receiving module for receiving the business information received from the portable terminal through the communication processing module, and a clock-out registration module for registering clock-out of the user corresponding to the personal identification information when reception of the business information through the communication processing module from the portable terminal is completed, and not registering clock-out of the user when reception of the business information is not completed.

[0016]

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a business information management method executed in a business information management system including a center apparatus, and a portable terminal connected to the center apparatus by a communication line, the method comprising: registering, by the center apparatus, clock-in of the user corresponding to personal identification information of the user included in a clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the center apparatus receives the clock-in signal including 14 the personal identification information of the user from the portable terminal, and transmitting information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; transmitting, by the center apparatus, when receiving a clock-out signal including personal identification information of a user and a terminal identification information of the portable terminal used by the user, a transfer-instructions signal instructing the center apparatus to transfer the business information to the portable terminal corresponding to the terminal identification information; registering, by the center apparatus, clock-out of the user corresponding to the personal identification information when reception of the business information from the portable terminal is completed, and not registering clock-out of the user when reception of the business information is not completed; transmitting, by the portable terminal, a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus at the time of receiving an input for clock-in; receiving, by the portable terminal, information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; and transmitting, by the portable terminal, the business information to the center apparatus when receiving the transfer-instructions signal from the center apparatus.

[0017]

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a business information management method executed by a center apparatus for communicating with a communication device including a 15 portable terminal, the method comprising: registering, by the center apparatus, clock-in of the user corresponding to personal identification information of the user included in a clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the center apparatus receives the clock-in signal including the personal identification information of the user from the portable terminal, and transmitting information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; transmitting, by the center apparatus, when receiving a clock-out signal including personal identification information of a user and a terminal identification information of the portable terminal used by the user, a transfer-instructions signal instructing the center apparatus to transfer the business information to the portable terminal corresponding to the terminal identification information; and registering clock-out of the user corresponding to the personal identification information when receiving the business information from the portable terminal, and not registering clock-out of the user when reception of the business information is not completed.

[0018]

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a business information management program executed by a center apparatus for communicating with a communication device including a portable terminal, the program causes the center apparatus to execute: registering, by the center apparatus, clock-in of the user corresponding to personal identification information of the user included in a clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the 16 center apparatus receives the clock-in signal includinq the personal identification information of the user from the portable terminal, and transmitting information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; transmitting, by the center apparatus, when receiving a clock-out signal including personal identification information of a user and a terminal identification information of the portable terminal used by the user, a transfer-instructions signal instructing the center apparatus to transfer the business information to the portable terminal corresponding to the terminal identification information; and registering clock-out of the user corresponding to the personal identification information when receiving the business information from the portable terminal, and not registering clock-out of the user when reception of the business information is not completed.

[0019]

Paragraph deleted [0020]

Paragraph deleted [0021]

Paragraph deleted 2014371881 04 Μ 2017 17 [0022]

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an information management program causing a communication device including 5 communication processing module for communicating with a center apparatus, an operation module which is a first input module for acquiring first input information as information which can be updated or changed by a user in response to a first input instruction by the user, an 10 image input module a second input module for acquiring still picture information as second input information different from the first input information in kind in

AC537-PCT

17A response to a second input instruction by the user, and a memory for storing the first input information and the second input information, the program causing the communication device to execute: transmitting the first input information stored in the memory to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when a transmission instruction by a user, which is different from the first input instruction and the second input information is received; and transmitting the second input information to the center apparatus through the communication processing module, even when a transmission instruction by the user is not received, when the second input module acquires the still picture information as the second input information and the second input information is stored in the memory.

[0023—0036] paragraphs deleted

Brief Description of the Drawings [0037]

Some embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a diagram for illustrating an operation in which security guards provide security services by using portable terminals. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a security system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a portable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a center apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically depicting an operation of the portable terminal according to the first embodiment.

AC537-PCT

17B FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically depicting an operation of the portable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an operational sequence chart of clock-in processing in the portable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an operational sequence chart of inspection information generating processing in the portable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an operational sequence chart of image information generation processing in the portable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an operational sequence chart of business information updating processing in the portable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an operational sequence chart of business information transferring processing in the portable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an operational sequence chart of clock-out processing in the portable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a security system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a center apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is an operational sequence chart of clock-out processing in the portable terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a security system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a sequence chart of an entire operation in a security system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a portable terminal according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19A is an exemplary diagram depicting an example of a business information input screen.

AC537-PCT

17C FIG. 19B is an exemplary diagram depicting another example of the business information input screen. FIG. 20 is a flowchart depicting an operation of image information acquiring processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart depicting an operation of business information acquiring processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart depicting an operation of business information updating processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart depicting an operation of business information transmitting processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart depicting an operation of clock-out processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of a center apparatus according to the third embodiment.

Detailed Description [0038]

With reference to drawings, a first embodiment in which a business information management system is applied to a security system is described below.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a diagram for illustrating an operation in which each security guard provides a security service by using a portable terminal 200. According to a security system 100 in such operation, as illustrated in FIG. 1, each security guard operates a PC (Personal Computer) 400, the portable terminal 200 or the like for clock-in before starting the guard service when the security guard provides the security service by using the portable terminal 200 such as a smartphone. This operation causes 18 a notification of information that the security guard clocks in with the use of the portable terminal 200 to a center apparatus 300 of a monitor center through a network 500 to register the information. When working has been started, the security guard inputs an inspection record into the portable terminal 200 while inspecting each inspection place in accordance with guard information transferred to the portable terminal 200 from the center apparatus 300. An inspection place is photographed, if needed, with a camera embedded in the portable terminal 200 to obtain a monitor image. The security guard can transfer stored business information to the center apparatus 300 by operating the portable terminal 200. When the security guard operates the PC 400 or the portable terminal 200 for clock-out after finishing the guard service, a clock-out signal is transmitted to the center apparatus 300 through the network 500. The center apparatus 300 registers information on the clock-out of a subject security guard when receiving the clock-out signal, and then the security guard can finish working.

[0040]

However, when the security guard forgets the operation to transfer the business information in the portable terminal to the center apparatus, untransferred business information is left in the portable terminal, which increases a risk on security, such as possibility of an unfair leakage of confidential information. The portable terminal according to the first embodiment checks whether or not untransferred business information is left in the portable terminal when the security guard operates the portable terminal for clock-out. When there is the untransferred business information in the portable terminal, the portable terminal does not transmit the clock-out signal for informing clock-out to the center apparatus from the portable terminal. Therefore, the security guard is not allowed to clock out. On the other 19 hand, when there is no business information untransferred in the portable terminal, the portable terminal transmits the clock-out signal to the center apparatus. The center apparatus receives the clock-out signal and registers the clock-out of the security guard, and therefore the security guard is allowed to clock out. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the problem on the security that the business information remains untransferred and is left in the portable terminal after the security guard finishes working. In addition, the business information is transmitted to the center apparatus from the portable terminal every time each of the security guards finishes working, and therefore all the business information generated with each portable terminal is reliably collected at the center apparatus.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a security system according to a first embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 2, a security system 1 includes a portable terminal 2, a center apparatus 3, and a guard apparatus 4. The portable terminal 2 may be used in a facility in which the guard apparatus 4 is installed, or may be used at a place in which the guard apparatus 4 is not installed.

[0042]

The portable terminal 2 is connected to a cellular phone network 6 through a base station apparatus 5 or a base station apparatus 8. The cellular phone network 6 is a network in accordance with a communication system, such as W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), CDMA2000, LTE (Long Term Evolution), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), or PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), and is further connected to an IP (Internet Protocol) network 7, such as the Internet, through a gateway server, not depicted. The center apparatus 3 and the guard apparatus 4 are connected to the IP network 7. In addition, the center apparatus 3 may be connected to the cellular phone network 6 through 20 the base station apparatus 9.

[0043]

Note that the portable terminal 2 may be connected to any type of communication networks as long as the portable terminal 2 can transmit and receive information to/from the center apparatus 3. When the portable terminal 2 is used in an area in which the wireless LAN (Local Area network) is available, for example, in a facility or the like in which the guard apparatus 4 is installed, the portable terminal 2 may be connected to the IP network 7 through an access point 10 and the router 11 connected to the guard apparatus 4. In this case, the portable terminal 2 and the guard apparatus 4 may be connected to different routers. In this way, the portable terminal 2 and the center apparatus 3 may be connected through the same network, such as the cellular phone network 6 or the IP network 7. When the portable terminal 2 and the center apparatus 3 are connected through two or more communication routes, the routes through the communication networks may be selectively used depending on a type of information to be transmitted and received, conditions of the wireless communications, and the like. Hereinafter, a case is described in which the portable terminal 2 is connected through the base station apparatus 5 to the cellular phone network 6, and through the cellular phone network 6, the portable terminal 2 transmits and receives information to/from the center apparatus 3 via the IP network 7 connected to the cellular phone network 6 by a gateway server.

[0044]

The portable terminal 2 is a portable information processing device, such as a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a notebook PC, used when a user carries out the business. Using the portable terminal 2, the user notifies clock-in and clock-in to the center apparatus 3, and receives the information to be used in the guard service from the center apparatus 3. Also using the portable terminal 2, 21 the user generates the business information in the portable terminal 2 by inputting an inspection record or obtaining a monitor image by photographing, and transmits the generated business information to the center apparatus 3 from the portable terminal 2.

[0045]

The center apparatus 3 is installed in a facility for managing the security guards, such as a monitor center operated to monitor the guard apparatus 4 by a security company or the like, a guard headquarter from which the security guards are assigned, a command central for issuing instructions to the security guards remotely, and a disaster prevention headquarter provided in the building safety control center in a large-sized building. When the center apparatus 3 receives an abnormality detection signal through the IP network 7 from each guard apparatus 4, the center apparatus 3 notifies an observer of the facility in which the guard apparatus 4 having transmitted the abnormality detection signal is installed and the contents of the detected abnormality through a notification module and a display device. The observer of the center apparatus 3 received the notification of the abnormality communicates with the portable terminal 2 carried by the security guard, and instructs the security guard to visit the facility in which the guard apparatus 4 issuing the alarm is installed and to suitably deal with the abnormality. In addition, the center apparatus 3 carries out an attendance management for the security guards each providing the security service by using the portable terminal 2, provides the information to be used during the guard service to the security guards through the portable terminals 2, or carries out a central control of the business information generated by each of the portable terminals 2.

[0046]

The guard apparatus 4 is installed in each facility as a monitoring subject, such as a house and a dwelling 22 unit of an apartment, on which security conditions are monitored, and is connected with one or more sensors for detecting the abnormality of each facility. The sensors may include, for example, a heat sensing sensor or smoke sensing sensor for detecting a fire, a magnet sensor which is attached to an opening-closing module of a window, a door or the like and detects the opening and closing, or an infrared sensor which detects presence of an intruder or the like into a detection area based on the change of light amount of the received infrared rays. Alternatively, the sensor may be an image sensor which detects presence of an intruder or the like into an imaging area, based on a differential signal between a captured image and an image in a normal state stored in advance. When a sensor detects an abnormality, the guard apparatus 4 notifies the center apparatus 3 of an abnormal detection signal indicating that an abnormality has been detected and a signal indicating an identification number of the guard apparatus 4 through the router 11 and the IP network 7.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the portable terminal 2 according to the embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 3, the portable terminal 2 includes a communication processing module 21, a display module 22, an operation module 23, an image acquisition module 24, a memory 25, and a control module 26.

[0048]

The communication processing module 21 includes a communication interface circuit to perform the wireless communications of cellular phones between the portable terminal 2 and the base station apparatus 5 through an antenna(s) in accordance with a communication system, such as WCDMA, CDMA2000, or LTE. The communication processing module 21 transfers the information received from the center apparatus 3 through the base station apparatus 5 to the control module 26. The communication 23 processing module 21 also transmits the information received from the control module 26 to the center apparatus 3 through the base station apparatus 5. Note that the communication processing module 21 may include a communication interface circuit in accordance with other communication systems, such as wireless LAN, WiMAX, or PHS, and may include a plurality of communication interface circuits so as to be compatible with a plurality of communication systems.

[0049]

The display module 22 is configured by a display device, such as a liquid crystal display and a touch-panel display. The display module 22 displays a screen through which the security guard designates processing to be performed by a guard terminal, a screen for inputting an inspection record, or the like. The display module 22 can display an error message when clock-out is not allowed since the untransferred business information is still left in the portable terminal 2 at the time of clock-out.

