JP2012184107A - Article management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an article management system that can manage lend-out or return of an article in order to be taken out or lost as less as possible whether intentionally or unintentionally.SOLUTION: The article management system properly changes when ID information of a borrower tag is determined to be an authenticable one when read by a storage area in/out reader and when the ID information of the borrower tag is determined to be a non-authenticable one when read by the storage area in/out reader without increasing possibility of the article being taken out without permission.

Description

  The present invention relates to an article management system using a Radio_Frequency_IDentification (hereinafter referred to as RFID) system, and in particular, an RFID in which ID information such as an identification number of the article is recorded on an article to be lent or returned. The present invention relates to a tag that is attached and manages the rental and return of an article by causing an RFID reader to read the ID information of the article from the RFID tag at the time of rental or return.

  Conventionally, an article management system using an RFID system mainly involves associating (linking) debit information with article information, restricting unauthorized removal of articles, and grasping the position of articles There are things that encourage the return of goods.

  In the RFID system, which mainly relates (links) debit information and article information, a radio tag (RFID tag) is attached to the article, and a radio tag (RFID tag) is attached to the user (debiter). ) And the management server performs the rental return process of the article, and the identification information of the article (ID information of the wireless tag attached to the article) and the user information of the user who performs the loan return process (use And the return information including the ID information of the wireless tag held by the person, the history information related to the rental return processing of the article based on the rental return information, and the article management information including the field information related to the article. In the case where an article lending process is performed out of a lending return process by a user terminal (lending return processing terminal), there is one that can notify the user of article management information including field information. For example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, in the case of mainly associating (linking) debit information and article information in the RFID system, a carrier (a RFID tag) is attached to the article and the article is loaned and returned ( There is a device that automatically and low-cost discriminates or returns articles by holding a wireless tag (RFID tag) on a debiter and installing two sets of wireless tag readers (reader units) (for example, patents) Reference 2).

  In order to limit unauthorized removal of articles in the RFID system, an article take-out monitoring gate stores an identifier (ID information) of a non-contact tag (RFID tag) attached to the lent article. There is a table that detects the occurrence of unauthorized take-out of an article by comparing the identifier of the contactless tag attached to the article read through the antenna with the contents of the tag identifier table being rented (for example, And Patent Document 3).

  Further, in order to limit the unauthorized removal of articles in the RFID system, the alarm output unit cannot perform communication based on identification information (ID information) read from an IC tag (RFID tag) attached to the article. When the security mode is set, the communication status stored in the status storage unit is updated to “unknown” and the security release mode is set. If the security mode is set by updating to “non-monitoring”, the alarm information is generated when the communication state is updated to “unknown” (for example, Patent Document 4). reference).

  For the purpose of grasping the position of an article in an RFID system, a non-contact type IC tag (RFID tag) is used to automatically carry an article in and out of a warehouse (storage area) without using humans. Inventory information can be collected and managed mechanically (for example, see Patent Document 5).

  To promote the return of articles in the RFID system, a non-contact IC tag (RFID tag) is attached to the article, and the user (debiter) holds the IC card. A return determination means for determining whether or not it has been returned to the user, and if it is determined by the return determination means that it has not been returned within the return time limit, a user ID code (ID information) is identified and used In some cases, a user is restricted from using a network system that uses a user ID code (see, for example, Patent Document 6). Patent Document 7 describes preventing forgetting to return an article by using an electronic mail.

JP 2010-191514 A (FIGS. 1 to 7) JP 2003-146413 A (FIGS. 1 and 2) JP 2001-266261 A (FIGS. 1 to 5) JP 2010-282513 A (FIGS. 1 to 3) JP 2002-193448 A (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5 to FIG. 8) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-045592 (FIGS. 1 to 4) JP 2008-197935 A (FIGS. 1 to 8)

  However, in the article management system using the conventional RFID system, the thing that mainly relates (links) the debit information and the article information in the RFID system has the advantage that convenience is improved. Regardless of intention or negligence, there was a problem that it was not intended to limit the removal or loss of goods. In addition, the one that restricts the unauthorized removal of an article can limit the intentional removal of the article, but accidentally leave the article in a place where there is no facility for reading the RFID tag in the monitoring area where the article is stored. There was a problem that it was not envisaged to limit taking out or losing items due to negligence. In Patent Document 5 and Patent Documents 6 and 7, there is no description regarding restricting or preventing taking-out or loss of articles regardless of intention or negligence.

  In recent years, the entire site of research institutes and design / factory facilities has been defined as a security area, and human and material access between the security area and the outside of the security area is monitored by surveillance systems such as surveillance cameras, infrared sensors, and FBG sensors. Even if the article management system using the conventional RFID system does not function well, the act of taking the article out of the security area by the monitoring system or the supervisor Can be prevented. Therefore, when managing the movement of goods within the premises of research institutions, design / factory equipment, etc. (for example, lending of goods such as measuring instruments used for testing and experiments within the premises of research institutions, design / factory equipment, etc. It is important not only to take out and lose items intentionally, but also to prevent items from being taken or lost due to negligence. In particular, the loss or loss of expensive and indispensable items such as measuring instruments greatly affects the owners and managers of the items. However, it is conceivable that the measuring instrument has a high possibility of lending or the like without contacting the administrator (credit) between the users (debits) due to the nature of its use.

  The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is capable of managing the lending and return of articles while minimizing the occurrence of taking-out or loss of articles regardless of intention or negligence. The purpose is to provide a management system.

  The article management system according to the present invention includes ID information and RFID of an article tag that is an RFID tag attached to each article stored in the storage area within a lending return processing area including a storage area where the article is stored. Linking the ID information of the debit tag and the ID information of the article tag after performing the lending process that links the ID information of the debit tag, which is a tag, so that the article can be taken out of the loan return area Is an article management system that performs a return process for returning an article to the storage area, the storage area internal reader unit that reads the ID information of the RFID tag in the storage area, the storage area, and the storage area The storage area partitioning means for partitioning the lending return processing area and the ID information of the RFID tag are read, and when the ID information is authenticated, the storage A storage area entry / exit reader unit that unlocks the partitioning means and allows the storage area partitioning means to enter or leave, and inside the lending return processing area that reads the ID information of the RFID tag in the lending return processing area A reader unit, a lending return processing area partitioning means for partitioning the lending return processing area from the outside, and reading the ID information of the RFID tag and unlocking the lending return processing area partitioning means when the ID information is authenticated A lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit that makes the lending return processing area partitioning unit enter or leave, debit tag ID information, item tag ID information, debit tag ID information and item tag A database server that stores related information indicating whether or not the ID information is linked, and authentication information indicating whether or not the debit tag ID information can be authenticated. And the storage area internal reader unit, the storage area entry / exit leader unit, the lending return processing area internal reader unit, and the lending return processing area entry / exit leader based on each information stored in the database server unit A control unit having a function of determining whether or not the ID information of the RFID tag read by the unit can be authenticated, and a function of changing each information stored in the database server unit, and the inside of the lending return processing area When the ID information of the debit tag read by the reader unit is authenticated by the control unit, the list of articles to which the article tag having ID information associated with the ID information of the debit tag is attached or in the storage area It has a display unit that displays at least one of the list of stored items, and an input unit that can select items from the displayed list of items. A lending return processing terminal.

  In the article management system according to the invention of claim 1, when there is an input for selecting an article from a list of articles stored in the storage area in the input unit of the lending return processing terminal, the control unit, Of the articles in the storage area, the database server unit by associating the ID information of the item tag attached to the selected item with the ID information of the debit tag that has been read and authenticated by the reader / return processing area internal reader unit The ID information of the authenticated debit tag is ID information that can be authenticated when read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit, and the loan return processing area The authentication information stored in the database server unit has been changed so that the ID information cannot be authenticated when read by the entry / exit reader unit. It is read when the loan return processing area internal reader unit reads the ID information of the authenticated debit tag and the ID information of all the article tags linked to the ID information of the debit tag. Among the ID information, the ID information of the debit tag is ID information that can be authenticated when read by the lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit, and is authenticated when read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit. An input unit of the lending return processing terminal, which performs lending processing for changing the authentication information stored in the database server unit so as to determine that the ID information is impossible. If there is an input for selecting an article from a list of articles to which an article tag having ID information associated with the ID information of the debit tag is attached, the control unit When the loan return processing area internal reader unit reads the ID information of the article tag having the ID information associated with the tag ID information, the association between the ID information of the debit tag and the ID information of the article tag is released. The related information stored in the database server unit is updated, and by this update, the ID information of the debit tag that has been unlinked can be authenticated when the storage area entry / exit reader unit reads the ID information. After changing the authentication information stored in the database server unit to determine that the information is ID information that cannot be authenticated when read by the lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit In addition, the debit tag whose authentication information has been changed is read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit, and authentication to exit from the storage area is possible. When the storage area internal reader unit reads the ID information of the article tag that has been unlinked, the ID information of the debit tag that has been unlinked is received by the storage area entry / exit reader unit. ID information that cannot be authenticated when read, and stored in the database server unit so as to be determined to be ID information that can be authenticated when read by the lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit Returning processing for changing the authentication information is performed.

  In the article management system according to the invention of claim 2, the display unit of the lending return processing terminal is debited when the ID information of the debit tag read by the lending return processing area internal reader unit is authenticated by the control unit. When there is ID information associated with the tag ID information, only the list of articles to which the article tag having the ID information is attached, or the article to which the article tag having the ID information is attached It is a thing of Claim 1 which makes it possible to select only the list of.

  In the article management system according to a third aspect of the present invention, the control unit is connected to an e-mail server, the ID information of the debit tag read by the lending return processing area internal reader unit is authenticated by the control unit, and the lending return When the input unit of the processing terminal has an input for selecting an article from the list of articles stored in the storage area, the display of the loan return processing terminal displays that the return deadline of the selected article is input Through the input unit of the lending return processing terminal, the return deadline of the article can be input, and the control unit receives the return deadline input to the input unit of the lending return processing terminal. It adds to the said relevant information memorize | stored in this, It is a thing of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  The article management system according to the invention of claim 4 selects an article from a list of articles in which an article tag having ID information associated with ID information of a debit tag is attached to the input unit of the lending return processing terminal. When there is an input, when the control unit reads the ID information of the article tag having the ID information associated with the ID information of the debit tag, the ID information of the debit tag when the lending return processing area internal reader unit reads The association between the ID and the ID information of the article tag is released, the related information stored in the database server unit is updated, and the return deadline added to the related information is deleted. It is a thing of description.

  In the article management system according to the invention of claim 5, the return deadline added to the related information is defined by a date, and the control unit adds up to the day before the return deadline added to the related information, 5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein mail is transmitted through the electronic mail server.

  In the article management system according to the invention of claim 6, the return deadline added to the related information is defined by a date, and the control unit adds the return deadline added to the related information after that day. 6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a mail is transmitted through the electronic mail server.

  The article management system according to the invention of claim 7 has a rental destination area outside where the goods are taken out, and is controlled by the control unit to read the ID information of the RFID tag in the rental destination area Area lending unit, lending destination area partitioning means for partitioning the lending destination area from the outside, and the control unit, the ID information of the RFID tag is read, and when the ID information is authenticated, the lending destination 7. A lending destination area entry / exit leader unit that unlocks the area partitioning unit to enter or leave the lending destination area partitioning unit. belongs to.

  In the article management system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the control unit simultaneously transmits the ID information of the RFID tag to the storage area internal reader unit, the lending return processing area internal reader unit, and the lending destination area internal reader unit. The reading operation or the reading operation of the ID information of the RFID tag is sequentially performed.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the storage area entry / exit reader unit reads the ID information of the debit tag even though the entry / exit of the storage area is limited. Increasing the possibility of unauthorized take-out of articles when it is determined that the ID information can be authenticated and when it is determined that the ID information cannot be authenticated when read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit It is possible to obtain an article management system that can be appropriately changed without any change.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 2, in addition to the effect of Claim 1, the article | item management system which can make an appropriate display on the display part of a rental return processing terminal can be obtained.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects of the first and second aspects, an article management system that can easily incorporate a return deadline into the system can be obtained.

  According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the effect of claim 3, it is possible to obtain an article management system having an increased possibility of facilitating the management of the return deadline.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects of the third and fourth aspects, it is possible to obtain an article management system capable of performing an e-mail request for returning an article whose return deadline has passed.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 6, in addition to the effect of Claims 3-5, the articles | goods management system which can alert | report a return deadline in advance by email before the return deadline of goods can be obtained. .

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 7, in addition to the effect of Claims 1-6, the articles | goods management system which can also manage the articles | goods taken out to the borrower area can be obtained.

  According to the invention of claim 8, in addition to the effect of claim 7, it is possible to obtain an article management system capable of easily confirming the location of articles in the storage area and the rental destination area.

It is a schematic diagram of a structure of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of a structure of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a table (an example) of ID information and related information of a debit tag and an article tag used in the article management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a rental / return process (entrance / exit room) area schematic diagram of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a rental / return process (entrance / exit) area entry flowchart of the article management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a lending process flowchart in the lending / return process (entrance / exit room) area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a storage area schematic diagram (during lending process) of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a storage area entrance (lending process) flowchart of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a storage area leaving room (lending process) flow chart of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a storage area schematic diagram of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an article detection flowchart in the storage area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an article detection flowchart in the storage area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an article detection flowchart in the storage area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an article detection flowchart in the storage area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an article detection flowchart in the storage area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a lending process flowchart in the lending / return process (entrance / exit room) area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a rental / return process (entrance / exit room) area schematic diagram of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a rental / return process (entrance / exit) area exit flowchart of the article management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is an article detection flowchart in the storage area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a table (an example) of ID information and related information of a debit tag and an article tag used in the article management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the goods return reminder e-mail transmission process of the goods management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a return process flowchart in the lending / return process (entrance / exit room) area of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a storage area schematic diagram (during return processing) of the article management system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a storage area entrance (during return process) flowchart of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a storage area entrance (during return process) flowchart of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a storage area entrance (during return process) flowchart of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a table (an example) of ID information and related information of a debit tag and an article tag used in the article management system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a lending process flowchart in the lending / returning process (entrance / exit room) area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a work area schematic diagram of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a work area entrance flow chart of the article management system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a work area leaving flowchart of the article management system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a table (an example) of ID information and related information of a debit tag and an article tag used in the article management system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a lending process flowchart in the lending / returning process (entrance / exit room) area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a work area schematic diagram of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a work area entrance flow chart of the article management system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a work area leaving flowchart of the article management system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a work area schematic diagram (during lending process) of the article management system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is an article detection flowchart in the storage area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is an article detection flowchart in the storage area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is an article detection flowchart in the storage area of the article management system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the goods return reminder e-mail transmission process of the goods management system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a return process flowchart in the lending / return process (entrance / exit room) area of the article | item management system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

  In the present application, the case where the article to be managed is a measuring instrument / experimental instrument such as a measuring instrument will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In this application, entering / exiting each area (lending / return processing area, storage area, lending destination area (working area where goods are used), etc.) is called entry / exit, but this may also be called entrance / exit. . In other words, each area is not limited to a room or the like as long as it is a field in which human / physical access inside and outside the area can be restricted by partition means (storage area partition means or the like) described later. The RFID system used in the present application is connected to each reader unit (such as a storage area internal reader unit), and by transmitting a radio wave (question wave) to the RFID tag under the control of the reader unit, the ID information of the RFID tag is obtained. A communication method and a use frequency are not limited as long as they are general ones that have an antenna unit that receives and receives radio waves (reply waves) from an RFID tag. It should be noted that in situations where it is necessary to collectively read RFID tags, there is a restriction that the radio wave system is suitable at the current technical level, but this is not a matter that limits the frequency used.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 17, and 23, 1 is an article tag that is an RFID tag attached to each article such as a measuring instrument, and 2 is an operator who borrows an article ( A debit tag (including an ID card function for identifying an individual worker) distributed as each debit), and an RFID tag held by the manager of the work area described in the second embodiment are also convenient. This is called debit tag 2. Of course, the manager of the work area may be a debit (worker). Reference numeral 3 denotes a carriage that is used by an operator and that loads and carries an article with an article tag attached thereto. Note that the article management system according to the first embodiment includes the ID information and debit of the article tag 1 attached to each article stored in the storage area within the lending return processing area including the storage area where the article is stored. After linking the ID information of the tag 2 and carrying out a lending process that allows the article to be taken out of the lending return area, the linking of the ID information of the debit tag 2 and the ID information of the article tag 1 is released. Then, a return process for returning the article to the storage area is performed.

