JP2013199375A - Article management method, article management system, and article management program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately find books even if the books are placed on any shelf in a system without limiting a location where the books are placed, and to reduce a load of a user and a system supervisor.SOLUTION: An article management system which manages articles stored in a storage position reads an identification sign of an article from the article when the article is stored in the storage position. A database which stores the read identification sign of the article and a position of the storage position by linking them is prepared. When a request is received, the database is searched based on the identification sign of the article referring to the request, thereby presenting the specified position of the storage place of the article to the user, and also the user's identification sign is registered in the database with the identification sign of the article and the position of the storage position being further linked. When the user who is linked on the database arrives at the storage position, the article is in a state of being easily detected by the user.

Description

  The present invention relates to an article management method, an article management system, and an article management program for stored articles.

  There is a demand for a technique for managing an article when the article is stored in a storage place such as a shelf. For example, when a book is stored in a bookshelf at a library, a technique for easily finding the book is required.

  Such techniques are described in Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 4.

  Patent Document 1 describes a technique for preparing a reserved space and quickly finding a shelf on which reserved materials are placed when searching for reserved materials reserved in a library.

  Patent Document 2 describes an article search system that searches using a wireless tag. In this article retrieval system, a tag attached to an article includes a light emitting element and a control unit. And the proposal which makes a light emitting element light-emit according to the data transmitted with respect to the tag and notifies the position of an article | item has been made.

  In Patent Document 3, a notification means such as an LED or a buzzer is added to an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. And the notification means of a specific RFID tag is made to react with the reader / writer to execute the notification. Thus, an RFID tag that can find a desired RFID tag from among a plurality of RFID tags, an article search system using the RFID tag, and an article storage system have been proposed.

  Patent Document 4 describes a library management system such as lending and returning books in a library using an IC tag. Patent Document 4 also describes a book search system.

JP 2009-126702 A JP 2006-24018 A JP 2009-301373 A JP-A-2005-352952

  However, each technique as described above has the following problems.

  The problem of the technique described in Patent Document 1 is that only reserved materials and books can be searched, and the reserved materials and books need to be transferred to a dedicated reservation shelf by library staff.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary for library staff to move reserved materials and books to a dedicated reservation shelf, which imposes a burden on the library staff. In the library, there are a large number of books other than reserved books, and if the user cannot find a book to borrow from the book and lend it, the work load on the library staff can be reduced. Can not. Further, the search system described in Patent Document 1 is a search for reserved materials, and cannot be used for a search for a large number of books that can be lent. Further, the search system described in Patent Document 1 is a reserved material search system, and no reference is made to the lending process.

  A problem of the technique described in Patent Document 2 is that a technique using a light emitting tag to display the position of a book has been proposed, but in order to light the light emitting tag, the user operates the host computer to indicate It is a point that must be issued.

  In the configuration proposed in Patent Document 2, when a user searches for a book, the user operates the host computer to search for a book to be borrowed and search for a book with a tag that emits light. Become. There is no problem as long as the place is within a limited range of eyes, but in a library that manages a large number of books, it is not easy to find a book simply by emitting a tag.

  A problem of the technique described in Patent Document 3 is that, as in Patent Document 2, a technique using a light emitting tag to display the position of a book has been proposed, but the user is a portable IC tag reader. It is necessary to operate.

  Since Patent Document 3 has such problems, if a user needs to have a portable reader, a very large number of readers are required. Furthermore, if the operation of the reader is not easy, it will be a burden on the user.

  The problem of the technique described in Patent Document 4 is that a mobile phone is used for searching. In the technique described in Patent Document 4, a mobile phone is brought close to a book for searching. The lending process is carried out at a dedicated counter. However, not everyone has a mobile phone. Also, a lending terminal is required for lending processing, and many devices are required depending on the scale of the library.

  Further, in any patent document, it is necessary to place the book in a predetermined place or to input the place where the book is placed, which causes a burden on the library staff.

  Therefore, the present invention can accurately find a book on any shelf in the system without limiting the place where the book is placed, and reduces the burden on the user or system administrator. An object management method, an article management system, and an article management program are provided.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article management system for managing an article stored in a storage location, wherein when the article is stored in the storage location, the identification code of the article is read from the article. 1, a database that stores the identification code of the read article and the position of the storage location in association with each other, and when a search request or reservation request for the article is received from a user, Based on the identification code, the position of the storage location of the article ascertained by searching the database is presented to the user, and the identification code of the user is represented by the identification code of the article and the location of the storage location. Search reservation means for further linking to the database and registering it in the database, and when the user linked on the database arrives at the storage location, the user identification code and the object First detection facilitating means for making the article easy to be detected by the user by using an association in the database of the identification code and the location of the storage location. An article management system is provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article management method for managing an article stored in a storage location, wherein when the article is stored in the storage location, the identification code of the article is read from the article. 1 reading step, a database that stores the identification code of the read article and the position of the storage location in association with each other, and the database is searched when a search request or reservation request for the article is received from a user. The search reservation step of presenting the location of the storage location of the article grasped by the step to the user, and further registering the identification code of the user in association with the identification code of the article and the location of the storage location in the database And when the user linked on the database arrives at the storage location, the detection step for making the article easy to be detected by the user, Article management method characterized by comprising is provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article management program for causing a computer to function as a server for controlling a management system for articles stored in a storage location, wherein the computer stores the article in the storage location. Receiving means for receiving the identification code of the article, recording means for associating the identification code of the read article with the position of the storage location and recording it in a database, and a search request or reservation for the article from a user When the request is accepted, the location of the storage location of the article grasped by searching the database is presented to the user, and the identification code of the user is further added to the identification code of the article and the location of the storage location. The search reservation means for linking and registering in the database, and when a user linked on the database arrives at the storage location, Article management program to the detecting means for the the goods to detect likely conditions to the user, characterized in that to function as a server equipped with is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to find a book accurately even if it is placed on any shelf in the system without limiting the place where the book is placed, and to reduce the burden on the user or system administrator. Is possible.