[0050]

The operation module 23 is an operational interface for the user to operate the portable terminal 2. The operation module 23 is configured by input devices, such as a ten key and a touch panel, and is configured to receive various operations from the user, and output signals corresponding to the operations to the control module 26. By operating the operation module 23, the user can designate the processing to be performed by the portable terminal 2, and can input information such as the user's identification information, authentication information, and inspection record. Note that the display module 22 may be configured by a touch-panel display, so that the display module 22 is integrated with the operation module 23.

[0051]

As the image acquisition module 24, a known embedded 24 camera or an external camera can be used, which includes, as components, imaging elements such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) elements or C-MOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) elements, optical system components, an A/D (Analog /Digital) converter, and an encoder. Any of a still picture or a moving image may be sufficient as the image information acquired by the image acquisition module 24, and therefore it is preferable that the image acquisition module 24 can acquire the image information processable for both the portable terminal 2 and the center apparatus 3, for example, in the form of JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group).

[0052]

The memory 25 includes a semiconductor memory, such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The memory 25 stores a computer program for controlling the portable terminal 2, various parameters, and the various data, and exchanges these pieces of information with the control modules 26. The memory 25 may include an auxiliary memory, such as a micro SD (Secure Digital) card, when needed. The program may be provided through the communication processing module 21 or the like and stored in the memory 25, or may be provided as firmware stored in a semiconductor memory, such as a ROM or an EPROM. The memory 25 stores, for example, the guard information, business information and the like.

[0053]

The guard information includes information to be used by the user in the guard service, for example, the places and schedule for providing guard service by the user, the floor plan depicting an arrangement of monitor objects such as a cashbox, and an input form of the inspection information for inputting the inspection record during the guard service provided by the user. 25

The inspection information input form includes inspection items, a remarks column, and the like, which should be input by the user in accordance with the guard schedule of the user during the guard service. The guard information is received through the communication processing module 21 from the center apparatus 3, and is stored in the memory 25.

[0054]

The business information is information including a record of business carried out by the user during the work. The business information includes, for example, inspection information which is input by the user of the mobile terminal 2 through the operation module 23 during the guard service, and image information acquired by the image acquisition module 24. The business information may be encrypted with an encryption key and stored in the memory 25. For example, in order to add or modify information by the security guard during the guard service, such as inspection information, the business information which is read from the memory 25 and displayed on the display module 22 is preferably encrypted using a common key by which the information can be decoded on the mobile terminal 2. In addition, the business information, such as image information, which is not needed for a security guard to be displayed on the display module 22 of the mobile terminal 2, the information is preferably encrypted by using a public key so that the information is not decoded by the mobile terminal 2.

[0055]

The control module 26 includes one or more processors and peripherals of the processors, and controls an operation of the mobile terminal 2 by executing, by the processor, a program stored in a semiconductor memory of the memory 25. The processor and the semiconductor memory may include an independent integrated circuit, a microprocessor, ASIC or the like. 26 [0056]

As depicted in FIG. 3, the control module 26 includes a clock-in processing module 261, a business information processing module 262, a business information transfer module 263, and a clock-out processing module 264. For example, each of these modules is a functional module achieved by the program stored in the memory 25 and executed by the processor. Note that the operation of each module in the control module 26 will be described more details in the description for the operation of the mobile terminal 2 and the center apparatus 3 in the followings .

[0057]

When the user starts working, the clock-in processing module 261 executes clock-in processing which notifies the monitor center of clock-in using the mobile terminal 2. In the clock-in processing, when receiving a command indicating clock-in through the operation module 23 from the user, the clock-in processing module 261 transmits information such as personal identification information, terminal identification information, authentication information and the like, with a signal indicating clock-in to the center apparatus 3 through the communication processing module 21. The clock-in processing module 261 also receives the guard information, the information on an encryption key and the like through the communication processing module 21 from the center apparatus 3 which receives the clock-in signal, and stores the information and key to the memory 25.

[0058]

The business information processing module 262 performs processing which generates and updates business information, such as a record regarding the business carried out by the user during the work, stores the information into the memory 25, and the like.

[0059] 27

The business information processing module 262 performs, for example, generation processing of business information such as inspection information and image information in response to an instruction for generating business information through the operation module 23 from the user. In the business information generation processing, the business information processing module 262 generates, for example, the inspection information based on the inspection record input by the user through the operation module 23 and stores the generated inspection information in the memory 25 as the untransferred business information. The business information processing module 262 acquires, for example, image information from the image acquisition module 24, and stores the acquired image information in the memory 25 as the untransferred business information.

[0060]

The business information processing module 262 performs, for example, business information update processing in response to an instruction for updating the business information through the operation module 23 from the user. In the business information update processing, the business information processing module 262 reads, for example, the business information, such as inspection information, stored in the memory 25, changes the business information based on the edit input from the operation module 23 operated by the user, and stores the changed business information in the memory 25.

[0061]

The business information processing module 262 can manage the business information stored in the memory 25 in association with identification information of business information, flag information for identifying untransferred state, management information such as a storage area, a memory start position, and a size. The business information processing module 262 may manage the business information stored in the memory 25 using other 28 known methods, and some or all of the functions may be achieved using established memory control, file management, or the like.

[0062]

The business information transfer module 263 performs business information transfer processing which transfers the business information which is not transferred and stored in the memory 25 to the center apparatus 3, for example, when receiving an instruction from the user for transferring the business information through the operation module 23. At this time, the business information transfer module 263 deletes the business information, transmission of which is completed, from the memory 25 by using the business information processing module 262.

[0063]

The clock-out processing module 264 performs clock-out processing for clock-out of the user. In the clock-out processing, the clock-out processing module 264 transmits the clock-out signal indicating that the user clocked out to the center apparatus 3 through the communication processing module 21, when the untransferred business information is not stored in the memory 25 at the time of receiving a command indicating clock-out through the operation module 23 from the user. On the other hand, the clock-out processing module 264 does not transmit the clock-out signal to the center apparatus 3, when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory 25. In this way, the mobile terminal 2 can prevent the user from forgetting an operation for transferring the business information to the center apparatus 3, and can prevent the business information from being left in the mobile terminal 2.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the center apparatus 3 according to the embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 4, the center apparatus 3 includes a communication 29 processing module 31, an IP communication processing module 32, a display module 33, an operation module 34, a notification module 35, a memory 36, and a control module 37.

[0065]

The communication processing module 31 includes a communication interface circuit for communicating with the base station apparatus 9 connected to the cellular phone network 6 in wireless communication, as is the case with the communication processing module 21 of the mobile terminal 2. The communication processing module 31 transfers information received from the mobile terminal 2 through the base station apparatus 9 to the control module 37. The communication processing module 31 also transmits information received from the control module 37 to the mobile terminal 2 through the base station apparatus 9. Note that the communication processing module 31 may be omitted when the center apparatus 3 communicates with the mobile terminal 2 through the IP network 7. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the center apparatus 3 communicates, by using the IP communication processing module 32 therein, with the mobile terminal 2 through the IP network 7.

[0066]

The IP communication processing module 32 includes a communication interface circuit for connecting the center apparatus 3 to the IP network 7. The IP communication processing module 32 transfers information received from the mobile terminal 2 through the IP network 7 to the control module 37. The IP communication processing module 32 also transmits information received from the control module 37 to the mobile terminal 2 through the IP network 7. Furthermore, the IP communication processing module 32 transfers information, such as an abnormality detection signal, which is received from the guard apparatus 4 through IP network 7, to the control module 37 . 30 [0067]

The display module 33 is configured by a display device, such as a liquid crystal display and a touch-panel display, and functions as a notification module notifying the observer of the facility in which the guard apparatus 4 transmitting the abnormality detection signal is installed, contents of the detected abnormality and the like. The display module 33 also displays the business information, such as the inspection information and the image information, received through the IP communication processing module 32 from the mobile terminal 2.

[0068]

The operation module 34 is configured by operation devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse, and functions as an input device to input information into the center apparatus 3 by the observer. Note that the display module 33 may be configured by a touch-panel display, by which the display module 33 and the operation module 34 are integrated.

[0069]

The notification module 35 is configured by a buzzer, a siren, a lamp, and/or a loudspeaker, or the like, and notifies the observer of abnormality detection and the like.

[0070]

The storage unit 36 includes a semiconductor memory, such as a ROM and a RAM. The memory 36 may include a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk, and/or an optical storage medium, such as CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) and/or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and an access device for such media. The memory 36 may include a storage device connected to a communication network, such as the cellular phone network 6 or the IP network 7, through the communication processing module 31 or the IP communication processing module 32. The memory 36 stores a computer program for controlling the center apparatus 31 3, various parameters, and the various data, and communicates such information with the control modules 37. The program may be provided through the communication processing module 31 or the IP communication processing module 32 from the communication network, such as the cellular phone network 6 or the IP network 7, and may be stored in the memory 36, or may be provided by a computer-readable storage medium, such as CD-ROM and/or DVD, or firmware.

[0071]

The memory 36 stores user information, the guard information, attendance management information, the business information, and the like. The guard information and the business information are substantially the same as information stored in the memory 25 of the mobile terminal 2.

[0072]

The user information is information regarding users allowed to use the mobile terminal 2, such as personal identification information and authentication information of the users.

[0073]

The attendance management information is information for managing clock-in, clock-out, and the like of each user. The attendance management information may include information regarding the place of work where the user provides guard service, clock-in time, clock-out time, the mobile terminal 2 to be used, or the like.

[0074]

The controller 37 includes one or more processors, and periphery circuits thereof. The control module 37 controls an operation of the center apparatus 3 by executing the program stored in the semiconductor memory of the memory 36.

[0075]

As depicted in FIG. 4, the control module 37 includes a clock-in registration module 371, a business 32 information receiving module 372, and the clock-out registration module 373. For example, these modules are functional modules implemented by a program executed on the processor and included in the memory 36. Note that the operation of each module of the control module 37 is described in more details below in description of the operation of the mobile terminal 2 and the center apparatus 3.

[0076]

When the IP communication processing module 32 receives the clock-in signal from the mobile terminal 2, the clock-in registration module 371 authenticates the user who has clocked in, and registers clock-in of the user into the attendance management information. The clock-in registration module 371 also transfers the guard information to be used for the user to provide the guard service to the mobile terminal 2 through the IP communication processing module 32. For example, the guard information needed for the user can be extracted by registering contents of service for each user into the user information in the memory 36 in advance. The clock-in registration module 371 may generate an encryption key and transfer the key to the mobile terminal 2 through the IP communication processing module 32.

[0077]

The business information receiving module 372 receives the business information which is received by the IP communication processing module 32 from the mobile terminal 2. The business information receiving module 372 may store the received business information in the memory 36.

[0078]

The clock-out registration module 373 registers that clock-out of the user who clocks out into the attendance management information when the IP communication processing module 32 receives the clock-out signal from the mobile terminal 2. 33 [0079]

With reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 12, the operation of the mobile terminal 2 and the center apparatus 3 is described along with the flow of the guard service provided by the security guard.

[0080]

When the security guard arrives at the site for the guard service, the security guard operates the operation module 23 of the mobile terminal 2 to notify the monitor center of clock-in, and acquires necessary information from the monitor center. For this purpose, a security guard activates the business information control program for executing processing which manages business information in the mobile terminal 2.

[0081] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts depicting outline of the processing executed by the business information management program in the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 5, when the business information management program is activated, the control module 26 executes selection processing in which the user selects processing to be executed by the mobile terminal 2 (step S501). The user of the mobile terminal 2 selects desired processing by, for example, selecting a menu or an icon on a processing selection screen displayed on the display module 22 by using the operation module 23.

[0082]

When the security guard selects clock-in processing by using the operation module 23 in order to take the procedure for clock-in in step S501 (Yes in step S502), the control module 26 starts the clock-in processing in the clock-in processing module 261 (step S503).

[0083] FIG. 7 is an operational sequence chart of the clock-in processing in the mobile terminal 2 according to the embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 7, when the clock-in 34 processing is started in the mobile terminal 2, the clock-in processing module 261 displays, for example, a clock-in input screen for inputting clock-in information required for clock-in on the display module 22. The user of the mobile terminal 2 inputs the clock-in information required for clock-in, such as personal identification information, terminal identification information, and authentication information, based on the clock-in input screen by using the operation module 23 (step S701).

Note that the terminal identification information may not be input by the user, but, for example, the identification information of the mobile terminal 2 stored in the memory 25 at the time of manufacture of the mobile terminal 2 may be acquired. The clock-in processing module 261 transfers the clock-in information acquired from the operation module 23 with a clock-in signal to the center apparatus 3 through the communication processing module 21 (step S702).