Configuration of Storage Area In FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7, 7, 10, and 23, 4 is a storage area internal reader that reads ID information of RFID tags in the storage area, and 5 is a storage area. It is an antenna unit that is connected to the internal reader unit 4 and receives the ID information of the RFID tag when it is returned by the radio wave by transmitting the radio wave to the RFID tag under the control of the storage area internal reader unit 4. The storage area internal reader unit 4 may be a reader / writer having a function of writing to an RFID tag (in FIG. 2, “R / W” indicating the reader / writer is shown, but the reader / writer may have only a reader function. ). The storage area internal reader unit 4 may be integrated with the antenna unit 5. Reference numeral 6 denotes storage area partitioning means for partitioning the storage area and the lending return processing area, and doors, flapper gates, and the like are assumed. 7 is a storage area entry / exit reader that reads the ID information of the RFID tag and unlocks the storage area partitioning means 6 when the ID information is authenticated so that the storage area partitioning means 6 can enter or exit. When the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 is determined to be impossible, the unit 7a turns on a lighting device such as a rotating light or a warning light using a light source such as an LED. Alternatively, it is a notification unit that notifies fraud (cannot be authenticated) by blinking, and is not limited to a lighting device, but a sound generation device such as a display device that displays fraud on the screen and reports fraud But you can. Reference numeral 8 is connected to the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7, and receives radio wave ID information when it is sent back to the RFID tag by controlling the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7. It is an antenna part. The storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 may be a reader / writer having a function of writing to an RFID tag (in FIG. 2, “R / W” indicating the reader / writer is used, but the reader / writer may have only a reader function. Good). The storage area entry / exit leader unit 7 may be integrated with the antenna unit 8.

Lending return processing (entrance / exit room) area configuration In FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 10, 17 and 23, 9 is a lending return for reading the RFID tag ID information in the lending return processing area. The processing area internal reader unit 10 is connected to the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 and transmits radio waves to the RFID tag under the control of the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 so that the ID information of the RFID tag is transmitted by radio waves. It is an antenna unit that receives when a reply is received. The lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 may be a reader / writer having a function of writing to an RFID tag (in FIG. 2, “R / W” indicating a reader / writer is indicated, but only a reader function) It may be) 11, when the ID information of the debit tag read by the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is authenticated by the control unit 16 described later, the article tag 1 having the ID information associated with the ID information of the debit tag 2 is Lending / returning having a display section for displaying at least one of a list of attached articles or a list of articles stored in a storage area, and an input section capable of selecting an article from the displayed list of articles It is a processing terminal (lending return registration terminal). “Select” means that an rentable article (or an article to be returned) and an input signal for selecting the article are determined in advance in the article management system, and are input from the input unit of the loan return processing terminal 11. This means that the input signal is the aforementioned predetermined input signal. Therefore, in order for the worker to generate an appropriate input signal on the loan return processing terminal 11, a display prompting the worker to perform an appropriate operation on the input unit of the loan return processing terminal 11 is displayed on the display portion of the loan return processing terminal 11. Need to do. The lending return processing terminal (lending return registration terminal) 11 includes a general-purpose PC and software incorporated in the PC. The display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 (lending return registration terminal 11) is assumed to be a liquid crystal display or the like. The input unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 (lending return registration terminal 11) is assumed to be a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. (when the input unit is a touch panel, the input unit also serves as a display unit). Reference numeral 12 denotes a lending return processing area partitioning means for partitioning the lending return processing area from the outside, and a door, a flapper gate, or the like is assumed. The lending unit 13 reads the ID information of the RFID tag and unlocks the lending return processing area partition unit 12 when the ID information is authenticated so that the lending return processing area partition unit 12 can enter or leave. When the return processing area entry / exit leader unit 13a is determined to be unable to authenticate the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit 13, It is a notification unit that notifies fraud (authentication is impossible) by turning on or blinking a lighting device such as a warning light, and the notification unit 13a is not limited to the lighting device, and displays fraud on the screen, as with the notification unit 7a. A sound generating device such as a display device for informing the user or a speaker for informing the user of the illegality may be used. 14 is connected to the lending / return processing area entry / exit reader unit 13, and by transmitting a radio wave to the RFID tag under the control of the lending / returning process area entry / exit reader unit 13, ID information of the RFID tag is returned by the radio wave. It is an antenna part that receives sometimes. The lending / return processing area entry / exit reader unit 13 may be a reader / writer having a function of writing to an RFID tag (in FIG. 2, “R / W” indicating a reader / writer is used, but only a reader function is provided. It may be a thing).

Configuration of control of article management system In FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 17, and 23, 15 is ID information of the debit tag 2, ID information of the article tag 1, and debit tag 2. The related information indicating whether or not the ID information and the ID information of the article tag 1 are linked, and the authentication information indicating whether or not the ID information of the debit tag 2 can be authenticated are stored, and the information is updated (changed / changed). The database server unit 16 that can also record the history and timing of additional recording, 16 refers to each of the above-mentioned information stored in the database server unit 15 as appropriate, the storage area internal reader unit 4, the storage area entry / exit reader Unit 7, a lending return processing area internal reader unit 9, a lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit 13 and a function for determining whether or not the ID information of the RFID tag read by these can be authenticated and the database support A control unit having a function of updating (changing / adding) each information stored in the server unit 15 and a timer function capable of counting the return date (return period) of the article, a predetermined time, and the like, Reference numeral 17 denotes a mail server (e-mail server) which is connected to the control unit 16 and transmits an e-mail to a target e-mail address (e-mail address) in response to a request from the control unit 16. The mail server 17 and the electronic mail system may be general ones. Reference numeral 18 denotes a user terminal in which a worker who holds the debit tag 2 is a user. The user terminal 18 may be a general-purpose PC or a mobile phone as long as it has a mailer that can receive electronic mail. Since the e-mail address is stored in the database server unit 15 as the related information of the debit tag 2, the control unit 16 can use the user terminal 18 used by the worker corresponding to the debit tag 2 as necessary (Embodiment 2). Then, an electronic mail can be sent to the user terminal 24 (including the user terminal 24) via the mail server 17.

-Information of article tag 1 and debit tag 2 stored in database server unit 15 FIG. 3A is a table (one example) of ID information and related information of debit tag 2, and FIG. It is a table (an example) of information and related information. In FIG. 3A, “worker code”, “lending / returning processing”, “linking information”, and “email address” are shown in the table as related information of the debit tag 2. Information may be newly added / added as the related information of the tag 2. In the present application, all debit tags 2 (with ID information of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03”, “04”, “05”) enter the lending return processing area. It is assumed that the use of the lending return processing terminal 11 is permitted, but the entry into the lending return processing area and the permission or disapproval of the use of the lending return processing terminal 11 are also shown in the table of FIG. However, it is assumed that, among the related information of the debit tag 2, in particular, it is stored as authentication information indicating whether or not the ID information of the debit tag 2 can be authenticated. This authentication information can be linked to the later-described association information, and the control unit 16 can change the information on whether or not the ID information of the debit tag 2 can be authenticated. Is something. Details will be described in the operation and operation method (article management method) of the article management system described later. Also, among the debit tags 2, those with ID information “00” are debit tag 00, those with ID information “01” are debit tag 01, those with ID information “02” are debit tag 02, and ID information is The debit tag 03 is for “03”, the debit tag 04 is for ID information “04”, and the debit tag 05 is for ID information “05”.

  In FIG. 3A, the “worker code” is to identify the worker's individual. “Lending / returning process” means whether the lending process is in a state from the start of the lending process of the article by the lending return processing terminal 11 until completion, and the lending return process is in progress It shows whether the terminal 11 is in a state from the start to completion of the article return process. Here, since the debit tag 00 and the debit tag 05 are “lending / return processing” and there is no “linking information”, it can be seen that no item is borrowed. On the other hand, since the debit tag 01 is “Lending / Returning” and there is only one “linking information”, it can be seen that one item is borrowed. Specifically, it can be seen that an article with an article tag 1 with ID information “CC” attached is borrowed. “Linking information” refers to information that is linked to the article tag 1 of the article that the worker holding the debit tag 2 wants to borrow (during lending processing) or is borrowing (lending). . For example, in the case of FIG. 3A, the debit tag 01 is associated with the item tag 1 whose ID information is “CC”. In FIG. 3A, up to five “linking information” can be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. “Mail address” refers to an e-mail address, and as described above, the control unit 16 sends an e-mail via the mail server 17 to the user terminal 18 used by the worker corresponding to the debit tag 2 as necessary. be able to. Details regarding the table will be described in the operation and operation method (article management method) of the article management system described later.

  In FIG. 3B, “article name”, “manufacturer name”, “association information”, “return date (planned)”, and “during lending / return processing” are shown in the table as related information of the article tag 1. Although described, information may be newly added / added as related information of the article tag 1. Further, among the article tags 1, those with ID information “AA” are article tags AA, those with ID information “BB” are article tags BB, those with ID information “CC” are article tags CC, ID information is An article tag EE for "DD", an article tag EE for ID information "EE", an article tag FF for ID information "FF", and an article tag GG, ID for ID information "GG" An information tag “HH” is defined as an article tag HH. Although the display part of the lending return processing terminal 11 displays the ID information of the article tag 1 and the related information table shown in FIG. 3B, the article run-up and the article lending status can be confirmed. Some items (information) such as “ID information” and “linking information” of the article tag 1 may be displayed face down.

  In FIG. 3B, “article name” indicates the article name of the article to which the article tag 1 is attached. “Manufacturer name” indicates the name of a manufacturer that manufactures or sells an article to which the article tag 1 is attached. “Linking information” refers to information that is linked to the article tag 1 of the article that the worker holding the debit tag 2 wants to borrow (during lending processing) or is borrowing (lending). . For example, in the case of FIG. 3B, the debit tag 02 is linked to the article tag AA. “Return date (scheduled)” indicates the return date of the article set when the article with the article tag 1 attached is rented, that is, the return deadline. In the example of FIG. 3B, the return date is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the return date may be set. Further, the return deadline may be set to “lending date (lending time) plus a predetermined date (predetermined time)” instead of the return date. “Lending / returning process” means whether the lending process is in a state from the start of the lending process of the article by the lending return processing terminal 11 until completion, and the lending return process is in progress It shows whether the terminal 11 is in a state from the start to completion of the article return process. Here, since the article tag BB is “lending / returning” and there is no “linking information”, it can be seen that the article tag BB is not borrowed and exists in the storage area. On the other hand, the article tag CC is “rented / returned” and the “linking information” is present. Specifically, it can be seen that the worker who holds the debit tag 01 borrows an article (the measuring instrument 3) to which the article tag CC is attached. Details regarding the table will be described in the operation and operation method (article management method) of the article management system described later.

  Next, the operation and operation method (article management method) of the article management system according to the first embodiment will be described. This explanation will be made using flowcharts in addition to the schematic diagram and functional block diagram of the configuration of the article management system, and each processing step (Step) in each flowchart will be referred to as SXXXXX. The error processing step (ERROR) is referred to as EOOXXX. Note that a positive integer or zero is entered in ○. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In the operation and operation method (article management method) of the article management system according to the first embodiment, the control unit 16 collects ID information of the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2 and sends the data to the database server unit 15 in time series. Do this by saving. Of course, the ID information and related information of the article tag 1 stored in the database server unit 15 and the ID information and related information of the debit tag 2 are also used.

  Entry into the management return process (entrance / exit) area will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, the debit tag 2 is hung as an ID card on the chest of the operator who has pushed the cart 3. This worker comes in front of the lending return processing area partitioning means 12 (hereinafter referred to as the door 12), which is a door (outside the lending return processing area), and debits the tag to cover the radio wave emitted by the antenna unit 14. When 2 enters, the loan return processing area entrance / exit reader unit 13 reads the ID information of the debit tag 2 via the antenna unit 14 (S0501). The control unit 16 determines from the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15 whether the ID information read by the lending / return processing area entry / exit reader unit 13 can be authenticated (S0502). When the control unit 16 determines that the authentication cannot be performed (when there is no authentication information corresponding to the ID information or when the ID information is stored in the authentication information as being incapable of authentication), it is processed as an error and the process returns to S0501 ( E0501). E0501 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of fraud (authentication impossible) by the notification unit 13a. When it is determined that the control unit 16 can authenticate (when the ID information is stored in the authentication information that authentication is possible), the control unit 16 unlocks the door 12 via the lending return processing area entry / exit leader unit 13. (S0503). S0503 may include a step of locking the door 12.

  6, after the worker enters the management return processing (entrance / exit) area, the rental return processing terminal 11 is used to borrow the article, that is, the input unit of the rental return processing terminal 11 A process when there is an input for selecting an article from a list of articles stored in the storage area will be described. When an operator who enters the management return processing (entrance / exit) area holds the debit tag 2 over the radio wave radiated from the antenna unit 10 connected to the lending return processing terminal 11, the antenna unit 10 The loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 reads the ID information of the debit tag 2 (S0601). The control unit 16 determines whether the ID information read by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 can be authenticated or not from the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15 (S0602). When the control unit 16 determines that the authentication cannot be performed (when there is no authentication information corresponding to the ID information or when the ID information is stored in the authentication information as being unauthenticated), it is processed as an error and the process returns to S0601 ( E0601). E0601 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of fraud (unauthenticated) using the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11. When the control unit 16 determines that authentication is possible (when the ID information is stored in the authentication information that authentication is possible), the lending return processing terminal 11 displays a list of articles stored in the storage area on the display unit ( For example, the table shown in FIG. 3B is displayed (S0602).