It is a figure showing the fundamental composition of the whole article management system in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing about the structure of the bookshelf and book in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing about the shelf number of the bookshelf in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing about an example of the book database in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing about an example of the lending process database in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement at the time of the search of the search position display process part in this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the operation | movement at the time of the position display of the search position display process part in this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the rental process part in this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the alarm process part in this embodiment.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1-1 is a figure showing the structure of the article | item management system as one embodiment of this invention.

  Referring to FIGS. 1-1 and 1-2, the present embodiment includes a search reservation terminal 10, a user card 20, a control server 30, a bookshelf 40, a gate 50, a database 60, and an IC tag 71. In FIG. 1, n books such as a book shelf 40-1, a book shelf 40-2 to a book shelf 40-n are illustrated as the book shelf 40, but this is only an example. There may be an arbitrary number of book shelves 40. That is, n is a natural number of 1 or more. In addition to the bookshelf 40, the search reservation terminal 10, user card 20, control server 30, gate 50, database 60 and IC tag 71 are also shown one by one for convenience of explanation, but there are an arbitrary number. Good. However, the same number of books 70 and IC tags 71 exist. Each book 40 and each IC tag 70 are associated one to one.

  In the present embodiment, the control server 30, the search reservation terminal 10, the bookshelf 40 gate 50, and the database 60 communicate with each other, but the communication may be realized by wireless communication, and part or all of the communication is performed. Can be wired communication. Further, the search reservation terminal 10, the bookshelf 40 gate 50, and the database 60 need not all follow the same communication method, and some devices are wired communication, but other devices may be performing wireless communication. good.

  The search reservation terminal 10 includes a character input unit 11, a card reader 12, and a character output unit 13. The search reservation terminal 10 receives a search request or reservation request for stored books from the user. The search reservation terminal 10 that has received the search request or reservation request displays to the user which book shelf 40 contains the book 70 to be searched or reserved. Here, in this explanation, it is assumed that this embodiment is installed in a library. In the present embodiment, the process for retrieving the book 70 from the bookcase 40 for the purpose of browsing in the library is called “search”. On the other hand, the process of taking out the book 70 from the bookshelf 40 for the purpose of browsing outside the library, that is, the precondition for lending the book 70 is called “reservation”. In this embodiment, the user himself / herself is assisted to perform this search and reservation. This eliminates the need for library staff to move the book 70 from the bookshelf 40 to a predetermined location in advance when a reservation is received. Therefore, the burden on library staff can be reduced.

  The character input unit 11 is a part for the user to search and reserve the book 70, and is realized by a keyboard, for example.

  The card reader 12 reads the user card 20 in which “user ID”, which is an ID (identification code) for identifying the user, is written in advance, and acquires the user ID. And a user is specified based on acquired user ID. The user card 20 can be realized by an IC card storing a user ID, for example. Further, instead of using an IC card, a barcode (one-dimensional code) or a two-dimensional code may be printed on the user card 20, and the card reader 12 may read these codes. Further, instead of using the card reader 12, the user himself / herself may be allowed to input a “user ID / password pair” or the like.

  The character output unit 13 presents the data received from the control server 30 to the user by screen display or printing. The character output unit 13 is realized by a display or a printer, for example.

  The character input unit 11 and the character output unit 13 may be realized by separate devices, but the character input unit 11 and the character output unit 13 are integrated, and the character input unit 11 and the character output unit 13 are realized by a touch panel. May be.

  The book shelf 40 is a shelf in which books 70 are actually stored. Here, the book 70 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1-2, in this embodiment, one IC tag 71 is affixed to each book 70. FIG. The IC tag 71 stores a “book ID” that is an ID for identifying the book 70 to which the IC tag 71 is attached. When the IC tag 71 receives a signal radio wave that the IC tag reader / writer transmits via any one of the antennas, the IC tag 71 returns the book ID to the antenna according to the signal radio wave.

  In addition, the IC tag 71 includes a light emitting unit 72 that can emit light in response to a signal radio wave transmitted from any one of the antennas by the IC tag reader / writer. The light emitting unit 72 is realized including, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, a shelf number 41 that can be identified by the user is assigned to each of the book shelves 40. The shelf number 41 may be any character as long as it can be recognized by the user, and hiragana, katakana, kanji, alphabetic characters, numbers, arbitrary symbols, etc., or combinations thereof are used. it can.

  Further, referring to FIG. 1-2, the bookcase 40 includes an IC tag reader / writer 42, a bookcase antenna 43, a search card reader 44, and a rental card reader 45.

  The IC tag reader / writer 42 is a part that reads the IC tag 71 attached to the book 70. The bookshelf antenna 43 is an antenna that inputs and outputs signal radio waves for reading the book ID of the IC tag 71 with respect to the IC tag 71.

  The IC tag reader / writer 42 reads the book ID of the IC tag 71 using the bookcase antenna 43. Specifically, the IC tag reader / writer 42 transmits a signal radio wave for returning the book ID to the IC tag 71 in order to read the book ID of the IC tag 71. A bookshelf antenna 43 is used for transmitting the signal radio wave. The IC tag 71 that has received this signal radio wave from the bookshelf antenna 43 returns the book ID recorded on itself to the bookshelf antenna 43. The IC tag reader / writer 42 receives the returned book ID using the bookshelf antenna 43.

  Further, the IC tag reader / writer 42 outputs a signal radio wave for causing the light emitting unit 72 to emit light to the IC tag 71 using the bookcase antenna 43.