[0084]

At the center apparatus 3, the clock-in registration module 371 receives the clock-in signal and the clock-in information transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S703). Then, the clock-in registration module 371 compares the personal identification information and the authentication information of the user information which are received with the personal identification information and the authentication information of the user information stored in the memory 36, to authenticate the user (step S704). When the user is authenticated, the clock-in registration module 371 registers clock-in of the user, for example by additionally storing the clock-in into the attendance management information in the memory 36 in association with the received information such as the personal identification information and the terminal identification information of the user (step S705). 35 [0085]

The clock-in registration module 371 of the center apparatus 3 extracts the guard information regarding the guard service provided by the user from the memory 36 based on the received personal identification information. Then, the clock-in registration module 371 transfers the extracted guard information and an encryption key, such as a public key or a common key, to the mobile terminal 2 through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S706) . The clock-in registration module 371 also stores an encryption key, such as a secret key or the common key, in the memory 36. Note that encryption keys such as the public key in a public key system, a pair of secret keys and the common key, may be generated in advance by the control module 37 of the center apparatus 3.

[0086]

At the mobile terminal 2, the clock-in processing module 261 receives the guard information and the encryption key which are transmitted from the center apparatus 3 through the communication processing module 21 (step S707), and stores the received guard information and encryption key and the like in the memory 25.

[0087]

After finishing the registration of the clock-in into the monitor center, the security guard causes the mobile terminal 2 to display the guard information including a schedule for the guard service, a map of the guard place, and the like which are transmitted from the center apparatus 3, and goes to the place for providing the guard service with reference to the displayed information to start an inspection for each inspection item. Then, the security guard inputs a record of the inspection from the operation module 23 on the mobile terminal 2, and generates the inspection information.

[0088]

When the security guard selects inspection 36 information generation processing using the operation module 23 in step S501 of FIG. 5 in order to generate the inspection information (Yes in step S504), the control module 26 starts the inspection information generation processing in the business information processing module 262 (step S505).

[0089] FIG. 8 is an operational sequence chart of inspection information generating processing in the mobile terminal 2 according to the embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 8, when the inspection information generating processing is started in the mobile terminal 2, the business information processing module 262 displays an inspection information generation screen on the display module 22 for generating the inspection information. At this time, the business information processing module 262 may display an inspection information entry form, which is stored as the guard information in the memory 36, on the inspection information generation screen. According to the inspection information entry form, the user can easily input the inspection record including, for example, the arrival time, the departure time, the inspection items, the inspection result for every place where the guard service is provided, by using the operation module 23 (step S801) .

[0090]

The business information processing module 262 generates the inspection information based on the information which is input by the user and received from the operation module 23 (step S802). After finishing the input of the inspection information by the user, the business information processing module 262 stores the generated inspection information in the memory 25 as untransferred business information (step S803). At this time, the business information processing module 262 may encrypt the inspection information with an encryption 37 key, such as a common key, and may store the encrypted information in the memory 25.

[0091]

Note that the business information processing module 262 may store the generated business information in a specific storage area in the memory 25, such as a specific folder. Alternatively, the business information processing module 262 may store the generated business information in the memory 25 in association with identification information of specific type, such as a file name with a specific extension.

[0092]

When the security guard makes an inspection using the mobile terminal 2, the security guard can obtain a monitor image of the site by photographing, utilizing an embedded camera of the mobile terminal 2.

[0093]

When the security guard selects image information generation processing using the operation module 23 in order to obtain the monitor image by photographing in step S501 of FIG. 5 (Yes in step S506) , the control module 26 starts the image information generation processing in the business information processing module 262 (step S507) .

[0094] FIG. 9 is an operational sequence chart of image information generation processing in the mobile terminal 2 according to the embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 9, in the image information generation processing of the mobile terminal 2, when instructions for starting photographing to obtain an image is input through the operation module 23 by the user (step S901), the business information processing module 262 transmits instructions for starting photographing to the image acquisition module 24, and starts to acquire image information (step S902). Then, the business information processing module 262 stores the image information acquired from the image acquisition 38 module 24 in the memory 25 as needed (step S903). At this time, the business information processing module 262 may encrypt the acquired image information with an encryption key, such as a public key, and may store the encrypted information in the memory 25.

[0095]

When the business information processing module 262 receives instructions for finishing photographing for an image from the user through the operation module 23 (step S904), and instructions for finishing photographing are transferred to the image acquisition module 24, and acquisition of the image information is finished.

[0096]

The security guard can read and check the inspection information already generated with the mobile terminal 2, for example, depending on a change of the conditions of the place where the guard service is provided, and can update the business information such as the inspection information by adding/modifying the record of inspection.

[0097]

When the security guard selects business information update processing using the operation module 23 in step S501 of FIG. 5 in order to update the business information (Yes in step S508), the control module 26 starts the business information update processing in the business information processing module 262 (step S509) .

[0098] FIG. 10 is an operational sequence chart of the business information updating processing in the mobile terminal 2 according to the embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 10, when the business information update processing is started in the mobile terminal 2, the business information processing module 262 displays, for example, a business information selection screen for selecting the business information to be updated on the display module 22 (step S1001). When the user selects the business information in the business information selection screen 39 by using the operation module 23, the business information processing module 262 reads the selected business information from the memory 25 (step S1002).

[0099]

The business information processing module 262 displays the read business information on the display module 22 as a business information update screen (step S1003). The business information update screen may be substantially the same as the above-described inspection information generation screen (step S801 of FIG. 8).

When the read business information has been encrypted with the common key, the business information processing module 262 decodes the encrypted business information by using the common key before displaying the information on the display module 22.

[0100]

The user can edit the business information on the business information update screen by using the operation module 23 (step S1004). The business information processing module 262 changes the read business information based on the input from the user using the operation module 23 for the edit.

[0101]

When the input for the edit by the user is finished and the changed business information is generated, the business information processing module 262 replaces the business information before the change stored in the memory 25 with the business information after the change (step S1005). At this time, the business information processing module 262 rewrites the management information regarding memory of the business information if needed. The business information processing module 262 may encrypt the changed business information with a common key, and may store the encrypted information in the memory 25.

[0102]

The security guard transfers the inspection 40 information generated/updated with the mobile terminal 2 during the guard service to the monitor center, for example, when the guard service is finished, or when moving to a place in a short distance away. In addition, the security guard can transfer the image information to the monitor center, for example, after generating the image information.

[0103]

When the security guard selects business information transfer processing by using the operation module 23 in step S501 of FIG. 5 in order to transfer the business information (Yes in step S510), the control module 26 starts the business information transfer processing according to the business information transfer module 263 (step S511).

[0104] FIG. 11 is an operational sequence chart of the business information transferring processing in the mobile terminal 2 according to the embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 11, when the business information transfer processing is started in the mobile terminal 2, the business information transfer module 263 reads untransferred business information from the memory 25, and transfers the information with the personal identification information and the terminal identification information to the center apparatus 3 by the communication processing module 21 (step S1101) .

Note that the business information transfer module 263 may display the business information selection screen on the display module 22 to cause the user to select the business information to be transferred. The business information transfer module 263 may display a message indicating that all the business information has been transmitted on the display module 22 and may finish the business information transfer processing, when untransferred business information is not stored in the memory 25. 41 [0105]

At the center apparatus 3, the business information receiving module 372 receives the business information, the personal identification information, and the terminal identification information, which are transmitted from the mobile terminal 2, through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S1102). When the business information receiving module 372 confirms that all the business information has normally received, the business information receiving module 372 transmits a reception completion signal indicating that the business information has been normally received to the mobile terminal 2 through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S1103).

[0106]

The business information receiving module 372 of the center apparatus 3 may store the business information received from the mobile terminal 2 in association with the personal identification information and the terminal identification information in the memory 36 (step S1104). Then, the business information receiving module 372 can read from the memory 36 the business information stored therein to display the information on the display module 33 (step S1105). In this step, when the business information stored in the memory 36 has been encrypted with the public key, the business information receiving module 372 decodes the read business information with the secret key to display the information on the display module 33.

[0107]

In the mobile terminal 2, when the business information transfer module 263 receives the reception completion signal from the center apparatus 3 through the communication processing module 21 (step S1106) , the business information processing module 262 deletes the business information, transmission of which is completed, from the memory 25 (step S1107) . 42 [0108]

Note that when the business information is hard to be transmitted in step S1101 due to poor radio wave quality of the cellular phone network 6 or the like, the business information transfer module 263 may display, on the display module 22, a message requesting a retransmition because of unsuccessful transmission due to poor radio wave quality, and may finish the business information transfer processing. In addition, when the reception completion signal is not transmitted from the center apparatus 3 even if a certain period of time has elapsed after transmitting the business information (step S1101), the business information transfer module 263 may display, on the display module 22, a message requesting a retransmition because the transmission has not normally completed, and terminates the business information transfer processing.

[0109]

When all the guard services finish, the security guard causes the mobile terminal 2 to perform the clock-out processing for transmitting the clock-out signal to notify the center apparatus 3 of clock-out. In this case, when the security guard forgets an operation for transferring the business information to the center apparatus 3 before clock-out, the untransferred business information may be left in the mobile terminal 2. In addition, even when an operation for business information transfer has been performed, there is a case in which, for example, the transmission of the business information to the center apparatus 3 is not completed because of the radio wave conditions of the cellular phone network 6, or the like, and a subsequent retransmission operation may be forgotten. In this regard, the mobile terminal 2 according to the first embodiment prevents forgetting the operation for transfer the business information from the mobile terminal 2 to the center apparatus 3 by the clock-out processing described below, and prevents the business 43 information from being left in the mobile terminal 2.

[0110]

At the time of clock-out, when the security guard selects the clock-out processing using the operation module 23 in step S501 of FIG. 5 (Yes in step S512 of FIG. 6), the control module 26 starts the clock-out processing in the clock-out processing module 264 (step S513 of FIG. 6).

[0111] FIG. 12 is an operational sequence chart of clock-out processing in the mobile terminal 2 according to the embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 12, when the clock-out processing is started in the mobile terminal 2, the clock-out processing module 264 determines whether the untransferred business information is stored in the memory 25 (step S1201).

[0112]

When the untransferred business information is stored in the memory 25 (Yes in step S1201), the clock-out processing module 264 displays on the display module 22 a message indicating that clock-out is not allowed since the untransferred business information is stored (step S1202). Then, the clock-out processing module 264 outputs a clock-out-unauthorized signal indicating that a clock-out registration has not been completed to the workspace of the memory 25, and terminates the clock-out processing (step S1203).

[0113]

For example, in a system in which the business information is supposed to be stored in a specific folder or storage area in the memory 25, the clock-out processing module 264 can determines, in the business information generation processing, that the untransferred business information is left when the business information is stored in the specific folder or storage area. In addition, for example, in a system in which the business information is supposed to be stored with a file 44 name including a specific extension or with a specific flag assigned in the memory 25, the clock-out processing module 264 may determines, in the business information generation processing, that the untransferred business information is left when information with the file name including the specific extension or with the specific flag assigned in the memory 25.

[0114]

When the untransferred business information is not stored in the memory 25 (No in step S1201), the clock-out processing module 264 transfers the clock-out signal to the center apparatus 3 through the communication processing module 21 with the personal identification information of the user and the terminal identification information (step S1204). The clock-out processing module 264 also deletes information such as the guard information and the encryption key stored in the memory 25. Then, the clock-out processing module 264 outputs a clock-out completion signal indicating that the clock-out is completed to the workspace of the memory 25, and terminates the clock-out processing (step S1206).

[0115]

At the center apparatus 3, the clock-out registration module 373 receives the clock-out signal, the personal identification information, and the terminal identification information which are transmitted from the mobile terminal 2 through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S1207) . Then, the clock-out registration module 373 registers the clock-out of the user into the attendance management information based on the received personal identification information and terminal identification information (step S1208).

[0116]

As depicted in FIG. 6, when the clock-out processing performed by the clock-out processing module 264 is finished, the control module 26 determines whether the clock-out registration is completed based on the output 45 of the clock-out processing module 264 (step S514). When the clock-out registration is completed (Yes in step S514), the control module 26 terminates processing of business information management. When the clock-out registration is not completed (No in step S514), the control module 26 returns to the selection process (step S501) in the processing of FIG. 5. Therefore, when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory 25, the security guard can select the business information transfer processing in the processing selection screen displayed on the display module 22 by using the operation module 23, and can transfer the business information stored in the memory 25 to the center apparatus 3.

