JP2010134898A - Product management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage whether a product to be managed is correctly discarded or not discarded yet to surely attain suppression of illegal dumping, an increase in recall collection efficiency, theft suppression of the product to be managed. <P>SOLUTION: A product management system has: a radio tag 1a which is attached to the product 1 to be managed and in which product identification information for specifying the product 1 to be managed is recorded; a reader 50 which reads the product identification information from the radio tag 1a of the product 1 to be managed in a non-contact manner when determining discard processing of the product 1 to be managed; and a rejection management part 220 which is communicably connected to the reader 50, registers and manages whether or not the product 1 to be managed is discarded by associating it with the product identification information to a rejection management table 220a on the basis of the product identification information from the reader 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes, for example, household appliances such as refrigerators / freezers, televisions, microwave ovens, air conditioners, washing machines / clothes dryers, information processing equipment such as personal computers, printers, scanners, instantaneous water heaters, water heaters, and fan heaters. It relates to technology for managing users and locations of various products such as gas / oil burning equipment.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 below, the location of a recall target device can be automatically specified using information stored in an IC tag without calling for collection of the recall target device in a newspaper advertisement or the like. A technique that enables efficient collection of a target device is disclosed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 below, each home appliance can automatically recognize its own installation location in an environment where a power line is used as a transmission medium of a home network without a user having to make troublesome settings. Technology is disclosed.

  Furthermore, in Patent Document 3 below, attention is paid to the fact that the connection terminal of the power network uses a power outlet in the same manner as the power supply terminal of the appliance, and this is applied to the suppression of illegal dumping of the appliance, A technique is disclosed that makes it possible to grasp the location of use of electrical appliances using a power network.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 4 below, in the method for preventing theft of the information processing device itself, the step of acquiring position information with GPS or the like is compared with the acquired current position information and stored position information. And a step of requesting authentication by a password or the like when the position information is different as a result of comparison, and a step of prohibiting the operation of the information processing apparatus when authentication is not confirmed. Yes.

  In Patent Document 5 below, in order to prevent the target device from being stolen, a technique for determining whether or not a periodically acquired position of the device is within an allowable range (see paragraph 0029, etc.), and a plurality of abnormality determination means A technique for performing a self-destructing process when an abnormality is determined by any of the above (see claim 4) is described.

Patent Document 6 below discloses a technique for notifying a legitimate user that fraudulent use is being performed when there is a high possibility of fraudulent use impersonating a legitimate user. Has been.
Patent Document 7 below discloses a stolen vehicle tracking device that notifies the center of the current location of a stolen vehicle using GPS (Global Positioning System).

Patent Document 8 listed below is limited to a case where a state where the current position of the vehicle obtained from the car navigation system and the regular storage location registered in advance in the position registration unit do not coincide with each other continues for a certain period of time. Thus, password verification is disclosed.
Patent Document 9 below describes an IC card settlement apparatus that performs settlement using an IC card that stores credit information, electronic money information, and the like, and shows the relationship between the cost required for personal authentication and the accuracy of personal authentication. The IC card settlement apparatus is disclosed that can be dynamically optimized according to the value to be protected.

Patent Document 10 listed below is a technique suitable for managing authentication information such as a password, and in particular, an authentication information management program, an authentication information management method, and an authentication information management method capable of quickly reissuing authentication information with high security An authentication information management device is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-129038 JP 2003-339086 A Japanese Patent No. 3844894 JP 2001-290553 A JP 2002-236619 A JP 2005-048222 A JP 2003-226228 A JP 2002-127873 A JP 2000-215279 A JP 2005-031884 A

  By the way, according to the Home Appliance Recycling Law (Specific Household Equipment Re-Production Law) enforced in April 2001, disposal of four items of target home appliances (air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators / freezers, washing machines / clothes dryers) In this case, collection by retailers and re-commercialization (recycling) by manufacturers (manufacturers, importers) are obligatory, and consumers (emitters) are responsible for payment of collection and transportation fees and recycling fees. It is determined as a share. In addition, a management slip (manifest) system has been established to ensure that certain household equipment waste is properly delivered from the retailer to the manufacturer, etc., so that recycling is ensured. It is a system that allows consumers to check whether or not Here, the recycling means that the target home appliance is recycled and used as a raw material for a new product when the target home appliance is discarded.

In this way, it is desirable to manage that the disposal process of the managed product, that is, the recycling process has been carried out properly, as the recycling process is required at the time of disposal of the managed product (target home appliance). .
In addition, in order to prevent illegal dumping, recall recovery efficiency, and theft prevention of managed products, the managed products are purchased from the consumer (user) until they are properly disposed of. It is also desired to be able to track and manage the information on the location of the user and the user.

  The present invention was devised in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to manage whether a managed product is properly discarded or undiscarded, The purpose is to make it possible to follow and manage the legitimate users of the managed products, and to reliably prevent illegal dumping, recall collection efficiency, and theft suppression of the managed products.

  To achieve the above object, a product management system according to the present invention (Claim 1) is attached to a managed product, a wireless tag in which product identification information for specifying the managed product is recorded, and the managed product A reader that reads the product identification information from the wireless tag of the product to be managed in a non-contact manner, and is communicably connected to the reader, based on the product identification information from the reader, It is characterized by having a disposal management unit for registering and managing whether or not the management target product has been disposed in association with the product identification information in the disposal management table.

Such a product management system may have the configurations and functions described in the following items (1) to (9).
(1) When receiving the product identification information from the reader, the discard management unit registers the managed product specified by the received product identification information as being discarded in the discard management table (invoice Item 2).

(2) When the disposal process of the managed product is confirmed, the managed product is recycled, and the reader accepts the managed product recycling process. Alternatively, it is installed at the local government office of the managed product (claim 3).
(3) When the disposal process of the managed product is confirmed, it is immediately before the execution of the recycling process of the managed product, and the reader performs the recycling process of the managed product. It is installed in a supplier facility (claim 4).

(4) An interlock prohibition unit provided in the management target product and prohibiting the operation of the management target product in conjunction with an operation of removing the wireless tag from the management target product (claim 5).
(5) A tracking management system that performs tracking management of the unmanaged product registered in the disposal management table of the disposal management unit is provided.

(6) The tracking management system includes a confirmation information storage unit that stores in advance registration confirmation information for performing identity verification of a registered user of a managed product, and a use location storage unit that stores a registered usage location of the managed product in advance. A confirmation information input unit for a user of the managed product to input verification confirmation information, a location detection unit for detecting the location of the managed product, and the verification input from the verification information input unit The location information of the managed product detected by the location information detecting unit and the location information detecting unit for determining whether the registration confirmation information stored in the confirmation information storage unit matches the registration confirmation information. The usage location determination unit that determines whether or not it belongs within the range of the registered usage location stored in the usage location storage unit, the prohibition unit that prohibits the operation of the managed product, and the confirmation information determination unit Confirmation information for verification and the registration confirmation When it is determined that the information does not match, or when the use location determination unit determines that the location of the managed product does not belong to the range of the registered use location, or the confirmation information determination unit If the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information are determined not to match, and the usage location determination unit determines that the location of the managed product does not belong to the registered usage location, When the prohibition control unit that executes the prohibition operation by the prohibition unit and the confirmation information determination unit determine that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match, or the use location determination unit determines the management target If it is determined that the location of the product does not fall within the range of the registered use location, the registration confirmation information about the registered user of the managed product or the registered use location of the managed product A first notification unit that notifies the user that a change should be made, and the verification information determination unit determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match, the management target A second notifying unit for notifying a registered user of the product that the registration confirmation information about the registered user of the managed product should be changed as a change instruction, and the first notifying unit and the second notifying unit In response to the change instruction, a change request unit for requesting a change of registration confirmation information about a registered user of the managed product or a registered use location of the managed product, and a change request from the change request unit A confirmation unit that confirms the validity of the user who has made the change request, and the registration confirmation information or the confirmation information in the confirmation information storage unit when the confirmation unit confirms the validity of the user. Has a change unit for changing the registered use location in the use location storage unit.

(7) The prohibition unit, the confirmation information input unit, the location detection unit, the first notification unit, and the change request unit may be the management target product or the management target product to manage the management target product. In order to provide the product management apparatus attached to the product, the discard management unit, the confirmation information storage unit, the use location storage unit, the second notification unit, the confirmation unit, and the change unit are configured to track / discard the product to be managed. A tracking / disposal management device that performs management is provided (claim 8).

(8) An input request unit that periodically or irregularly requests a user of the management target product to input the verification confirmation information from the verification information input unit, the management target product or the product management device In addition, the confirmation information determination unit makes a determination in accordance with a request timing by the input request unit, and the user does not input the verification confirmation information in response to a request by the input request unit. In this case, it is considered that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match (claim 9).

(9) When the managed product is purchased, the registration confirmation information about the registered user of the managed product and the registered use location of the managed product are respectively associated with the product identification information for identifying the managed product. In addition to newly registering in the confirmation information storage unit and the usage location storage unit, in the discard management table of the discard management unit, newly registering that the managed product is not discarded in association with the product identification information A registration device is further provided (claim 10).

  According to the above-described product management system of the present invention, for example, a retailer / local government office that accepts a recycling process for a managed product or a manufacturer facility / recycler facility that performs a recycling process for a managed product uses a wireless tag. A reader is installed to read product identification information. When the disposal process of the managed product is confirmed, specifically, when receiving the recycling process of the managed product or immediately before executing the recycling process of the managed product, the product identification information is read from the wireless tag of the managed product by the reader. It is read in a non-contact manner and transmitted to the disposal management unit. In the discard management unit, when product identification information is received from the reader, the management target product specified by the received product identification information is registered in the discard management table as being legally discarded. Thereby, it becomes possible to manage whether the management target product has been discarded or not yet discarded, and it is possible to reliably manage whether the disposal processing of the management target product, that is, the recycling processing has been properly performed.

  Further, by providing an interlock prohibition unit that prohibits the operation of the managed product in conjunction with the operation of removing the wireless tag from the managed product, the managed product becomes unusable when the wireless tag is removed from the managed product. For this reason, the wireless tag is reliably prevented from being removed from the managed product, and the management of the managed product using the wireless tag can be reliably performed until the disposal processing is confirmed.

  Furthermore, during the period from when the managed product is purchased by the consumer (user) until it is properly disposed of, the tracking management system tracks and manages the undiscarded managed product in the disposal management table of the disposal management unit. Therefore, illegal dumping of the managed product is surely suppressed, the collection of the managed product at the time of recall is extremely efficient, and the theft of the managed product is surely suppressed.

  Here, according to the tracking management system in the product management system of the present invention, the identity confirmation of the registered user of the unmanaged product to be registered and the use location confirmation of the managed product are performed regularly or irregularly, and the registered use If the user does not use the product, or if the product is not used in the registered usage location, or the registered user does not use the product, and the product is not used in the registered usage location In this case, the operation of the managed product is prohibited. As a result, when there is a high possibility that the managed product has been stolen, the operation of the managed product can be immediately prohibited. Therefore, even if the managed product is stolen, the product cannot be used after the theft. By providing such a function, it is possible to reliably prevent the managed product from being stolen and to obtain an effective anti-theft effect.