  Specifically, the IC tag reader / writer 42 transmits a light emission command for causing the light emitting unit 72 to emit light to the IC tag 71 in order to cause the light emitting unit 72 to emit light. The bookshelf antenna 43 is used to transmit the light emission command. The IC tag 71 that has received this light emission command from the bookshelf antenna 43 causes the light emitting unit 72 included therein to emit light. The bookshelf antenna 43 is installed, for example, at each stage of the shelf on which the books 70 are arranged.

  The search card reader 44 reads the user card 20 for searching for books. The lending card reader 45 reads the user card 20 for lending books. The search card reader 44 and the lending card reader 45 may be realized by a plurality of card readers, but both the search card reader 44 and the lending card reader 45 are realized by switching the functions of a single card reader. You may do it.

  The gate 50 includes an IC tag reader / writer 51, a gate antenna 52, and a sensor 53.

  The IC tag reader / writer 51 reads the IC tag 71 attached to the book 70. The gate antenna 52 is an antenna that inputs and outputs signal radio waves for reading the book ID of the IC tag 71. The IC tag reader / writer 51 and the gate antenna 52 operate on the same principle as the IC tag reader / writer 42 and the bookcase antenna 43 described above.

  The sensor 53 is a sensor for recognizing that the user has passed. The sensor 53 that has recognized that the user has passed notifies the control server 30 to that effect.

  The control server 30 includes a search position display processing unit 31, a lending processing unit 32, and an alarm processing unit 33. The control server 30 is a server device including an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU, a main storage device such as a memory, and an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD. In addition, the control server 30 implements each processing unit by performing arithmetic processing based on a program stored in the auxiliary storage device and controlling hardware included in the control server 30.

  The control server 30 is connected to the search reservation terminal 10 by wire, wireless, or a combination thereof. Further, the control server 30 is connected to the search IC tag reader / writer 42, the search card reader 44, and the lending card reader 45 of the bookcase 40 by wire, wireless, or a combination thereof. The search IC tag reader / writer 42, the search card reader 44, and the lending card reader 45 may be connected to the control server 30 through independent paths, but the search IC tag reader / writer 42, the search card The reader 44 and the lending card reader 45 may be connected to the control server 30 via a common communication unit.

  In addition, the control server 30 is connected to the IC tag reader / writer 51 and the sensor 53 of the gate 50 by wire, wireless, or a combination thereof. Note that each of the IC tag reader / writer 51 and the sensor 53 may be connected to the control server 30 via an independent path, but the IC tag reader / writer 51 and the sensor 53 are connected to the control server 30 via one common communication unit. It may be connected.

  The database 60 is a database for storing data processed by various processing units of the control server 30, and includes a book database 61 and a lending processing database 62.

  The database 61 is controlled by a database management system (not shown).

  The book database 61 manages the information of the book read by the IC tag reader / writer 42 that reads the IC tag attached to the book 70 of the book shelf 40. The lending process database 62 stores data when lending books.

  The database 60 can be realized by any storage device. In FIG. 1, the database 60 and the control server 30 are illustrated separately, but the database 60 may be included in the control server 30.

  FIG. 2 shows a specific example of the book database 61. Referring to FIG. 2, in the book database 61, a book name, a shelf number, a search ID, a reservation ID, and a lending ID are recorded for each book shelf ID for identifying the book 70. The book name is the title of the book 70. The shelf number represents the number of the shelf where the book is currently stored. In the present embodiment, after the book 70 is stored in the bookcase 40, the book ID of the book 70 in which the IC tag reader / writer 42 and the bookcase antenna 43 are stored is acquired. Then, the IC tag reader / writer 42 transmits the acquired book ID and the shelf number 41 of the book shelf 40 in which the IC tag reader / writer 42 is installed to the control server 30. The control server 30 registers the received shelf number 41 and the book ID in the book database 61 in association with each other. That is, the book database 61 is automatically updated according to this embodiment. Thus, the burden on library staff can be reduced. Note that acquisition of a book ID by the IC tag reader / writer 42 and the bookshelf antenna 43 may be periodically executed, for example, every predetermined number of minutes. Further, in addition to periodic execution every predetermined number of minutes, it may be executed at a predetermined time such as an opening time.

  In the items of search ID, reservation ID, and rental ID, the user ID of the user who performed the search, reservation, and rental is recorded. Specific usage of the search ID, reservation ID, and rental ID will be described later.

  FIG. 3 shows a specific example of the lending process database 62. Referring to FIG. 3, the lending process database 62 stores the number of readings for each bookshelf ID for identifying the book 70. Specific contents and usage of the number of readings will be described later.

  The book database 61 and the lending processing database 62 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are only specific examples, and may be replaced with other items that can be substituted for the items shown in FIGS. However, items other than the items shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be further included. For example, the book database 61 may include an author name, a publisher name, and a publication date. Further, for example, the time when the reservation or search is performed may be included.

  Subsequently, with respect to the operation of the article management system shown in FIG. 1, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5, article management until the user searches or reserves the book 70 and quickly finds the book 70. The operation of the system will be described.

  First, the operation of the article management system when the user searches for or reserves the book 70 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the user inserts the user card 20 into the user card reader 12 of the search reservation terminal 10 installed in the library, the card reader 12 of the search reservation terminal 10 reads the user ID from the user card 20.

  The user ID may be directly input by the user. In the case of direct input, the user inputs a user ID using the character input unit 11 of the search reservation terminal 10.

  After reading the user ID or receiving the input of the user ID, the character input unit 11 of the search reservation terminal 10 receives a search for the target book 70 from the user (step S1). This search may be performed using the book title as a key. Further, for example, after narrowing down using an author name or publisher as a key, the book title of a book may be used as a key.