[0117]

As having described above, the mobile terminal according to an embodiment determines whether the untransferred business information is left in the mobile terminal when the user tries to perform the clock-out registration from the mobile terminal to the center apparatus located at the monitor center at the time of clock-out, and does not perform the clock-out registration to the center apparatus when the untransferred business information is left in the mobile terminal. Therefore, the user is not allowed to clock out while the untransferred business information is left in the mobile terminal. In addition, the mobile terminal notifies the user that the clock-out registration is not completed since the untransferred business information is left in the mobile terminal, whereby the user can operate for business information transfer on the mobile terminal and the business information in the mobile terminal can be transferred to the center apparatus of the monitor center. Therefore, each user of each mobile terminal is not allowed to clock out unless all the business information in the mobile terminal is transferred to the center apparatus, and therefore all the business 46 information generated by each mobile terminal is reliably transmitted to the center apparatus before each user finishes working.

[0118]

The portable terminal deletes the business information which has transmitted from the memory of the portable terminal every time transmission of the business information to the center apparatus is completed. Therefore, when all the transmission of the business information in the portable terminal to the center apparatus is completed before the security guard finishes working, all the business information in the portable terminal has been deleted and is not left in the portable terminal, thereby avoiding the problem on security, such as an unfair leakage.

[0119]

It is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications are available. For example, in the clock-out processing of the portable terminal 2 in the above-described embodiment, the clock-out processing module 264 may transmit the untransferred business information stored in the memory 25 to the center apparatus 3 through the communication processing module 21 when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory 25 (Yes in step S1201 of FIG. 12), in addition to display the message indicating that clock-out is not allowed since the untransferred business information is stored. In this case, the clock-out processing module 264 may display a list of the untransferred business information on the display module 22 before transmitting the business information to the center apparatus 3, and may transmit the business information after inquiring of the user whether or not such transmission to the center apparatus 3 is acceptable .

[0120]

In the above-described embodiment, the center 47 apparatus 3 generates, by the control module 37, a pair of keys and a common key of a public key system, and transmits the keys to the portable terminal 2 through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S706 of FIG. 7), but the control module 26 of the portable terminal 2 may generate the common key. In this case, the business information transfer module 263 may transmit the common key to the center apparatus 3 through the communication processing module 21 with the business information encrypted with the common key in the business information transfer processing (step S1101 of FIG. 11).

[0121]

Furthermore, in the clock-in processing (FIG. 7), the clock-in processing module 261 may receive the inspection information entry form in blank to be stored in the memory 36 of the center apparatus 3 as the guard information, and store the form in the memory 25 as the untransferred inspection information by the business information processing module 262. This allows the user to select the inspection information entry form in blank in the business information update processing (step S1001 of FIG. 10), and to input necessary information into the inspection information entry form in blank displayed on the display module 22. Therefore, all the inspection information entry forms to be filled in during the guard service are transmitted to the center apparatus 3 from the portable terminal 2 before the security guard clocks out.

[0122]

The business information transfer module 263 may check whether all items of the inspection information entry form to be transferred have been input before transmitting the business information to the center apparatus 3 (step S1101 of FIG. 11). When the inspection information to be transferred includes an item in blank, the business information transfer module 263 may display a message indicating that the inspection information is 48 not transmitted since the inspection information includes an item in blank, and may finish the business information transfer processing. Thereby, the security guard inputs all items in the inspection information entry form without omission, and after that, can transfer the business information again.

[0123]

Furthermore, the business information generated in the portable terminal 2 is not limited to the inspection information and the image information. The inspection information may be other information generated based on an input operation into the portable terminal 2 by the user of the portable terminal 2, for example, when the user of the portable terminal 2 reports a damage situation, an observation, or the like from a site in case of a natural disaster, an accident, or the like. In addition, the image information may be information which can be acquired from other devices, such as audio, weather survey data, and a measured value of a harmful substance in the atmosphere. In this case, the image acquisition module 24 of the portable terminal 2 is replaced to other devices each of which can acquire corresponding information.

[0124]

Although the embodiment is described using the security system by way of example, a communication system is also applicable to a system used in the police, the Self-Defense Forces, a municipalities or the like.

[0125]

With reference to drawings, a second embodiment in which a business information management system is applied to a security system is described below.

[0126]

An operation in the second embodiment in which each security guard provides a security service by using a portable terminal is substantially the same as the operation in the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 1. 49 [0127]

However, a center apparatus according to the second embodiment, when receiving a clock-out signal from a portable terminal, transmits to the portable terminal a transmission-instructions signal which provides instructions to transfer untransferred business information stored in the portable terminal to the center apparatus. Then, the center apparatus registers clock-out of a security guard, after the business information has been received from the portable terminal which responds to the transmission-instructions signal. The center apparatus notifies the portable terminal that clock-out has been registered when clock-out for the security guard has been registered, and whereby the security guard is allowed to finish working since the portable terminal receiving the notification completes the processing for clock-out. In this way, all the untransferred business information stored in the portable terminal is transferred to the center apparatus before the security guard completes the procedure for clock-out. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the problem on the security that the untransferred business information is left in the portable terminal after the security guard finishes working. In addition, the business information is transmitted to the center apparatus from the portable terminal every time each of the security guards finishes working, and therefore all the business information generated by each portable terminal is reliably collected at the center apparatus.

[0128] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the security system according to the second embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 13, a security system IB includes a portable terminal 2B instead of the portable terminal 2 in the security system 1 depicted in FIG. 1, and includes a center apparatus 3B instead of the center apparatus 3.

In addition, the security system IB may include an office - 50 - terminal 12.

[0129]

The office terminal 12 is one of the communication devices which communicate with the center apparatus 3B, and may be connected to an IP network 7 through a router 11 or other routers, or to the router 11 or other routers further passing through an access point 10 or other access points.

[0130]

Note that the office terminal 12 may be connected to any kind of the communication network as long as the office terminal 12 can transmit and receive information to/from the center apparatus 3B.

[0131] A schematic diagram of the portable terminal 2B according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the schematic diagram of the portable terminal 2 in the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 3. However, the portable terminal 2B includes a control module 26B instead of the control module 26.

[0132]

The configuration of the control module 26B is substantially the same as the configuration of the control module 26. However, the control module 26B includes a business information transfer module 263B and a clock-out processing module 264B instead of the business information transfer module 263 and the clock-out processing module 264.

[0133]

The business information transfer module 263B performs business information transfer processing which transfers the untransferred business information stored in the memory 25 to the center apparatus 3B when, for example, receiving a business information transmission-instructions signal from the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module 21 in addition to a timing of receiving instructions to transfer the business 51 information from the user through the operation module 23.

[0134]

The clock-out processing module 264B performs clock-out processing when a user clocks out. In the clock-out processing, the clock-out processing module 264 transmits the clock-out signal indicating that the user clocked out to the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module 21, when receiving a command indicating clock-out through the operation module 23 from the user. In addition, when the clock-out processing module 264 receives the business information transmission-instructions signal from the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module 21, the clock-out processing module 264 causes the business information transfer module 263 to transmit the untransferred business information stored in the memory 25 to the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module 21. Furthermore, the clock-out processing module 264 finishes the clock-out processing when a clock-out-registration completion signal is received from the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module 21.

[0135] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the center apparatus 3B according to the embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 14, the center apparatus 3B includes each module included in the center apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 4. However, the center apparatus 3B includes a control module 37B instead of the control module 37.

[0136]

Note that the IP communication processing module 32 transfers the information received from the office terminal 12 to the control module 37 in addition to the information received from the guard apparatus 4 through the IP network 7. 52 [0137]

The configuration of the control module 37B is substantially the same as the configuration of the control module 37.

[0138]

However, as depicted in FIG. 14, the control module 37B includes a business information transfer-instructions module 374B in addition to each module included in the center apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 4.

[0139]

Note that a clock-in registration module 371 authenticates the user who has clocked in and registers clock-in of the user into attendance management information when receiving a clock-in signal from the office terminal 12, other than a timing when the IP communication processing module 32 receives a clock-in signal from the portable terminal 2.

[0140]

The clock-out registration module 373 registers clock-out of the user who has clocked out into the attendance management information when receiving a clock-out signal from the office terminal 12, other than a timing when the IP communication processing module 32 receives a clock-out signal from the portable terminal 2.

[0141]

The business information transfer-instructions module 374B transmits the transmission-instructions signal for providing instructions to transfer the untransferred business information stored in the memory 25 to the center apparatus 3, to corresponding portable terminal 2 through the IP communication processing module 32 when the IP communication processing module 32 receives the clock-out signal from the portable terminal 2 or the office terminal 12.

[0142]

The office terminal 12 is, for example, a general 53 information processing device, such as a notebook PC or desktop PC, installed in an office which is a starting point of the guard service provided by the security guard. The security guard may take procedures for clock-in / clock-out by the office terminal 12. The office terminal 12 can notify the center apparatus 3 of the clock-in / clock-out of the security guard through a communication network, such as the IP network 7, from the router 11.

[0143]

The office terminal 12 includes a communication processing module, a display module, an operation module, a memory, a control module (not depicted) , or the like, as in a general information processing device. The control module of the office terminal 12 may include a clock-in processing module and/or a clock-out processing module (not depicted) corresponding to the clock-in processing module 261 and/or the clock-out processing module 264 of the portable terminal 2, respectively.

Note that an operation of the clock-out processing module of the office terminal 12 is described in detail below.

[0144]

An operation of the portable terminal 2B and the center apparatus 3B is described along with the flow of the guard service provided by the security guard. The portable terminal 2B and the center apparatus 3B operate in accordance with the flowcharts depicted in FIG. 5 to FIG. 11, as is the case with the portable terminal 2 and the center apparatus 3 in the first embodiment.

[0145]

The center apparatus 3B according to the second embodiment is configured to reliably transfer all the business information generated by the portable terminal 2B to the center apparatus 3B from the portable terminal 2B by clock-out registration processing described below, thereby preventing the business information from being left in the portable terminal 2B after clock-out of the 54 security guard.

[0146] FIG. 15 is an operational sequence chart of clock-out processing in the portable terminal 2B according to the embodiment. The operational sequence chart of FIG. 15 is implemented instead of the operational sequence chart of FIG. 12 in step S513 of FIG. 6. As depicted in FIG. 15, when the clock-out processing is started in the portable terminal 2B, the clock-out processing module 264 generates the clock-out signal which includes the personal identification information of the user and the terminal identification information of the portable terminal, and transmits the generated clock-out signal to the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module 21 (step S1501).

[0147]

At the center apparatus 3B, when the business information transfer-instructions module 374B receives, through the IP communication processing module 32, the clock-out signal transmitted from the portable terminal 2B (step S1502), the business information transfer-instructions module 374B transmits the transmission-instructions signal for providing instructions to transfer the untransferred business information to the center apparatus 3B, to the portable terminal 2B corresponding to the received terminal identification information through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S1503).

[0148]

At the portable terminal 2B, when the clock-out processing module 264 receives, through the communication processing module 21, the transmission-instructions signal transmitted from the center apparatus 3B (step S1504), the business information transfer module 263 starts to transfer the business information. The business information transfer module 263 reads the untransferred business information from the memory 25, 55 and transmits the information to the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module 21 with the personal identification information and the terminal identification information (step S1505).

[0149]

At the center apparatus 3B, the business information receiving module 372 receives the business information, the personal identification information, and the terminal identification information which are transmitted from the portable terminal 2B through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S1506). Then, when the business information receiving module 372 confirms that all the business information is normally received, the business information receiving module 372 transmits a reception completion signal indicating that the business information has been received normally to the portable terminal 2B through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S1507).

[0150]

At the portable terminal 2B, when the business information transfer module 263 receives the reception completion signal transmitted from the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module 21 (step S1508), the business information processing module 262 deletes the business information which has been transmitted from the memory 25 (step S1509) . In addition, the business information transfer module 263 may delete the guard information and the information on an encryption key stored in the memory 25 (step S1510).

[0151]

At the center apparatus 3B, the business information receiving module 372 may store the business information which has been received from the portable terminal 2B in the memory 36 in association with the personal identification information and the terminal identification information (step S1511).

[0152] 56

In addition, when the clock-out registration module 373 of the center apparatus 3B has received the business information from the portable terminal 2B, the clock-out registration module 373 registers clock-out into the attendance management information of the user corresponding to the personal identification information received from the portable terminal 2B in step S1502 (step S1512). For example, the clock-out registration module 373 can set a flag indicating whether or not the user has clocked out to a state the user has clocked out in the attendance management information in the memory 36, so that clock-out of the user can be registered. Alternatively, the clock-out registration module 373 may register clock-out of the user by writing the time acquired from a timer of the center apparatus 3B or the like in the attendance management information as clock-out time. Then, the clock-out registration module 373 transmits the clock-out registration completion signal indicating that registration of clock-out of the user of the portable terminal 2B has been completed to the portable terminal 2B through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S1513).