  The loan return processing terminal 11 displays a list of articles stored in the storage area on the display unit so that the worker can browse. If the article that the worker desires to lend is not lent, the lending of the article is performed. Can be selected, that is, in order to start the lending process, the target article can be selected using the input unit of the lending return processing terminal 11. In this case, a plurality of articles may be selected. The lending return processing terminal 11 generates an input signal when there is an external input by the worker at the input unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 (S0603). When the list of articles stored in the storage area displayed on the display unit of the loan return processing terminal 11 does not display whether the article is in the loan process or the return process, S0604 is executed after S0603. If not, this step (S0604) is omitted and S0605 is performed. Specifically, S0605 is a step of notifying an operator (displaying an icon or the like) whether there is another article to be rented on the display unit of the loan return processing terminal 11. If there is an input that there is another article to be rented in the input section of the lending return processing terminal 11, the process returns to S0603, and if there is in the input section of the lending return processing terminal 11 that there is no other article to borrow, The process proceeds to S0606. If S604 is (NO), the process returns to S0603.

  In S <b> 0606, a display for prompting the worker to input the return date of the article that the worker wants to borrow is displayed on the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 via the input unit of the lending return processing terminal 11. The operator enters the return date. With this input, the control unit 16 stores (updates / adds) the return date of the article that the worker intends to borrow in the related information of the database server unit. The setting of the return date performed in S0606 may be freely set on the system (the operator can input freely), for each article, for each worker, or for a combination of both. You may limit the return period that can be set to. These settings can be easily executed because individual identification of articles and individual identification of workers are performed by the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2. Next, in S0607, a process of associating the debit tag 2 and the article tag 1 (the article tag 1 may be a single item or a plurality of items) may be performed. A process of giving an authentication restriction to the authentication information of the debit tag 2 is also performed.

  In S0607, the control unit 16 uses the ID information of the debit tag 2 possessed by the operator who operates the lending return processing terminal 11, that is, the ID information of the debit tag 2 that has been read and authenticated by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9. Of the articles in the storage area, the related information of the debit tag 2 and the article tag 1 stored in the database server unit 15 is updated (stored) by associating with the ID information of the article tag 1 attached to the selected article. ·Append. This S0607 will be described by taking as an example a case where the debit tag 02 and an operator who owns the debit tag 02 want to borrow the item tag AA, the item tag DD, and the item tag GG. It is assumed that the state of FIG. 3 is the result of the update described above. The table shown in FIG. 3A is obtained as a result of the processing of S0607, as the related information of the debit tag 02, the “linking information” is the ID information of the three item tags 1 (item tag AA, item tag DD, item tag). GG) is stored (updated / added). Further, as related information of the debit tag 02, “lending / returning process” is stored (updated / added) as a lending process being performed.

  The table described in FIG. 3B is stored (updated / added) when the “linking information” is linked to the debit tag 02 as the related information of the article tag AA by the process of S0607. If the “linking information” is linked to the debit tag 02 as the related information of the article tag DD, it is stored (updated / added). As the related information of the article tag GG, the “linking information” is stored (updated / added) when the debit tag 02 is linked. In addition, as the related information of the article AA, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG, each “return date (plan)” is stored (updated / added) as being lent. Similarly, in S0607, the control unit 16 is ID information that can be authenticated when the ID information of the debit tag 2 read and authenticated by the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 4. And the authentication information of the debit tag 2 stored in the database server unit 15 is changed (updated) so that it is determined that the ID information cannot be authenticated when read by the lending return processing area entrance / exit reader unit 13. ·Append.

  This change of authentication information and the authentication information itself are not directly displayed in the table shown in FIG. 3, but “lending / returning process”, which is related information of the debit tag 2, is in the lending process. This indicates that the authentication information is indirectly changed. This is because the ID information of the debit tag 2 that has been read and authenticated by the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is “ID information that can be authenticated when read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7” and “entry return process area entry”. The purpose of changing the ID information that cannot be authenticated when read by the retirement reader unit 13 is to link the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2 to start the lending process, and for the first time, the debit tag 2 Is allowed to enter the storage area and cannot leave the lending return processing area until the lending process described later using the flowchart of FIG. 16 is completed (finished). In other words, can the worker who holds the debit tag 2 be able to enter the storage area, but whether the period during which the worker cannot leave the loan return processing area is under loan processing? It is.

  The entrance to the storage area in the lending process will be described with reference to FIGS. The debit tag 2 hung on the chest of the operator who has pushed the cart 3 shown in FIG. 7 is assumed to have undergone the processes from S0601 to S0607. This worker comes in front of the storage area partitioning means 6 (hereinafter referred to as the door 6) which is a door (outside the storage area and in the lending return processing area), and the radio wave emitted by the antenna unit 8 is emitted. When the debit tag 2 enters the covered area, the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 reads the ID information of the debit tag 2 via the antenna unit 8 (S0801). The control unit 16 determines from the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15 whether or not the ID information read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 can be authenticated (S0802). When it is determined that the control unit 16 can authenticate (when the ID information of the debit tag 2 that has undergone the processing from S0601 to S0607, that is, the related information of the debit tag 2 is stored (updated / changed) as being lent) The control unit 16 unlocks the door 6 via the storage area entry / exit leader unit 7 (S0803). S0803 may include a step of locking the door 6. In addition, when the debit tag 2 hung on the chest of the operator who has pushed the cart 3 shown in FIG. 7 has not undergone the processing from S0601 to S0607, that is, when the control unit 16 determines that it cannot be authenticated, Treat as an error and return to S0801 (E0801). E0801 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of injustice (unauthenticated) by the notification unit 7a.

  An operator who possesses the debit tag 2 that has passed through the steps of S0801 to S0803 can enter the storage area. Therefore, the storage area searches for an article that is being lent and places the target article on the carriage 3. You will leave the storage area. For example, when the debit tag 2 is the debit tag 02, the operator searches for an article with the article tag AA attached, an article with the article tag DD attached, and an article with the article tag GG attached. Become. The description will be made assuming this case. In order to prevent trouble that the worker cannot find when searching for an article, a name tag or a sticker may be attached to each article, or when selecting an article using the lending return processing terminal 11, an overview of the article You may display the arrangement | positioning in a photograph and a storage area on the display part of the lending return processing terminal 11. FIG.

  The exit from the storage area will be described with reference to FIG. An operator places the article with the article tag AA attached, the article with the article tag DD attached, and the article with the article tag GG attached on the carriage 3 and in front of the door 6 (in the storage area). When the debit tag 2 enters the coverage of the radio wave radiated from the antenna unit 8, the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 reads the ID information of the debit tag 2 via the antenna unit 8 (S0901). The control unit 16 determines from the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15 whether or not the ID information read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 can be authenticated (S0902). When it is determined that the control unit 16 can authenticate (when the ID information of the debit tag 2 that has undergone the processing from S0601 to S0607, that is, the related information of the debit tag 2 is stored (updated / changed) as being lent) The control unit 16 unlocks the door 6 via the storage area entry / exit leader unit 7 (S0903). S0903 may include a step of locking the door 6. If the debit tag 2 has not undergone the processes from S0601 to S0607, that is, if it is determined that the control unit 16 cannot be authenticated, the debit tag 2 is processed as an error and the process returns to S0901 (E0901). E0901 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of the fraud (unauthenticated) by the notification unit 7a.

  In the processing of S901 to S903, the worker who possesses the debit tag 02 takes an article other than an article to which the article tag AA is attached, an article to which the article tag DD is attached, or an article to which the article tag GG is attached. May be taken out of storage area. When it is necessary to prevent malicious articles from being taken out, a process for periodically checking the presence or absence of articles in the storage area may be performed. When only the problem of taking out an article due to negligence is a problem, it can be prevented by completing (ending) a lending process to be described later using the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, a process for periodically examining the presence / absence of articles in the storage area will be described with reference to FIGS. This periodic investigation is performed by the control unit 16 using the storage area internal reader unit 4 to collect the ID information of the article tag 1 and storing the data in the database server unit 15 in time series. Of course, the ID information and related information of the article tag 1 stored in the database server unit 15 and the ID information and related information of the debit tag 2 are also used. FIG. 10 schematically shows reading of the RFID tag (article tag 1) in the storage area. In such a state, the processing flows (processing steps) of FIGS. 11 to 15 are executed at a predetermined cycle to investigate the presence of articles in the storage area. The predetermined period may be set according to the required degree of security. When high security is required, the processing flows (processing steps) of FIGS. 11 to 15 may be executed in a short cycle.

  A main processing flow by the control unit 16 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in S1101, the storage area internal reader unit 4 reads the ID information of the article tag 1 in the storage area via the antenna unit 5. Here, although not described in the processing flow, if the storage area internal reader unit 4 reads the ID information of the debit tag 2, the worker is working (entering the storage area). You may move from to end (end). The ID information of the article tag 1 read by the storage area internal reader unit 4 is compared with the ID information of the article tag 1 read at the previous reading (S1102). If there is no change as a result of the comparison, the process proceeds to end (end) and ends. When new ID information increases, that is, when the number of articles increases, sub-processing flow 1 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 12 is executed. When new ID information increases and there is lost ID information, that is, when there are newly added articles and lost articles, sub-processing flow 2 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 14 is executed.

  As a result of the comparison in S1102, if there is lost ID information, that is, if there is a lost article, S1104 is executed. In step S1104, it is determined based on the related information whether the article to which the article tag 1 having the lost ID information is attached is being processed (during lending processing or return processing described later) or being lent. If processing is in progress or lending, the process proceeds to end (end) and processing ends. If it is not being processed or rented out, the article has been lost, and error processing (E1101) for performing some notification is performed. The processing in S1104 will be described by taking the table of FIG. 3B as an example. The product tag AA, the product tag DD, the product tag EE, the product tag FF, the product tag GG, and the product tag HH are being processed, and the product tag CC. Is on loan. However, when the ID information of the article tag BB cannot be read by the storage area internal reader unit 4, the article to which the article tag BB is attached is lost.

  A sub processing flow 1 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 12 will be described. In step S1201, it is determined based on related information whether the newly increased ID information has been returned or is being returned. If so, the process moves to the end (end) and the process ends. Otherwise, the sub processing flow 3 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 13 is executed. Here, the process when the newly increased ID information has been returned or is being returned will be described using the table of FIG. 3B as an example. If the increased ID information is for the item tag BB, the return process has been completed, and if the increased ID information is for the item tag FF or the item tag HH, the return process is in progress.

  The sub processing flow 3 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 13 will be described. In step S1301, it is determined based on related information whether the newly increased ID information is being lent. If the newly increased ID information is being lent, the article has been brought into the storage area without performing the return process described later, and therefore an error process (E1301) for performing some notification is performed. Here, the process when the newly increased ID information is being lent is described with reference to the table of FIG. 3B. If the increased ID information is for the item tag CC, it means that the item is being rented. In step S1301, if the newly increased ID information is not being lent, it is determined that the article being lent is brought into the storage area again, and the process proceeds to the end (end) to end the process. Here, the process when the newly increased ID information is being lent is described with reference to the table of FIG. 3B. If the increased ID information is for the item tag AA, the item tag DD, the item tag EE, and the item tag GG, it means that the item being lent is brought into the storage area again.

  The sub processing flow 2 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 14 will be described. First, S1401 is executed. In step S1401, the related information is used to determine whether the article to which the article tag 1 having the lost ID information is attached is being processed (during lending processing or return processing described later) or being lent. If it is being processed or loaned, the process proceeds to S1402. If it is not being processed or loaned, the process proceeds to S1403. In S1402, it is determined based on related information whether the newly increased ID information has been returned or is being returned. If so, the process moves to the end (end) and the process ends. Otherwise, the sub processing flow 3 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 13 is executed. Here, the process when the newly increased ID information has been returned or is being returned will be described using the table of FIG. 3B as an example. If the increased ID information is for the item tag BB, the return process has been completed, and if the increased ID information is for the item tag FF or the item tag HH, the return process is in progress.

  S1403 has been found to have been lost in the process of S1401, and has been newly added on the assumption that some error notification process (E1401 or E1501 or E1502 described later) is performed. It is determined from the related information whether the ID information has been returned or is being returned. If so, error processing (E1401) is performed and the process returns to S1401. Otherwise, the sub processing flow 4 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 15 is executed. Here, the process when the newly increased ID information has been returned or is being returned will be described using the table of FIG. 3B as an example. If the increased ID information is for the item tag BB, the return process has been completed, and if the increased ID information is for the item tag FF or the item tag HH, the return process is in progress.

  The sub processing flow 4 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 15 will be described. In step S1501, it is determined based on related information whether the newly increased ID information is being lent. If the newly increased ID information is being rented, the article was brought into the storage area without performing the return process described later, so that the article was lost in the error process for performing some notification and the process of S1401. An error process (E1501) for notifying is performed. Here, the process when the newly increased ID information is being lent is described with reference to the table of FIG. 3B. If the increased ID information is for the item tag CC, it means that the item is being rented. In S1301, if the newly increased ID information is not lent out, it is determined that the article being lent is brought into the storage area again, and error processing (S1401) notifies that the article has been lost. E1502) is performed to move to the end (end) and the processing is ended. Here, the process when the newly increased ID information is being lent is described with reference to the table of FIG. 3B. If the increased ID information is for the item tag AA, the item tag DD, the item tag EE, and the item tag GG, it means that the item being lent is brought into the storage area again.

  Next, a processing flow (processing step) for completing the lending process will be described with reference to FIG. After the processing flow shown in FIG. 6, the article on which the article tag 1 from the storage area is pasted is placed on the carriage 3 by the process described with reference to FIG. 9, that is, the management return process (entrance / exit room) area. The worker who has entered the room comes to the antenna unit 8 of the reader / return processing area internal reader unit 9. When the worker holds the debit tag 2 and the article tag 1 over the radio wave radiated from the antenna unit 10 connected to the lending return processing terminal 11, the lending return processing area internal reader unit via the antenna unit 10 9 reads the ID information of the debit tag 2, the ID information of the debit tag 2, and the ID information of the article tag 1 (S1601). The control unit 16 determines whether the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 can be authenticated or not from the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15 (S1602). When the control unit 16 determines that the authentication cannot be performed (when there is no authentication information corresponding to the ID information or when the ID information is stored in the authentication information as being incapable of authentication), it is processed as an error and the process returns to S1601 ( E1601). E1601 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of fraud (unauthenticated) using the display unit of the loan return processing terminal 11. If the control unit 16 determines that authentication can be performed (when the ID information is stored in the authentication information that authentication is possible), the process proceeds to S1603.

  In S1603, is there any ID information of the article tag 1 read by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 that is not linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9? Determine. If there is ID information of the article tag 1 that is not linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2, it is processed as an error and the process returns to S1603 (E1602). E1602 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings that there is an article not linked by the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 and information related to the article. When the control unit 16 determines that there is no article that is not linked, the process proceeds to S1604. In the process of S1603, when the debit tag 2 possessed by the worker is the debit tag 02 described in the table of FIG. 3, the article with the article tag AA and the article tag DD are pasted. If there is any item other than the item and the item to which the item tag GG is attached, it is processed as an error (E1602).

