JP2021060671A - Management system for devices - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a management system for devices in which even devices that are relocated over areas distanced from each other can be reliably managed.SOLUTION: A management system 1 for devices makes a zone terminal 3, arranged for each zone where devices are placed, collect a device identification code transmitted by an RFID tag 2 mounted on each of the devices. When detecting that the collected device identification codes have been changed from device identification codes grasped previously, the zone terminal 3 transmits collected zone identification codes and the collected device identification codes to a location management device 6. The location management device 6 manages the locations of the devices mounted with the RFID tags 2, by associating the transmitted device identification codes with the transmitted zone identification codes to store them in a storage device 62.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a device management system, and more particularly to a device management system scattered in each section separated by a distance.

A business operator uses a large number of devices to promote a business. In order to efficiently utilize these devices, which are the assets of businesses, it is important to properly manage their locations.

Therefore, a technique for identifying the position of an article indoors by using radio waves received by communication devices such as wireless tags attached to the article has been conventionally known. However, if the equipment is relocated and used, the radio waves will not reach the relocation destination and it will be out of control.

In order to deal with this, when the wireless tag attached to the article receives the radio wave from the wireless communication device, the intensity information of the radio wave is transmitted to the conversion device, and the conversion device converts it into position information and transmits it to the management device. Therefore, a configuration that makes it possible to monitor an article is known (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, when an RFID tag with an identification number stored is attached to the equipment and the RFID reader receives the RFID tag identification number, the WEB server saves information such as identification information of medical equipment, date / time / place, and maintenance history. There is also known a configuration in which the devices can be monitored by collating the data stored in the database with the data received by the RFID reader and displaying the location of the devices on the browsing terminal (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-212048 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-254273

By the way, in the distribution industry, for example, in convenience stores and food supermarkets, it is common practice to relocate various showcases, beverage dispensers, walk-in refrigerators and freezers, and other equipment between affiliated stores. If the record of the relocation is ambiguous and the location is unknown, there will be a problem in asset management.

However, since all of the above-mentioned conventional techniques manage the location of equipment indoors or in a limited area, when the equipment is relocated across areas or stored in a warehouse or the like. I can't manage it.

From the above points, the present invention provides a device management system that can be reliably managed even if the devices are relocated across areas that are distant from each other.

In order to achieve the above object, the equipment management system according to the present invention is an equipment management system that manages equipment installed in a plurality of sections, and is attached to each of the equipment. A transmitter that transmits a unique device identification code for each device and a section identification code for each section are stored, and the device identification code is transmitted from the transmitter by wireless communication. A compartment terminal that collects and manages the equipment identification code of the devices installed in the compartment, and the compartment identification code sent from the compartment terminal and the equipment identification code are associated with each other. A location management device that manages the locations of all the devices to which the transmitter is attached by storing in the storage device is provided, and the compartmentalized terminal unit has a management identification code for the devices. When a change is detected, the division identification code and the equipment identification code are transmitted to the location management device.

In this case, the division terminal transmits the division identification code and the equipment identification code to the location management device when the number of the equipment identification codes to be managed is increased or decreased. Alternatively, the division terminal transmits the division identification code and the equipment identification code to the location management device when the equipment identification code to be managed is replaced.

Further, a mobile terminal that wirelessly communicates with the compartment terminal to acquire the compartment identification code and the device identification code and generates maintenance and inspection information for each acquired device identification code, and the mobile terminal. By providing a maintenance management device that manages the maintenance and inspection information transmitted from the machine in association with the device identification code, it is possible to manage the maintenance information as well as the location of the devices.

In this case, the mobile terminal transmits the compartment identification code and the device identification code acquired from the compartment terminal to the location management device, while the location management device transmits the transmitted compartment. If the device identification code stored in the storage device corresponding to the identification code and the transmitted device identification code do not match, the transmitted section identification code and the device identification code are displayed. Is newly associated with the storage device and updated in the storage device for storage. As a result, the location management device can acquire the device identification code collected by the mobile terminal in real time, so that the latest location status of the devices in the store or warehouse S can be grasped.

In one embodiment, the transmitter is an RFID tag that transmits the device identification code in response to an RF band radio wave output from the section terminal, so that the device identification code can be used even in a wide section. Reliable collection is possible.

According to the equipment management system according to the present invention, when the equipment is transferred between the compartments, the information of the change of the equipment identification code is transmitted from the compartment terminal of each compartment to the location management device. , The traceability of equipment can be managed accurately.

The block diagram of the equipment management system which concerns on this invention is shown. The equipment management system of FIG. 1 is shown in a block diagram. An explanatory diagram of a data structure stored in the first storage unit of the storage device in the location management device of the equipment management system is shown. The change in the stored data of the first storage unit when the equipment is relocated is schematically shown. An explanatory diagram of the data configuration stored in the storage device in the maintenance management device of the equipment management system is shown. The flowchart of one process of the equipment management system which concerns on this invention is shown. Similarly, a flowchart of another process of the device management system according to the present invention is shown.

Hereinafter, a preferred mode of equipment management system for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an embodiment in which the equipment management system according to the present invention is applied to each store of a convenience store. Each store S belonging to the same convenience store has a walk-in refrigerated showcase, an ice cream frozen showcase, a chilled case for displaying lunch boxes and delicatessen, a coffee vendor, a product display shelf, etc. Equipment such as equipment and fixtures are installed. The equipment management system 1 in the present embodiment enables the location of the equipment to be accurately tracked when the equipment is relocated between the stores S. Therefore, in this embodiment, the store S means the "section in which the equipment is installed" of the present invention.