  The search position display processing unit 31 of the control server 30 specifies the book ID of the searched book from the book database 61 in which book information read in advance by the IC tag reader 42 of the book shelf 40 is registered and managed (step S2).

  Here, the operation accepted from the user this time is not “reservation” but “search” (“search” in step S3). Therefore, the process proceeds to step S4 next.

  Furthermore, the search position display processing unit 31 registers the user ID read in step S1 in the search ID item associated with the book ID specified in step S2 on the book database 61 (step S4). ).

  Further, the search position display processing unit 31 specifies the shelf number 41 in which the searched books 70 are stored from the book database 61 (step S6).

  The search position display processing unit 31 transmits the shelf number 41 specified in step S6 to the search reservation terminal 10 (step S7).

  The search reservation terminal 10 displays the received shelf number 41 of the book 70 on the character output unit 13 and informs the user (step S8).

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, not only a search for the book 70 but also a reservation for the book 70 is accepted.

  When the reservation of the book 70 is also accepted (“Reservation” in Step S3), the search position display processing unit 31 moves to the reservation ID item associated with the book ID specified in Step S2 on the book database 61. The user ID read in step S1 is registered (step S5).

  Further, the search position display processing unit 31 specifies the shelf number 41 in which the reserved book 70 is stored from the book database 61 (step S6).

  The search position display processing unit 31 transmits the shelf number 41 specified in step S6 to the search reservation terminal 10 (step S7).

  The search reservation terminal 10 displays the received shelf number 41 of the book 70 on the character output unit 13 and informs the user (step S8).

  Next, the operation of the article management system when the user finds the book 70 from the bookshelf 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The user moves to the book shelf 40 displayed on the character output unit 13 and holds the user card 20 over the user search card reader 44 for search provided in the corresponding book shelf 40. In response to this, the user search card reader 44 reads the user ID. Then, the user search card reader 44 transmits the read user ID and the shelf number 41 of the book shelf 40 in which the user search card reader 44 is installed to the control server 30 (step S10).

  The search position display processing unit 31 of the control server 30 receives the user ID and the shelf number 41 from the user search card reader 44 (step S11).

  Next, the search position display processing unit 31 specifies the book ID by searching the search ID string and the reservation ID string in the book database 61 using the user ID received in step S11 as a key (step S12). .

  The search position display processing unit 31 receives the book ID identified by the search and the light emission command for causing the light emitting unit 72 of the IC tag attached to the book 70 to emit light in the shelf number 41 in step S11. Is transmitted to the IC tag reader / writer 42 provided in (Step S13).

  The IC tag reader / writer 42 that has received the book ID and the light emission command outputs a signal radio wave for causing the light emitting unit 72 of the corresponding book ID to emit light from the bookcase antenna 43 provided for each stage of the bookcase. The IC tag 71 attached to the book 70 placed on the corresponding book shelf 40 receives the light emission command and causes the light emitting unit 72 to emit light.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the position of the book searched / reserved by the search reservation terminal 10 is displayed to the user, the user card 20 is read by the corresponding book shelf 40, and the book 70 searched for is attached. The light emitting portion 72 of the IC tag 71 that is being operated is caused to emit light. As a result, not only the bookcase 40 in which a small number of books are stored, but also a library or other facility that stores many books and materials can quickly find all the books and materials.

  In the above description, it is assumed that the search reservation terminal 10 is installed in the library. However, the search reservation terminal 10 does not need to be installed in the same facility as the bookcase 40. For example, the search reservation terminal 10 may be realized by a personal computer connected to a network such as the Internet and installed outside the library. In this case, the user can search and reserve a book from a personal computer at home, for example, without visiting the library.

  Moreover, this embodiment is applicable also to uses other than installing in a library. For example, it can be installed in a rental store of BD (Blu-ray), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or CD (Compact Disc). Besides, it can be used for a wide range of purposes such as inventory management in retail stores and document management in offices.

  Next, the operation of the article management system when the user performs the lending process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The user holds the user card 20 over the lending card reader 45 of the bookshelf 40 in which books to be borrowed are stored. In response to this, the lending card reader 45 reads the user ID. Then, the renting card reader 45 transmits the read user ID and the shelf number 41 of the book shelf 40 in which the renting card reader 45 itself is installed to the control server 30 (step S20).

  The lending processing unit 32 of the control server 30 receives the user ID and the shelf number 41 from the lending card reader 45 (step S21).

  Next, the lending processing unit 32 of the control server 30 transmits a read command to the IC tag reader / writer 42 installed in the book shelf 40 corresponding to the shelf number 41 received in step S21 (step S22). The specific content of this read command is “read the book IDs of the IC tags 71 attached to all the books 70 on the book shelf 40 continuously”.

  The IC tag reader / writer 42 that has received the read command outputs a signal radio wave for reading the book ID of the IC tag 71 from the bookcase antenna 43 provided for each stage of the bookcase 40. The IC tag 71 that has received the signal radio wave for reading the book ID transmits each book ID to the IC reader / writer 42. The IC tag reader / writer 42 that has received the book ID transmitted by the IC tag 71 transmits the received book ID to the control server 30.

  When the book ID is received (Yes in step S23), the lending processor 32 of the control server 30 registers the received book ID in the lending process database 62 (step S). Thereafter, each time the book processing unit 32 receives the same book ID as the book ID registered in the loan processing database 62 again (Yes in step S25), the loan processing unit 32 counts and registers the number of times received (step S26).

  Further, the lending processing unit 32 compares the current count number with the previous count number at regular intervals, and searches for a book ID having no change in the count number. Specifically, the current count is compared with the previous count every time a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the book ID for the first time (Yes in step S27). As a result of the comparison, if the number of receptions has increased for all book IDs (No in step S28), it is determined that all the books 70 are still in the bookshelf 40, and the reception of the book IDs is again waited ( Step S25).