  In S1604, the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 determines whether there is ID information of the authenticated debit tag 2 and ID information of all the article tags 1 linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2. . If there is no ID information of all the article tags 1, it is processed as an error and the process returns to S1603 (E1602). In the process of S1604, when the debit tag 2 possessed by the worker is the debit tag 02 described in the table of FIG. 3, the article with the article tag AA and the article tag DD are pasted. If there are no articles or articles with an article tag GG attached, they are processed as errors (E1602). When the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 reads the ID information of the authenticated debit tag 2 and the ID information of all the article tags 1 linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2, the control unit 16 However, the ID information of the debit tag 2 possessed by the operator who operates the lending return processing terminal 11, that is, the related information of the debit tag 2 that has been read and authenticated by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 and the lending return processing area internal reader The debit tag stored in the database server unit 15 is changed from “lending / return processing” to “no lending process” in the related information of the article tag 1 attached to the article that the section 9 has read and authenticated. 2 and related information of the article tag 1 are updated (changed / added).

  The debit tag 02 described in the table of FIG. 3 updates the related information of the debit tag 2 and the item tag 1 in S1604, and the operator who owns the debit tag 02 borrows the item tag AA, the item tag DD, and the item tag GG. This will be described as an example. Through the processing in S1604, “related to lending / return processing” is stored (updated / added) from the lending processing as related information of the debit tag 02. As the related information of the article tag AA, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG, “during lending / returning processing” is stored (updated / added) from the lending process.

  Similarly, in S1604, the control unit 16 can authenticate the ID information of the debit tag 2 that has been read and authenticated by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 by the lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit 13. And the authentication information of the debit tag 2 stored in the database server unit 15 is changed (updated) so that it is determined that the ID information cannot be authenticated when read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7. ·Append. This change of authentication information and the authentication information itself are not directly displayed in the table shown in FIG. 3, but “related to lending / return processing”, which is related information of the debit tag 2, is denied. This indicates that the authentication information is indirectly changed. This is because the ID information of the debit tag 2 that has been read and authenticated by the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is “ID information that can be authenticated when read by the loan return processing area entry / exit reader unit 13” and “storage area input”. The purpose of changing the authentication information with the ID information that cannot be authenticated when read by the retirement reader unit 7 has been confirmed to have taken out all the article tags 1 associated with the debit tag 2 from the storage area. The operator who holds the debit tag 2 is prevented from entering the storage area, and after the lending process is completed (terminated), it is possible to leave the lending return processing area. In other words, the debit tag 2 This is because it can be said that when the lending process is completed, the worker who holds the room cannot enter the storage area but can leave the lending return processing area.

  Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, after the lending process is completed, the worker will leave the lending return process (entrance / exit) area. As shown in FIG. 17, when an operator who has pushed the carriage 3 comes in front of the door 12 (in the lending return processing area) and the debit tag 2 enters the covered area of the radio wave radiated from the antenna unit 14. The lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit 13 reads the ID information of the debit tag 2 via the antenna unit 14 (S1801). The control unit 16 determines from the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15 whether the ID information read by the lending / returning processing area entry / exit reader unit 13 can be authenticated (S1802). When the control unit 16 determines that the authentication cannot be performed (when there is no authentication information corresponding to the ID information or when the ID information is stored in the authentication information as being incapable of authentication), it is processed as an error and the process returns to S1801 ( E1801). E0501 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of fraud (authentication impossible) by the notification unit 13a. If the control unit 16 determines that authentication can be performed (when the ID information is stored in the authentication information that authentication is possible), the process proceeds to S1803, but the authentication information itself is changed in the processing flow illustrated in FIGS. If the process is performed, the processes of S1803 and S1804 are skipped, and the process proceeds to S1805, where the control unit 16 unlocks the door 12 via the lending return processing area entrance / exit leader unit 13. S1805 may include a step of locking the door 12. Note that after the lending process is completed, a return process described later may be started without leaving the lending return process area.

  In the processing flow shown in FIG. 18, the authentication information itself has not been changed in the processing flow shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 16, and “related to lending / returning processing” that is related information of the debit tag 2 is lent. If the authentication information is indirectly changed because the processing is in progress or not, the processing of S1803 and S1804 is performed. First. In S1803, it is determined whether or not the lending process is being performed from the “lending / returning process in progress” and the “linking information” of the related information of the debit tag 2. If the lending process is not performed, the process proceeds to S1805 described above. If the lending process is performed, the process proceeds to S1804 described above. In S1804, it is determined whether or not the lending process has been completed from the “lending / returning process” in the related information of the debit tag 2. If the lending process has not been completed, the process proceeds to E1801 described above. The process proceeds to S1805 described above. Note that S1803 and S1804 may be integrally processed. This integrated processing refers only to “during lending / returning processing” in the related information of the debit tag 2, and if not, the process proceeds to S1805. If the lending process is in progress, the process proceeds to E1801.

  In the article management system (article management method) according to Embodiment 1 described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 18 as described above, an operator can access a storage area in which articles are managed as necessary. In addition to being able to enter the room, if the lending process is not completed, it is not possible to leave the lending return processing area, so that there is an effect that there is no risk of taking the article out of the lending return processing area. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the forgetting to take out the article that is the object of the lending process from the lending return processing area. Furthermore, even if there is a large amount of traffic of people going to and from the door 12 or when the passage leading to the door 12 is narrow, it is possible to leave the lending / return processing area only with equipment for authenticating only the debit tag 2, so it is applicable The effect is that the range is wide.

  In addition, when there is equipment that can sufficiently read all the debit tags 2 and the article tags 1 at the door 12 in the lending return processing area, the processes S1803 and S1804 described in FIG. It is possible to add a function of preventing an operator who is not performing processing from leaving the rental return processing area together with the article tag 1. Specifically, in the step of S1803, a processing flow in which the lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit 13 reads the ID information of the article tag 1 through the antenna unit 14 under the control of the control unit 16 may be added. For example, although the article lending process is not performed in S1803, a process of proceeding to E1801 is conceivable when the ID information of the article tag 1 is read. In S1804, the article lending process is completed. However, when the ID information of the article tag 1 that is not associated with the debit tag 2 is read, the process may proceed to E1801. This is the same not only when entering the lending return processing area from the door 12 of the lending return processing area, but also for entering and leaving the storage area.

  So far, the description has been given from the start to the end of the lending process, but here, the lending return processing terminal 11 is operated by the operator to start the lending process of the article, but the worker is in the lending return processing area, The article picking up as shown in FIG. 19 which is preferably executed when it takes time to pick up the target article from the storage area by starting another work or taking a break, and there is a possibility that the article cannot be effectively used. The forgetting notification process will be described. In this article take-forget notification process, the basic process flow is S1901 between the processes of S1101 and S1102 of the "process for periodically checking the presence or absence of articles in the storage area" described with reference to FIGS. Is added. Here, S1901 and subsequent processes S1902 and S1903 will be described.

  In S1101 illustrated in FIG. 19, the storage area internal reader unit 4 reads the ID information of the article tag 1 in the storage area via the antenna unit 5. Here, although not described in the processing flow, if the storage area internal reader unit 4 reads the ID information of the debit tag 2, the worker is working (entering the storage area). You may move from to end (end). Next, in S1901, the control unit 16 confirms whether or not there is an item under lending processing from the ID information and the related information of the item tag 1 read by the storage area internal reader unit 4. If there is no lending process, the process proceeds to S1102, and if there is a lending process, the process proceeds to S1902. The specific processing of S1901 is executed when the control unit 16 refers to the “related to lending / returning processing” of the related information of the article tag 1 from the database server unit 15.

  In S1902, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the article tag that is in the lending process has passed a predetermined time since the start of the lending process. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S1102, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S1903. How to set the predetermined time is related information on the ID information of the debit tag 1 and the ID information of the article tag 1 owned by the operator by operating the lending return processing terminal 11 in the lending return processing area. From the start of the lending process that is started by linking in, the worker has enough time to take out all the items attached with the article tag linked from the storage area, the worker's moving speed, lending return processing terminal The distance from 11 to the door 6 in the storage area, the distance from the place where the article in the storage area is arranged to the door 6, and the like may be set.

  In S1903, the control unit 16 sets the email address of the worker (debiter) who holds the debit tag 2 having the ID information associated with the ID information of the article tag 1 for which a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the lending process. Obtained from the related information stored in the database server unit 15, an e-mail is sent to the user terminal 18 of the worker (debit) via the mail server 17. The content of the e-mail may be anything as long as it informs the user that he / she has forgotten to take off the item being lent. After the process of S1903, the process proceeds to S1102. Note that the debit tag 2 having the ID information associated with the ID information of the item tag 1 attached to the item being lent is changed in authentication information, and cannot leave the rent return processing area. Since it is in a state, even if an e-mail is sent to the user terminal 18 of the worker (debiter) via the mail server 17, the worker may not be able to see the mail. Therefore, in the article management system according to the first embodiment, when the article take-forget-notification process is performed, the user terminal 18 is desirably a terminal that can be carried by an operator such as a mobile phone or a mobile PC.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, a process for sending an e-mail prompting a worker to return when an article return process (described later) has not been completed even after the return deadline has passed will be described. FIG. 20A is a table (example) of ID information and related information of the debit tag 2, and FIG. 20B is a table (example) of ID information and related information of the article tag 1, respectively. 3B, it can be seen that the debit tag 02 that was in the lending process in FIG. 3 is in a state in which the lending process has been completed in FIG. Similarly, the associated article tag AA, article DD, and article GG are in the lending process in FIG. 3, but in FIG. 20, the lending process is completed.

  FIG. 21 shows a process of sending an e-mail prompting the worker to return. This process may be executed at a predetermined cycle, but is executed at a predetermined cycle to check for the presence of articles in the storage area. The predetermined cycle may be set according to the required security and the degree of utilization efficiency of the article. When high security and utilization efficiency of goods are required, it may be executed in a short cycle. In step S <b> 2101, the control unit 16 refers to “return date (planned)” that is related information of the article tag 1 in the database server unit 15 and determines whether or not the return deadline has passed. If the return deadline has not passed, the process moves to the end (end) and ends. Here, the return deadline added to the related information is defined by a date, and the control unit 16 sends an e-mail to the user terminal via the mail server 17 after the return date added to the related information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the return deadline may be set by time instead of date. Alternatively, the setting may be “lending date (lending time) plus a predetermined date (predetermined time)”. In these cases, it is possible to send an e-mail that prompts the worker to return in units of time instead of units of date. Needless to say, such processing in time units includes processing in date units.

  If the return time limit has passed as a result of the processing in S2101, the e-mail address is obtained from the related information of the debit tag 2 having the ID information linked to the ID information of the article tag 1 whose return time limit has passed in S2102. Then, the control unit 16 sends an e-mail having a text or an image with a content prompting the return of the article to the user terminal 18 via the mail server 17 to the mail address. Thereafter, in S2103, the location of the article whose return deadline has passed is confirmed (actually, the location of the article tag 1 attached to the article whose return deadline has passed) is confirmed. How to confirm the location will be described later. If the location of the article (article tag 1) attached to the article whose return deadline has passed is determined to be unknown by the process of S2103, it is processed as an error and the process returns to S2102 (E2101).

  E2101 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings that the location of the article is unknown by a notification means such as the notification unit 13a. In particular, the operator may use the processing in S2102 to perform electronic processing. An e-mail may be sent to notify that the location of the article is unknown. Specifically, as the processing of S2102 in the case of passing through E2101, the e-mail address is obtained from the related information of the debit tag 2 having ID information associated with the ID information of the article tag 1 whose return deadline has passed and the location is unknown. The control unit 16 sends, to the user terminal 18, an e-mail having a text or an image of content that prompts the mail address to return the article via the mail server 17 and content that the location of the article is unknown. send.

  Here, how to confirm the location will be described. The reader unit that can be directly or indirectly controlled by the control unit 16 of the article management system according to the first embodiment includes a lending return processing area and a storage area (lending return processing area internal reader unit 9, lending return processing). Area entry / exit leader unit 13, storage area internal reader unit 4, storage area entry / exit leader unit 7) and rental destination area where an article (article tag 1) may exist (described in the second embodiment) (Including three “work areas”). The controller 16 confirms the location of the article tag by causing each reader unit to simultaneously read the ID information of the RFID tag (article tag 1) or sequentially read the ID information of the RFID tag. . The location confirmation here is to determine whether or not there is a target article in the area where the reader unit that can be directly or indirectly controlled by the control unit 16 is installed. The e-mail “content whose location of the article is unknown” does not necessarily mean that the worker himself does not know the location of the article.

  If it is determined in step S2103 that the location has been specified, the process advances to step S2104. In S2104, after the completion of the processing in S2103, the control unit 16 confirms again whether or not an article whose return deadline has passed after the elapse of a predetermined time (an arbitrarily settable time) has passed. As for the confirmation method, in the same way as in S2101, the control unit 16 adds “relation date (planned)” which is related information of the article tag 1 of the database server unit 15, “linking information” and “under lending / return processing”. To do. Specifically, if the “linking information” is cancelled, or if “lending / returning process” is in the return process, it is determined that the return has ended. Strictly speaking, this includes the case where the worker is in the middle of carrying the article in the rental return processing area or the storage area because the return process is being performed. Even if the worker is carrying the goods in the lending return processing area or the storage area, the return will end because it will not be possible to leave the lending return processing area until the end of the return processing as described later. This is because there is no hindrance even if it is considered.

  In S2104, it is confirmed again whether the article has been returned, and if it has not been returned, the process returns to S2102 and an e-mail is sent again to the user terminal 18 of the worker for a reminder. If the item has been returned after confirming whether it has been returned (if it may be considered that it has been returned), the process proceeds to the end (end) and the process is ended.

  In S2102, an e-mail for dunning is targeted for an article (article tag 1) whose return deadline has passed, but the return deadline added to the related information is defined by a date, and the control unit An email may be transmitted as a prior notification via the mail server 17 by the day before the return deadline in which 16 is added to the related information. Even in this case, the processing after S2102 may be performed. Further, the return deadline may be set by time instead of date. Furthermore, the setting may be “lending date (lending time) plus a predetermined date (predetermined time)”. In these cases, it is possible to send an e-mail that informs the worker in advance of the return deadline not in units of date but in units of time. Needless to say, such processing in time units includes processing in date units.

  Next, the article return process will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. When the worker returns the article, the worker (debit tag 2) placing the article to be returned (article tag) on the cart 3 enters the rental return processing area from the door 12. Note that the operator does not have to bring all the borrowed items at once, whether or not the return deadline has passed. The entry into the lending return processing area here is the same as the processing described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, so the description thereof will be omitted, but “the door of the lending return processing area” which is a supplementary explanation of the items described in FIGS. 12, if there is equipment sufficient to read all the debit tags 2 and article tags 1, not only the debit tag 2 but also the article tag 1 may be read.