Also, if the registered user does not use the product, or if the product is not used at the registered usage location, the registration confirmation information about the registered user of the managed product or the registered usage location of the managed product Users are notified that changes should be made as change instructions, and it is possible to change registration confirmation information for registered users of managed products or registered use locations of managed products in response to change instructions Become. At that time, since the legitimacy of the user who made the change request is confirmed, the registration confirmation information and the registration usage location are changed while reliably preventing unauthorized rewriting of the registration confirmation information and the registration usage location. . As a result, in the tracking management device for managed products, even if the managed product is transferred to a user other than the registered user and the user changes, or the usage location of the managed product changes due to moving, etc. By executing the change according to the change instruction, it becomes possible to always grasp and manage the authorized use position of the managed product and the authorized user of the managed product. Therefore, since the operation of a managed product that is likely to have been stolen without any misrecognition of theft after the legitimate transfer of the managed product is reliably prohibited, Product recalls can be collected more efficiently and illegal dumping can be prevented.

  At this time, if the user does not input the verification confirmation information in response to the request from the input request unit, the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information are regarded as not matching, and the stolen situation is determined. It can be recognized on the safe side and the operation of the managed product can be prohibited, and a more effective anti-theft effect can be obtained.

  Also, by transmitting the location of the managed product to the tracking / disposal management device, it becomes possible to always manage the location of the managed product with the tracking / disposal management device. Even if it is stolen or illegally dumped, the location is immediately grasped, so that the effect of deterring theft or illegal dumping can be obtained.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the product management system as 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A)-(c) is a flowchart for demonstrating the product management (disposal management / tracking) operation | movement in the product management system shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a product management (tracking management) operation in the product management system (tracking management system) shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a registration / change operation in the product management system (tracking management system) shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the product management system (tracking management system) as a 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the product management system (tracking management system) as a 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the product management system (tracking management system) as a 3rd modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the product management system (tracking management system) as 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the product management (tracking management) operation | movement in the product management system (tracking management system) shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the product management system (tracking management system) as a modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the product management system (tracking management system) as 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a product management (tracking management) operation in the product management system (tracking management system) shown in FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[1] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a product management system (tracking management system) as a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, product management according to the first embodiment is performed. The system (tracking management system) includes a product management apparatus 10, a center management apparatus 20, a registration apparatus 40, and a reader 50.

Among these devices 10, 20, 40 and reader 50, between devices 10, 20, between devices 20, 40, and between device 20, reader 50 are via a network or the like (not shown). As described later, the devices 40 and 10 are configured to be directly connected to each other as needed (specifically, when the product 1 is purchased, etc.). It may be.
Note that the tracking management system of the first embodiment tracks the management target product 1, and in addition to the product management device 10 and the registration device 40, a part of the center management device 20 (specifically, a configuration described later) Element 201, 210-213).

  The product management apparatus 10 manages the management target product 1, more specifically, manages the users and usage locations of the management target product 1, and is incorporated in the management target product 1. The managed products 1 include, for example, household appliances such as refrigerators / freezers, televisions, microwave ovens, air conditioners, washing machines / clothes dryers, information processing equipment such as personal computers, printers, scanners, instantaneous water heaters, hot water heaters, etc. Various products such as gas / petroleum combustion equipment such as gas heaters and fan heaters.

  Here, in the product management system of the present embodiment (first to third embodiments), the management target product 1 has a wireless tag 1a in which product identification information (product ID) for specifying the management target product 1 is recorded. Is attached. As the wireless tag 1a, for example, a wireless IC tag generally known as an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag is used. The wireless tag 1a generates power by receiving electromagnetic waves (radio waves) from a reader 50 described later, and transmits a product ID recorded in a built-in memory to the reader 50.

  As will be described later, the product ID held in the wireless tag 1a is associated with the registration confirmation information and the registered use location from the registration device 40 in the purchase store or the like, and is stored in a database (the confirmation information storage unit 201a of the storage unit 201). And the usage location storage unit 201b) and registered as a non-discarded state in a discard management table 220a described later (see step S62 in FIG. 4).

  Further, the wireless tag 1a may be incorporated in advance when the product 1 is manufactured, or when the purchaser (registered user) purchases the managed product 1, the wireless tag 1a is affixed to the managed product 1 at the store or the like. However, in the present embodiment (first to third embodiments), the wireless tag 1a is connected to the prohibition unit 111 (see FIGS. 1, 5 to 8, and 10) described later or the prohibition unit 1b (FIG. 11). Since the structure which cooperates with the interlocking prohibition parts 111 and 1b used also as reference) is employed, it is incorporated in advance when the product 1 is manufactured. At this time, it is preferable that the wireless tag 1a is attached so that the attachment location cannot be easily recognized by the user or the like from the outside.

The interlocking prohibition units 111 and 1b are provided in the management target product 1 and perform a function of prohibiting the operation of the management target product 1 in conjunction with the operation of removing the wireless tag 1a from the management target product 1. For example, the interlock prohibition units 111 and 1b are physically (mechanically) managed by restricting the switch for operating the management target product 1 from being turned on in conjunction with the removal operation of the wireless tag 1a. A prohibition mechanism that prohibits the operation of the target product 1 may be used, or the power supply line or the oil / gas supply line for operating the management target product 1 is switched to the disconnected state in conjunction with the removal operation of the wireless tag 1a. Thus, it may be a prohibition mechanism that physically prohibits the operation of the managed product 1 or software that generates and issues a signal for operating the managed product 1 in conjunction with the removal operation of the wireless tag 1a. It may be a prohibition means for prohibiting the operation of the management target product 1 in terms of software by forcibly prohibiting by the above.

  Furthermore, in the product management system of the present embodiment (first to third embodiments), as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 to 8, 10, and 11, when the disposal process of the management target product 1 is confirmed, A reader 50 that reads the product ID from the wireless tag 1a of the managed product 1 in a non-contact manner is installed in advance at a predetermined window, facility, or the like. The reader 50 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag 1a of the management target product 1 as described above, reads the product ID recorded on the wireless tag 1a, and receives the center management device 20 via a network or the like (not shown). This is transmitted to the (discard management unit 220).

The product ID reading timing by this reader 50 and the installation location of the reader 50 are as follows, for example.
(a1) When the time when the disposal process of the managed product 1 is confirmed is the time when the recycling process of the managed product 1 is accepted, the reader 50 accepts the recycling process of the managed product 1 of the managed product 1 The product ID is read from the wireless tag 1a of the management target product 1 when it is installed at the store or the local government office of the management target product 1.

(a2) When the disposal of the managed product 1 is confirmed immediately before the recycling of the managed product 1 is performed, the reader 50 performs the recycling of the managed product 1 and the manufacturer's equipment of the managed product 1 Alternatively, the product ID is installed in the recycler facility, and the product ID is read from the wireless tag 1a of the management target product 1 immediately before the execution of the recycling process.

The product management apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 101, an input request unit 102, a first notification unit 103, a confirmation information input unit 104, a location detection unit 105, a transmission unit 106, a reception unit 107, a confirmation information determination unit 108, and a usage. A location determination unit 109, a prohibition control unit 110, a prohibition unit 111, and a change request unit 112 are provided. The storage unit 101 includes, for example, a RAM (Randaom Access Memory), a hard disk, and the like, and includes an input request unit 102, a transmission unit 106, and a reception unit 1.
07, the confirmation information determination unit 108, the use location determination unit 109, and the prohibition control unit 110 function as a predetermined application program (product management program) in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit; not shown) is stored in the storage unit 101 or the like. ).

The storage unit 101 includes a confirmation information storage unit 101a and a usage location storage unit 101b.
The confirmation information storage unit 101a stores in advance registration confirmation information for confirming the identity of the registered user of the managed product 1. As the registration confirmation information, for example, biometric feature information (for example, feature point information such as a fingerprint, a palm print, a voice print, an iris, and a vein pattern) previously extracted from a registered user is used.

The usage location storage unit 101b stores a registered usage location of the management target product 1 in advance. In the first embodiment, as will be described later, since the GPS function is used, for example, latitude / longitude information representative of a house or the like that uses the managed product 1 is used as the registered use location.
It should be noted that the entire product management apparatus 10 or at least the storage unit 101 has excellent tamper resistance in order to surely prevent the registration confirmation information in the storage unit 101 and the registration usage location from being illegally rewritten. It is accommodated in a housing (not shown).

  Here, the center management device 20 functions as a tracking / disposal management device for tracking and managing the location, registered usage location, and registered user of the management target product 1 and managing the disposal of the management target product 1. In order to realize this function, the center management apparatus 20 receives the location (latitude / longitude information) of the managed product 1 from the managed product 1 and confirms the identity of the registered user of the managed product 1. The function (storage unit 201) as the confirmation information storage unit 201a and the usage location storage unit 201b for storing the registration confirmation information and the registered usage location of the management target product 1 in advance, and the product ID corresponding to the product ID A function (storage unit 201) serving as a discard management table 220a for storing discarded / undiscarded products 1 and a change request receiving unit 210, a confirmation unit 211, a registration changing unit 212, a second notification unit 213, and a discard unit to be described later It has a function as the management unit 220.

  In addition, the center management apparatus 20 has a function of transmitting a prohibition instruction signal for remotely prohibiting the operation of the managed product 1 when necessary (for example, when there is a high possibility that the theft has been stolen) For example, even when a registration user receives an operation prohibition request for the managed product 1, it also has a function of transmitting a prohibition instruction signal to prohibit the operation of the managed product 1 remotely.

  Note that the storage unit 201 (confirmation information storage unit 201a, use location storage unit 201b, and discard management table 220a) includes, for example, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like, and a change request reception unit 210, a confirmation unit 211, and a registration change unit 212 described later. The functions as the second notification unit 213 and the discard management unit 220 are realized by, for example, a CPU (not shown) executing a predetermined application program (product management program) stored in the storage unit 201 or the like.

  The registration device 40 is provided in a store that sells the management target product 1. When the management target product 1 is purchased, the registration device 40 stores the storage unit 201 (confirmation information storage unit 201 a and usage location storage unit 201 b) of the center management device 20 in the sales store. ) Or the confirmation information storage unit 101a and the usage location storage unit 101b in the product management apparatus 10, the above-mentioned registration confirmation information and the registered usage location are stored in the storage units 101a and 101b, respectively. It is written and newly registered in association with the product identification information (product ID) of the product 1.

  In addition, when the management target product 1 is purchased, the registration device 40 is identified by the product ID in the sales store in association with the product ID in the storage unit 201 (discard management table 220a) of the center management device 20. The fact that the product 1 is in an undiscarded state is written and newly registered (see step S62 in FIG. 4).

  At this time, the registration device 40 is provided with the same function as that of the reader 50 described above, that is, the function of reading the product ID from the wireless tag 1a, and the product ID read from the wireless tag 1a of the management target product 1 by this function. In association therewith, new registration in the storage unit 201 (confirmation information storage unit 201a, use location storage unit 201b, and discard management table 220a) of the center management apparatus 20 may be performed.