  On the other hand, if there is a book ID whose number of receptions has not increased as a result of the comparison (Yes in step S28), it is determined that the book 70 with that book ID has been extracted from the bookshelf 40.

  The reason for this determination will be described. When the user extracts the target book 70 from the bookshelf 40, the IC tag 71 of the book 70 cannot transmit the book ID. In this case, there are book IDs whose counts do not increase in the lending process database 62. Therefore, the lending processing unit 32 can determine that the user has taken out and borrowed the book 70 having this book ID. This is the reason for judgment.

  After determining that the book 70 has been extracted from the book shelf 40, the lending processing unit 32 identifies the extracted book 70 (that is, the lent book). Specifically, the lending processing unit 32 searches the book ID column of the book database 61 using the book ID whose count has not increased as a key, and specifies the record (row) of the book 70 (step S29).

  Then, the user ID read by the lending card reader 45 is registered in the lending ID cell (item) of the specified record (step S30).

  This terminates the lending process.

  In addition, since this embodiment can respond also when a user extracts and borrows the book 70 from a bookshelf not only one book but a plurality of books at the same time, since some books were lent out, some books were lent. It is possible to prevent a situation in which no lending is recorded.

  For example, when a search is performed according to the operation of FIG. 4, the light emitting unit 72 of only the book 70 searched by the user emits light. The user pulls out the luminous book 70 from the bookcase 40. However, the bookshelf 40 normally contains successive volumes of the same work, such as an upper volume, a lower volume, and 1 to 10 volumes. Moreover, it is stored side by side for the same genre or the same author. Therefore, it is conceivable that the user who has searched for the upper volume then pulls out the lower volume. It is also conceivable that other books 70 of the same author who are searching for a certain book 70 of a certain author are lined up next to each other. Thus, even if a plurality is extracted, the lending process can be executed in the present embodiment.

  In this case, since the number of counts for all of the plurality of books does not increase, the lending process is performed for all the books 70 extracted (that is, lent) by performing Step S29 and Step S30 for all of the plurality of books. be able to.

  When a plurality of books are taken out of the bookshelf with a time difference, a part of them is taken out, and after that, it becomes YES in Step S28, and after proceeding to Step S29, the rest may be taken out. In this case, the remaining books are not recorded for lending. In order to prevent such a situation, for example, when step S30 is completed, the processing from step S25 is repeated. The repetition is repeated until the user leaves the building. The exit of the user is detected at the gate 50. Specifically, the gate 50 may further include a function of reading the user ID from the user card 20 carried by the user so that it is possible to determine which user added the gate 50. As described above, in this embodiment, the user can read the user card 20 to the lending card reader 45 installed in the bookcase, and perform the lending process with a simple operation of removing the book 70 from the bookcase 40. it can.

  Next, the operation of the article management system when a user quickly finds an unrented book 70 that the user tried to take out of the library will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In general technology, when a book that has not been lent out is taken out, an alarm is provided at the gate. However, simply sounding an alarm did not immediately tell which book was not lent when a large number of books were mixed, and library staff had to find the book. . In this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden of such work.

  When the user passes through the gate 50, the sensor 53 provided in the gate 50 recognizes that the user passes through the gate 50. The sensor 53 transmits to the control server 30 that the user has detected passing through the gate 50. And the alarm process part 33 of the control server 30 receives that a user passes the gate 50 (step S31).

  Next, the alarm processing unit 33 of the control server 30 transmits a reading command for continuously reading the book ID to the IC tag reader / writer 51 provided in the gate 50 (step S32).

  The IC tag reader / writer 51 that has received the read command attempts to read the book ID (step S33). Specifically, a signal radio wave for reading the book ID of the IC tag 71 attached to the book 70 is output from the gate antenna 52 provided in the gate 50. The IC tag 71 that has received the signal radio wave for reading the book ID transmits each book ID to the IC tag reader / writer 51. The IC tag reader / writer 51 that has received the book ID of the IC tag 71 transmits the received book ID of the IC tag 71 to the control server 30.

  When the book ID is received (Yes in step S34), the following processing from step S35 to step S38 is executed for the received book ID. If there are a plurality of received book IDs, the processing from step S35 to step S38 is repeated for all book IDs.

  First, the alarm processing unit 33 of the control server 30 searches the lending ID column of the book database 61 using the received book ID as a key (step S35).

  If the user ID is registered in the cell of the lending ID of the record specified by the book ID (Yes in step S36), there is no particular problem because the book has been lending processed. Therefore, no special process is performed and step S37 and step S38 are skipped. If there is an unprocessed book ID, the book ID as a key is changed and step S35 is repeated again.

  On the other hand, if the user ID is not registered in the cell of the rental ID of the record specified by the book ID and is null, it is determined that the book is an unrented book (No in step S36). In this case, the alarm processing unit 33 transmits the book ID and a light emission command for causing the light emitting unit 72 of the IC tag 71 attached to the book 70 to emit light to the IC tag reader / writer 51 of the gate 50 (step S37).

  The IC tag reader / writer 51 that has received the book ID and the light emission command outputs a signal radio wave for causing the light emitting unit 72 of the corresponding book ID to emit light from the gate antenna 52 provided in the gate 50. The IC tag 71 attached to the corresponding book 70 receives the signal radio wave and causes the light emitting unit 72 to emit light (step S38).

  If there is an unprocessed book ID, the book ID as a key is changed and step S35 is repeated again.