  After the worker enters the management return process (entrance / exit room) area using FIG. 22, the return process for returning the article using the lending return processing terminal 11, that is, the input part of the lending return processing terminal 11, A process when there is an input for selecting an article from a list of articles to which the article tag 1 having the ID information associated with the ID information of the debit tag 2 is attached will be described. The worker who has entered the management return processing (entrance / exit room) area comes to the antenna unit 8 of the reader / return processing area internal reader unit 9. When the worker holds the debit tag 2 and the article tag 1 over the radio wave radiated from the antenna unit 10 connected to the lending return processing terminal 11, the lending return processing area internal reader unit via the antenna unit 10 9 reads the ID information of the debit tag 2, the ID information of the debit tag 2, and the ID information of the article tag 1 (S2201). The control unit 16 determines from the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15 whether the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 can be authenticated (S2202). When the control unit 16 determines that the authentication cannot be performed (when there is no authentication information corresponding to the ID information or when the ID information is stored in the authentication information as being unauthenticated), it is processed as an error and the process returns to S2201 ( E2201). E2201 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of fraud (unauthenticated) using the display unit of the loan return processing terminal 11. If the control unit 16 determines that authentication can be performed (when the ID information is stored in the authentication information that authentication is possible), the process proceeds to S2212. The process of S2212 may be executed integrally with the processes of S2201 and S2202. Further, the process of S2212 may be executed after the process of S2203.

  In S2212, the display unit of the loan return processing terminal 11 associates the ID information of the debit tag 2 when the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is authenticated by the control unit 16. If there is ID information provided, it is possible to select only a list of articles attached with an article tag having the ID information or only a list of articles attached with an article tag having the ID information. The worker uses the input unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 to browse the list of articles stored in the storage area displayed on the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 and start the return processing. The target article can be selected. In this case, a plurality of articles may be selected. The input unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 has an input from the outside by the worker (S2212).

  Note that “display only the list of articles to which the article tag having the ID information is attached” in the above-described S2212 means that the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is the control unit 16. When there is no item tag 1 having ID information associated with all debit tag 2 ID information even when there is ID information associated with the ID information of the debit tag 2 when authenticated by It means that only the information of a certain article tag 1 is displayed on the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11. “Only a list of articles to which an article tag having the ID information is attached can be selected” means that the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is authenticated by the control unit 16. Even when there is ID information associated with the ID information of the debit tag 2, there are cases where there are not all the article tags 1 having the ID information associated with the ID information of all the debit tags 2. ) Indicates that the operator can select only the information of the article tag 1 by using the input unit of the lending return processing terminal 11.

  In S2203, is there any ID information of the article tag 1 read by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 that is not linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9? Determine. If there is ID information of the article tag 1 that is not linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2, it is processed as an error and the process returns to S2201 (E2201). E2201 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings that there is an article not linked by the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 and information related to the article. If the control unit 16 determines that there are no articles that are not linked, the process advances to step S2204. In the process of S2203, when the debit tag 2 possessed by the worker is the debit tag 02 described in the table of FIG. 20, the article with the article tag AA and the article tag DD are pasted. If there is any item other than the item and the item to which the item tag GG is attached, it is processed as an error (E2201).

  In S2204, the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 determines whether there is ID information of the authenticated debit tag 2 and ID information of all the article tags 1 linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2. . If there is ID information of all the article tags 1, the process proceeds to S2205. In S2205, the control unit 16 obtains the ID information of the debit tag 2 possessed by the operator who operates the lending return processing terminal 11, that is, the related information of the debit tag 2 that has been read and authenticated by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9. Among the related information of the article tag 1 attached to the article that has been read and authenticated by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9, the “lending / returning process” is changed from no to the returning process to the database server unit 15. The related information of the stored debit tag 2 and article tag 1 is updated (changed / added). The “return date (planned)” of the related information of the product tag 1 is deleted, and the related information of the debit tag 2 and the product tag 1 stored in the database server unit 15 is updated (changed / added). Note that “erasure” simply erases the relevant information of the target article tag 1 and may leave it as a history of information on the database server unit 15. Since there is no “return date (planned)” of the related information of the article tag 1, useless return to the worker in S2102 of the process of sending an e-mail prompting the worker to return described with reference to FIG. Avoid sending reminder emails. Further, in S2204, a process for giving an authentication restriction to the authentication information of the debit tag 2 is also performed.

  Note that determining whether there is ID information of all the article tags 1 linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2 in S2205 may be all that the operator has selected to return in S2212, Even if the worker does not select to return in S2212, it is compulsory if there is “ID information of the article tag 1 in which the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2”. In addition, the information related to the debit tag 2 and the article tag 1 stored in the database server unit 15 may be updated by changing “during lending / return processing” to “return processing”. The explanation will proceed on the assumption of both cases.

  The update of the related information of the debit tag 2 and the item tag 1 in S2205 is returned to the debit tag 02 shown in the table of FIG. 20, and the operator who owns the debit tag 02 returns the item tag AA, the item tag DD, and the item tag GG. This will be described as an example. Through the processing in S2205, “related to lending / returning processing” is stored (updated / added) from “no lending / return processing” as related information of the debit tag 02. As related information of the article tag AA, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG, “during lending / return processing” is stored (updated / added) from no.

  Similarly, in S2205, when the control unit 16 reads the ID information of the article tag 1 having ID information associated with the ID information of the debit tag 2, the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 reads the debit tag 2's ID information. The association between the ID information and the ID information of the article tag 1 is released, and the related information stored in the database server unit 15 is updated (changed / added). It is determined that the ID information can be authenticated when the storage area entry / exit reader unit 9 reads the ID information, and the ID information cannot be authenticated when the ID information is read by the lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit 13. As described above, the authentication information of the debit tag 2 stored in the database server unit 15 is changed (updated / added), and the process proceeds from S2205 to END (end). To.

  The authentication information change and the authentication information itself are not directly displayed in the tables in the format as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 20, but are “related to debit / return processing”. "Is in the process of returning, it indicates that the authentication information is being changed indirectly. This is because the ID information of the debit tag 2 that has been read and authenticated by the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is “ID information that can be authenticated when read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 9” and “entry return process area entry”. The purpose of changing the authentication information and the ID information that cannot be authenticated when read by the retirement reader unit 13 is to release the association between the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2 and start the debit tag. 2 so that the worker who has 2 can enter the storage area and cannot leave the lending return processing area until the return process is completed (terminated). This is because it can be said that the worker who owns it can enter the storage area but cannot return from the lending return processing area during the return processing.

  In S2204, when the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 cannot read the ID information of the authenticated debit tag 2 and the ID information of all the article tags 1 linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2 The process proceeds to S2206. In S2206, among the item tags 1 in which the ID information of the debit tag 2 and the ID information are linked, the “return date (planned)” of the related information of the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 that could not read the ID information. Is obtained from the database server unit 15, and if the return date has not passed, the process proceeds to S2205 via S2207, and if the return date has passed, the process proceeds to S2208. In S2207, the return date and name of the article are displayed on the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 to notify the worker (debiter). Although it is possible to omit S2207, if “return date (planned)” is not displayed as the related information of the article tag 1 on the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11, if it is executed, prior notification of the return date is performed. It becomes. In S2208, the article return deadline has passed and the name of the article are displayed on the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 to notify (warn) the worker (debit), and the process proceeds to S2209.

  In step S2209, the same processing as in step S2103 is performed. If it is determined that the location is unknown by the processing of S2208, it is processed as an error and the process returns to S2208 (E2202). E2202 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings that the location of the article is unknown by the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11, and in particular, using the processing in S2208 for the worker. An e-mail may also be sent to notify that the location of the article is unknown. Specifically, as the processing of S2208 when passing through E2202, the e-mail address is obtained from the related information of the debit tag 2 having the ID information linked to the ID information of the article tag 1 whose return deadline has passed and the location is unknown. The control unit 16 sends, to the user terminal 18, an e-mail having a text or an image of content that prompts the mail address to return the article via the mail server 17 and content that the location of the article is unknown. send.

  If it is determined that the location can be specified by the processing of S2209, the process proceeds to S2205 (S2210 as background processing). S2210 as background processing of the loan return processing terminal 11 (control unit 16) will be described. In S2210, after the completion of the processing in S2209, the control unit 16 confirms again whether or not an article whose return deadline has passed after the elapse of a predetermined time (an arbitrarily settable time) has passed. As for the confirmation method, in the same manner as in S2101 described above, the control unit 16 adds “relation date (planned)”, which is related information of the article tag 1 of the database server unit 15, in addition to “linking information” and “rental / return processing”. Refer to “Medium”. Specifically, if the “linking information” is cancelled, or if “lending / returning process” is in the return process, it is determined that the return has ended. Strictly speaking, this includes the case where the worker is in the middle of carrying the article in the rental return processing area or the storage area because the return process is being performed. Even if the worker is carrying goods in the lending return processing area or the storage area, it cannot be left from the lending return processing area until the return processing is started, so it is considered that the return has ended. This is because there is no hindrance.

  In S2210, if it is checked again whether the article has been returned or not, the process proceeds to S2102 shown in FIG. 21 via S2211, and an e-mail is sent again to the user terminal 18 of the worker for reminding. Send to. If the item has been returned after confirming whether it has been returned (if it may be considered that it has been returned), the process proceeds to the end (end) and the process is ended. In S2208 (S2102), an e-mail for reminder is targeted for an article (article tag 1) whose return deadline has passed, but the return deadline added to the related information is defined by date. The control unit 16 may send an e-mail as a prior notification via the mail server 17 by the day before the return deadline added to the related information. Even in this case, the processing after S2102 may be performed. These are the same as described with reference to FIG.

  The entrance to the storage area in the return process will be described with reference to FIGS. It is assumed that the debit tag 2 hung on the chest of the operator who has pushed the cart 3 shown in FIG. 23 has undergone the processing from S2201 to S02205 (including cases where S2206 to S2209 have been passed). When this worker comes in front of the door 6 (outside the storage area and in the lending return processing area) and the debit tag 2 enters the covered area of the radio wave radiated by the antenna unit 8, the antenna unit 8, the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 reads the ID information of the debit tag 2 (S2401). The control unit 16 determines from the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15 whether or not the ID information read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 can be authenticated (S2402). When the control unit 16 determines that authentication is possible (including the cases where S2201 to S02205 (including cases where S2206 to S2209 are passed)), the ID information of the debit tag 2, that is, the related information of the debit tag 2 is stored as being returned. (When updated / changed), the control unit 16 controls the storage area internal reader unit 4 to transmit a query wave from the antenna unit 5 and start reading the ID information of the RFID tag (article tag 1). The control unit 16 unlocks the door 6 via the storage area entry / exit leader unit 7 (S2404). S02404 may include a step of locking the door 6. In addition, when the debit tag 2 hung on the chest of the operator who has pushed the cart 3 shown in FIG. When it is determined that 16 cannot be authenticated, it is processed as an error, and the process returns to S2401 (E2401). E2401 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of fraud (authentication is impossible) by the notification unit 7a.

  Since the worker who has the debit tag 2 that has passed through the steps of S2201 to S02205 (including the cases after S2206 to S2209) can enter the storage area, the storage area can return the original article being returned. Return to the place and leave the storage area. In order to prevent the trouble that the worker cannot find the original place when returning the article, a name tag or a sticker may be attached to the place where each article is placed, or the article return process using the lending return processing terminal 11 When performing (starting the return process), a picture of the place where the article is placed and an arrangement in the storage area may be displayed on the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11.

  The exit from the storage area will be described with reference to FIG. When the operator returns the article being returned to the original place, comes to the door 6 (in the storage area), and the debit tag 2 enters the covered area of the radio wave radiated by the antenna unit 8, the antenna unit 8, the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 reads the ID information of the debit tag 2 (S2501). The control unit 16 determines from the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15 whether or not the ID information read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 can be authenticated (S2502). When the control unit 16 determines that authentication is possible (including the cases where S2201 to S02205 (including cases where S2206 to S2209 are passed)), the ID information of the debit tag 2, that is, the related information of the debit tag 2 is stored as being returned. If (updated / changed), the control unit 16 unlocks the door 6 via the storage area entry / exit leader unit 7 and locks it (S2503). If the debit tag 2 has not undergone the processing from S2201 to S02205 (including the cases through S2206 to S2209), that is, if the control unit 16 determines that the authentication cannot be performed, the debit tag 2 is processed as an error, and S0901. Return to (E2501). E2501 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of the fraud (unauthenticated) by the notification unit 7a.

  After the door 6 is locked in S2503, or at the same time, the storage area internal reader unit 4 or the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 determines whether or not the debit tag 2 exists in the storage area (S2504). If the debit tag 2 is present in the storage area, the notifying unit 7a warns the worker to leave the storage area and returns to S2503. If the debit tag 2 does not exist in the storage area, the process proceeds to S2505. In S2505, the storage area internal reader unit 4 controlled by the control unit 16 sends a question wave to the item tag 1 to determine whether there is any item whose lending / returning process in the related information of the item tag 1 is being returned. Send and read ID information to confirm. That is, when the operator operates the lending return processing terminal 11 to start the return processing, the ID information of the article tag 1 that has been unlinked from the ID information of the debit tag 2 is read and confirmed. If it cannot be read, it is processed as an error, and the process returns to S2505 (E2502). E2502 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of fraud (return has not been completed) by the notification unit 7a. If it can be read, the process advances to step S2506.

  S2506 may be omitted, but it may be performed when it is desired to reduce the possibility that an article unrelated to the process is taken out during the return process. Details of S2506 will be described with reference to FIG. In S2601 via S2506, the ID information of the article tag 1 read by the storage area internal reader unit 4 is compared with the ID information of the article tag 1 read at the previous reading. If there is no change as a result of the comparison, the process proceeds to end (end) to end the process, and the process proceeds to S2507. When new ID information increases, that is, when the number of articles increases, the sub processing flow 1 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 12 (the sub processing flow 3 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 13 is also required). Execute (depending on), shift to end (end), end the process, and proceed to S2507. When new ID information increases and there is lost ID information, that is, when there are newly added items and lost items, sub-processing flow 2 (FIG. 13) by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. The sub-processing flow 3 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 15 is also executed if necessary, and the sub-processing flow 4 by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 15 is also executed if necessary. The process ends, and the process proceeds to S2507. Proceed to S2507

  When the processing of S2501 to S2506 is arranged, it is determined that the debit tag 2 whose authentication information has been changed by the processing described with reference to FIG. 22 is read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7 and authentication for exiting from the storage area is possible. Then, S2507 is executed when the storage area internal reader unit 4 reads the ID information of the article tag whose association has been released. S2507 is a processing flow (processing step) for completing the return processing. As described above, after the processing flow shown in FIG. 22, the worker can leave the storage area by the processing (up to S2506) described with reference to FIG.

  S2507 is a process for enabling an operator who has left the storage area to leave the rental return processing area. The control unit 16 includes the ID information of the debit tag 2 possessed by the worker who has left the storage area and the related information of the article tag 1 (S2505) attached to the article that has been read and authenticated by the storage area internal reader unit 4. , “During lending / return processing” is changed to “No” during the return processing, and the related information of the debit tag 2 and the article tag 1 stored in the database server unit 15 is updated (changed / added).