Furthermore, the registration device 40 has a sensor function for detecting and extracting biometric feature information as registration confirmation information from a user who is to be registered as a registered user (the purchaser himself or a user who accompanies the purchaser). / In addition to providing an extraction function, the latitude / longitude information that represents the address corresponding to the address of the house where the managed product 1 is used (the address entered by the purchaser or user) is used as the registered use location. A function to determine is provided, and a function of writing biometric feature information and latitude / longitude information obtained by these functions in the confirmation information storage unit 201a / 101a and the usage location storage unit 201b / 101b in association with the product ID, respectively. It is provided. Moreover, as a registered user, not only one person but multiple persons (for example, the whole family) may be registered.

  The registration device 40 performs write registration on the confirmation information storage unit 201a, the usage location storage unit 201b, and the discard management table 220a of the center management device 20 via a network or the like, while on the other hand, the product management device 10, the confirmation information storage unit 101a and the usage location storage unit 101b are provided to the confirmation information storage unit 101a and the usage location storage unit 101b via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector or the like. Write registration is performed directly or indirectly via the center management apparatus 20.

  In addition, at the time of writing registration by the registration device 40, as described above, the purchaser (user) may input registration confirmation information and registration usage location on the spot, but purchase a registration card such as a point card. In a general merchandising store or the like that is issued to a user (user), registration confirmation information for the storage units 201a / 101a and 201b / 101b and registration registration of a registered use location can be performed by the following method. Good.

  In other words, when a registration card is issued, the registration confirmation information of the user and the registration usage location are registered in advance in the database in association with the identification information of the registration card, and then the user is managed at the mass retailer. When purchasing the product 1, the user inserts the registration card into the registration device 40 and designates the management target product 1 to be registered. The management target product 1 to be registered may be specified by, for example, reading the wireless tag 1a with the product ID using the above-described reading function of the wireless tag 1a, or a bar attached to the purchased management target product 1 The product ID of the management target product 1 may be read by reading the code with a bar code reader of the registration device 40.

  By simply performing such an operation, the user's registration confirmation information and registration usage location are read from the database based on the identification information of the inserted registration card, and the read information corresponds to the product ID. In addition, the information is written and registered in the confirmation information storage unit 201a and the usage location storage unit 201b of the center management apparatus 20. Further, the read information is written and registered directly from the registration device 40 in the confirmation information storage unit 101a and the usage location storage unit 101b of the product management device 10, or in the registration device 40, the product ID The product management device 10 incorporated in the product 1 is specified based on the above, and is written and registered in the product management device 10 specified via the center management device 20 and the network.

  In addition, the registration device 40 according to the present embodiment changes the registration confirmation information about the registered user of the managed product in the confirmation information storage unit 201a / 101a and the usage location storage unit 201b / 101b, and changes in the registered usage location of the managed product. A change request function for making a request to the center management apparatus 20 is also provided. This change request is a request to rewrite the storage unit 201a / 101a / 201b / 101b in accordance with the change / addition when the registered user is changed / added or the registered use location is changed. / Change instruction information, registration confirmation information for the current registered user, change contents (confirmation information to be added, confirmation information after change and use location), and product ID of the managed product 1 Yes. Accordingly, the change request function is provided with functions for inputting information as described above (such as a numeric keypad, keyboard, touch panel, etc.), and the sensor function / extraction function is used when a change is requested. In the present embodiment, a function similar to the change request function is also provided in the product management apparatus 10 as a change request unit 112 described later.

  On the other hand, in the product management apparatus 10, the input request unit 102 requests the user of the management target product 1 to input verification confirmation information from the confirmation information input unit 104 described later periodically or irregularly. is there. The input request unit 102 issues an input request, for example, once a week, once a month, or at random intervals.

  The first notification unit 103 performs various notifications to the user by, for example, a liquid crystal panel, a beep sound, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the like. Specifically, the verification information for verification by the input request unit 102 is described above. Notification according to an input request, a warning to be described later (warning in step S18 in FIG. 3), or a determination result (controls (B) to (D) to be described later) by determination units 108 and 109 to be described later (step in FIG. 3). The change instruction in S26, S27, and S29) is performed on the user.

  The confirmation information input unit 104 is used by the user of the management target product 1 to input verification confirmation information, and has the same function as the sensor function / extraction function provided in the registration device 40 described above. More specifically, when the biometric information is a fingerprint, the sensor function / extraction function includes a fingerprint sensor and an extraction processing unit that extracts fingerprint feature points from a fingerprint image obtained by the fingerprint sensor. . The function as the extraction processing unit is realized by the CPU executing a predetermined application program. That is, the confirmation information input unit 104 detects and extracts biometric feature information for verification as verification information for verification from the user (verification target person) of the managed product 1 and inputs it to the verification information determination unit 108. It has become.

  In addition, the confirmation information input unit 104 sends confirmation information to the user through the first notification unit 103 when the confirmation information is not input even after a predetermined time (for example, several hours) has passed after the input request is issued by the input request unit 102. This function has a function of executing a warning notification for input (see step S18 in FIG. 3), and is used when confirmation information is not input even after a predetermined time (for example, several hours) after the warning notification. Has a function of notifying the confirmation information determination unit 108 that the person has not entered the verification confirmation information.

  The location detection unit 105 detects the location of the managed product 1 and, as described above, detects the location (latitude / longitude information) of the managed product 1 using, for example, the GPS function. The location detection unit 105 detects the location of the managed product 1 regularly or irregularly. In the present embodiment, for example, the location detection unit 105 detects the location at the input request issue timing of the input request unit 102. Shall be performed.

The transmission unit 106 and the reception unit 107 transmit data to the center management device 20 that can manage the managed product 1 and receive data from the center management device 20 via a network such as a public line network, respectively. Is to do.
Here, the transmission unit 106 is the location (latitude / longitude information) of the managed product 1 detected by the location detection unit 105, the determination results by the determination units 108 and 109, and the change by the change request unit 112 described later. It fulfills the function of transmitting a request to the center management apparatus 20.

  In response to various data from the center management device 20, for example, the prohibition instruction signal or a change request from the change requesting unit 112 or the registration device 40, the receiving unit 107 instructs the information change in the storage units 101a and 101b from the center management device 40. When receiving the prohibition instruction signal, a function for notifying the prohibition control unit 110 (to be described later) when receiving the prohibition instruction signal, or changing according to the instruction / content when receiving the change instruction / changement content It also has a function of causing the storage units 101a and 101b to perform processing.

The confirmation information determination unit 108 includes collation confirmation information (collation biometric feature information; for example, fingerprint feature point information) input from the confirmation information input unit 104 and registration confirmation information (registered biometric feature) stored in the confirmation information storage unit 101a. Information) matches with a predetermined matching rate or higher. The confirmation information determination unit 108 makes a determination according to the request timing by the input request unit 102, that is, the input timing of the verification information for verification from the confirmation information input unit 104, and the user responds to the request from the input request unit 102. When the verification confirmation information is not input, it is considered that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match.

  The usage location determination unit 109 determines whether or not the location (latitude / longitude information) of the managed product 1 detected by the location detection unit 105 falls within the range of the registered usage location stored in the usage location storage unit 101b. Is determined. The use location determination unit 109 performs determination according to the request timing by the input request unit 102, that is, the detection timing by the location position detection unit 105. Here, when the registered usage location is latitude / longitude information representing the product usage address, the usage location determination unit 109 is within a circle with a predetermined radius (for example, several meters) centered on the latitude / longitude information. It is determined whether or not the location of the management target product 1 belongs within the range of the registered usage location depending on whether or not it exists.

  The prohibition unit 111 prohibits the operation of the management target product 1 and also functions as an interlock prohibition unit that works in conjunction with the removal operation of the wireless tag 1a as described above. As described above, the prohibition unit 111 physically (mechanically) prohibits the operation of the management target product 1 by restricting the switch for operating the management target product 1 from being turned on. The prohibition mechanism may be a prohibition mechanism that physically prohibits the operation of the managed product 1 by switching the power supply line or the oil / gas supply line for operating the managed product 1 to a disconnected state. Alternatively, it may be a prohibition unit that prohibits the operation of the managed product 1 by software by forcibly prohibiting the creation and issue of a signal for operating the managed product 1 by software. .

  The prohibition control unit 110 is used when the verification information determination unit 108 determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match (when the matching rate is less than the predetermined matching rate), or the use location determination unit 109, if it is determined that the location of the managed product 1 does not belong to the range of the registered usage location, or if the verification information determination unit 108 determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration verification information do not match and is used When the location determination unit 109 determines that the location of the managed product 1 does not belong to the registered usage location range, the prohibition unit 111 performs a prohibition operation and causes the first notification unit 103 to perform the following operation. A change instruction is executed.

  In the present embodiment, the prohibition control unit 110 immediately executes the prohibition operation by the prohibition unit 111 when the reception unit 107 is notified of the prohibition instruction signal from the center management apparatus 20, and specifically, refer to FIG. However, as will be described later, the following controls (A) to (D) are performed according to the determination results by the determination units 108 and 019 (see steps S25 to S29 in FIG. 3).

  (A) The confirmation information determination unit 108 determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information match at a predetermined matching rate or higher, and the usage location determination unit 109 sets the location of the managed product 1 to the registered usage location. When it is determined that it belongs to the range, the prohibition control unit 110 waits for the next input request issuance by the input request unit 102 without performing any control.

  (B) The confirmation information determination unit 108 determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information match at a predetermined match rate or higher, and the usage location determination unit 109 sets the location of the managed product 1 to the registered usage location. When it is determined that it does not belong to the range, the prohibition control unit 110 causes the transmission unit 106 to transmit the determination result to the center management apparatus 20, and a situation where the registered user has moved is considered. The first notification unit 103 notifies the user as a change instruction that a change in one registered use location should be made to the center management apparatus 20 or the like.

(C) The confirmation information determination unit 108 determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match (if the match rate is less than a predetermined match rate or the user has not entered the verification check information) In addition, when the use location determination unit 109 determines that the location of the management target product 1 belongs to the registered use location, the prohibition control unit 110 performs center management on the determination result by the transmission unit 106. Since it is possible to transmit to the device 20 and the registered user may have changed, a change instruction indicating that the registered user of the managed product 1 should be changed to the center management device 20 or the like is first changed. The notification unit 103 notifies the user.

  (D) The confirmation information determination unit 108 determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match (when the matching rate is less than a predetermined matching rate or the user has not entered the verification confirmation information) In addition, when the use location determination unit 109 determines that the location of the managed product 1 does not belong to the registered use location range, the prohibition control unit 110 executes the prohibition operation by the prohibition unit 111. Then, the transmission unit 106 transmits to the center management apparatus 20 that the prohibition operation has been performed. At this time, since the registered user may transfer the managed product 1 to another person, the prohibition control unit 110 prohibits the operation of the managed product 1 as described above, and then registers the registered user and the registered user. The first notification unit 103 may notify the current user that the usage location should be changed to the center management apparatus 20 or the like as a change instruction. In this case, when a legitimate change process is executed for a registered user (registration confirmation information) or a registered use location according to the change instruction, for example, the management target by the prohibition unit 111 according to an instruction from the center management device 20 Release the product 1 operation prohibition state.