  As described above, in this embodiment, for example, when a user tries to pass through the gate 50 with one of the ten books 70 in an unrented state, it is attached to one book 70 that has not been lent out. The light emitting part 72 of the IC tag 71 can be made to emit light. Thereby, the unrented book 70 can be found quickly from a plurality of books such as ten books.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the gate 50 may further include a function of reading the user ID from the user card 20 carried by the user.

  In this case, in step S36, not only whether or not the user ID is registered in the cell of the rental ID of the record specified by the book ID but also specified by the user ID and the book ID read by the gate 50. It is also determined whether or not the user ID registered in the cell of the record lending ID matches. Even if the user ID is registered, if the user IDs do not match, it is determined No in step S36, and steps S37 and S38 are executed. This is because if the user IDs do not match, it can be determined that a user other than the user who performed the lending process has taken out the book 70.

  Note that the operation in FIG. 7 may be modified.

  Specifically, the search target in step S35 and the criterion in step S36 are changed. Using the book ID received in step S35 as a key, not only the loan ID item of the book database 61 is searched, but also the reservation ID item is searched. In step S36, it is determined whether not only the user ID is registered in the rental ID item but also whether the user ID is registered in the reservation ID item. Furthermore, when the user ID is registered in both the rental ID item and the reservation ID item, it is also determined whether or not the user ID in each item is the same.

  If the user ID is registered in both the rental ID item and the reservation ID item, and the user ID in each item is the same, “Yes” is determined in step S36.

  On the other hand, if the user ID is not registered in one or both of the lending ID item and the reservation ID item, or if the user ID is not the same even if registered, it is determined No in step S36. .

  The purpose of this modification is to prohibit lending to users who have not made a reservation, and to ensure that the booked user can secure the book 70. Therefore, when the user who made the reservation takes out the book 70 after the reservation until the book 70 is actually taken out, the book 70 can be detected by the gate 50. ing.

  Also, even if no one has made a reservation, it is possible to prohibit lending to users. That is, it is possible to realize a rule that it is necessary to make a reservation before lending.

  In the above description, two items, the lending ID item and the reservation ID item, are used, but two items, a lending ID item and a search ID item, may be used. Then, if the rental ID item and the user ID registered in the search ID item are the same, it may be determined No in step S36.

  As a result, a user who has made a search and intends to use the book 70 only in the library can be prohibited from taking the book 70 out of the library by mistake. That is, even in this case, it is possible to realize a rule that it is necessary to make a reservation before lending.

  Further, this embodiment can be further modified. The basic configuration of this modification is the same as that of the above-described embodiment.

  However, the light emitting unit 72 of the IC tag 71 attached to the book 70, the IC tag reader / writer 42 of the book shelf 40, and the search position display processing unit 31 executed by the control server 30 are further devised.

  In the present modification, the light emitting unit 72 of the IC tag 71 includes a function capable of emitting a plurality of colors instead of a single color. Further, in step S13 of FIG. 5, the search position display processing unit 31 distinguishes the searched book from the reserved book 70 and transmits a light emission command for emitting different colors to the IC tag reader 42 of the bookshelf 40. Includes functionality.

  In step S14 of FIG. 5, the IC tag reader / writer 42 that has received the light emission command from the search position display processing unit 31 includes a function of determining in what color the light emission unit 72 of the IC tag 71 emits light from the received command. Then, the IC tag reader / writer 42 outputs signal radio waves from the bookcase antenna 43. The IC tag 71 includes a function of causing the light emitting unit 72 to emit light in a designated color from the signal radio wave when receiving the signal radio wave from the IC tag reader / writer 42 of the bookshelf.

  Thus, in this modification, the light emitting part 72 of the IC tag attached to the searched book and the reserved book 70 emits different colors. Therefore, the user can easily distinguish between the searched book 70 and the reserved book 70.

  Furthermore, this modification can also be applied to step S37 and step S38 in FIG.

  Also in this case, the light emitting unit 72 of the IC tag 71 includes a function capable of emitting a plurality of colors instead of a single color. Further, in step S37 of FIG. 5, the search position display processing unit 31 refers to the search ID, reservation ID, and rental ID, respectively, and transmits a light emission command for emitting different colors to the IC tag reader / writer 51 of the gate 50. Including the function to perform.

  In step S38 of FIG. 7, the IC tag reader / writer 51 that has received the light emission command from the search position display processing unit 31 includes a function of determining in what color the light emission unit 72 of the IC tag 71 emits light from the received command. . Then, the IC tag reader / writer 51 outputs a signal radio wave from the gate antenna 52. The IC tag 71 includes a function of causing the light emitting unit 72 to emit light in a designated color from the signal radio wave when receiving the signal radio wave from the IC tag reader / writer 51 of the bookshelf.

  Rules for light emission can be determined as appropriate. For example, when the user ID is not registered in the lending ID item, the first color is emitted to notify that the lending process is not performed.

  In addition, when the user ID is registered in the rental ID item, but the user ID is not registered in the reservation ID item, in order to notify that the loan is made even though the reservation is not made. Light is emitted in the second color.

  Furthermore, there is a user ID registration in the rental ID item and a user ID registration in the reservation ID item, but if these user IDs are not the same, the use other than the user who made the reservation The third color is used to indicate that the person is renting.

  Furthermore, the same user ID is registered in both the rental ID item and the search ID item, but if the user ID is not registered in the reservation ID item, no reservation is made and only the search is performed. Light is emitted in the fourth color in order to inform the user that the user is lent.

  In this way, light can be emitted in any color under any condition.

  Furthermore, although not mentioned in the above description, an expiration date may be set for the user ID registered in the search ID item and the reservation ID item. In a library or the like, there may be a user who does not actually browse or lend the book 70 after the search process or the reservation process.