[0153]

At the portable terminal 2B, when the clock-out processing module 264 receives the clock-out registration completion signal through the communication processing module 21 from the center apparatus 3B (step S1514), and then outputs a clock-out completion signal indicating that the clock-out is completed to the workspace of the memory 25 to finish the clock-out processing.

[0154]

Note that, at the time that the business information transfer module 263 of the portable terminal 2B transmits the untransferred business information to the center apparatus 3B (step S1505) , the business information transfer module 263 may transmit a transferred signal, which indicates that all the business information has 57 been transferred, to the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module 21 when the untransferred business information is not stored in the memory 25.

Then, the clock-out registration module 373 of the center apparatus 3B may proceed to step S1512 when receiving the transferred signal from the portable terminal 2B through the IP communication processing module 32, may register clock-out of the user of the portable terminal 2B into the attendance management information, and may transmit the clock-out registration completion signal to the portable terminal 2B through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S1513).

[0155]

At this time, for example, in a system in which the business information is supposed to be stored in a specific folder or storage area in the memory 25 in the business information generation processing, the business information transfer module 263 can determines that the untransferred business information is left when the business information is stored in the specific folder or storage area. In addition, for example, in a system in which the business information is supposed to be stored with a file name including a specific extension or a specific flag assigned in the memory 25, the clock-out processing module 263 may determines that the untransferred business information is left when information with the file name including the specific extension or the specific flag assigned in the memory 25.

[0156]

When the clock-out registration module 373 of the center apparatus 3B has not normally received all the business information from the portable terminal 2B in step S1506, the clock-out registration module 373 may transmit a clock-out unregistered signal indicating that registration of clock-out is not completed since the business information has not received completely to the portable terminal 2B through the IP communication 58 processing module 32 in step S1513.

[0157]

In addition, for example, when the clock-out registration completion signal has not been received, such as a case in which a reception completion signal is not transmitted from the center apparatus 3B even if a certain period of time has elapsed from the transmission of the untransferred business information to the center apparatus 3B (step S1505), or in which a signal other than the clock-out registration completion signal has been received from the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module 21, the clock-out processing module 264 of the portable terminal 2B may output a clock-out-unauthorized signal for notifying that clock-out is not allowed to the workspace of the memory 25, and finish the clock-out processing. At this time, the clock-out processing module 264 may display, on the display module 22, a message which indicates that clock-out is not allowed since the transmission of the untransferred business information to the center apparatus 3B has not been completed.

[0158]

Note that in step S514 of FIG. 6, the control module 26 determines whether clock-out is completed based on the output of the clock-out processing module 264, when finishing the clock-out processing performed by the clock-out processing module 264 (step S514). When clock-out is completed (Yes in step S514), the control module 26 terminates the processing of business information management. When clock-out is not completed (No in step S514), the control module 26 returns to the selection processing (step S501) in the processing of FIG. 5. Therefore, since there is a possibility that the untransferred business information is stored in the memory 25 when clock-out is not completed, the security guard selects the clock-out processing in the processing selection screen displayed on the display module 22 again 59 by using the operation module 23, for example, after a certain period of time elapses or after the movement to a place with rich radio wave conditions, and clocks out after finishing the transfer of the untransferred business information to the center apparatus 3B.

[0159]

As have been described above, the center apparatus according to an embodiment transmits the transmission-instructions signal for providing instructions to transfer the untransferred business information stored in the portable terminal to the center apparatus, when the user tries to perform clock-out registration from the mobile terminal to the center apparatus located at the monitor center at the time the user finishes working. Then, the center apparatus registers clock-out of the security guard after normally receiving all the business information transmitted by the portable terminal in response to the transmission-instructions signal. Therefore, at the time the security guard finishes working, the untransferred business information stored in the portable terminal is altogether transferred to the center apparatus 3B before the user finishes working.

Each user of each mobile terminal is not allowed to clock out unless all the business information in the mobile terminal is transferred to the center apparatus, and therefore all the business information generated by each mobile terminal is reliably transmitted to the center apparatus before each user finishes working.

[0160]

It is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications are available. For example, although the security guard notifies the center apparatus 3B of clock-out using the portable terminal 2B in the above-described embodiment, the office terminals 12 such as a PC can be used, instead of the portable terminal 2B, to notify the center apparatus 3B of clock-out. In this case, in the office terminal 12, when the 60 user inputs start instructions for the clock-out processing using the operation module (not depicted), the clock-out processing is started by the clock-out processing module (not depicted) of the office terminal 12. Since the clock-out processing in the office terminal 12 corresponds to the clock-out processing in the portable terminal 2B depicted in FIG. 15, description is hereinafter made focusing on different points.

[0161]

When the clock-out processing is started, the clock-out processing module of the office terminal 12 acquires the personal identification information of the user and the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 2B used by the user. For example, the clock-out processing module of the office terminal 12 can read such personal identification information and terminal identification information from the memory.

Alternatively, when these pieces of information are not stored in the memory (not depicted), the clock-out processing module of the office terminal 12 may display an input screen for the personal identification information of the user and the terminal identification information of the portable terminal 2B used by the user on the display module (not depicted), and may receive the personal identification information and the terminal identification information which are input by the user from the operation module. Then, the clock-out processing module of the office terminal 12 generates the clock-out signal including the acquired personal identification information and terminal identification information, and transmits the generated clock-out signal to the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module (not depicted) of the office terminal 12 (step S1501). At the center apparatus 3B, the business information transfer-instructions module 374B receives the clock-out signal transmitted from the office terminal 12 through the IP communication processing 61 module 32 (step S1502). Since processing in steps S1503 to S1512 is performed as in the case with the clock-out processing performed by the portable terminal 2B, the description thereof is omitted.

[0162]

At the center apparatus 3B, when the clock-out registration module 373 registers clock-out of the user (step S1512), the clock-out registration module 373 transmits the clock-out registration completion signal indicating that registration of clock-out of the user of the portable terminal 2B has been completed to the office terminal 12 through the IP communication processing module 32 (step S1513). When the clock-out processing module of the office terminal 12 receives the clock-out registration completion signal from the center apparatus 3B through the communication processing module (step S1514), the clock-out processing module outputs the clock-out completion signal indicating that the clock-out processing is completed to the display module of the office terminal 12 to finish the processing. When the clock-out processing module of the office terminal 12 has not received the clock-out registration completion signal, the clock-out processing module may output a clock-out-unauthorized signal for notifying that clock-out is not allowed to the display module of the office terminal 12, and finish the clock-out processing. At this time, the clock-out processing module of the office terminal 12 displays, on the display module of the office terminal 12, a message which indicates that clock-out is not allowed since the transmission of the untransferred business information to the center apparatus 3B from the portable terminal 2B has not been completed.

[0163]

In this modification, when a transmission-instructions signal is not successfully transmitted to the portable terminal 2B in step S1503, the clock-out registration module 373 of the center apparatus 3B may 62 transmit a communication unavailable signal or the clock-out unregistered signal indicating that registration of clock-out is not completed because communication with the portable terminal 2B is not available to the office terminal 12 through the IP communication processing module 32 in step S1513. The clock-out processing module of the office terminal 12, which has received the communication unavailable signal or the clock-out unregistered signal through the communication processing module of the office terminal 12, can display a message indicating that registration of clock-out is not completed because communication with the portable terminal 2B is not available on the display module of the office terminal 12. Thereby, the security guard turns on the portable terminal 2B, or moves the portable terminal 2B to a place with rich radio wave conditions, so that the portable terminal 2B can communicate with the center apparatus 3B. Then, the security guard can operate the operation module of the office terminal 12 again to take the procedure for clock-out.

[0164]

As described above, in the security system according to the present modification, even when the security guard takes the procedure for clock-out using an information processing device, such as the office terminal 12, other than the portable terminal 2B, the center apparatus 3B which has received the clock-out signal from the information processing device instructs the portable terminal 2B used by the security guard to transfer the untransferred business information to the center apparatus 3B. Therefore, even when the security guard takes the procedure for clock-out using any of various devices other than the portable terminal 2B, the business information generated by the portable terminal 2B is reliably transferred to the center apparatus 3B before the security guard finishes working.

[0165] 63

It is also possible to apply the modifications described in the first embodiment to the second embodiment.

[0166]

With reference to drawings, a third embodiment in which an information management system is applied to a security system is described below.

[0167]

An operation in the third embodiment in which each security guard provides a security service by using a portable terminal is substantially the same as the operation in the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

[0168]

In a security system 100 according to the third embodiment, each security guard operates a portable terminal 200 such as a smartphone for clock-in before starting a guard service. The portable terminal 200 notifies a center apparatus 300 installed in a monitor center through a network 500 that the security guard clocks in. The center apparatus 300 registers clock-in for the security guard when receiving the notification from the portable terminal 200. When working has been started, the security guard inputs inspection results into the portable terminal 200 while inspecting designated inspection places in accordance with guard information transferred from the center apparatus 300.

In addition, the security guard captures an inspection place using the portable terminal 200. The portable terminal 200 acquires and stores business information regarding the work performed by the security guard, such as inspection results and image information obtained by capturing the inspection place. The portable terminal 200 transmits the stored business information and image information to the center apparatus 300 in response to an operation of the security guard. The security guard operates for clock-out using the portable terminal 2 after finishing the guard service, and the portable 64 terminal 200 notifies the center apparatus 3 through the network 500 that the security guard clocks out. The center apparatus 300 registers clock-out for the security guard when receiving the notification from the portable terminal 200.

Note that the operations for clock-in and for clock-out by the security guard and the notification to the center apparatus 300 may be performed using a PC 400 instead of the portable terminal 200.

[0169]

It is not preferable to store the image information in the portable terminal 200 over a long period of time from a viewpoint of security protection since secret matters, such as personal information, may be included in the image information acquired by the portable terminal 200. Although the security guard in the work site is not necessary to browse the image information recorded as a proof since the security guard can see conditions of the site directly, it is preferable for an observer at the monitor center who may not see the conditions of the site directly to acquire the image information in real time to check the conditions of the site. In view of above, the portable terminal immediately transmits the acquired image information to the center apparatus when the image information is acquired, and deletes the image information after the transmission is completed.

On the other hand, the business information acquired by the portable terminal may be updated or changed by the security guard on the site. When such business information is automatically transmitted to the center apparatus from the portable terminal, it may become difficult for the security guard on the site to understand which time of the information has been transmitted, or there is a possibility that information in the middle of change may be transmitted. Furthermore, deleting the business information transmitted to the center apparatus makes it difficult for the security 65 guard to browse the information for checking again or the like. In view of above, as to the business information, the portable terminal transmits the information to the center apparatus in response to intentional instructions from the security guard, and deletes the information after the transmission is completed.

This attempts that the portable terminal transmits the acquired information to the center apparatus at a suitable timing according to the kinds of the information.

[0170] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a security system according to the third embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 16, a security system 1C includes a portable terminal 2C, a center apparatus 3C, and a guard apparatus 4. The portable terminal 2C may be used in a facility in which the guard apparatus 4 is installed, and may be used at a place in which the guard apparatus 4 is not installed.

[0171]

The portable terminal 2C is connected to a cellular phone network 6 through a base station apparatus 5. The cellular phone network 6 is a network in accordance with a communication system, such as W-CDMA, CDMA2000, LTE, WiMAX, or PHS, and is further connected to an IP network 7, such as the Internet, through a gateway server, not depicted. The center apparatus 3C and the guard apparatus 4 are connected to the IP network 7. Note that the portable terminal 2C may be connected to the IP network 7 through an access point of the wireless LAN, not depicted, connected to the IP network 7, when the wireless LAN is available in the facility in which the guard apparatus 4 is installed.

[0172]

The portable terminal 2C is a device substantially the same as the portable terminal 2 in the first embodiment, and is a portable communication device, such as a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a notebook PC, used when - 6 6- the security guard provides services. The portable terminal 2C notifies the center apparatus 3C of clock-in and clock-out in response to instructions from the security guard, and receives guard information to be used in the guard service from the center apparatus 3C. The portable terminal 2C acquires the business information of text input by an operation of the security guard and the image information obtained by capturing an inspection place, and transmits the acquired business information and image information to the center apparatus 3C.