  If the user has changed, it is highly likely that the registered user (the person who registered the current registration confirmation information) is not near the managed product 1. If not, the current user Needs to contact the registered user to let them know that the change process will take place. In order to save such trouble, the center management device 20 that has received the determination results by the determination units 108 and 109 is registered in advance for the registered user at the same time that the notification unit 103 notifies the current user of the change instruction. By sending an e-mail addressed to the e-mail address, a change instruction is also notified to the registered user. In order to realize such notification, the center management apparatus 20 has a function as a second notification unit 213 described later.

  In addition, the change request unit 112 in the product management apparatus 10 changes the registration confirmation information about the registered user of the managed product 1 or the registered usage location of the managed product 1 in response to the change instruction from the first notification unit 103. The request is made to the center management device 20, and as described above, performs the same function as the change request function in the registration device 40, and is added / removed according to the operation of the user or the like who has received the change instruction notification. Change request including change instruction information, registration confirmation information for the current registered user, change contents (confirmation information to be added, confirmation information after change and use location), and product ID of the managed product 1 Is issued to the center management apparatus 20 via the transmission unit 106. Accordingly, the change request unit 112 is also provided with functions for inputting information as described above (such as a numeric keypad, a keyboard, and a touch panel), and the sensor function / extraction function of the confirmation information input unit 104 described above is used. .

In the center management apparatus 20, the change request accepting unit 210 receives (accepts) a change request from the change request unit 112 of the product management apparatus 10 or the change request function of the registration apparatus 40. When the change request is received by the change receiving unit 210, the validity of the user who made the change request is confirmed. In this confirmation unit 211, only a change request by a registered user is regarded as valid, that is, only when the user who made the change request is a registered user of the managed product 1, the user's validity is recognized. It has become. Accordingly, the confirmation unit 211 compares the registration confirmation information included in the change request with the confirmation information registered in the storage unit 201a in association with the product ID of the management target product 1, and the confirmation information is predetermined. If the match rate is equal to or greater than that, the user is recognized as a valid user. When the validity of the user who made the change request is confirmed by the confirmation unit 211, the change unit 212 determines whether the confirmation confirmation information or the use location storage unit in the confirmation information storage unit 201 a depends on the content of the change request. The registration usage location in 201b is changed.

  In addition, when the confirmation information determination unit 108 of the product management apparatus 10 determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match, the second notification unit 213 notifies the registered user of the managed product 1 This is to notify the change instruction that the registration confirmation information about the registered user should be changed. As described above, the notification by the second notification unit 213 is performed by transmitting an e-mail addressed to a pre-registered mail address for the registered user.

  The discard management unit 220 is communicably connected to the reader 50 using the transmission / reception function of the center management device 20, and discards whether the management target product 1 has been discarded based on the product ID from the reader 50. The management table 220a is registered and managed in association with the product ID. That is, in the disposal management table 220a, as described above, when the managed product 1 is purchased, the product 1 associated with the product ID and identified by the product ID is in an undiscarded state from the registration device 40. Is written and newly registered, the discard management unit 220, when receiving the product ID from the reader 50, indicates that the managed product 1 specified by the received product ID has been discarded as the product ID. The associated information is registered in the discard management table 220a.

  In the product management system according to the first embodiment, as described above, the tracking management configured to include the product management device 10, the registration device 40, and a part of the center management device 20 (components 201, 210 to 213). The system performs tracking management of the management target product 1 that has not been registered in the discard management table 220a of the discard management unit 220 (see FIG. 2C, FIG. 3, FIG. 9, and FIG. 12).

Next, the operation of the product management system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, FIGS. 2A to 2C are flowcharts for explaining a product management (disposal management / tracking) operation in the product management system shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 2B illustrates the discard management operation of the discard management unit 220, and FIG. 2C illustrates the tracking management for undiscarded products by the center management device 20. The operation will be described.

  In this embodiment, it is not limited to four items of home appliances subject to the Home Appliance Recycling Law, but other products such as information processing equipment such as microwave ovens, microwave ovens, personal computers, printers, scanners, instantaneous water heaters, and water heaters. Also, when various products such as gas heaters and gas / oil combustion equipment such as fan heaters are the management target product 1, when the product 1 is disposed of, the user of the product 1 sells the product 1 to the store. Or the product 1 is delivered to a manufacturer who performs recycling.

When the reader 50 is installed at the store of the managed product 1 or the local government office of the managed product 1 that accepts the recycling process of the managed product 1, the user who discards the managed product 1 The managed product 1 is brought to the store of the managed product 1 or the local government office of the managed product 1. Assuming that the disposal process of the managed product 1 is confirmed when the person in charge accepts the recycling process of the managed product 1 at the dealer / local government window [YES route of step S81 in FIG. 2 (a)], The reader 50 reads the product ID from the wireless tag 1a of the managed product 1 [step S82 in FIG. 2A] and transmits the product ID to the center management apparatus 20 (discard management unit 220) [ Step S83 in FIG.
At this time, the reading of the product ID in step S82 is executed without the person in charge or the like being conscious by installing the reader 50 on the delivery path of the recycled product 1 or in the vicinity thereof. Thereafter, the product 1 is delivered to a predetermined manufacturer facility or recycler facility from a dealer or a local government office, and a recycling process for the product 1 is executed.

  On the other hand, when the reader 50 is installed in the manufacturer facility or the recycler facility of the management target product 1 that performs the recycling process of the management target product 1, the user who discards the management target product 1 is the management target. The product 1 is brought into the store of the management target product 1 or the local office of the management target product 1, and after receiving the recycling, the product 1 is delivered from the sales outlet or the local office to a predetermined manufacturer facility or recycler facility. Then, it is assumed that the disposal process of the managed product 1 is confirmed at the time immediately before the execution of the recycling process of the managed product 1 at the manufacturer facility / recycler facility [YES route of step S81 in FIG. 2 (a)]. Then, the reader 50 reads the product ID from the wireless tag 1a of the managed product 1 [step S82 in FIG. 2A] and transmits the product ID to the center management device 20 (discard management unit 220). [Step S83 in FIG. 2A]. At this time, the product ID reading in step S82 is performed by the operator or the like by installing the reader 50 on or near the transport path of the product 1 to be recycled in the manufacturer equipment / recycler equipment. Executed without.

When the product ID is received from the reader 50 in the discard management unit 220 [YES route of step S84 in FIG. 2B], the discard management unit 220 uses the received product ID as a key to store the discard management table 220a. Search is performed [step S85 in FIG. 2B].
When the product ID is hit [YES route in step S86 in FIG. 2B], the product 1 specified by the product ID should be registered in the discard management table 220a in an undiscarded state and discarded. The management unit 220 registers that the managed product 1 specified by the product ID has been discarded in the discard management table 220a in association with the product ID [step S87 in FIG. 2B]. However, if the managed product 1 specified by the product ID has already been discarded when performing the discarded registration in this way, there is a possibility that some mistakes or fraud has been performed. Then, the discard management unit 220 notifies the manager or the like to that effect.

  On the other hand, if the product ID does not hit [NO route of step S86 in FIG. 2B], there is a possibility that undiscarded registration for the discard management table 220a may not have been performed at the time of purchasing the product 1 due to some mistake. Then, the discard management unit 220 notifies the manager or the like to that effect [step S88 in FIG. 2B].

  The discard management unit 220 receives the product ID from the reader 50 [YES route of step S84 in FIG. 2B], from the location detection unit 105 in the product management apparatus 10 on the management target product 1 side. The location of the management target product 1 at that time is acquired via the transmission unit 106, and the acquired location of the management target product 1 is the predetermined installation location (predetermined store) where the reader 50 is installed. It may be determined whether or not it is / municipal counter / manufacturer equipment / recycler equipment). At this time, when the location of the management target product 1 at the time of reading the product ID is not a predetermined installation location, the disposal management unit 220 recognizes that the product ID is read and transmitted by an unauthorized reader, Notify the administrator to that effect. This makes it possible to confirm that the product ID has been read by a valid reader 50.

In the tracking management system in the product management system of the first embodiment, when the discard management table 220a is referred to and an undiscarded product ID is registered in the discard management table 220a (YES route in step S91), each product The tracking management process for the management target product 1 specified by the ID is executed (step S92). Here, the tracking management process in step S92 is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 in the second embodiment, and is the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 in the third embodiment. Executed according to

  Next, the product management (tracking management) operation in the product management system (tracking management system) shown in FIG. 1 will be described according to the flowchart (steps S11 to S29, S19a) shown in FIG.

  In the input request unit 102, it is detected by a timer or the like that the input request timing (for example, once a week, once a month, or at a random interval) of verification confirmation information (biometric feature information for verification) has come. Then (YES route in step S11), a confirmation information input request from the confirmation information input unit 104 is issued (step S12). This input request is issued to the first notification unit 103, the confirmation information input unit 104, the location detection unit 105, and the confirmation information determination unit 108. The first notification unit 103 that has received this input request, for example, a liquid crystal panel, a beep sound, etc. , LED, etc., the user is notified of a request for input of verification confirmation information (step S12).

Thereafter, the processes of steps S13 to S20 and S19a (process related to user determination) and the processes of steps S21 to S24 (process related to use location determination) are executed in parallel.
Upon receiving the input request, the confirmation information input unit 104 determines whether or not the user has input biometric information (step S13), and if the biometric information is input by the user within a predetermined time (step S13). YES route), collation confirmation information (collation biometric feature information) is extracted from the biometric information and input to the confirmation information determination unit 108 (step S14).

  In the confirmation information determination unit 108 to which the verification confirmation information (verification biometric feature information) is input, the registration confirmation information is read from the verification information storage unit 101a (step S15), and the verification input from the verification information input unit 104 is performed. It is determined whether or not the confirmation information for registration matches the registration confirmation information read from the storage unit 101a at a predetermined matching rate or higher, and the determination result is notified to the prohibition control unit 110 (step S16). The process proceeds to step S25.

  If the user does not input biometric information after a predetermined time has elapsed (NO route in step S13 and YES route in step S17), the confirmation information input unit 104 sends confirmation information to the user through the first notification unit 103. A warning notification to the effect of inputting (biological information) is made (step S18). When the user inputs biometric information within a predetermined time after giving the warning notification (NO route in step S19 and YES route in step S19a), the processing in steps S14 to S16 described above is performed. The process proceeds to S25.

  In addition, when the confirmation information is not input even after a predetermined time has passed after the warning notification is given (YES route in step S19), the confirmation information input unit 104 confirms the verification information (matching biometric feature information). ) Is notified to the prohibition control unit 110 via the confirmation information determination unit 108 (step S20). Upon receipt of such notification, the confirmation information determination unit 108 determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information did not match as described above.

On the other hand, the location detection unit 105 that has received the input request detects the location (latitude / longitude information) of the managed product 1 using, for example, the GPS function (step S21), and the detected location is determined by the center management. In order to be managed by the device (tracking management device) 20, it is transmitted to the center management device 20 through the transmission unit 106 together with product identification information (product ID) that can identify the management target product 1 (step S22). On the center management device 20 side, the location (latitude / longitude information) transmitted from the product management device 10 (managed product 1) is stored and managed in association with the product ID in a database (not shown), and is necessary. Accordingly, the location of the management target product 1 can be traced (traced) by referring to the database.