  Similarly, in S2507, the control unit 16 is the ID information that cannot be authenticated when the ID information of the debited debit tag is read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7, and enters the lending return processing area. The authentication information of the debit tag 2 stored in the database server unit 15 is changed (updated / added) so that it is determined that the ID information can be authenticated when read by the withdrawal reader unit 9. This change of authentication information and the authentication information itself are not directly displayed in the tables shown in FIGS. 3 and 20, but it is not possible to confirm that “lending / returning process”, which is related information of the debit tag 2, is not accepted. This means that the authentication information is changed indirectly. This is because the ID information of the debit tag 2 that has been unlinked is “ID information that cannot be authenticated when read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7” and “read / return processing area entry / exit reader unit 9”. Since the purpose of changing the authentication information to “ID information that can be authenticated” is confirmed that the article tag 1 has been returned to the storage area, it prevents the worker holding the debit tag 2 from entering the storage area. After the return process is completed (finished), it is possible to leave the lending return processing area. In other words, the worker holding the debit tag 2 cannot enter the storage area, but the lending return process. This is because the time when the user can leave the area is when the return process is completed. When the return processing is completed, the worker can start the lending process by operating the lending return processing terminal 11 without leaving the lending return processing area.

  As described above, the article management system (article management method) according to Embodiment 1 restricts free access to a storage area in which articles such as measuring instruments are stored, and a loan return process including the storage area. Restricting free entry to the area is easy to change according to each step of the lending process and return process, so even though restrictions are set on entry, workers do not feel stressed In addition to being able to manage and rent / return goods, there is an effect that the possibility of loss of goods due to the operator's negligence can be reduced. In addition, since the history of having taken out from the storage area (lending return processing area) is provided with the control unit 16 that reads from the database server unit 15, it is possible to grasp where, who, what and when, There is an effect that it is possible to carry out a return notification to the worker having the debit tag 1 for sure return. Furthermore, since the debit tag 2 which recorded the information of the worker who takes out the article tag 1 and the article is provided, the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2 are read, the article taken out is managed, and the storage area (lending return processing area) It is possible to manage the history of taking out from each item. Further, when the information of each area is aggregated, there is an effect that it is possible to know where, who and what was brought out.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In the second embodiment, the description of the parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted. Although Embodiment 1 did not mention the take-out destination of the article from the lending return processing area, Embodiment 2 describes an article management system (article management method) including management of the take-out destination of the article.

  Specifically, the article management system according to the second embodiment includes a rental destination area (working area) outside the article, and in addition to the configuration of the article management system according to the first embodiment. A rental destination area internal reader unit (work area internal reader unit) 19 that is controlled by the control unit 16 and reads the ID information of the RFID tag in the work area, and an antenna unit 20 connected to the work area internal reader unit 19; (The work area internal reader unit 19 may be a reader / writer having a function of writing to an RFID tag (in FIG. 27, “R / W” indicating a reader / writer is used. Good)) The rental destination area partitioning means (working area partitioning means) 20 for partitioning the work area from the outside, and the control unit 16 read the ID information of the RFID tag. Thus, when the ID information is authenticated, the storage area partitioning means is unlocked so that the storage area partitioning means can enter or leave the rental area entry / exit leader unit (work area entry / exit leader unit). 21 and an antenna unit 23 connected to the work area entry / exit reader unit 21 (the work area entry / exit reader unit 21 may be a reader / writer having a function of writing to an RFID tag (in FIG. 27, the reader / writer is indicated as “ R / W "is indicated, but only the reader function may be used)) (FIGS. 27, 30, 35, and 38). In the second embodiment, a case where there are three work areas will be described as an example. Therefore, the constituent elements of the article management system according to the second embodiment are distinguished from each other by adding alphabets as suffixes to the reference numerals. The work area 1 is “a”, the work area 2 is “b”, and the work area 3 is “c”.

Structure of work area In FIGS. 30, 35, and 38, 19a (19b, 19c) is a work area internal reader unit that reads the ID information of the RFID tag in work area 1 (work area 2, work area 3), 20a (20b, 20c) is connected to the work area internal reader unit 19a (work area internal reader unit 19b, work area internal reader unit 19c), and the work area internal reader unit 19a (work area internal reader unit 19b, work area internal reader unit). 19c) is an antenna unit that receives radio waves when they are sent back by radio waves by transmitting radio waves to the RFID tags under the control of 19c). The work area internal reader unit 19a (work area internal reader unit 19b, work area internal reader unit 19c) may be a reader / writer having a function of writing to an RFID tag.

Structure of work area In FIGS. 30, 35 and 38, 21a (21b, 21c) is work area partitioning means for partitioning work area 1 (work area 2, work area 3) from the outside, such as a door or a flapper gate. Etc. are assumed. 22a (22b, 22c) reads the ID information of the RFID tag, and when the ID information is authenticated, the work area partitioning means 21a (21b, 21c) is unlocked and the work area partitioning means 21a (21b, 21c) When the work area entry / exit leader unit 22d that enables entry / exit is enabled, 22d indicates that it is impossible to authenticate the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the work area entry / exit leader unit 22a (22b, 22c). In addition, it is a notifying unit that notifies fraud (unauthenticated) by turning on or blinking a lighting device such as a rotating light or a warning light using a light source such as an LED. A sound generation device such as a display device for displaying and notifying or a speaker for notifying illegality by sound may be used. 23a (23b, 23c) is connected to the work area entry / exit leader unit (22b, 22c), and transmits radio waves to the RFID tag under the control of the work area entry / exit leader unit (22b, 22c). This is an antenna unit that receives ID information when it is returned by radio waves. The work area entry / exit reader unit (22b, 22c) may be a reader / writer having a function of writing to an RFID tag. The work area entry / exit leader unit (22b, 22c) may be integrated with the antenna unit 23a (23b, 23c).

  In FIG. 27, reference numeral 24 denotes a user terminal possessed by an operator who owns the debit tag 2, and in particular, a “management work area” set as related information of the debit tag 2. The user terminal 24 may be anything that can receive electronic mail such as a general-purpose PC or a mobile phone. Since the e-mail address is stored in the database server unit 15 as the related information of the debit tag 2, the control unit 16 sends the mail server to the user terminal 24 used by the worker corresponding to the debit tag 2 as necessary. You can send an email via

  FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the article management system according to the second embodiment. The major difference from the configuration of the article management system according to the first embodiment is that the articles are outside the lending / return processing (entrance / exit room) area. There are three work areas where the location of the (article tag 1) can be grasped. The work area may be one place or a plurality of places.

Information on article tag 1 and debit tag 2 stored in database server unit 15 FIG. 28A is a table (one example) of ID information and related information of debit tag 2, and FIG. It is a table (an example) of information and related information. In FIG. 28A, “worker code”, “lending / returning processing”, “linking information”, “management work area”, and “email address” are described in the table as related information of the debit tag 2. However, information may be newly added / added as related information of the debit tag 2. In the present application, all debit tags 2 (with ID information “00”, “01”, “02”, “03”, “04”, “05”) are transferred to work areas 1, 2, and 3. However, the permission or non-permission of entering this work area is not shown in the table of FIG. 28 (a), but among the related information of the debit tag 2, It is assumed that the ID information of the debit tag 2 is stored as authentication information indicating whether authentication is possible or not. This authentication information can be linked to the later-described association information, and the control unit 16 can change the information on whether or not the ID information of the debit tag 2 can be authenticated. Is something. Details will be described in the operation and operation method (article management method) of the article management system described later. In FIG. 28A, the “management work area” is stored when there is a work area managed by the worker. “Mail address” refers to an e-mail address, and the control unit 16 sends an e-mail to a user terminal 18 or a user terminal 24 used by a worker corresponding to the debit tag 2 via a mail server as necessary. Can do.

  In FIG. 28 (b), as related information of the article tag 1, “article name”, “manufacturer name”, “linking information”, “return date (planned)”, “under lending / returning process”, “work area” "Is described in the table, but information may be newly added / added as related information of the article tag 1. Although the display part of the lending return processing terminal 11 displays the ID information and the related information table of the article tag 1 shown in FIG. 28B, it is possible to check the run-up of the article and the lending status of the article. Some items (information) such as “ID information” and “linking information” of the article tag 1 may be displayed face down. In FIG. 3B, the “work area” indicates a work area in which the article with the article tag 1 attached is brought in after the lending process.

  Next, a series of processing of lending processing, work area entry and return processing of the article management system (article management method) according to Embodiment 2 in the case of taking the article only to the set work area, and presence / absence of articles in the work area A process of periodically checking the will be described. Since entering the management return process (entrance / exit room) area is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted (FIGS. 4 and 5). 28 and 29, after the worker enters the management return processing (entrance / exit) area, the rental return processing terminal 11 is used to borrow the goods, that is, the input portion of the loan return processing terminal 11 A process when there is an input for selecting an article from a list of articles stored in the storage area will be described. The processing up to S0605 described in FIG. 29 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted (FIG. 6). S0605 is a step of displaying an icon or the like for notifying the operator of whether or not there are other items to be rented on the display unit of the loan return processing terminal 11. If there is an input that there is another article to be rented in the input section of the lending return processing terminal 11, the process returns to S0603, and if there is in the input section of the lending return processing terminal 11 that there is no other article to borrow, The process proceeds to S2901.

  In S2901, a display prompting the worker to input the use place of the article that the worker intends to borrow is displayed on the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 via the input unit of the lending return processing terminal 11. The worker inputs the place of use (either the work area 1, work area 2 or work area 3 format or the worker himself can enter either work area 1, work area 2 or work area 3) To do. By this input, the control unit 16 updates (stores / adds) the related information in the database server unit with the use place of the article that the worker wants to borrow. The use place setting performed in S2901 may limit the use place that can be set for each article, for each worker, or for each combination of both. For example, only a work area managed by an operator can be registered. These settings can be easily executed because individual identification of articles and individual identification of workers are performed by the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2. Next, in S0606, a process for inputting the return date of the article that the worker wants to borrow is performed.

  In S0607, the control unit 16 uses the ID information of the debit tag 2 possessed by the operator who operates the lending return processing terminal 11, that is, the ID information of the debit tag 2 that has been read and authenticated by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9. Of the articles in the storage area, the related information of the debit tag 2 and the article tag 1 stored in the database server unit 15 is updated (stored) by associating with the ID information of the article tag 1 attached to the selected article. ·Append. This S0607 will be described by taking as an example a case where the debit tag 02 and an operator who owns the debit tag 02 want to borrow the item tag AA, the item tag DD, and the item tag GG. It is assumed that the state of FIG. 28 is the result of the update described above. In the table shown in FIG. 28A, the ID information (article tag AA, article tag DD, article tag) of the article tag 1 having “linking information” as the related information of the debit tag 02 is obtained by the process of S0607. GG) is stored (updated / added). Further, as related information of the debit tag 02, “lending / returning process” is stored (updated / added) as a lending process being performed.

  The table described in FIG. 28B is stored (updated / added) when “linking information” is linked to the debit tag 02 as the related information of the article tag AA by the processing of S0607. If the “linking information” is linked to the debit tag 02 as the related information of the article tag DD, it is stored (updated / added). As the related information of the article tag GG, the “linking information” is stored (updated / added) when the debit tag 02 is linked. In addition, as the related information of the article AA, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG, each “return date (plan)” is stored (updated / added) as being lent. Furthermore, “work area” is stored (updated / added) as “1”, “3”, and “2” as related information of the item AA, the item tag DD, and the item tag GG. Similarly, in S0607, the control unit 16 is ID information that can be authenticated when the ID information of the debit tag 2 read and authenticated by the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 4. And the authentication information of the debit tag 2 stored in the database server unit 15 is changed (updated) so that it is determined that the ID information cannot be authenticated when read by the lending return processing area entrance / exit reader unit 13. ·Append.

  “Entering the storage area in the lending process”, “Exiting from the storage area”, “Periodically checking for the presence of articles in the storage area”, “Processing flow for completing the lending process” in the second embodiment , “After the lending process is completed, the worker leaves the lending return process (entrance / exit room) area” is the same as in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. A case where the worker leaves the rental return processing area and enters the work area will be described. Here, the case where the user enters the work area 1 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the other work areas 2 and 3.

  Entry into the work area (work area 1) will be described with reference to FIGS. An operator who has pushed the cart 3 shown in FIG. 30 has a storage area partitioning means 21a (hereinafter referred to as a flapper gate 21a) which is a flapper gate (in the drawing, a flap portion (door) is omitted for simplification). When the debit tag 2 or the article tag 1 enters the covered area of the radio wave radiated by the plurality of antenna portions 23a formed on the gate pillar portion of the flapper gate 21a. The work area entry / exit reader unit 22a reads the ID information of the debit tag 2 and the article tag 1 via the antenna unit 21a (S3101). Based on the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15, the control unit 16 determines whether the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the work area entry / exit reader unit 22a can be authenticated (S3102). Whether the control unit 16 can authenticate the ID information of the article tag 1 read by the work area entry / exit reader unit 22a or not is determined based on the contents of the “work area” of the related information stored in the database server unit 15. Determination is made (S3103). The order of the processes of S3102 and S3103 may be reversed. When it is determined that the control unit 16 can authenticate through the processes of S3102 and S3103, the control unit 16 unlocks the flapper gate 21a via the work area entry / exit leader unit 22a, and the worker enters the work area. Enable. (S3104). S3104 may include a step of locking the flapper gate 21a. When the debit tag 2 or the article tag 1 hung on the chest of the operator who has pushed the cart 3 shown in FIG. 30 determines that the control unit 16 cannot authenticate, it is processed as an error and the process returns to S3101 ( E3101). E3101 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of the injustice (unauthenticated) by the notification unit 7a.

  The exit from the work area will be described with reference to FIG. An operator places an article with the article tag 01 attached on the carriage 3, comes to the front of the flapper gate 21a (in the work area 1), and covers the debit tag 2 and the radio wave covered by the antenna unit 21a. When the article tag 1 enters, the work area entry / exit reader section 22a reads the ID information of the debit tag 2 and the article tag 2 via the antenna section 21a (S3201). Based on the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15, the control unit 16 determines whether the ID information of the debit tag 2 read by the work area entry / exit reader unit 22a can be authenticated (S3202). Whether the control unit 16 can authenticate the ID information of the article tag 1 read by the work area entry / exit reader unit 22a or not is determined based on the contents of the “work area” of the related information stored in the database server unit 15. Determination is made (S3203). The order of the processes of S3202 and S3203 may be reversed. If it is determined by the processes of S3202 and S3203 that the control unit 16 can authenticate, the control unit 16 unlocks the flapper gate 21a via the work area entry / exit leader unit 22a, and the worker leaves the work area. Enable. (S3204). S3204 may include a step of locking the flapper gate 21a. In addition, when the debit tag 2 or the article tag 1 hung on the chest of the operator who has pushed the cart 3 shown in FIG. 30 determines that the control unit 16 cannot authenticate, it is processed as an error and the process returns to S3201 ( E3201). E3201 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of fraud (authentication is impossible) by the notification unit 7a.