[0173]

The center apparatus 3C is an apparatus substantially the same as the center apparatus 3 in the first embodiment, and is installed in facilities for managing the security guards, such as a monitor center operated to monitor the guard apparatus 4 by a security company or the like, a guard headquarter from which the security guard is assigned, a command central for issuing instructions to the security guard remotely, and a disaster prevention headquarter provided in the building safety control center in a large-sized building. The center apparatus 3C is configured by a so-called server, and includes a communication interface for communicating with the guard apparatus 4 through the IP network 7, a display devices such as a liquid crystal display, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a notification module configured by a buzzer, LED (Light Emitting Diode), or the like. The center apparatus 3C carries out an attendance management for the security guards who provide the security services by using the portable terminal 2C, provides the guard information to be used during the guard service to the portable terminals 2, and carries out a central control of the business information and the image information acquired by each of portable terminals 2C. When the center apparatus 3C receives an abnormality detection signal through the IP network 7 from the guard apparatus 4, the 67 center apparatus 3C notifies an observer of the facility in which the guard apparatus 4 having transmitted the abnormality detection signal is installed and the contents of the detected abnormality through the notification module and the display device. The observer at the center apparatus 3C received the notification of the abnormality connects with the portable terminal 2C carried by the security guard, and instructs the security guard to visit the facility in which the guard apparatus 4 issuing the alarm is installed and to suitably deal with the abnormality.

[0174]

The guard apparatus 4 is an apparatus substantially the same as the guard apparatus in the first embodiment.

[0175] FIG. 17 is a sequence chart of an entire operation in the security system 1C according to the embodiment.

First, the portable terminal 2C transmits an clock-in signal indicating that the security guard clocked in to the center apparatus 3C when the clock-in is input by the security guard (step S1701). The clock-in signal includes a personal ID (Identifier) for identifying the security guard utilizing the portable terminal 2C, authentication information, a terminal ID for identifying the portable terminal 2C and the like. The authentication information is, for example, a password determined in advance. The terminal ID is, for example, a telephone number of the portable terminal 2C.

On the other hand, the center apparatus 3C, when receiving the clock-in signal, authenticates the security guard utilizing the portable terminal 2C, and registers the clock-in of the security guard (step S1702). Next, the center apparatus 3C sends back a clock-in reply signal to the portable terminal 2C as a response against the clock-in signal (step S1703) . The clock-in reply signal includes information whether or not authentication of the security guard has succeeded. In addition, when 68 the authentication of the security guard has succeeded, the clock-in reply signal further includes the guard information regarding the guard service provided by the security guard, a public key and a common key for encrypting the information acquired by the portable terminal 2C, and the like.

[0176]

When the authentication of the security guard has succeeded, the portable terminal 2C performs guard processing. In the guard processing, the portable terminal 2C transmits an information notification signal including the acquired information to the center apparatus 3C when specific information is acquired (step S1704). The information notification signal includes the acquired information, a personal ID of the security guard, a terminal ID of the portable terminal 2C, and the like .

On the other hand, when the information notification signal is received, the center apparatus 3C stores each pieces of information included in the information notification signal (step S1705) , and sends back an information notification reply signal to the portable terminal 2C as a response against the information notification signal (step S1706).

[0177]

After that, the portable terminal 2C transmits the clock-out signal indicating that the security guard clocked out to the center apparatus 3C when the clock-out is input by the security guard (step S1707) . The clock-out signal includes the personal ID of the security guard utilizing the portable terminal 2C, the terminal ID of the portable terminal 2C and the like.

On the other hand, the center apparatus 3C registers the clock-out for the security guard when receiving the clock-out signal (step S1708). Next, the center apparatus 3C sends back a clock-out reply signal to the portable terminal 2C as a response against the clock-out 69 signal (step S1709) , and terminates a series of processes .

[0178] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a mobile terminal 2C according to the embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 4, the portable terminal 2C includes a communication processing module 21, a display module 22, an operation module 23, an image input module 27, an audio input module 28, a memory 25, and a control module 26C.

[0179]

The communication processing module 21 has a configuration substantially the same as the communication processing module 21 of the first embodiment.

[0180]

The display module 22 has a configuration substantially the same as the display module 22 of the first embodiment, and displays variety pieces of information received from the control module 26 to notify the security guard. The display module 22 displays instructions from the security guard, a screen for inputting an inspection result and the like, and an error message for notifying that clock-out is not allowed since the untransferred business information or image information is left in the portable terminal 2C at the time of clock-out.

[0181]

The operation module 23 has a configuration substantially the same as the operation module 23 of the first embodiment, and acquires the various instructions input by an operation of the security guard, the personal ID, the authentication information, the terminal ID, the business information, and the like.

[0182]

The image input module 27 is a camera which captures an inspection place to input an image, and includes, for example, photoelectric conversion elements (for example, a CCD sensor, C-MOS, or the like) which are arranged in 70 two dimensions and output an electrical signal depending on an amount of received light, an imaging optical system for forming an image of a capturing area on the photoelectric conversion elements, and an A/D converter. The image input module 27 acquires the image information of the inspection place captured by the security guard in order, and transfers the image information to the control module 26C. Note that image information may be a still picture or a video, and for this reason, the image input module 27 may include an encoder which encodes the image information in accordance with a coding system, such as JPEG or MPEG, and may output the encoded image information.

[0183]

The audio input module 28 includes a microphone, an amplifier, an A/D converter, and the like, and is an electric circuit which converts audio at an inspection place into an audio signal which is a digital signal to input the signal. The audio input module 28 acquires collected audio information at the inspection place, and transfers the information to the control module 26C.

[0184]

The memory 25 has a configuration substantially the same as the memory 25 of the first embodiment, and stores the guard information received from the center apparatus 3C, the common key and the public key, the business information acquired in the guard processing, the image information, the audio information, and the like.

[0185]

The guard information includes information used by the security guard for the guard service, for example, a place and schedule based on which the security guard provides the guard service, a floor plan representing an arrangement of supervisory objects such as a cashbox, and an entry form for inputting an inspection result during the security service provided by a security guard. The guard information from the center apparatus 3C is 71 received through the communication processing module 21, and is stored in the memory 25.

The business information includes, for example, the inspection result input by the security guard during the guard service using the operation module 23. The business information is encrypted with a common key and is stored in the memory 25.

The image information and the audio information are encrypted with a public key and are stored in the memory 25.

[0186]

The controller 26C has a configuration substantially the same as the controller 26 of the first embodiment, and transmits the business information input by the security guard, the image information acquired by the image input module 27, the audio information acquired by the audio input module 28 to the center apparatus, and deletes each information item of which the transmission to the center apparatus is completed. For such operation, the control module 26C includes a clock-in processing module 261C, an information processing module 262C, and a clock-out processing module 264C, as functional modules implemented by software operated on the processor.

Note that respective modules included in the control module 26C may be configured by independent integrated circuits, firmware, microprocessors, or the like.

Hereinafter, each module in the control module 26C is described in detail.

[0187]

When the operation module 23 receives instructions for the clock-in by the security guard, the clock-in processing module 261C displays a clock-in information inputting screen (not depicted) for inputting the personal ID of the security guard, the authentication information, the terminal ID of the portable terminal 2C, and the like on the display module 22. When the 72 operation module 23 receives the input of the personal ID of the security guard, the authentication information, the terminal ID of the portable terminal 2C, the clock-in processing module 261C transmits the clock-in signal including the received personal ID, authentication information, and terminal ID to the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21. Note that terminal ID may be stored in the memory 25 in advance at the time of manufacturing the portable terminal 2C or the like, and the clock-in processing module 261C may read and acquire the terminal ID from the memory 25. When the clock-in processing module 261C receives, through the communication processing module 21 from the center apparatus 3C which has received the clock-in signal, the clock-in reply signal, which indicates that the authentication for the security guard has succeeded, the clock-in processing module 261C stores the guard information, the public key, and the common key included in the clock-in reply signal in the memory 25.

[0188]

When the operation module 23 receives instructions of capturing an image by the security guard, the information processing module 262C provides capturing instructions to the image input module 27. When the image input module 27 acquires the image information, the information processing module 262C encrypts the image information with the public key to temporally store the information in the memory 25. Note that the image information before encryption is deleted when the image information is encrypted. The center apparatus 3C does not transmit the secret key for decoding the data encrypted by the public key to the portable terminal 2C. This makes it difficult for the portable terminal 2C to decode the image information, and hereafter to browse the image information. In addition, the information processing module 262C immediately transmits the encrypted image information which is stored in the memory 73 25 to the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21, and deletes the image information of which the transmission to the center apparatus 3C is completed from the memory 25. In this way, the information processing module 262C transmits the image information to the center apparatus 3C when the image input module 27 acquires the image information. The information processing module 262C transmits the audio information to the center apparatus 3C in a similar way, when the audio input module 28 acquires the audio information.

[0189]

On the other hand, the information processing module 262C causes the display module 22 to display the business information input screen for inputting the business information when the operation module 23 receives input instructions of the business information by the security guard. FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are exemplary diagrams depicting another example of the business information input screen. A business information input screen 1900 depicted in FIG. 19A is prepared for each inspection area which is a section unit for the inspection by the security guard. In the business information input screen 1900, an inspection item 1902 and a "comment" button 1903 for inputting a comment, and a check box 1904 for inputting whether or not the inspection has completed are displayed for each inspection place 1901 in the inspection area. Furthermore, an "end" button 1905 is displayed on the business information input screen 1900. Tapping the "end" button 1905 by the security guard causes the information processing module 262C to acquire the business information which is input into the business information input screen 1900.

Tapping the "comment" button 1903 by the security guard, on the other hand, causes a comment input screen 1910 depicted in FIG. 19B to be displayed. In the - 74 - comment input screen 1910, a check box 1911 and an input column 1912 for inputting the reason why the inspection is not completed, and a "confirm" button 1913 for confirming an input content are displayed. Tapping the "confirm" button 1913 by the security guard causes the business information input screen 1900 to be displayed again.

[0190]

When the information processing module 262C acquires the business information, the information processing module 262C encrypts the acquired business information with a common key, and will store it to the memory 25. Note that the business information before encryption is deleted when the business information is encrypted as in the case with the image information, but hereafter the business information can be browsed, updated or changed since the portable terminal 2C can decode, with the common key, the business information encrypted with the common key. In other words, when the operation module 23 receives update instructions of the business information by the security guard, the information processing module 262C reads and decodes the business information stored in the memory 25, changes the business information based on an edit input by the security guard using the operation module 23, encrypts the changed business information again, and stores the information in the memory 25.

The information processing module 262C also transmits, when the operation module 23 receives transmission instructions by the security guard, the encrypted business information stored in the memory 25 to the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21, and deletes the business information of which the transmission to the center apparatus 3C is completed from the memory 25.

[0191]

The information processing module 262C determines whether or not the image information or the audio 75 information is left in the memory 25 when the operation module 23 receives the transmission instructions by the security guard. The information processing module 262C transmits the image information or the audio information which is left in the memory 25 with the business information to the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21 when the untransferred image information or audio information is left without transmitting to the center apparatus 3C for the reason of poor communication conditions or the like. Then, the information processing module 262C deletes the image information or the audio information of which the transmission to the center apparatus 3C is completed from the memory 25. Thereby, the portable terminal 2C can prevent the image information or the audio information from being left in the mobile terminal 2 without transmitting the information to the center apparatus 3C even in the poor communication conditions when the security guard captures the inspection place.

[0192]

Note that the information processing module 262C may display a message representing that the transmission is failed and inducing retransmitting later on the display module 22 when transmission to the center apparatus 3C is failed due to the poor communication conditions or the like at the time of trying to transmit the business information, the image information, or the audio information, [0193]

When the operation module 23 receives instructions of clock-out by the security guard, the clock-out processing module 264C transmits the clock-out signal to the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21 if the untransferred business information, image information, and audio information are not stored in the memory 25. When the clock-out processing module 264C receives the clock-out reply 76 signal from the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21, the clock-out processing module 264C deletes the guard information, the common key, and the public key which have been acquired from the center apparatus 3C from the memory 25. On the other hand, the clock-out processing module 264C does not transmit the clock-out signal to the center apparatus 3C when the untransferred business information, image information, or audio information are stored in the memory 25. Thereby, the portable terminal 2C can avoid a situation in which the user forgets to transmit the business information, image information, or audio information to the center apparatus 3C, whereby the business information, image information, or audio information is left in the portable terminal 2C.

[0194] FIG. 20 is a flowchart depicting an operation of image information acquiring processing executed by the information processing module 262C according to the embodiment. The image information acquisition processing depicted in FIG. 20 is executed when the operation module 23 receives acquisition instructions of the image information by the security guard in the guard processing. Note that an example in which the image information is a still picture is hereinafter described.