  When the location detection unit 105 detects the location (latitude / longitude information) of the managed product 1, the usage location determination unit 109 reads the registered usage location from the usage location storage unit 101b (step S23). It is determined whether the location (latitude / longitude information) of the management target product 1 detected by the location detection unit 105 belongs to the range of the registered usage location read from the usage location storage unit 101b. After the determination result is notified to the prohibition control unit 110 (step S24), the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, the prohibition control unit 110 performs the following control (steps S26 to S29) based on the determination result in step S16 or the notification content from step S20 and the determination result in step S24. Execute.

  In step S16, it is determined that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information match at a predetermined matching rate or higher (OK determination), and in step S24, the location of the management target product 1 belongs to the range of the registered usage location. If it is determined (OK determination) (Yes in step S25), the process returns to step S11 without performing any control.

  In step S16, it is determined that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information match at a predetermined matching rate or higher (OK determination), and in step S24, the location of the managed product 1 does not belong to the range of the registered usage location. Is determined (NG determination) (route B in step S25), the determination result is transmitted to the center management apparatus 20 by the transmission unit 106, and the registered user may be moved. After the first notifying unit 103 is notified as a change instruction that the center management device 20 or the like should change the registered use location of the product 1 (step S26), the process returns to step S11. .

  In step S16, it is determined that the verification confirmation information does not match the registration confirmation information (NG determination) (the matching rate is less than a predetermined matching rate, or the user does not input the verification confirmation information and the notification in step S20) And when it is determined in step S24 that the location of the managed product 1 belongs within the range of the registered use location (OK determination) (C route in step S25), the determination result is Since it is transmitted to the center management apparatus 20 by the transmission unit 106 and the registered user has changed, there is a possibility that the registered user of the managed product 1 should be changed to the center management apparatus 20 or the like. However, after being notified to the user by the first notification unit 103 as a change instruction (step S27), the process returns to step S11.

In step S16, it is determined that the verification confirmation information does not match the registration confirmation information (NG determination) (the matching rate is less than a predetermined matching rate, or the user does not input the verification confirmation information and the notification in step S20) And if it is determined in step S24 that the location of the managed product 1 does not belong to the registered usage location (NG determination) (D route in step S25), the prohibition by the prohibition unit 111 is prohibited. After the operation is executed (step S28), a message indicating that the prohibition operation has been performed is transmitted to the center management apparatus 20 by the transmission unit 106 (step S29). At this time, the fact that the operation of the management target product 1 is prohibited may be notified through the first notification unit 103. In addition, as described above, since the registered user may have transferred the managed product 1 to another person, the prohibition control unit 110 may prohibit the current operation through the first notification unit 103 after prohibiting the operation of the managed product 1. The user is notified as a change instruction that the registered user and the registered use location should be changed to the center management apparatus 20 or the like. Then, when a legitimate change process is executed for a registered user (registration confirmation information) or a registered use location in accordance with the change instruction, for example, the product to be managed by the prohibition unit 111 according to an instruction from the center management apparatus 20 The operation prohibition state of 1 is released.

  In the first embodiment, in the B route or the C route in step S25, the operation of the management target product 1 is not prohibited and the change instruction notification that the change should be made is performed. Also in the case of the route, the prohibition control unit 110 may immediately prohibit the operation of the managed product 1 by the prohibition unit 111 as in the case of the D route. Also in this case, after prohibiting the operation of the management target product 1, the prohibition control unit 110 changes the registered user or registered usage location to the center management apparatus 20 or the like through the first notification unit 103 for the current user. Notify you. Then, when the corresponding change process is executed properly, the operation prohibition state of the managed product 1 by the prohibition unit 111 is canceled by an instruction from the center management device 20, for example.

  In the case of the C route or the D route in step S25, there is a high possibility that the registered user (the person who registered the current registration confirmation information) is not near the managed product 1. In consideration of the case where the registered user is not in the vicinity, the center management apparatus 20 includes the determination unit 108, in order to save the current user from contacting the registered user and informing them to perform the change process. In response to the determination result of 109 (in the case of the C route or the D route in step S25), the second notification unit 213 transmits the e-mail to the e-mail address registered in advance for the registered user, thereby using the registered use. The change instruction (to the effect that the registration confirmation information for the registered user should be changed) is also notified to the user.

Next, registration / change operations in the product management system (center management apparatus 20) shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart (steps S60 to S71) shown in FIG.
Here, steps S61 to S64 are processes related to new registration at the time of purchase of the management target product 1, and steps S65 to S71 correspond to the change instruction notifications from the first notification unit 103 / second notification unit 213. Registration confirmation information on the registered user of the managed product 1 or registration of the managed product 1 by the user (registered user) using the change request unit 112 of the product management device 10 or the change request function of the registration device 40 This is processing related to a change when a use location change request is issued to the center management apparatus 20.

  First, when the center management device 20 receives a request for new registration from the registration device 40 at the time of purchase of the management target product 1 (YES route in step S60), the management target product 1 is determined according to the information included in the request. The registration confirmation information and the registered use location are newly written and registered in the confirmation information storage unit 201a and the use location storage unit 201b of the center management apparatus 20 in association with the product ID of the managed product 1. (Step S61).

At this time, the fact that the product 1 specified by the product ID is in an undiscarded state is newly written and registered in the discard management table 220a in association with the product ID of the managed product 1 (step S1). S62).
Note that, as described above, the product ID read from the wireless tag 1a can be used as the product ID for new registration in steps S61 and S62.

When the confirmation information storage unit 101a and the usage location storage unit 101b are provided on the product management device 10 side incorporated in the management target product 1 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, YES in step S63). Route), the same registration confirmation information and registered use location as those registered in the storage units 201a and 201b are transmitted to the product management apparatus 10 via the center management apparatus 20 and stored together with the product ID. Is newly written and registered in the unit 101a and the use location storage unit 101b (step S64). When the storage units 101a and 101b are not provided on the product management apparatus 10 side (NO route of step S63), the process of step S64 is omitted.

  On the other hand, in the center management device 20, when the change request receiving unit 210 receives a change request from the change request unit 112 of the product management device 10 or the change request function of the registration device 40 (NO route in step S60 and YES in step S65). Route), the confirmation unit 211 compares the registration confirmation information included in the change request with the confirmation information registered in the storage unit 201a in association with the product ID of the management target product 1, and the confirmation information It is determined whether there is a match at a predetermined match rate or higher, that is, whether the user who made the change request is the registered user himself (whether the user is a valid user) (steps S66, S67). ).

If it is determined that the user is not the registered user (NO route in step S67), the center management device 20 notifies the product management device 10 of an error, and the product management device 10 uses the first notification unit 103 / second notification unit. An error notification is given to the current user / registered user through 213 (step S71).
If it is determined that the user is the registered user (YES route in step S67), the changing unit 212 registers the information in the confirmation information storage unit 201a according to the content of the change request received by the change request receiving unit 210. The confirmation usage or the registered usage location in the usage location storage unit 201b is changed (step S68).

  When the confirmation information storage unit 101a and the usage location storage unit 101b are provided on the product management device 10 side incorporated in the management target product 1 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, YES in step S69). Route), the same registration confirmation information and registered usage location as those changed and registered in the storage units 201a and 201b are transmitted to the product management apparatus 10 via the center management apparatus 20, respectively. Then, rewrite change registration is performed in the use location storage unit 101b (step S70). When the storage units 101a and 101b are not provided on the product management apparatus 10 side (NO route of step S69), the process of step S70 is omitted.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, for example, a retailer / local government office that accepts the recycling process of the managed product 1 or a manufacturer facility / recycler facility that performs the recycling process of the managed product 1. Is equipped with a reader 50 for reading the product ID from the wireless tag 1a. Then, when the disposal process of the management target product 1 is confirmed, specifically, when the recycling process of the management target product 1 is accepted or immediately before the recycling process of the management target product 1 is performed, the wireless tag of the management target product 1 is read by the reader 50. The product ID is read from 1a in a non-contact manner and transmitted to the disposal management unit 220.

  In the discard management unit 220, when the product ID is received from the reader 50, the managed product 1 specified by the received product ID is registered as valid in the discard management table 220a. Thereby, it becomes possible to manage whether the management target product 1 has been discarded or not yet discarded, and it is possible to reliably manage whether or not the disposal processing, that is, the recycling processing of the management target product 1 has been properly performed.

  Further, by providing an interlock prohibition unit 111 that prohibits the operation of the managed product 1 in conjunction with the operation of removing the wireless tag 1a from the managed product 1, the managed product 1 is removed when the wireless tag 1a is removed from the managed product 1. Becomes unusable. For this reason, the wireless tag 1a is reliably prevented from being removed from the management target product 1, and the management of the management target product 1 using the wireless tag 1a can be reliably performed until the disposal process is confirmed.

  Furthermore, from when the managed product 1 is purchased by the consumer (user) until it is properly discarded, the tracking management system according to the first embodiment does not discard it in the disposal management table 220a of the disposal management unit 220. Since the registered managed product 1 is tracked and managed, illegal dumping of the managed product 1 is surely prevented, the collection of the managed product 1 at the time of recall is extremely efficient, and the managed product 1 is stolen. Suppressed reliably.

  Further, according to the tracking management system in the product management system of the first embodiment, the identity confirmation of the registered user of the management target product 1 registered in the disposal management table 220a and the usage location confirmation of the management target product 1 are confirmed. It is executed regularly or irregularly, and the registered user does not use the product and the product is not used at the registered use location [D route of step S25 above; or the registered user himself uses the product If the product is not used (C route in step S25) or the product is not used in the registered usage location (B route in step S25), the operation of the managed product 1 is prohibited. As a result, when it is highly likely that the managed product 1 has been stolen, the operation of the managed product 1 can be immediately prohibited. Therefore, even if the managed product 1 is stolen, the product 1 cannot be used after the theft. By providing such a function, it is possible to more reliably prevent the managed product 1 from being stolen and to obtain a more effective anti-theft effect.

  Further, when the registered user himself / herself does not use the product 1 or when the product 1 is not used at the registered usage location, the registration confirmation information about the registered user of the managed product 1 or the managed product 1 The user is notified as a change instruction that the registered use location should be changed, and in accordance with the change instruction, registration confirmation information about the registered user of the managed product 1 or change of the registered use location of the managed product 1 Can be performed. At that time, since the legitimacy of the user who made the change request is confirmed, the registration confirmation information and the registration usage location are changed while reliably preventing unauthorized rewriting of the registration confirmation information and the registration usage location. .

  As a result, in the tracking / disposal management device 20 of the managed product 1, the managed product 1 is transferred to a user other than the registered user and the user is changed, or the usage location of the managed product 1 is changed by moving or the like. Even if the change occurs, the change according to the change instruction is executed, so that it becomes possible to always grasp and manage the authorized use position of the managed product 1 and the authorized user of the managed product 1. . Accordingly, since the operation of the managed product 1 that is highly likely to have been stolen without any misrecognition of theft after the legal transfer of the managed product 1 is reliably prohibited, the theft of the managed product 1 can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to improve the efficiency of recall collection of the managed product 1 and to prevent illegal dumping.