  In this case, unless an expiration date is set for the user ID registered in the search ID field and the reservation ID field, other users cannot newly perform a search process or a reservation process. Therefore, an expiration date is set for the user ID registered in these items, and these items are set to null after the expiration date. Thereby, other users can use the book 70. The expiration date can be of any length. For example, for search, the closing time of the library may be the expiration date, and for reservations, one week later may be the expiration date.

  This embodiment has various effects as described below.

  The first effect is that a facility that stores a large number of books and materials such as a library can quickly find all the books and materials that can be lent and searched or reserved.

  The reason is that the position of the book searched / reserved by the search reservation terminal is displayed to the user, the user reads the user card in the corresponding book shelf, and the IC tag attached to the searched book 70 This is because books and materials can be quickly found by emitting light from the light emitting unit.

  The second effect is that the lending process can be performed with a simple operation.

  The reason is that lending processing can be performed by a simple operation in which the user reads the user card from the bookshelf and then removes the book 70 from the bookshelf.

  The third effect is that an unrented book 70 can be found quickly.

  The reason is that when an unrented book passes through the gate, the book 70 can be quickly found by illuminating the light emitting part of the IC tag attached to the book 70.

  The fourth effect is that the article management system can automatically grasp and update the position of the bookshelf in which books are stored.

  The reason is that the book ID of the book 70 in which the IC tag reader / writer 42 and the bookcase antenna 43 are stored is acquired, and the control server 30 associates the shelf number 41 with the book ID based on the acquired information in the book database 61. It is because it registers.

  For example, in the method of associating a book with a storage position of the book in advance, when the library staff places the book in a place different from the assumption, the wrong book is caused to emit light. However, in the present embodiment, since the fourth effect described above is achieved, for example, even if the library staff puts the book in a place different from the assumption, the article management system automatically grasps the position of the book. be able to.

  The article management system described above can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The article management method performed by the article management system can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, “realized by software” means realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

  The program may be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to the computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (for example, flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (for example, magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD- R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)). The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

  A part or all of the above-described embodiment can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.

(Supplementary note 1) An article management system for managing articles stored in a storage location,
First reading means for reading an identification code of the article from the article when the article is stored in the storage place;
A database that stores the identification code of the read article and the position of the storage location in association with each other;
When a search request or reservation request for the article is received from the user, the location of the storage location of the article ascertained by searching the database based on the identification code of the article related to the request is presented to the user. And a search reservation means for further registering the identification code of the user with the identification code of the article and the position of the storage location and registering it in the database,
When a user linked on the database arrives at the storage location, use the linkage in the database of the identification code of the user, the identification code of the article, and the position of the storage location. First detection facilitating means for making the article easy to be detected by the user;
An article management system comprising:

(Appendix 2) The article management system according to appendix 1,
The first detection facilitating means includes a detection facilitating execution means which is a means for causing the user to easily detect the article at each of the storage locations.
The first detection facilitating means uses the association in the database of the identification code of the user, the identification code of the article, and the position of the storage location, among all the facilitating detection execution means. An article management system that operates only the detection facilitating execution means provided in a storage location in which the article searched or reserved by the user is stored.

(Appendix 3) The article management system according to appendix 1 or 2,
The article management system, wherein the first detection facilitating means causes a light emitting unit attached to the article to emit light.

(Appendix 4) The article management system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3,
Second reading means for reading the identification code of the user when the user arrives at the storage location;
After the second reading means is operated, it is monitored whether or not an article stored in the storage location is taken out from the storage location. When it is detected that the article is taken out, the article identification code of the article is detected. Lending processing means for registering in the database as information indicating that the article has been lent to the user by associating the identification code of the user read by the second reading means, and
An article management system further comprising:

(Supplementary note 5) The article management system according to supplementary note 4, wherein
The lending processing means obtains an article identification code response for each of the articles at a predetermined interval, increases the number of responses when there is a response, and responds to the previous response despite obtaining the present response. In relation to an article for which the number of responses has not increased since the request is made, the article identification code of the article is associated with the user identification code read by the second reading means, and the article is lent to the user An article management system, wherein information is registered in the database as information.

(Supplementary note 6) The article management system according to supplementary note 4 or 5,
Third reading means for reading the identification code of the article from the article carried by the user when it is detected that the user has passed near the third reading device;
The database is searched using the identification code of the article read by the third reading means as a key, and the article identification code of the article and the user identification code read by the second reading means are used in the database. A monitoring means for operating a second detection facilitating means for making the article easy to be detected by the user when the article is not registered in association with information indicating that the article has been lent to the person;
An article management system further comprising:

(Supplementary note 7) The article management system according to supplementary note 4 or 5,
Third reading means for reading the identification code of the article from the article carried by the user when it is detected that the user has passed near the third reading device;
The database is searched using the identification code of the article read by the third reading means as a key, and the article identification code of the article, the user identification code read by the second reading means and the search are stored in the database. If the three identification codes of the user registered as the user who has accepted the reservation by the reservation means are registered in association with each other and the identification codes of the associated users are not the same, Monitoring means for operating a second detection facilitating means for making the user easy to detect;
An article management system further comprising:

(Supplementary note 8) The article management system according to any one of supplementary notes 6 or 7,
The second detection facilitating unit causes the light emitting unit attached to the article to emit light, and further, the user identification code read by the second reading unit and the search reservation for the article on the database. Depending on whether or not two identification codes of the identification code of the user registered as a user who has accepted the reservation are linked, and whether or not these identification codes are the same, the color to be emitted differs. An article management system characterized by the above.