[0195]

First, when the operation module 23 receives photographing instructions of the image by the security guard (Yes in step S2001), the information processing module 262C transfers the photographing instructions to the image input module 27. Next, the information processing module 262C acquires the image information from the image input module 27 (step S2002), encrypts the acquired image information with a public key (step S2003), and stores the encrypted image information in the memory 25 (step S2004). Next, the information processing module 262C transmits the information notification signal 77 including the image information which are encrypted and stored in the memory 25, the personal ID of the security guard, and the terminal ID of the portable terminal 2C to the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21 (step S2005). When the information notification reply signal is received from the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21, the information processing module 262C determines that the image information has been transmitted to the center apparatus 3C (Yes in step S2006), and deletes the image information of which the transmission is completed from the memory 25 (step S2007). On the other hand, when predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the information notification reply signal from the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21, the information processing module 262C determines that the image information has not been transmitted to the center apparatus 3C (No in step S2006) , and does not delete the image information from the memory 25 (step 52008) .

[0196]

When the operation module 23 does not receive the image capturing instructions by the security guard (No in step S2001), or when the processing for the captured image information is completed (steps S2007 and S2008), the information processing module 262C determines whether or not the operation module 23 has received instructions for finishing image capturing by the security guard (step 52009) . The information processing module 262C returns the processing to step S2001 to repeat processing from steps S2002 to S2008 when the operation module 23 has not received an input of instructions for finishing image capturing (No of step S2009), but a series of steps are terminated when the operation module 23 receives the input of instructions for finishing image capturing (Yes in step S2009).

[0197] 78

Note that when the image information is a video, the information processing module 262C separates the video for every predetermined number of frames, and performs processing from steps S2002 to S2008 for each separated frame. As to the audio information, as in the case with the image information, the information processing module 262C acquires the audio information from the audio input module 28 and transmits the information to the center apparatus 3C.

[0198] FIG. 21 is a flowchart depicting an operation of business information acquiring processing executed by the information processing module 262C according to the embodiment. The business information acquiring processing depicted in FIG. 21 is executed when the operation module 23 receives input instructions of the business information by the security guard in the guard processing.

[0199]

First, the information processing module 262C displays a business information input screen on the display module 22 (step S2101). When the information processing module 262C acquires the business information which is input by the security guard from the operation module 23 (step S2102), the information processing module 262C encrypts the acquired business information with a common key (step S2103), stores the encrypted business information in the memory 25 (step S2104), and terminates a series of steps.

[0200] FIG. 22 is a flowchart depicting an operation of business information updating processing executed by the information processing module 262C according to the embodiment. The business information update processing depicted in FIG. 22 is executed when the operation module 23 receives update instructions of the business information by the security guard, in order to read and 79 check the business information already generated with the portable terminal 2C, or to add/modify the inspection result, for example depending on the change of conditions at the place where the security guard provides the guard service in the guard processing.

[0201]

First, the information processing module 262C reads the business information to be updated which is designated in the update instructions of business information from the memory 25 (step S2201), and decodes the information with a common key (step S2202). Next, the information processing module 262C displays on the display module 22 the business information input screen on which the decoded business information is represented (step S2203). When the information processing module 262C acquires the business information updated by the security guard using the operation module 23 (step S2204), the information processing module 262C encrypts the updated business information again with the common key (step S2205) , stores the encrypted business information in the memory 25 (step S2206), and terminates a series of steps.

[0202] FIG. 23 is a flowchart depicting an operation of the business information transmitting processing executed by the information processing module 262C according to the embodiment. The business information transmitting processing depicted in FIG. 23 is executed when the operation module 23 receives the transmission instructions of the business information by the security guard, for example, at the time when the security guard completes the inspection of all the inspection places in the inspection area in the guard processing or the like.

[0203]

When the operation module 23 receives transmission instructions of the business information by the security guard, the information processing module 262C reads the 80 business information stored in the memory 25 (step 52301) . Next, the information processing module 262C determines whether or not the untransmitted image information or audio information is left in the memory 25 (step S2302). When the image information or audio information is left in the memory 25 without being transmitted to the center apparatus 3C (Yes in step 52302) , the information processing module 262C reads the image information or audio information (step S2303).

Next, the information processing module 262C transmits the information notification signal including each read information item (the business information, and the image information or audio information if any), the personal ID of the security guard and the terminal ID of the portable terminal 2C to the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21 (step S2304). The information processing module 262C waits for a reception of the information notification reply signal from the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21 (No in step S2305) , and when the information notification reply signal is received (Yes in step S2305), deletes each information item of which transmission is completed from the memory 25 (step S2306) and terminates a series of steps. When predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the information notification reply signal from the center apparatus 3C, it is determined that the transmission has not been completed and the processing is terminated without deleting each information item.

[0204] FIG. 24 is a flowchart depicting an operation of the clock-out processing executed by the clock-out processing module 264C according to the embodiment. The clock-out processing depicted in FIG. 24 is executed when the operation module 23 receives instructions of the clock-out by the security guard who finishes all the guard services . 81 [0205]

When the operation module 23 receives instructions of the clock-out by the security guard, the clock-out processing module 264C determines whether or not the untransferred business information, image information, or audio information is stored in the memory 25 (step S2401). When the untransferred business information, image information, or audio information is stored in the memory 25 (Yes in step S2401), the clock-out processing module 264C displays on the display module 22 a message indicating that clock-out is not allowed since the untransferred business information, image information, or audio information is stored (step S2402), and a series of steps are terminated. On the other hand, when the untransferred business information, image information, or audio information is not stored in the memory 25 (No in step S2401), the clock-out processing module 264C transmits the clock-out signal to the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21 (step S2403). After that, when the clock-out processing module 264C receives the clock-out reply signal from the center apparatus 3C through the communication processing module 21 (Yes in step S2404), the clock-out processing module 264C deletes the guard information, the common key, and the public key from the memory 25 (step S2405), and a series of steps are terminated.

[0206] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of the center apparatus 3C according to the third embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 25, the center apparatus 3C includes a center communication processing module 32C, a center display module 33C, a center operation module 34C, a notification module 35C, a center memory 36C, and a center control module 37C.

[0207]

The center communication processing module 32C has a configuration substantially the same as the IP 82 communication processing module 32 of the first embodiment.

[0208]

The center display module 33C has a configuration substantially the same as the display module 33 of the first embodiment, and displays the business information, the image information, and the like, received from the portable terminal 2C.

[0209]

The center operation module 34C has a configuration substantially the same as the operation module 34 of the first embodiment.

[0210]

The notification module 35C has a configuration substantially the same as the notification module 35 of the first embodiment, [0211]

The center memory 36C has a configuration substantially the same as the memory 36 of the first embodiment.

The center memory 36C stores the user information, the attendance management information, the guard information, the common key, the public key and its secret key, transmitted to the portable terminal 2C, and the business information, the image information, and the audio information received from the portable terminal 2C, and the like. The guard information, the common key, the public key, the business information, the image information, and the audio information are substantially the same as those stored in the memory 25 of the portable terminal 2C.

The user information is information regarding users, such as personal ID of the security guard allowed to use the mobile terminal 2 and authentication information.

The attendance management information is information for managing clock-in and clock-out of the security guard, and is stored in association with the personal ID 83 of the security guard. The attendance management information includes information such as the place where the security guard provide the guard service, clock-in time, clock-out time, a device ID of the portable terminal 2C to be used.

[0212]

The center control module 37C has a configuration substantially the same as the control module 37 of the first embodiment. The center control module 37C manages the business information, image information, and audio information received from the portable terminal 2C and manages clock-in and clock-out of the security guard utilizing the portable terminal 2C. Therefore, the center control module 37C includes a clock-in registration module 371C, an information receiving unit 372C, and a clock-out registration module 373C as functional modules implemented by software operated on the processor.

Note that respective modules included in the center control module 37C may be configured by independent integrated circuits, firmware, microprocessors, or the like .

Hereinafter, each module in the center control module 37C is described in detail.

[0213]

When the clock-in registration module 371C receives the clock-in signal from the portable terminal 2C through the center communication processing module 32C, the clock-in registration module 371C compares the personal ID and authentication information included in the received clock-in signal with the personal ID and authentication information of the user information stored in the center memory 36C to authenticate the security guard who clocks in. When the authentication succeeds, the clock-in registration module 371C adds the personal ID and terminal ID which are included in the received clock-in signal to the attendance management information 84 in the center memory 36, to thereby register the clock-in of the security guard into the attendance management information. Furthermore, the clock-in registration module 371C generates the key pair of the public key and the secret key, and the common key, and stores the keys in the center memory 36C. Still further, the clock-in registration module 371C reads the guard information regarding the guard service provided by the security guard from the center memory 36C, based on the personal ID included in the received clock-in signal. In this regard, the guard information required by the user can be extracted, for example, by registering contents of work for each user in the user information in the center memory 36C in advance. Then, the clock-in registration module 371C transmits the clock-in reply signal including information that the authentication for the security guard has succeeded, the public key and the common key which are generated, and the guard information to the portable terminal 2C through the center communication processing module 32C. On the other hand, the clock-in registration module 371C transmits the clock-in reply signal including information that the authentication for the security guard has failed to the portable terminal 2C through the center communication processing module 32C, when the authentication for the security guard has failed.

[0214]

When the information receiving unit 372C receives the information notification signal from the portable terminal 2C through the center communication processing module 32C, the information receiving unit 372C decodes the business information, image information, or audio information included in the received information notification signal with the common key or secret key stored by the center memory 36C, and stores the personal ID and the terminal ID which are included in the information notification signal in association with each 85 other in the center memory 36C. Then, the information receiving unit 372C transmits the information notification reply signal to the portable terminal 2C through the center communication processing module 32C.

Note that when the center operation module 34C receives display instructions by the observer of the monitor center, the information receiving unit 372C read the business information or image information stored in the center memory 36C, and displays the information on the center display module 33C.

[0215]

When the clock-out registration module 373C receives the clock-out signal through the center communication processing module 32C from the portable terminal 2C, the clock-out registration module 373C registers the clock-out of the security guard who clocks out into the attendance management information based on the personal ID and the terminal ID which are included in the received clock-out signal, and transmits a work service reply signal to the portable terminal 2C through the center communication processing module 32C.

[0216]

As have been described above, the portable terminal according to the third embodiment transmits, when the image information or audio information is acquired, the acquired image information or audio information to the center apparatus immediately, and on the other hand, as to the business information input by the security guard, the portable terminal does not transmit the information immediately but transmits the information to the center apparatus in response to the instructions by the security guard. The portable terminal immediately transmits the image information or audio information which is required in real time for the observer, who is at the monitor center and is hard to see the conditions of the site directly, as well as transmits the business information which may be updated or changed by the security guard on 86 the site in response to the instructions by the security guard, and this enables a transmission of the acquired information to the center apparatus at appropriate timing.

[0217]

The portable terminal deletes the business information, image information, or audio information which has transmitted from the memory of the portable terminal every time transmission of the business information, image information, or audio information is completed. Therefore, since the business information, image information, or audio information is not left in the portable terminal, thereby avoiding the problem on security, such as an unfair leakage.

[0218]

Although the preferred embodiments have been described, it is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the information immediately transmitted to the center apparatus when acquired is not limited to the image information and the audio information, but any kinds of information may be used as long as the kinds of information is different from those of the information transmitted in response to the instructions by the security guard. For example, an information processing module may process information acquired by the communication processing module or an input unit, not illustrated, from other devices, such as weather survey data, measured value of the toxic substance in the atmosphere, or the like, as in the case with the image information or audio information, may transmit the acquired information to the center apparatus immediately when these pieces of information is acquired, and may delete the information at the time of transmission completion.

[0219]

The information transmitted immediately and the information transmitted in response to the instructions 87 by the security guard may not be determined fixedly, but may be set by the security guard in advance using the operation module. In this case, for example, an input device which inputs the information transmitted immediately and an input device which inputs the information transmitted in response to the instructions by the security guard are set up by the security guard using the operation module, and the setting is stored in the memory. When information is acquired from each input device, the information processing module transmits the information to the center apparatus based on the setting stored in the memory. In this way, the security guard can flexibly set the information transmitted immediately and the information transmitted at the timing instructed by the security guard.