  When the work area is different from the lending return processing area and the frequency of workers entering and leaving the room is low, it is possible to read both the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2 by the plurality of antenna units 23a. As in the case of entering and leaving the lending / returning processing area, a process of reading only the debit tag 2 may be performed to detect the ID information of the illegal article tag 1 in the work area (presence of goods in the work area) To periodically investigate). The process of periodically checking the presence or absence of articles in the work area and the process of entering the rental return process area for the return process and the return process are not limited to the work area where the articles described below are set, but also the work area that passes through Since it is almost the same as the case of bringing it out, it will be explained together.

  Next, a series of processes of lending processing, entry into the work area, and return processing of the article management system (article management method) according to the second embodiment in the case of taking out not only the work area where the article is set but also the passing work area And the process which investigates periodically the presence or absence of the article | item in a work area is demonstrated. In this case, since the article can be distributed to a plurality of work areas at once by the carriage 3, the possibility of leaving the article untreated can be reduced. Since entering the management return process (entrance / exit room) area is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted (FIGS. 4 and 5). 33 and 34, after the worker enters the management return process (entrance / exit room) area, the rental return process terminal 11 is used to borrow the article, that is, the input part of the loan return process terminal 11 A process when there is an input for selecting an article from a list of articles stored in the storage area will be described. The processing up to S0605 described in FIG. 34 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted (FIG. 6). S0605 is a step of displaying an icon or the like for notifying the operator of whether or not there are other items to be rented on the display unit of the loan return processing terminal 11. If there is an input that there is another article to be rented in the input section of the lending return processing terminal 11, the process returns to S0603, and if there is in the input section of the lending return processing terminal 11 that there is no other article to borrow, The process proceeds to S2901 and proceeds to S3401, but the processes of S2901 and S3401 may be mixed.

  In S2901, a display prompting the worker to input the use place of the article that the worker intends to borrow is displayed on the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 via the input unit of the lending return processing terminal 11. The worker inputs the place of use (either the work area 1, work area 2 or work area 3 format or the worker himself can enter either work area 1, work area 2 or work area 3) To do. By this input, the control unit 16 updates (stores / adds) the related information in the database server unit with the use place of the article that the worker wants to borrow. The use place setting performed in S2901 may limit the use place that can be set for each article, for each worker, or for each combination of both. For example, only a work area managed by an operator can be registered. These settings can be easily executed because individual identification of articles and individual identification of workers are performed by the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2.

  In S3401, a display for prompting the worker to input a place through which an article to be rented by the worker passes is displayed on the display unit of the lending return processing terminal 11 via the input unit of the lending return processing terminal 11. The worker inputs the passage location (either the work area 1, the work area 2, or the work area 3 can be selected, or the worker can enter either the work area 1, the work area 2, or the work area 3). To do. With this input, the control unit 16 updates (stores / adds) the related information of the database server unit to the location where the article to be borrowed by the worker is allowed to pass. The setting of the passing place (passing area) performed in S3401 may limit the use place that can be set for each article, for each worker, or for a combination of both. For example, only a work area managed by an operator can be registered. These settings can be easily executed because individual identification of articles and individual identification of workers are performed by the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2. Next, in S0606, a process for inputting the return date of the article that the worker wants to borrow is performed.

  In S0607, the control unit 16 uses the ID information of the debit tag 2 possessed by the operator who operates the lending return processing terminal 11, that is, the ID information of the debit tag 2 that has been read and authenticated by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9. Of the articles in the storage area, the related information of the debit tag 2 and the article tag 1 stored in the database server unit 15 is updated (stored) by associating with the ID information of the article tag 1 attached to the selected article. ·Append. This S0607 will be described by taking as an example a case where the debit tag 02 and an operator who owns the debit tag 02 want to borrow the item tag AA, the item tag DD, and the item tag GG. It is assumed that the state of FIG. 22 is the result of the update described above. The table shown in FIG. 33A is obtained by the process of S0607, as the related information of the debit tag 02, the “linking information” is the ID information of the three item tags 1 (item tag AA, item tag DD, item tag). GG) is stored (updated / added). Further, as related information of the debit tag 02, “lending / returning process” is stored (updated / added) as a lending process being performed.

  The table described in FIG. 33B is stored (updated / added) when “linking information” is linked to the debit tag 02 as related information of the article tag AA by the processing of S0607. If the “linking information” is linked to the debit tag 02 as the related information of the article tag DD, it is stored (updated / added). As the related information of the article tag GG, the “linking information” is stored (updated / added) when the debit tag 02 is linked. In addition, as the related information of the article AA, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG, each “return date (plan)” is stored (updated / added) as being lent. Furthermore, “work area” is stored (updated / added) as “1”, “3”, and “2” as related information of the item AA, the item tag DD, and the item tag GG. In addition, as related information of the article AA, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG, the respective “work area” is the article AA “2 and 3”, the article tag DD “1 and 2”, and the article tag GG “1 and 3”. Is stored (updated / added). Similarly, in S0607, the control unit 16 is ID information that can be authenticated when the ID information of the debit tag 2 read and authenticated by the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit 4. And the authentication information of the debit tag 2 stored in the database server unit 15 is changed (updated) so that it is determined that the ID information cannot be authenticated when read by the lending return processing area entrance / exit reader unit 13. ·Append.

  “Entering the storage area in the lending process”, “Exiting from the storage area”, “Periodically checking for the presence of articles in the storage area”, “Processing flow for completing the lending process” in the second embodiment , “After the lending process is completed, the worker leaves the lending return process (entrance / exit room) area” is the same as in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. A case where the worker leaves the rental return processing area and enters the work area will be described. Here, the operator holds the debit tag 02 (the lending process is completed) and the article AA, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG (the lending process is completed) shown in FIG. The case where the user enters the room 1 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the other work areas 2 and 3.

  Entry into the work area (work area 1) will be described with reference to FIGS. An operator who has pushed the cart 3 on which the article AA shown in FIG. 35 is attached, the article tag DD is attached, the article tag GG is attached to the cart 3 is shown in FIG. For simplicity, the flap portion (door) is omitted), and the antenna portion 23a formed in front of the flapper gate 21a (outside the work area 1) is formed in the gate pillar portion of the flapper gate 21a. When the debit tag 02, the item AA, the item tag DD, and the item tag GG enter the covered area of the radiated radio wave, the work area entry / exit leader unit 22a is connected to the debit tag 02, the item AA, and the item tag via the antenna unit 21a. The ID information of DD and article tag GG is read (S3101). The control unit 16 determines from the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15 whether the ID information of the debit tag 02 read by the work area entry / exit reader unit 22a can be authenticated (S3102).

  In S3601, it is sufficient that either of the two determinations can be authenticated. First, the control unit 16 stores the ID information of the article AA, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG read by the work area entry / exit reader unit 22a in the database server unit 15 as to whether authentication is possible or not. It is determined from the contents of the “work area” of the related information. In addition, in the article AA, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG, the item “work area” of the related information is the work area 1 is the article AA. Therefore, the article AA can be authenticated, and the article tag DD, the article tag. GG cannot be authenticated. Second, the control unit 16 stores the ID information of the article AA, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG read by the work area entry / exit reader unit 22a, and whether the authentication is possible or not is stored in the database server unit 15. It is determined from the contents of the “passing area” of the related information. In addition, in the article AA, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG, the item “DD” and the article tag GG have the “passing area” of the related information as the work area 1 because the article tag DD and the article tag GG. Authentication is possible, and the article AA cannot be authenticated. The order of the processes of S3102 and S3601 may be reversed.

  When it is determined that the control unit 16 can authenticate through the processes of S3102 and S3601, the control unit 16 unlocks the flapper gate 21a via the work area entry / exit leader unit 22a and the worker enters the work area. Enable. (S3104). S3104 may include a step of locking the flapper gate 21a. When the debit tag 2 or the article tag 1 hung on the chest of the operator who has pushed the cart 3 shown in FIG. 30 determines that the control unit 16 cannot authenticate, it is processed as an error and the process returns to S3101 ( E3101). E3101 may include a step of notifying the worker and the surroundings of the injustice (unauthenticated) by the notification unit 7a.

  The exit from the work area will be described with reference to FIG. The worker enters the work area 1 on the cart 3 on which the article AA is attached, the article tag DD is attached, the article tag GG is attached, and the article enters the work area 1. The description will be made on the assumption that an article with AA attached is placed, an article with article tag DD attached, and an article with article tag GG placed on the carriage 3 and leaving the work area.

  An operator who has pushed the cart 3 on which the article tag DD is attached and the article tag GG is attached comes to the front of the flapper gate 21a (in the work area 1), and has a plurality of antenna units. When the debit tag 02, the article tag DD, and the article tag GG enter the coverage area of the radio wave radiated by the 23a, the work area entry / exit leader unit 22a passes through the antenna section 21a and the debit tag 02, article AA, article tag DD. The ID information of the article tag GG is read (S3201). Based on the authentication information stored in the database server unit 15, the control unit 16 determines whether the ID information of the debit tag 02 read by the work area entry / exit reader unit 22a can be authenticated (S3202).

  In S3701, it is sufficient that either of the two determinations can be authenticated. First, the control unit 16 stores the ID information of the article tag DD and the article tag GG read by the work area entry / exit reader unit 22a in the database server unit 15 to determine whether authentication is possible or not. Judgment is made from the contents of the “work area” of the information. Since there is no item tag DD or item tag GG in which the “work area” of the related information is the work area 1, the item tag DD and the item tag GG cannot be authenticated. Second, the control unit 16 stores the ID information of the article tag DD and the article tag GG read by the work area entry / exit reader unit 22a in the database server unit 15 to determine whether authentication is possible or not. Judgment is made from the contents of the “passing area” of the information. In addition, in the article tag DD and the article tag GG, the item “DD” and the article tag GG can be authenticated because the “passage area” of the related information is the work area 1. The order of the processes of S3202 and S3701 may be reversed.

  If it is determined by the processes of S3202 and S3701 that the control unit 16 can authenticate, the control unit 16 unlocks the flapper gate 21a via the work area entry / exit leader unit 22a, and the worker leaves the work area. Enable. (S3204). S3204 may include a step of locking the flapper gate 21a.

  When the work area is different from the lending return processing area and the frequency of workers entering and leaving the room is low, it is possible to read both the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2 by the plurality of antenna units 23a. As in the case of entering and leaving the lending / returning processing area, a process of reading only the debit tag 2 may be performed to detect the ID information of the illegal article tag 1 in the work area (presence of goods in the work area) To periodically investigate). Further, as described above, the process of periodically checking the presence / absence of articles in the work area is performed even when both the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2 can be read. Can be run as a management.

  Here, a process for periodically checking the presence / absence of articles in the work area (work area 1) will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the case where the user enters the work area 1 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the other work areas 2 and 3. The periodic investigation in the work area 1 is performed by the control unit 16 collecting the ID information of the article tag 1 using the work area internal reader unit 19a and storing the data in the database server unit 15 in time series. Do. Of course, the ID information and related information of the article tag 1 stored in the database server unit 15 and the ID information and related information of the debit tag 2 are also used. FIG. 38 schematically shows reading of the RFID tag (article tag 1) in the work area 1. In such a state, the processing flow (processing step) of FIGS. 39 to 41 is executed at a predetermined cycle to investigate the presence of articles in the work area. The predetermined period may be set according to the required degree of security. When high security is required, the processing flows (processing steps) shown in FIGS. 39 to 41 may be executed in a short cycle.

  A main processing flow by the control unit 16 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in S3901, the plurality of work area internal reader units 19a read the ID information of the article tag 1 in the work area 1 via the antenna unit 20a. The ID information of the article tag 1 read by the storage area internal reader unit 4 is compared with the ID information of the article tag 1 read at the previous reading (S3902). If there is no change as a result of the comparison, the process proceeds to end (end) and ends. When new ID information increases, that is, when the number of articles increases, the sub-processing flow a by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 40 is executed. When new ID information increases and there is lost ID information, that is, when there are newly added items and lost items, sub-processing flow b by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 41 is executed. As a result of the comparison in S3902, if there is lost ID information, that is, if there is a lost article, S3906 is executed. In step S3906, the related information is used to determine whether the article to which the article tag 1 having the lost ID information is attached is being processed (lending process or return process described later). If processing is in progress, the process proceeds to end (end) and ends. If processing is not in progress, the article has been lost, and error processing (E3901) for performing some notification is performed.

  A sub processing flow a by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 40 will be described. In step S4001, it is determined based on related information whether the newly increased ID information is being returned. If so, the process moves to the end (end) and the process ends. If not, the process returns to S4001, and error processing (E4001) for performing some notification is performed. A sub processing flow b by the control unit 16 shown in FIG. 41 will be described. First, S4101 is executed. In step S4101, the related information is used to determine whether the article to which the article tag 1 having the lost ID information is attached is being processed (lending process or return process described later). If it is being processed, the process proceeds to S1402. If not, the process proceeds to S4103. In step S4102, it is determined based on related information whether the newly increased ID information has been lent. If so, the process moves to the end (end) and the process ends. If not, the process returns to S4102, and error processing (E4101) for performing some notification is performed. In S4103, it is determined that the article has been lost in the process of S4101, and the newly increased ID information has been lent out on the premise that error processing (E4102) for performing some notification is performed. Is determined based on related information. If so, error processing (E4102) is performed, and the process returns to S4101. Otherwise, it is determined that the article is lost in the process of S4101, and further, it is determined that the article is brought in without a lending process or the like in the process of S4103. Error processing (E4103) is performed, and the process returns to S4101.

  Next, a process for sending an e-mail requesting a return to the worker will be described. In the article management system (article management method) according to the second embodiment, the manager of the work area to which the article is taken out. It is also configured to send an e-mail requesting a return. FIG. 42 shows a process of sending an e-mail requesting a return to the worker and the manager of the work area. This process may be executed at a predetermined cycle, but is executed at a predetermined cycle to check for the presence of articles in the work area. The predetermined cycle may be set according to the required security and the degree of utilization efficiency of the article. When high security and utilization efficiency of goods are required, it may be executed in a short cycle. Since the processing from S2101 to S2103 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted (FIG. 21). After S2103, in S4201, the set work area is obtained from the "work area" (also "passing area" if set) that is the related information of the article tag 1 whose return deadline has passed. A mail address is obtained from the related information of the debit tag 2 in which the work area and the work area set in the “management work area” which is related information match, and the control unit 16 sends the mail address to the mail address via the mail server 17. Then, an e-mail having a text or an image with a content prompting the return of the article is sent to the user terminal 24. The destination e-mail format (header) may be “copy (CC, BCC)” or “destination (TO)”.

  In S2103, the location of the article whose return deadline has passed is confirmed (actually, the location of the article tag 1 attached to the article whose return deadline has passed) is confirmed. How to confirm the location will be described later. Of the articles (article tag 1) attached to the articles whose return deadline has passed, if it is determined that the location is unknown by the processing of S2104, it is processed as an error and returns to S2102 (E2101). Before performing the process of S4201 with the worker, the administrator may be notified that the location of the article is unknown by transmitting an e-mail using the process of S2102. Of course, in S2102, an e-mail may always be transmitted to the worker and the administrator.