  At this time, if the user does not input the verification confirmation information in response to the request from the input request unit 102, the verification information determination unit 108 considers that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match. Thus, it is possible to recognize the stolen situation on the safe side, prohibit the operation of the managed product 1, and obtain a more effective anti-theft effect.

  In addition, by transmitting the location of the managed product 1 to the center management device (tracking / discarding management device) 20, the location of the managed product 1 can be always managed by the center management device 20. Even if the management target product 1 is stolen or illegally dumped, the location of the management target product 1 is immediately grasped, and if necessary, the management target product 1 is indicated by a prohibition instruction signal issued from the center management device 20. It is also possible to inhibit the operation of the device, so that the effect of suppressing theft and illegal dumping can be obtained.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a product management system as a first modification of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, the product management apparatus 10 is incorporated in the management target product 1. However, in the first modification shown in FIG. 5, only the prohibition unit 111 is incorporated in the management target product 1. The product management apparatus 10 is mounted on the management target product 1 so that the other parts are attached from the outside of the management target product 1. With such a configuration, the first implementation described above can be performed on the management target product 1 only by incorporating the prohibition unit 111 and adding a connector for connecting the prohibition unit 111 and the other parts. The same effect as the form can be obtained.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a product management system as a second modification of the first embodiment. The product management apparatus 10 ′ in the system of the second modification is incorporated in the managed product 1 as in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, the storage unit 101 in the product management apparatus 10 is provided with the confirmation information storage unit 101a and the usage location storage unit 101b. However, in the system of the second modification shown in FIG. The storage unit on the device 10 'side is omitted.

  In this case, the confirmation information determination unit 108 and the usage location determination unit 109 of the product management apparatus 10 ′ respectively transmit the transmission unit 106 / reception unit 107 when necessary, that is, when the processing of steps S15 and S23 in FIG. The registration confirmation information and the registered usage location are read from the confirmation information storage unit 201a and the usage location storage unit 201b of the center management apparatus 20.

  At this time, the confirmation information determination unit 108 and the usage location determination unit 109 of the product management device 10 ′ transmit the registration confirmation information and the registration usage location read request together with the product ID to the center management device 20 by the transmission unit 106. The reception unit 107 receives registration confirmation information and a registered usage location for the product 1 transmitted from the center management apparatus 20 in response to the read request.

  With such a configuration, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the registration confirmation information and the registered use location are stored and managed only on the center management apparatus 20 side, not on the product management apparatus 10 'side. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent such registration confirmation information and registration usage location from being rewritten or read out illegally, and to ensure the security of personal information such as registration confirmation information and registration usage location. .

  Further, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a product management apparatus 10 ′ as a third modification of the first embodiment. The product management apparatus 10 ′ shown in FIG. 7 is a combination of the first modification shown in FIG. 5 and the second modification shown in FIG. 6. In the product management apparatus 10 ′ shown in FIG. Are incorporated into the managed product 1, parts other than the prohibition unit 111 are attached from the outside of the managed product 1, and the storage unit on the product management device 10 ′ side is omitted. With such a configuration, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the same operational effects as those of the above-described first modification and second modification can be obtained.

[2] Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a product management system (tracking management system) as a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second modification of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 6, the storage unit on the product management device 10 ′ side is omitted, and a confirmation information storage unit 201 a, a use location storage unit 201 b, and a change are added to the center management device 20. A request reception unit 210, a confirmation unit 211, a registration change unit 212, a second notification unit 213, and a discard management unit 220 (discard management table 220a) are provided. On the other hand, in the product management apparatus 10 ″ of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the storage unit, the above-described confirmation information determination unit 108, use location determination unit 109, and prohibition control unit 110 are also omitted. On the 20th side, a confirmation information determination unit 204, a use location determination unit 205, and a prohibition control unit 206 corresponding to the confirmation information determination unit 108, the use location determination unit 109, and the prohibition control unit 110, respectively, are also provided.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, the center management device 20 includes a receiving unit 202 and a transmitting unit 203. The receiving unit 202 and the transmitting unit 203 receive data from the product management apparatus 10 ″, transmit data to the product management apparatus 10 ″, and receive data from the reader 50 via a network such as a public network. The product ID is received.

The product management apparatus 10 ″ incorporated in the managed product 1 includes an input request unit 102, a first notification unit 103, a confirmation information input unit 104, a location detection unit 105, a transmission unit 106, and a reception unit similar to those described above. 107 and a prohibition unit 111 are provided.
Also in the product management system of the second embodiment configured as described above, the product management (discard management / tracking) operation is performed in the procedure shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C as in the first embodiment. Since the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, the product management operation in the product management system of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 (steps S11 to S20, S15a, S16a, S19a, S23a to S28a, S30 to S35).

  Since the processes of steps S11 to S20 and S19a performed on the managed product 1 (product management apparatus 10 ″) side are the same as those described above with reference to FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted. The collated biometric feature information or the notification content from step S20 and the location detected in step S20 are transmitted via the transmission unit 106 and the reception unit 202 together with the product ID that can identify the management target product 1. It is transmitted to the center management device 20 (step S30).

  Then, on the center management apparatus 20 side, the processes of steps S15a, S16a, S23a to S28a similar to the processes of steps S15, S16, and S23 to S28 described above with reference to FIG. 3 are executed.

  That is, when the receiving unit 202 on the center management device 20 side receives the biometric feature information for collation (or the notification content from step S20), the product ID, and the location from the management terminal 30 (step S31), the confirmation information In the determination unit 204, the registration confirmation information associated with the product ID is read from the confirmation information storage unit 201a (step S15a), and is read from the verification confirmation information and the storage unit 201a transmitted from the product 1 side. It is determined whether or not the registration confirmation information matches with a predetermined matching rate or more, and the determination result is notified to the prohibition control unit 206 (step S16a), and then the process proceeds to step S25a.

  In addition, the usage location determination unit 205 on the center management device 20 side reads the registered usage location associated with the product ID from the usage location storage unit 201b (step S23a), and the product transmitted from the product 1 side. It is determined whether or not one location (latitude / longitude information) belongs to the range of the registered usage location read from the usage location storage unit 201b, and the determination result is notified to the prohibition control unit 206. (Step S24a), the process proceeds to Step S25a.

  Then, the prohibition control unit 206 makes the following determination based on the determination result in step S16a or the notification content from step S20 and the determination result in step S24a (step S25a), and then the determination. Control based on the result (steps S26a to S28a) is executed.

In step S16a, it is determined that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information match at a predetermined matching rate or higher (OK determination), and in step S24a, the location of the managed product 1 belongs to the range of the registered usage location. If it is determined (OK determination) (Yes in step S25a), the prohibition control unit 206 notifies the product 1 side (product management apparatus 10 ″) that the determination result is OK via the transmission unit 203. The product management apparatus 10 ″ returns to the process of step S11.

  In step S16a, it is determined that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information match at a predetermined matching rate or higher (OK determination), and in step S24a, the location of the managed product 1 does not fall within the range of the registered usage location. If it is determined (NG determination) (B route of step S25a), the registered user may have moved, so the change of the registered usage location of the managed product 1 is made to the center management device 20 or the like. The fact that it should be performed is notified to the product 1 side (product management device 10 ″) via the transmission unit 203 (step S26a). On the product 1 side (product management device 10 ″), this is indicated to the reception unit. 107 (step S32), the first notification unit 103 notifies the user as a change instruction (step S33). Back to management.

  In step S16a, it is determined that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match (NG determination) (the matching rate is less than a predetermined matching rate, or the user does not input the verification confirmation information and notifies step S20). And if it is determined in step S24a that the location of the managed product 1 belongs to the range of the registered use location (OK determination) (C route in step S25a), the registered user Since a changed situation is conceivable, the fact that the registered user of the management target product 1 should be changed to the center management device 20 or the like is indicated on the product 1 side (product management device 10 ″) via the transmission unit 203. (Step S27a) On the product 1 side (product management apparatus 10 ″), when the fact is received by the receiving unit 107 (Step S32), After being notified as change instructions to the user by the section 103 (step S33), the process returns to step S11.

  In step S16a, it is determined that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match (NG determination) (the matching rate is less than a predetermined matching rate, or the user does not input the verification confirmation information and notifies step S20). And if it is determined in step S24a that the location of the managed product 1 does not belong to the range of the registered usage location (NG determination) (prohibited by the prohibition unit 111). In order to execute the operation, a prohibition instruction signal is notified to the product 1 side (product management apparatus 10 ″) via the transmission unit 203 (step S28a). On the product 1 side (product management apparatus 10 ″), When the prohibition instruction signal is received by the reception unit 107 (step S34), the prohibition operation by the prohibition unit 111 is executed (step S35).

  At this time, in step S35, it may be notified through the first notification unit 103 that the operation of the management target product 1 is prohibited. In addition, as described above, a situation where the registered user has transferred the managed product 1 to another person is also conceivable. Therefore, when the product 1 side (product management apparatus 10 ″) receives a prohibition instruction signal, the first The current user may be notified through the notification unit 103 as a change instruction that the registered user and the registered use location should be notified to the center management apparatus 20 and the like. Accordingly, when a legitimate change process is executed for a registered user (registration confirmation information) or a registered use location, for example, an operation prohibition state of the managed product 1 by the prohibition unit 111 is determined by an instruction from the center management device 20. Canceled.

In the second embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, in the B route or the C route in step S25a, the operation of the managed product 1 is not prohibited, and a change instruction notification indicating that a change should be made is performed. However, even in the case of these B routes and C routes, the prohibition control unit 206 may immediately prohibit the operation of the managed product 1 by the prohibition unit 111, as in the case of the D route. Also in this case, after the operation of the management target product 1 is prohibited, the center user is notified to the current user through the first notification unit 103 that the registered user or the registered usage location will be changed. Then, when the corresponding change process is executed properly, the operation prohibition state of the managed product 1 by the prohibition unit 111 is canceled by an instruction from the center management device 20, for example.

  In the case of the C route or D route in step S25a, there is a high possibility that the registered user (the person who registered the current registration confirmation information) is not near the managed product 1. In consideration of the case where the registered user is not in the vicinity, the center management apparatus 20 includes the determination unit 108, in order to save the current user from contacting the registered user and informing them to perform the change process. In response to the determination result of 109 (in the case of the C route or D route in step S25a), the second notification unit 213 sends an e-mail to a pre-registered e-mail address for the registered user, thereby using the registered use. The change instruction (to the effect that the registration confirmation information for the registered user should be changed) is also notified to the user.

Thus, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the same operational effects as those of the second and third modifications of the first embodiment can be obtained. be able to.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a product management system as a modification of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment described above, the product management apparatus 10 ″ is incorporated in the managed product 1. However, in the modification shown in FIG. 10, only the prohibited unit 111 is incorporated in the managed product 1 and other than the prohibited unit 111. The product management apparatus 10 ″ is mounted on the management target product 1 so as to attach this part from the outside of the management target product 1. With such a configuration, the second embodiment described above can be applied to the managed product 1 only by incorporating the prohibition unit 111 and changing the provision of a connector or the like for connecting the prohibition unit 111 and other parts. The same effect as the form can be obtained.