[0220]

The information processing module may transmit the information, which is set to transmit immediately, to the center apparatus immediately only when the information is acquired within the time set in advance. In this case, for example, time to transmit immediately is set by the security guard using the operation module, and is stored in the memory. The information processing module determines whether or not current time is within a set time period, when information is acquired from each input device. The information processing module transmits the acquired information to the center apparatus immediately only when current time is within the set time period, and subsequently transmits the acquired information to the center apparatus at the time of receiving instructions for transmission by the security guard when current time is not within the set time period. Thereby, the portable terminal can transmit only the image information captured during the work of the security guard immediately, for example, and can transmit the image information captured during off-hours at the timing instructed by the security guard. - 88 -

Similarly, the information processing module may immediately transmit the information which is set to transmit immediately to the center apparatus only when acquired at a place set in advance. In this case, for example, the region of the place for the immediate transmission is set by the security guard using the operation module, and is stored in the memory. The portable terminal includes a position measuring module which measures the current position of the portable terminal utilizing GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like, and the information processing module determines whether the current position measured by the position measuring module is within the set region when information is acquired from each input device. The information processing module transmits the acquired information to the center apparatus immediately only when the current position is within the set region, and subsequently transmits the acquired information to the center apparatus at the timing instructed by the security guard when the current position is not within the set region. Thereby, the portable terminal can immediately transmit only the image information captured at the inspection place, for example, and can transmit the image information captured at a place other than the inspection place at the timing instructed by the security guard.

[0221]

The clock-out processing module may transmit the untransferred business information, image information, or audio information to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when the untransferred business information, image information, or audio information are stored at the time of receiving instructions of clock-out by the security guard. In this case, the clock-out processing module may display a list of the untransferred business information, image information, or audio information on the display module before transmitting the business information, image 89 information, or audio information to the center apparatus, to check with the security guard whether or not the transmission to the center apparatus is acceptable .

[0222]

For example, the present embodiments is described using the security system as an example, but the information management system can be applied to systems used in the police, the Self-Defense Forces, a municipalities or the like.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0223] 1, IB, 1C Security system 2, 2B, 2C Portable terminal 3, 3B, 3C center apparatus 4 Guard apparatus 5 Base station apparatus 6 Cellular phone network 7 Network 8 Base station apparatus 9 Base station apparatus 10 Access point 11 Router 12 Office terminal 21 Communication processing module 22 Display module 23 Operation module 24 Image acquisition module 25 Memory 26, 2 6B Ί 26C Control module 27 Image input module 28 Audio input module 31 Communication processing module 32 IP communication processing module 32C Center communication processing module 33 Display module 90 33C Center display module 34 Operation module 34C Center operation module 35, 35C Notification module 36 Memory 36C Center memory 37, 37B Control module 37C Center control module 261, 261C clock-in processing module 262 Business information processing module 262C Information processing module 263, 263B Business information transfer module 264, 264B, 264C clock-out processing module 371, 371C clock-in registration module 372 Business information receiving module 372C Information receiving unit 373, 3 73C clock-out registration module 374B Business information transfer instructing module

Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A portable terminal comprising: a memory; a communication processing module for communicating with a center apparatus; an operation module operated by a user to input information; a clock-in processing module for transmitting a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module, and receiving information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; a business information processing module for storing business information generated based on information input from the operation module after receiving the input for clock-in into the memory; a business information transfer module for transmitting the business information to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when transfer instructions is input from the operation module; and a clock-out processing module for determining whether untransferred business information is stored in the memory, transmitting a clock-out signal indicating that the user clocked out to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when untransferred business information is not stored in the memory, and not transmitting the clock-out signal when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory, at the time of receiving an input for clock-out from the operation module .
2. The portable terminal according to Claim 1 wherein the business information transfer module deletes the business information of which transmission to the center apparatus is completed from the memory.
3. The portable terminal according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the memory stores encrypted business information and an encryption key, the encrypted business information being obtained by encrypting the business information generated with the encryption key, the business information transfer module transmits the encrypted business information and the encryption key to the center apparatus, and the clock-out processing module deletes the encryption key from the memory when the clock-out signal is transmitted to the center apparatus.
4. The portable terminal according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, further comprising a display module wherein the clock-out processing module displays on the display module a message to present information to the user that the untransferred business information is stored, when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory at the time of receiving the input for clock-out from the operation module.
5. The portable terminal according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the clock-out processing module transmits the untransferred business information to the center apparatus, and transmits the clock-out signal to the center apparatus through the communication processing module, when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory at the time of receiving the input for clock-out from the operation module.
6. A business information management system including a portable terminal and a center apparatus connected to the portable terminal by a communication line, wherein the portable terminal comprises: a memory; a communication processing module for communicating with the center apparatus; an operation module operated by a user to input information; a clock-in processing module for transmitting a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module, and receiving information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; a business information processing module for storing business information generated based on information input from the operation module after receiving the input for clock-in into the memory; a business information transfer module which transmits the business information to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when transfer instructions is input from the operation module; and a clock-out processing module for determining whether untransferred business information is stored in the memory, transmitting a clock-out signal indicating that the user clocked out to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when untransferred business information is not stored in the memory, and not transmitting the clock-out signal when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory, the center apparatus comprises: a memory; a communication processing module for communicating with the portable terminal; a clock-in registration module for registering clock-in of the user corresponding to the personal identification information of the user included in the clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the communication processing module receives the clock-in signal, and transmitting the information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; a business information receiving module for storing the business information received by the communication processing module from the portable terminal into the memory; and a clock-out registration module for registering clock-out of the user of the portable terminal when the communication processing module receives the clock-out signal.
7. A business information management method executed with a portable terminal including a memory, a communication processing module for communicating with a center apparatus, and an operation module operated by a user to input information, the method comprising: transmitting a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module; receiving information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; storing business information generated based on information input from the operation module after receiving the input for clock-in into the memory; transmitting the business information to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when transfer instructions is input from the operation module; and determining whether untransferred business information is stored in the memory, transmitting a clock-out signal indicating that the user clocked out to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when untransferred business information is not stored in the memory, and not transmitting the clock-out signal when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory.
8. A business information management method executed with a business information management system including a portable terminal and a center apparatus connected to the portable terminal by a communication line, the portable terminal comprising: a memory; a communication processing module for communicating with the center apparatus; and an operation module operated by a user to input information, the center apparatus comprising: a memory; and a communication processing module for communicating with the portable terminal, the method comprising: transmitting, by the portable terminal, a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module; receiving, by the portable terminal, information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; storing, by the portable terminal, business information generated based on information input from the operation module after receiving the input for clock-in into the memory; transmitting, by the portable terminal, the business information to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when transfer instructions is input from the operation module; determining, by the portable terminal, whether untransferred business information is stored in the memory, transmitting a clock-out signal indicating that the user clocked out to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when untransferred business information is not stored in the memory, and not transmitting the clock-out signal when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory; registering, by the center apparatus, clock-in of the user corresponding to the personal identification information of the user included in the clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the communication processing module receives the clock-in signal, and transmitting the information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; storing, by the center apparatus, the business information received by the communication processing module from the portable terminal into the memory; and registering, by the center apparatus, clock-out of the user of the portable terminal when the communication processing module receives the clock-out signal.
9. A business information management program executed in a portable terminal including a control module, a memory, a communication processing module for communicating with a center apparatus, and an operation module operated by a user to input information, the program causing the control module to execute: transmitting a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module; receiving information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; storing business information generated based on information input from the operation module after receiving the input for clock-in into the memory; transmitting the business information to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when transfer instructions is input from the operation module; and determining whether untransferred business information is stored in the memory, transmitting a clock-out signal indicating that the user clocked out to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when untransferred business information is not stored in the memory, and not transmitting the clock-out signal when the untransferred business information is stored in the memory.
10. A business information management system including a center apparatus, and a portable terminal connected to the center apparatus by a communication line, the center apparatus comprising: a communication processing module for communicating with a communication device including the portable terminal; a clock-in registration module for registering clock-in of the user corresponding to personal identification information of the user included in a clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the communication processing module receives the clock-in signal including the personal identification information of the user from the portable terminal, and transmitting information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; a business information transfer instructing module for transmitting, when receiving a clock-out signal including personal identification information of a user and a terminal identification information of the portable terminal used by the user through the communication processing module, a transfer-instructions signal instructing the center apparatus to transfer business information to the portable terminal corresponding to the terminal identification information through the communication processing module; a business information receiving module for receiving the business information received from the portable terminal through the communication processing module; and a clock-out registration module for registering clock-out of the user corresponding to the personal identification information when reception of the business information from the portable terminal through the communication processing module is completed, and not registering clock-out of the user when reception of the business information is not completed, the portable terminal comprising: a memory; a communication processing module for communicating with the center apparatus; an operation module operated by the user to input information; a clock-in processing module for transmitting a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus through the communication processing module at the time of receiving an input for clock-in from the operation module, and receiving information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; a business information processing module for storing business information generated based on input information into the memory; and a business information transfer module for transmitting the business information stored in the memory to the center apparatus through the communication processing module when receiving the transfer-instructions signal from the center apparatus through the communication processing module.
11. The business information management system according to Claim 10 wherein the business information transfer module deletes the business information of which transmission to the center apparatus is completed from the memory .
12. The business information management system according to any one of Claims 10 or 11 wherein the memory of the portable terminal stores the business information encrypted with a encryption key, and the encryption key, the business information transfer module transmits the encrypted business information and the encryption key to the center apparatus when receiving the transfer-instructions signal, and the business information transfer module deletes the encryption key from the memory when transmission of the business information to the center apparatus is completed.
13. The business information management system according to any one of Claims 10 to 12 wherein the portable terminal further comprises a clock-out processing module for generating the clock-out signal and transmitting the clock-out signal to the center apparatus through the communication processing module of the portable terminal when receiving an input for the clock-out from the operation module.
14. A center apparatus comprising: a communication processing module for communicating with a communication device including a portable terminal; a clock-in registration module for registering clock-in of the user corresponding to personal identification information of the user included in a clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the communication processing module receives the clock-in signal including the personal identification information of the user from the portable terminal, and transmitting information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; a business information transfer instructing module for transmitting, when receiving a clock-out signal including personal identification information of a user and a terminal identification information of the portable terminal used by the user through the communication processing module, a transfer-instructions signal instructing a center apparatus to transfer business information to the portable terminal corresponding to the terminal identification information through the communication processing module; a business information receiving module for receiving the business information received from the portable terminal through the communication processing module, and a clock-out registration module for registering clock-out of the user corresponding to the personal identification information when reception of the business information through the communication processing module from the portable terminal is completed, and not registering clock-out of the user when reception of the business information is not completed.
15. A business information management method executed in a business information management system including a center apparatus, and a portable terminal connected to the center apparatus by a communication line, the method comprising: registering, by the center apparatus, clock-in of the user corresponding to personal identification information of the user included in a clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the center apparatus receives the clock-in signal including the personal identification information of the user from the portable terminal, and transmitting information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; transmitting, by the center apparatus, when receiving a clock-out signal including personal identification information of a user and a terminal identification information of the portable terminal used by the user, a transfer-instructions signal instructing the center apparatus to transfer the business information to the portable terminal corresponding to the terminal identification information; registering, by the center apparatus, clock-out of the user corresponding to the personal identification information when reception of the business information from the portable terminal is completed, and not registering clock-out of the user when reception of the business information is not completed; transmitting, by the portable terminal, a clock-in signal including personal identification information of the user to the center apparatus at the time of receiving an input for clock-in; receiving, by the portable terminal, information to be used by the user for a work from the center apparatus; and transmitting, by the portable terminal, the business information to the center apparatus when receiving the transfer-instructions signal from the center apparatus.
16. A business information management method executed by a center apparatus for communicating with a communication device including a portable terminal, the method comprising: registering, by the center apparatus, clock-in of the user corresponding to personal identification information of the user included in a clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the center apparatus receives the clock-in signal including the personal identification information of the user from the portable terminal, and transmitting information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; transmitting, by the center apparatus, when receiving a clock-out signal including personal identification information of a user and a terminal identification information of the portable terminal used by the user, a transfer-instructions signal instructing the center apparatus to transfer the business information to the portable terminal corresponding to the terminal identification information; and registering clock-out of the user corresponding to the personal identification information when receiving the business information from the portable terminal, and not registering clock-out of the user when reception of the business information is not completed.
17. A business information management program executed by a center apparatus for communicating with a communication device including a portable terminal, the program causes the center apparatus to execute: registering, by the center apparatus, clock-in of the user corresponding to personal identification information of the user included in a clock-in signal, based on the personal identification information when the center apparatus receives the clock-in signal including the personal identification information of the user from the portable terminal, and transmitting information to be used by the user for a work to the portable terminal; transmitting, by the center apparatus, when receiving a clock-out signal including personal identification information of a user and a terminal identification information of the portable terminal used by the user, a transfer-instructions signal instructing the center apparatus to transfer the business information to the portable terminal corresponding to the terminal identification information; and registering clock-out of the user corresponding to the personal identification information when receiving the business information from the portable terminal, and not registering clock-out of the user when reception of the business information is not completed.