  Here, how to confirm the location in S2103 of the article management system according to the second embodiment will be described. The reader unit that can be directly or indirectly controlled by the control unit 16 of the article management system according to the second embodiment includes a lending return processing area, a storage area, and a work area (lending return processing area internal reader unit 9, It is assumed that they are arranged in the lending / return processing area entry / exit leader unit 13, the storage area internal reader unit 4, the storage area entry / exit reader unit 7, the work area internal reader unit 19, and the work area entry / exit leader unit 22. The controller 16 confirms the location of the article tag by causing each reader unit to simultaneously read the ID information of the RFID tag (article tag 1) or sequentially read the ID information of the RFID tag. . The location confirmation here is to determine whether or not there is a target article in the area where the reader unit that can be directly or indirectly controlled by the control unit 16 is installed. The e-mail “content whose location of the article is unknown” does not necessarily mean that the worker himself or the administrator himself does not know the location of the article.

  If it is determined in step S2103 that the location has been specified, the process advances to step S2104. In S2104, it is confirmed again whether the article has been returned, and if it has not been returned, the process returns to S2102 and an e-mail is sent again to the user terminal 18 of the worker for a reminder. If the item has been returned after confirming whether it has been returned (if it may be considered that it has been returned), the process proceeds to the end (end) and the process is ended.

  Next, the article return process will be described with reference to FIG. Since the entry processing to the lending return processing area and the processing up to S2204 are the same as in the first embodiment (FIG. 22 and the like), S2204 and after will be described. In S2204, the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 determines whether there is ID information of the authenticated debit tag 2 and ID information of all the article tags 1 linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2. . If there is ID information of all the article tags 1, the process proceeds to S2205. In S2205, the control unit 16 obtains the ID information of the debit tag 2 possessed by the operator who operates the lending return processing terminal 11, that is, the related information of the debit tag 2 that has been read and authenticated by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9. Among the related information of the article tag 1 attached to the article that has been read and authenticated by the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9, the “lending / returning process” is changed from no to the returning process to the database server unit 15. The related information of the stored debit tag 2 and article tag 1 is updated (changed / added). The debit tag 2 and the article tag stored in the database server unit 15 after deleting the “return date (planned)” and “working area” (and “passing area” if set) of the related information of the article tag 1 The related information of 1 is updated (changed / added). Note that “erasure” simply erases the relevant information of the target article tag 1 and may leave it as a history of information on the database server unit 15. Since there is no “return date (planned)” or “working area” (and “passing area” if set) of the related information of the article tag 1, it is returned to the worker or manager described with reference to FIG. It is possible to avoid sending an e-mail requesting a useless return to the workers and managers in steps S2102 and S4201 in the process of sending an e-mail requesting the e-mail. Further, in S2204, a process for giving an authentication restriction to the authentication information of the debit tag 2 is also performed.

  Note that determining whether there is ID information of all the article tags 1 linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2 in S2205 may be all that the operator has selected to return in S2212, Even if the worker does not select to return in S2212, it is compulsory if there is “ID information of the article tag 1 in which the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 is linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2”. In addition, the information related to the debit tag 2 and the article tag 1 stored in the database server unit 15 may be updated by changing “during lending / return processing” to “return processing”. The explanation will proceed on the assumption of both cases.

  Through the processing in S2205, “related to lending / returning processing” is stored (updated / added) from “no lending / returning processing” as the related information of the debit tag 2. As the related information of the article tag 1, “lending / returning process” is stored (updated / added) from “no” to “returning process”. Similarly, in S2205, when the control unit 16 reads the ID information of the article tag 1 having ID information associated with the ID information of the debit tag 2, the lending return processing area internal reader unit 9 reads the debit tag 2's ID information. The association between the ID information and the ID information of the article tag 1 is released, and the related information stored in the database server unit 15 is updated (changed / added). It is determined that the ID information can be authenticated when the storage area entry / exit reader unit 9 reads the ID information, and the ID information cannot be authenticated when the ID information is read by the lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit 13. As described above, the authentication information of the debit tag 2 stored in the database server unit 15 is changed (updated / added), and the process proceeds from S2205 to END (end). To.

  In S2204, when the loan return processing area internal reader unit 9 cannot read the ID information of the authenticated debit tag 2 and the ID information of all the article tags 1 linked to the ID information of the debit tag 2 The process proceeds to S2206. Since the processing of S2206, S2207, S2208, and S2209 is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 22), description thereof is omitted.

  If it is determined that the location can be specified by the processing of S2209, the processing proceeds to S2301 (S2210 as background processing) after performing S4301. In S4301, when an article whose return deadline has passed is in the work area, an e-mail requesting the return is sent to the manager of the work area. If the work area is not registered as an article use place, an e-mail requesting return is also sent to the manager of the work area registered as the article use place. In this case, the work area where the article is present may be notified by e-mail.

  S2210 as background processing of the loan return processing terminal 11 (control unit 16) will be described. In S2210, after the completion of the processing in S2209, the control unit 16 confirms again whether or not an article whose return deadline has passed after the elapse of a predetermined time (an arbitrarily settable time) has passed. As for the confirmation method, in the same manner as in S2101 described above, the control unit 16 adds “relation date (planned)”, which is related information of the article tag 1 of the database server unit 15, in addition to “linking information” and “rental / return processing”. Refer to “Medium”. Specifically, if the “linking information” is cancelled, or if “lending / returning process” is in the return process, it is determined that the return has ended. Strictly speaking, this includes the case where the worker is in the middle of carrying the article in the rental return processing area or the storage area because the return process is being performed. Even if the worker is carrying goods in the lending return processing area or the storage area, it cannot be left from the lending return processing area until the return processing is started, so it is considered that the return has ended. This is because there is no hindrance.

  If it is determined in S2210 that the article has been returned and not returned, the process proceeds to S4302 shown in FIG. 42 via S4302, and an e-mail is sent again to the user's user terminal 18 for reminder. Send to. If the item has been returned after confirming whether it has been returned (if it may be considered that it has been returned), the process proceeds to the end (end) and the process is ended. In S2208 (S2102), an e-mail for reminder is targeted for an article (article tag 1) whose return deadline has passed, but the return deadline added to the related information is defined by date. The control unit 16 may send an e-mail as a prior notification via the mail server 17 by the day before the return deadline added to the related information. Even in this case, the processing after S2102 may be performed. These are the same as described with reference to FIG. The same applies to e-mail transmission to the administrator.

  The process of entering and leaving the storage area in the return process and the process of leaving the room from the lending return process area are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, the article management system (article management method) according to the second embodiment restricts free entry to a storage area in which articles such as measuring instruments are stored, and a loan return process including the storage area. Restricting free entry to the area is easy to change according to each step of the lending process and return process, so even though restrictions are set on entry, workers do not feel stressed In addition to being able to manage and rent / return goods, there is an effect that the possibility of loss of goods due to the operator's negligence can be reduced. Also, it is surely taken out from the storage area (lending return processing area) and brought into the area (including the three “work areas” described in the second embodiment) where there is a possibility that the article (article tag 1) is surely present. Is provided with a control unit 16 that reads from the database server unit 15, so that it is possible to know where, who, what and when, and when to bring in the debit tag 1 for sure return There is an effect that it is possible to carry out a return notification to the worker who has it. Furthermore, since the debit tag 2 which records the information of the worker who carries out / takes in the article tag 1 and the article is provided, the article tag 1 and the debit tag 2 are read, the article taken out is managed, and the storage area (rental Manages the history of bringing items from the return processing area) and bringing them into the areas (including the three “working areas” described in the second embodiment) where the items (item tag 1) may exist reliably. There is an effect that can be done. Further, when the information of each area is aggregated, there is an effect that it is possible to know where, who, and what was brought / taken.

1 .... goods tag, 2 .... debit tag, 3 .... trolley, 4 .... storage area internal reader, 5 .... antenna, 6 .... storage area partitioning means (door), 7 .... storage area entry / exit Reader unit, 7a .. Notification unit, 8 .. Antenna unit, 9 .. Lending return processing area internal reader unit, 10 .. Antenna unit, 11 .. Lending return processing terminal (lending return registration terminal), 12. Return processing area partitioning means (door), 13 .... Lending return processing area entry / exit leader unit, 13a..Notification unit, 14..Antenna unit, 15..Database server unit, 16..Control unit, 17..Mail Server 18 User terminal 19 Work area internal reader unit 19a Work area internal reader unit 19b Work area internal reader unit 19c Work area internal reader unit 20 Antenna unit 20a Antenna part, 20b..antenna part, 20c..antenna part, 21..Work area partition means (flapper gate), 21a..Work area partition means (flapper gate), 21b..Work area partition means (flapper gate) 21c ··· Work area partitioning means (flapper gate), 22 ·· Work area entry / exit leader (flapper gate), 22a ··· Work area entry / exit leader (flapper gate), 22b ··· Work area entry / exit leader (Flapper gate), 22c ..Work area entry / exit leader unit (Flapper gate), 21d ..Informing unit, 23..Antenna unit, 23a ..Antenna unit, 23b ..Antenna unit, 23c ..Antenna unit, 24 ..User terminal.

Claims (8)

ID information of an article tag that is an RFID tag attached to each article stored in the storage area and ID information of a debit tag that is an RFID tag in a lending return processing area including a storage area where the article is stored After performing the lending process to allow the article to be taken out of the lending return area, the association between the debit tag ID information and the article tag ID information is released, and the article is stored. An article management system that performs return processing for returning to an area,
The storage area internal reader unit that reads the ID information of the RFID tag in the storage area, the storage area partitioning means that partitions the storage area and the rental return processing area, and the ID information of the RFID tag is read and the ID information is A storage area entry / exit reader unit that unlocks the storage area partitioning means to enter or leave the storage area partition when it is authenticated, and ID information of RFID tags in the lending / returning processing area The lending return processing area internal reader unit, the lending return processing area partitioning means for partitioning the lending return processing area and the outside, and the ID information of the RFID tag is read and the lending return is performed when the ID information is authenticated. The processing area partitioning means is unlocked so that the lending return processing area partitioning means can enter or exit. Lending / return processing area entry / exit leader section, debit tag ID information, article tag ID information, debit tag ID information and related information indicating presence / absence of article tag ID information, debit tag ID information A database server unit for storing authentication information indicating whether authentication is possible or not, and based on each information stored in the database server unit, the storage area internal reader unit, the storage area entry / exit reader unit, and the lending A function for determining whether or not the ID information of the RFID tag read by the return processing area internal reader unit, the lending return processing area entrance / exit reader unit can be authenticated, and each information stored in the database server unit When the control unit having the function to change and the ID information of the debit tag read by the internal loan reader processing area reader unit are authenticated by the control unit, A display unit for displaying at least one of a list of articles to which an article tag having ID information associated with ID information of a debit tag is attached or a list of articles stored in the storage area; A loan return processing terminal having an input unit capable of selecting an article from a list of articles,
When there is an input to select an article from a list of articles stored in the storage area in the input unit of the lending return processing terminal,
The control unit associates ID information of an article tag attached to a selected article among articles in the storage area and ID information of a debit tag that has been read and authenticated by the loan return processing area internal reader unit. Updating the related information stored in the database server unit, and the ID information of the authenticated debit tag is ID information that can be authenticated when read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit, and After changing the authentication information stored in the database server unit so as to determine that the ID information cannot be authenticated when read by the lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit, the lending return processing The area internal reader unit reads the ID information of the authenticated debit tag and the ID information of all the article tags linked to the ID information of the debit tag. The ID information of the debit tag among the read ID information is ID information that can be authenticated when read by the lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit, and the storage area entry / exit reader A lending process for changing the authentication information stored in the database server unit so as to determine that the ID information cannot be authenticated when read by the unit,
When there is an input to select an article from a list of articles to which an article tag having ID information associated with ID information of a debit tag is attached to the input unit of the loan return processing terminal,
When the control unit reads ID information of an article tag having ID information associated with ID information of a debit tag, the loan return processing area internal reader unit reads the ID information of the debit tag and the ID information of the article tag. The related information stored in the database server unit is updated and the ID information of the debited debit tag is read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit. And the ID information that can be authenticated, and stored in the database server unit so as to determine that the ID information cannot be authenticated when read by the lending return processing area entrance / exit reader unit After the authentication information is changed, the debit tag whose authentication information has been changed is read by the storage area entry / exit reader unit and exits the storage area. When the storage area internal reader unit reads the ID information of the article tag that has been unlinked, the ID information of the debit tag that has been unlinked is stored in the storage area. The database server so as to determine that it is ID information that cannot be authenticated when read by the entry / exit reader unit and that it can be authenticated when read by the lending return processing area entry / exit reader unit. An article management system, which performs a return process in which the authentication information stored in the section is changed.   When the ID information of the debit tag read by the lending return processing area internal reader unit is authenticated by the control unit, the display unit of the lending return processing terminal displays the ID information associated with the debit tag ID information. In some cases, only a list of articles to which the article tag having the ID information is attached is displayed, or only a list of articles to which the article tag having the ID information is attached is selectable. Item management system of item 1.   The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is connected to an e-mail server, and ID information of a debit tag read by the lending return processing area internal reader unit is authenticated by the control unit, and the lending When there is an input for selecting an article from the list of articles stored in the storage area in the input unit of the return processing terminal, a display indicating that the return deadline of the selected article is input is displayed on the loan return processing terminal. A display unit, allowing the return date of the article to be input via the input unit of the lending return processing terminal, and the control unit displays the return time limit input to the input unit of the lending return processing terminal. An article management system, wherein information is added to the related information stored in the section.   The article management system according to claim 3 is an input for selecting an article from a list of articles to which an article tag having ID information associated with ID information of a debit tag is attached to an input unit of the loan return processing terminal. If the control unit reads the ID information of the article tag having the ID information associated with the ID information of the debit tag, the loan return processing area internal reader unit reads the ID information of the debit tag and An article management system, wherein association with ID information of an article tag is released, the related information stored in the database server unit is updated, and a return deadline added to the related information is deleted.   In the article management system according to claim 3 or 4, the return deadline added to the related information is defined by a date, and the control unit adds up to the day before the return deadline added to the related information. An article management system for sending an e-mail via the electronic mail server.   The article management system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein a return deadline added to the related information is defined by a date, and the control unit adds a return deadline added to the related information. An article management system, wherein a mail is transmitted via the electronic mail server after that day.   The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a rental destination area exists outside the article, which is controlled by the control unit, and the ID information of the RFID tag in the rental destination area When the ID information is authenticated by reading the ID information of the RFID tag, which is controlled by the control unit and the rent destination area partitioning means for partitioning the rent destination area and the outside. And a lending destination area entry / exit leader unit that unlocks the lending destination area partitioning means and allows the lending destination area partitioning means to enter or leave.   The control unit reads the RFID tag ID information at the same time or sequentially reads the RFID tag ID information from the storage area internal reader unit, the loan return processing area internal reader unit, and the loan destination area internal reader unit. The article management system according to claim 7, wherein an operation is performed.

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