[3] Third Embodiment FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a product management system (tracking management system) as a third embodiment of the present invention. The product management system shown in FIG. 11 manages the management target product 1 and includes a reader 50, a registration device 40, a management terminal 30, and a center management device 20.

  As described in the first embodiment, the management target product 1 is attached with a wireless tag (IC tag) 1a for disposal management in which a product ID for specifying the management target product 1 is recorded, and the prohibition described above. When a prohibition instruction signal is received from the management terminal 30 and a prohibition instruction signal is received from the management terminal 30, the prohibition part 1b is caused to execute a prohibition operation. A receiver 1c is incorporated. Note that the product ID recorded in the wireless tag 1a is associated with the registration confirmation information and the registered use location from the registration device 40 in the purchase store or the like as described in the first embodiment. The confirmation information storage unit 201a and the usage location storage unit 201b) are registered in the discard management table 220a as an undiscarded state (see step S62 in FIG. 4).

  The center management apparatus 20 includes a storage unit 201, a reception unit 202, a transmission unit 203, a confirmation information determination unit 204, a use location determination unit 205, a prohibition control unit 206, and a change request reception similar to those illustrated in FIGS. The unit 210, the confirmation unit 211, the registration change unit 212, the second notification unit 213, and the discard management unit 220 (discard management table 220 a) are included, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The management terminal 30 is installed in a house or the like that uses the product 1 to be managed. For example, the management terminal 30 may be configured using a personal computer provided in the house or the like, or may be configured as a dedicated one. Also good. In addition to the change request unit 112 as in the first embodiment, the management terminal 30 includes an IC tag reading unit 301, an input request unit 302, a notification unit 303, a confirmation information input unit 304, a location detection unit 305, a transmission A unit 306 and a receiving unit 307 are provided.

  The IC tag reading unit 301 has substantially the same function as the reader 50 described in the first embodiment, performs wireless communication with the IC tag 1a on the product 1 side, and is a product held in the IC tag 1a. The ID is read out. The IC tag reading unit 301 reads the IC tag 1a at the input request issue timing of the input request unit 302, for example, as in the location detection unit 305 described later.

  The input request unit 302 has the same function as the input request unit 102 described above, and periodically or irregularly inputs the verification information for verification from the verification information input unit 304 described later to the user of the managed product 1. Is what you want. The input request unit 302 issues an input request, for example, once a week, once a month, or at random intervals.

  The first notification unit 303 has the same function as that of the first notification unit 103 described above. For example, the first notification unit 303 performs various notifications to the user using a liquid crystal panel, a beep sound, an LED, and the like. A request for inputting verification information for verification by the request unit 302, a warning described later (warning in step S46 in FIG. 12), and notifications according to the determination results by the determination units 204 and 205 (steps S25a to 28a and S52 in FIG. 12). ) Etc. to the user.

  The confirmation information input unit 304 has the same function as the above-described confirmation information input unit 104, and detects and extracts biometric feature information for verification as verification information for verification from the user (verification target) of the managed product 1. To do. In addition, the confirmation information input unit 304 notifies the user of the confirmation information through the first notification unit 303 when the confirmation information is not input even after a predetermined time (for example, several hours) after the input request is issued by the input request unit 302. When there is a function of executing a warning notification for input (see step S45 in FIG. 11), and confirmation information is not input even after a predetermined time (for example, several hours) after the warning notification, It has a function of notifying the center management apparatus 20 via the transmission unit 306 that the user has not entered the verification confirmation information.

  The location detection unit 305 has the same function as the location detection unit 105 described above, and detects the location of the managed product 1. For example, the location of the management terminal 30 is managed using the GPS function. 1 is detected as a location (latitude / longitude information). The location detection unit 105 detects the location of the managed product 1 regularly or irregularly. In this embodiment, for example, the location detection unit 105 detects the location at the input request issue timing of the input request unit 302. Shall be performed.

  Instead of the GPS function, a terminal ID storage unit (not shown) that stores terminal identification information (terminal ID) that can identify the management terminal 30 may be provided. In this case, the location detection unit 305 reads out the terminal ID of the terminal ID storage unit as the location of the management target product 1 and transmits / notifies it to the center management device 20. In this case, in the use location storage unit 201b on the center management device 20 side, as the registered use location associated with the product ID, the terminal ID of the management terminal 30 provided in the house where the managed product 1 is used. Is registered.

The transmission unit 306 and the reception unit 307 perform data transmission to the center management device 20 and data reception from the center management device 20 via a network such as a public line network, respectively. Here, the transmission unit 306 includes the product ID read by the IC tag reading unit 301, the biometric feature information for matching input from the confirmation information input unit 304 (or the notification in step S48 in FIG. 12), the location It fulfills the function of transmitting the location (latitude / longitude information or terminal ID) of the managed product 1 detected by the position detection unit 305 to the center management device (tracking management device) 20. The receiving unit 307 receives various data from the center management apparatus 20, for example, a prohibition instruction signal for prohibiting the operation of the managed product 1 and the determination result in step S25a in FIG. 12 (step in FIG. 12). S51) When the prohibition instruction signal is received, the transmission unit 306 has a function of transmitting the prohibition instruction signal to the managed product 1. Transmission from the transmission unit 306 to the reception unit 1c in the product 1 may be wireless or wired.

  As described above, in the product management system according to the third embodiment, the identity confirmation for confirming the identity of the registered user of the managed product 1 is performed by the confirmation information storage unit 201a, the confirmation information determination unit 204, and the confirmation information input unit 304. Means are configured. In addition, a usage location confirmation unit for confirming whether or not the management target product 1 is used in the registered usage location of the management target product 1 by the usage location storage unit 201b, the usage location determination unit 205, and the location detection unit 305. It is configured. Further, the prohibition unit 1b and the prohibition control unit 206 confirm that the identity verification unit cannot confirm the identity, or the use location confirmation unit confirms that the managed product 1 is not used in the registered usage location. If the identity verification means cannot confirm the identity and the usage location confirmation means confirms that the managed product 1 is not being used at the registered usage location, the operation of the managed product 1 Prohibiting means for prohibiting is configured.

Next, the product management operation in the product management system shown in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 (steps S41 to S56, S47a, S49a, S31b, S15b, S16b, S23b to S28b).
First, the processing of steps S41 to S50, S47a and S49a performed at the management terminal 30 will be described.

  In the input request unit 302, it is detected by a timer or the like that the input request timing (for example, once a week, once a month, or at random intervals) of the verification confirmation information (biometric biometric feature information) has come. Then (YES route of step S41), a confirmation information input request from the confirmation information input unit 304 is issued (step S12). This input request is issued to the IC tag reading unit 301, the first notification unit 303, the confirmation information input unit 304, and the location detection unit 305. Upon receiving this input request, the first notification unit 303 receives, for example, a liquid crystal panel and a beep sound. , LED, etc., the user is notified of a request for input of verification confirmation information (step S42).

Thereafter, the processes of steps S43 to S48 and S47a and the processes of steps S49 and S49a are executed in parallel.
Upon receiving the input request, the confirmation information input unit 304 determines whether or not the user has input biometric information (step S43), and if the biometric information is input by the user within a predetermined time (step S43). YES route), verification information for verification (matching biometric feature information) is extracted from the biometric information (step S44), and the process proceeds to step S50.

  If the user does not input biometric information after a predetermined time has elapsed (NO route in step S43 and YES route in step S45), the confirmation information input unit 304 sends confirmation information to the user through the first notification unit 303. A warning notification to the effect of inputting (biological information) is made (step S46). When the user inputs biometric information within a predetermined time after giving the warning notification (NO route in step S47 and YES route in step S47a), the processing in step S44 described above is performed, and in step S50. Transition to processing.

  If the confirmation information is not input even after a predetermined time has passed after the warning notification is issued (YES route in step S47), the confirmation information input unit 304 confirms the verification information (matching biometric feature information). ) Is notified to the transmitting unit 306 (step S48), and the process proceeds to step S50.

  On the other hand, the IC tag reading unit 301 that has received the input request reads the product ID from the IC tag 1a of the management target product 1 (step S49), and the location detection unit 105 that has received the input request uses, for example, a GPS function. Then, the location (latitude / longitude information) of the managed product 1 is detected, or the product ID is read from the product ID storage unit as the location (step S49a).

  The biometric feature information for collation extracted in step S44 or the notification content from step S48, the product ID read in step S49, and the location detected in step S49a are transmitted to the transmission unit 306 and the reception unit 202. The data is transmitted to the center management apparatus 20 via (step S50).

  Then, on the center management apparatus 20 side, the same processes of steps S31b, S15b, S16b, S23b to S28b as the processes of steps S31, S15a, S16a, S23a to S28a described above with reference to FIG. 9 are executed.

  That is, when the receiving unit 202 on the center management device 20 side receives the biometric feature information for collation (or the notification content from step S48), the product ID, and the location from the management terminal 30 (step S31b), the confirmation information In the determination unit 204, the registration confirmation information associated with the product ID is read from the confirmation information storage unit 201a (step S15b), and is read from the verification confirmation information transmitted from the product 1 side and the storage unit 201a. It is determined whether or not the registration confirmation information matches with a predetermined matching rate or more, and the determination result is notified to the prohibition control unit 206 (step S16b), and then the process proceeds to step S25a.

  Further, the usage location determination unit 205 on the center management device 20 side reads the registered usage location (latitude / longitude information or terminal ID) associated with the product ID from the usage location storage unit 201b (step S23b). Whether the location (latitude / longitude information or terminal ID) of the product 1 transmitted from the product 1 belongs to the registered usage location read from the usage location storage unit 201b (or the registered terminal ID) Is determined), and the determination result is notified to the prohibition control unit 206 (step S24b), and then the process proceeds to step S25b.

  Then, the prohibition control unit 206 performs the following determination based on the determination result in step S16b or the notification content from step S20 and the determination result in step S24b (step S25b), and then the determination. Control based on the result (steps S26b to S28b) is executed.

  In step S16b, it is determined (OK determination) that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information match at a predetermined matching rate or higher, and in step S24b, the location of the managed product 1 belongs to the range of the registered usage location. If it is determined that there is a terminal ID match (OK determination) (route A in step S25b), the prohibition control unit 206 notifies the management terminal 30 that the determination result is OK via the transmission unit 203. Then, the management terminal 30 returns to the process of step S41.

In step S16b, it is determined that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information match at a predetermined matching rate or higher (OK determination), and in step S24b, the location of the management target product 1 does not belong to the range of the registered usage location. (Or terminal ID mismatch determination; NG determination) (B route in step S25b), the registered user may have moved, so the change in the registered usage location of the managed product 1 is managed by the center. The management terminal 30 is notified via the transmission unit 203 that the device 20 and the like should be performed (step S26b). In the management terminal 30, when the fact is received by the receiving unit 307 (step S51), the first notification unit 303 notifies the user as a change instruction (step S52), and then proceeds to the process of step S41. Return.