(Supplementary Note 9) An article management method for managing articles stored in a storage location,
A first reading step of reading an identification code of the article from the article when the article is stored in the storage place;
A database that stores the identification code of the read article and the position of the storage location in association with each other;
When a search request or reservation request for the article is received from the user, the position of the storage location of the article grasped by searching the database is presented to the user, and the identification code of the user is displayed on the article. A search reservation step of registering in the database in further association with an identification code and the location of the storage location;
When a user linked on the database arrives at the storage location, a detection step for making the article easy to detect for the user;
An article management method comprising:

(Supplementary Note 10) An article management program that causes a computer to function as a server that controls a management system for articles stored in a storage location,
The computer,
Receiving means for receiving an identification code of the article when the article is stored in the storage location;
Recording means for associating the identification code of the read article with the position of the storage location and recording it in a database;
When a search request or reservation request for the article is received from the user, the position of the storage location of the article grasped by searching the database is presented to the user, and the identification code of the user is displayed on the article. Search reservation means for further registering the identification code and the location of the storage location in the database;
Detecting means for making the article easy to detect when the user associated with the database arrives at the storage location;
An article management program that functions as a server comprising:

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Search reservation terminal 11 Character input part 12 User card reader 13 Character output part 20 User card 30 Control server 31 Search position display process part 32 Lending process part 33 Alarm process part 40 Book shelf 41 Shelf number 42 IC tag reader / writer 43 Book shelf antenna 44 User card reader for search 45 User card reader for lending 50 Gate 51 IC tag reader / writer 52 Gate antenna 53 Sensor 60 Database 61 Book database 62 Lending processing database 70 Book 71 IC tag 72 Light emitting unit

Claims (10)

An article management system for managing articles stored in a storage location,
First reading means for reading an identification code of the article from the article when the article is stored in the storage place;
A database that stores the identification code of the read article and the position of the storage location in association with each other;
When a search request or reservation request for the article is received from the user, the location of the storage location of the article ascertained by searching the database based on the identification code of the article related to the request is presented to the user. And a search reservation means for further registering the identification code of the user with the identification code of the article and the position of the storage location and registering it in the database,
When a user linked on the database arrives at the storage location, use the linkage in the database of the identification code of the user, the identification code of the article, and the position of the storage location. First detection facilitating means for making the article easy to be detected by the user;
An article management system comprising: The article management system according to claim 1,
The first detection facilitating means includes a detection facilitating execution means which is a means for causing the user to easily detect the article at each of the storage locations.
The first detection facilitating means uses the association in the database of the identification code of the user, the identification code of the article, and the position of the storage location, among all the facilitating detection execution means. An article management system that operates only the detection facilitating execution means provided in a storage location in which the article searched or reserved by the user is stored. The article management system according to claim 1 or 2,
The article management system, wherein the first detection facilitating means causes a light emitting unit attached to the article to emit light. The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Second reading means for reading the identification code of the user when the user arrives at the storage location;
After the second reading means is operated, it is monitored whether or not an article stored in the storage location is taken out from the storage location. When it is detected that the article is taken out, the article identification code of the article is detected. Lending processing means for registering in the database as information indicating that the article has been lent to the user by associating the identification code of the user read by the second reading means, and
An article management system further comprising: The article management system according to claim 4,
The lending processing means obtains an article identification code response for each of the articles at a predetermined interval, increases the number of responses when there is a response, and responds to the previous response despite obtaining the present response. In relation to an article for which the number of responses has not increased since the request is made, the article identification code of the article is associated with the user identification code read by the second reading means, and the article is lent to the user An article management system, wherein information is registered in the database as information. The article management system according to claim 4 or 5,
Third reading means for reading the identification code of the article from the article carried by the user when it is detected that the user has passed near the third reading device;
The database is searched using the identification code of the article read by the third reading means as a key, and the article identification code of the article and the user identification code read by the second reading means are used in the database. A monitoring means for operating a second detection facilitating means for making the article easy to be detected by the user when the article is not registered in association with information indicating that the article has been lent to the person;
An article management system further comprising: The article management system according to claim 4 or 5,
Third reading means for reading the identification code of the article from the article carried by the user when it is detected that the user has passed near the third reading device;
The database is searched using the identification code of the article read by the third reading means as a key, and the article identification code of the article, the user identification code read by the second reading means and the search are stored in the database. If the three identification codes of the user registered as the user who has accepted the reservation by the reservation means are registered in association with each other and the identification codes of the associated users are not the same, Monitoring means for operating a second detection facilitating means for making the user easy to detect;
An article management system further comprising: The article management system according to any one of claims 6 and 7,
The second detection facilitating unit causes the light emitting unit attached to the article to emit light, and further, the user identification code read by the second reading unit and the search reservation for the article on the database. Depending on whether or not two identification codes of the identification code of the user registered as a user who has accepted the reservation are linked, and whether or not these identification codes are the same, the color to be emitted differs. An article management system characterized by the above. An article management method for managing articles stored in a storage location,
A first reading step of reading an identification code of the article from the article when the article is stored in the storage place;
A database that stores the identification code of the read article and the position of the storage location in association with each other;
When a search request or reservation request for the article is received from the user, the position of the storage location of the article grasped by searching the database is presented to the user, and the identification code of the user is displayed on the article. A search reservation step of registering in the database in further association with an identification code and the location of the storage location;
When a user linked on the database arrives at the storage location, a detection step for making the article easy to detect for the user;
An article management method comprising: An article management program for causing a computer to function as a server for controlling a management system for articles stored in a storage location,
The computer,
Receiving means for receiving an identification code of the article when the article is stored in the storage location;
Recording means for associating the identification code of the read article with the position of the storage location and recording it in a database;
When a search request or reservation request for the article is received from the user, the position of the storage location of the article grasped by searching the database is presented to the user, and the identification code of the user is displayed on the article. Search reservation means for further registering the identification code and the location of the storage location in the database;
Detecting means for making the article easy to detect when the user associated with the database arrives at the storage location;
An article management program that functions as a server comprising:

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