  In step S16b, it is determined that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match (NG determination) (the matching rate is less than a predetermined matching rate, or the user does not input the verification confirmation information and notifies step S20) And when it is determined in step S24b that the location of the managed product 1 belongs within the range of the registered use location (or terminal ID match determination; OK determination) (C route of step S25b) Since the registered user may have changed, the management terminal 30 is notified via the transmission unit 203 that the registered user of the managed product 1 should be changed to the center management device 20 or the like. Notification is made (step S27b). In the management terminal 30, when the fact is received by the receiving unit 307 (step S51), the first notification unit 303 notifies the user as a change instruction (step S52), and then proceeds to the process of step S41. Return.

  In step S16b, it is determined that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match (NG determination) (the matching rate is less than a predetermined matching rate, or the user does not input the verification confirmation information and notifies step S20) And when it is determined in step S24b that the location of the managed product 1 does not belong to the range of the registered use location (or terminal ID mismatch determination; NG determination) (D route of step S25b) In order to execute the prohibition operation by the prohibition unit 1b, a prohibition instruction signal is notified to the management terminal 30 via the transmission unit 203 (step S28b). In the management terminal 30, when the prohibition instruction signal is received by the reception unit 307 (step S53), the transmission unit 306 transmits the prohibition instruction signal to the management target product 1 (step S54). In the managed product 1, when the prohibition instruction signal is received by the receiving unit 1c (step S55), the prohibiting operation by the prohibiting unit 1b is executed (step S56).

  At this time, in step S56, the management terminal 30 may notify that the operation of the management target product 1 is prohibited through the notification unit 303. Further, as described above, a situation where the registered user has transferred the managed product 1 to another person is also conceivable. Therefore, when the management terminal 30 receives a prohibition instruction signal, the first notification unit 303 / second notification A change instruction may be sent to the current user / registered user via the unit 213 to notify the center management apparatus 20 or the like that the registered user and the registered use location should be notified of the change. Then, when a legitimate change process is executed for a registered user (registration confirmation information) or a registered use location in accordance with the change instruction, the product to be managed by the prohibition unit 1b is received by an instruction from the center management device 20, for example. Release the 1 operation prohibition state. Furthermore, the prohibition instruction signal may be transmitted directly from the transmission unit 203 to the reception unit 1c of the product 1 without passing through the management terminal 30.

In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in the B route or the C route in step S25b, the operation of the management target product 1 is not prohibited, and a change instruction notification indicating that a change should be made is performed. However, even in the case of these B routes and C routes, the prohibition control unit 206 may immediately prohibit the operation of the managed product 1 by the prohibition unit 1b, as in the case of the D route. Also in this case, after the operation of the managed product 1 is prohibited, a change of the registered user or the registered usage location is made to the current user or the registered user through the first notification unit 303 / second notification unit 213, etc. Is notified of the action to be taken. Then, when the corresponding change process is properly executed, the operation prohibition state of the managed product 1 by the prohibition unit 1b is canceled by an instruction from the center management device 20, for example.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the IC tag 1a, the prohibition unit 1b, and the reception unit 1c are incorporated into the management target product 1 and are connected to be communicably connected to the management terminal 30. The same operational effects as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be obtained only by making a change such as providing the same, and the same operational effects as those of the second and third modifications of the first embodiment can also be obtained. .

[4] Others The user provides the managed product 1 managed by the product management system of the present embodiment (first to third embodiments) to a recycle shop or the like as a reuse product (reuse product). In this case, the user uses the change request unit 112 to clear the registration information in the storage units 101a, 101b, 201a, 201b. Then, when another user purchases the product at the recycle shop or the like, the change request unit 112 is used to re-register new user registration information in the storage units 101a, 101b, 201a, and 201b. As a result, the management target product 1 is officially transferred to a new user via the recycle shop.

  In addition, the input request unit 102, the first notification unit 103, the confirmation information input unit 104, the location detection unit 105, the transmission unit 106, the reception unit 107, the confirmation information determination unit 108, the use location determination unit 109, the prohibition control unit described above. 110, change request unit 112, reception unit 202, transmission unit 203, confirmation information determination unit 204, use location determination unit 205, prohibition control unit 206, change request reception unit 210, confirmation unit 211, registration change unit 212, second notification Functions as unit 213, discard management unit 220, input request unit 302, first notification unit 303, confirmation information input unit 304, location detection unit 305, transmission unit 306, and reception unit 307 (all or part of functions of each unit) ) Is performed by a computer (including a CPU, an information processing device, and various terminals) executing a predetermined application program (product management program). It is realized Te.

  The program is, for example, a flexible disk, CD (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, etc.), DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD + R, DVD + RW, Blu-ray disc, etc.) And the like recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. In this case, the computer reads the product management program from the recording medium, transfers it to the internal storage device or the external storage device, and uses it. Further, the program may be recorded in a storage device (recording medium) such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk, and provided from the storage device to a computer via a communication line.

  Here, the computer is a concept including hardware and an OS (operating system), and means hardware operating under the control of the OS. Further, when the OS is unnecessary and the hardware is operated by the application program alone, the hardware itself corresponds to the computer. The hardware includes at least a microprocessor such as a CPU and means for reading a program recorded on a recording medium. The application program as the product management program includes a program code for causing the above-described computer to realize the functions as the respective units. Also, some of the functions may be realized by the OS instead of the application program.

Furthermore, as a recording medium in the present embodiment, in addition to the flexible disk, CD, DVD, magnetic disk, optical disk, and magneto-optical disk described above, an IC card, ROM cartridge, magnetic tape, punch card, computer internal storage device (RAM) In addition, various computer-readable media such as an external storage device or a printed matter on which a code such as a barcode is printed can be used.

1 Product to be managed 1a Wireless tag (RFID, IC tag)
1b Prohibited Section (Interlock Prohibited Section)
1c Receiving Unit 10, 10 ', 10 "Product Management Device 101 Storage Unit 101a Confirmation Information Storage Unit 101b Usage Location Storage Unit 102 Input Request Unit 103 First Notification Unit 104 Confirmation Information Input Unit 105 Location Position Detection Unit 106 Transmission Unit 107 Reception Unit 108 Confirmation information determination unit 109 Usage location determination unit 110 Prohibition control unit 111 Prohibition unit (interlocking prohibition unit)
112 Change request unit 20 Center management device (tracking / discarding management device)
201 storage unit 201a confirmation information storage unit 201b use location storage unit 202 reception unit 203 transmission unit 204 confirmation information determination unit 205 use location determination unit 206 prohibition control unit 210 change request reception unit 211 confirmation unit 212 registration change unit 213 second notification unit 220 Discard Management Unit 220a Discard Management Table 30 Management Terminal 301 IC Tag Reading Unit 302 Input Request Unit 303 First Notification Unit 304 Confirmation Information Input Unit (Person Confirmation Unit)
305 Location detection unit (use location confirmation means)
306 Transmission unit 307 Reception unit 40 Registration device (change request unit)
50 reader

Claims (10)

A wireless tag attached to a managed product and recorded with product identification information for identifying the managed product;
A reader that reads the product identification information from the wireless tag of the managed product when the disposal of the managed product is confirmed;
Based on the product identification information from the reader, communicably connected to the reader, whether or not the managed product has been discarded is registered and managed in the disposal management table in association with the product identification information A product management system comprising a disposal management unit.   The discard management unit, when receiving the product identification information from the reader, registers the managed product specified by the received product identification information as being discarded in the discard management table. The product management system according to claim 1. When the disposal of the managed product is confirmed, the recycling of the managed product is accepted.
3. The reader according to claim 1, wherein the reader is installed at a store of the managed product or a local government office of the managed product that accepts a recycling process of the managed product. Product management system as described. When the disposal process of the managed product is confirmed, it is immediately before the recycling process of the managed product is executed,
3. The product management system according to claim 1, wherein the reader is installed in a manufacturer facility or a recycler facility of the managed product that performs a recycling process of the managed product. 4. .   5. An interlock prohibiting unit provided in the managed product and having an interlock prohibiting unit for prohibiting the operation of the managed product in conjunction with an operation of removing the wireless tag from the managed product. The product management system according to any one of the above.   The product according to claim 1, further comprising a tracking management system that performs tracking management of the management target product that has not been registered in the disposal management table of the disposal management unit. Management system. The tracking management system includes:
A confirmation information storage unit for storing in advance registration confirmation information for confirming the identity of the registered user of the managed product;
A usage location storage unit that stores in advance the registered usage location of the managed product;
A confirmation information input unit for the user of the managed product to input verification confirmation information;
A location detection unit for detecting the location of the managed product;
A confirmation information determination unit for determining whether or not the verification confirmation information input from the confirmation information input unit matches the registration confirmation information stored in the confirmation information storage unit;
A usage location determination unit that determines whether the location of the managed product detected by the location detection unit belongs to the registered usage location stored in the usage location storage;
A prohibition unit for prohibiting the operation of the managed product;
When the confirmation information determination unit determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match, or the usage location determination unit places the location of the managed product within the range of the registered usage location If it is determined that the information does not belong, or if the verification information determination unit determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match, and the use location determination unit determines the location of the managed product When it is determined that it does not belong to the range of the usage location, a prohibition control unit that executes a prohibition operation by the prohibition unit;
When the confirmation information determination unit determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match, or the usage location determination unit places the location of the managed product within the range of the registered usage location If it is determined that the registered product does not belong, the current user of the managed product is registered as confirmation information about the registered user of the managed product or that the registered usage location of the managed product should be changed. A first notification unit for notifying to,
If the confirmation information determination unit determines that the verification confirmation information and the registration confirmation information do not match, the registration confirmation information about the registered user of the managed product is given to the registered user of the managed product. A second notification unit for notifying that a change is to be made as a change instruction;
A change requesting unit for requesting a change in registration confirmation information about a registered user of the managed product or a registered use location of the managed product in response to the change instruction from the first notifying unit and the second notifying unit; ,
Upon receiving a change request from the change request unit, a confirmation unit for confirming the validity of the user who made the change request;
A change unit that changes registration confirmation information in the confirmation information storage unit or a registered use location in the use location storage unit when the confirmation unit confirms the validity of the user. The product management system according to claim 6. The prohibition unit, the confirmation information input unit, the location detection unit, the first notification unit, and the change request unit are attached to the managed product or the managed product to manage the managed product. Product management equipment,
The discard management unit, the confirmation information storage unit, the use location storage unit, the second notification unit, the confirmation unit, and the change unit are provided in a tracking / disposal management device that performs tracking / disposal management of the managed product. The product management system according to claim 7, wherein: The management target product or the product management apparatus is further provided with an input request unit that periodically or irregularly requests the user of the management target product to input the verification confirmation information from the verification information input unit. ,
The confirmation information determination unit makes a determination in accordance with a request timing by the input request unit, and if the user does not input the verification confirmation information in response to a request by the input request unit, the verification information determination unit The product management system according to claim 8, wherein the product confirmation information and the registration confirmation information are regarded as not matching.   At the time of purchase of the managed product, registration confirmation information about the registered user of the managed product and registration use location of the managed product are associated with the product identification information for specifying the managed product. A registration device that newly registers in the storage unit and the use location storage unit, and newly registers that the managed product is not discarded in association with the product identification information in the disposal management table of the disposal management unit. The product management system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising:

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