A beacon or RFID tag transmitter 2 that communicates using a wireless LAN or Bluetooh (registered trademark) that emits unique radio waves is attached to the devices to be managed installed in each store S. ing. In the equipment management system 1, a transmitter 2 is attached to a freezing / refrigerating equipment, a coffee vendor, or the like in order to manage the location of equipment that requires regular maintenance and inspection.

The equipment management system 1 uses an RFID tag in the UHF band of 900 MHz for the transmitter 2 (hereinafter, referred to as RFID tag 2), and by using this band, it can be a convenience store store. For example, it is possible to secure a communication range that covers the inside of the store. The signal transmitted by the RFID tag 2 includes a tag ID that identifies the RFID tag 2. Further, the equipment to which the RFID tag 2 is attached is given a machine number code, and a table for comparing these is prepared in advance. The tag ID and the machine number code are information that can identify the corresponding device, and both correspond to the "device identification code" of the present invention. Therefore, the RFID tag 2 may memorize and transmit the machine number code of the attached device.

In each store S, a compartmentalized terminal 3 for receiving a signal from the RFID tag 2 is arranged. In response to a command from the mobile terminal 4, the compartmentalized terminal 3 communicates with the RFID tag 2 in the store S and collects each tag ID. Then, each compartment terminal 3 stores the compartment terminal ID given in advance, and when transmitting the collected tag ID to the mobile terminal 4, the compartment terminal ID is added and transmitted.

The division terminal ID corresponds to the store number code of the store S in which the division terminal 3 is installed, and a table for comparing the division terminal ID and the store number code is prepared in advance. The division terminal ID and the store number code are information that can identify the corresponding store, and both correspond to the "division identification code" of the present invention. Therefore, the compartmentalized terminal 3 may memorize and transmit the store number code of the store S to be installed. Since the compartmentalized terminal 3 and the RFID tag 2 communicate with each other in a short distance, a plurality of compartmentalized terminals 3 may be provided when the store S has a wide area.

Further, the compartmentalized terminal 3 changes from the series of tag IDs collected last time by periodically communicating with the RFID tag 2 in the store S and collecting the tag ID regardless of the presence or absence of a command from the mobile terminal 4. Determine if it is. Then, when a new tag ID is added to the previously collected tag ID and the tag ID is increased, or when the previously collected tag ID is not collected this time and is decreased, or when a change such as a replacement of the tag ID is detected. , The series of tag IDs collected this time are transmitted to the location management device 6.

The mobile terminal 4 is carried by a patrolman who patrols each store S or a person who is entrusted with the location confirmation work, for example, a maintenance inspector who performs maintenance and inspection of equipment. The following describes the case where it is carried by a maintenance inspector. The mobile terminal 4 is a general smartphone, tablet terminal, notebook-type personal computer, or the like that can be connected to the communication network 5, and is used by installing a predetermined application program. Further, the communication network 5 here includes various communication paths such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, a public line network, and a dedicated line.

The location management device 6 manages the location of the devices installed in each store S. The location management device 6 is composed of a computer server and communicates with the mobile terminal 4 and the section terminal 3 through the communication network 5.

The maintenance management device 7 manages the maintenance status of devices that require regular maintenance and inspection, such as refrigerating / refrigerating devices and coffee vendors, which are installed in each store S, and is composed of a computer server for communication. Communicates with the mobile terminal 4 through the network 5. The maintenance management device 7 is used by a maintenance and inspection company for equipment.

A schematic configuration example of each of the compartmentalized terminal 3, the mobile terminal 4, the location management device 6, and the maintenance management device 7 in the above-mentioned equipment management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Configuration of compartmentalized terminal 3)
The partition terminal 3 includes a control unit 31, an RF transmission / reception unit 32, a storage unit 33, a short-range short-range communication unit 34, and a communication unit 35.

The control unit 31 is composed of a CPU, a RAM that is a work memory area during operation, and a ROM that stores programs and various data. The CPU reads a program from the ROM and executes the program to control the partition terminal 3. Realize the various functions.

The RF transmission / reception unit 32 is controlled by the control unit 31 to perform short-range communication with the RFID tag 2 attached to the devices arranged in the store S to collect the tag ID. Specifically, by outputting radio waves in the RF band from an antenna (not shown), in response to this, radio waves including the respective tag IDs transmitted by each RFID tag 2 in the store S are received. Therefore, a battery-less passive type is used for the RFID tag 2.

The storage unit 33 stores the unique partition terminal code of the partition terminal 3, and also stores the tag ID collected by the RF transmission / reception unit 32.

The short-range communication unit 34 communicates with the mobile terminal 4 using the 2.4 GHz frequency band (Bluetooh). At this time, the short-range communication unit 34 is controlled by the control unit 31 and transmits the tag ID and the partition terminal ID stored in the storage unit 33.

The communication unit 35 communicates with the mobile terminal 4 and the location management device 6 through the communication network 5.

(Configuration of mobile terminal 4)
As the mobile terminal 4, a general smartphone including a control unit 41, a short-range communication unit 42, a storage unit 43, an input unit 44, a display unit 45, and a communication unit 46 is used. In this case, the function of the device management system 1 as the mobile terminal 1 is realized by driving a predetermined application program in which the smartphone is pre-installed in the background of the mobile OS.

The control unit 41 executes the mobile OS and the application program stored in the storage unit 43 to perform overall control of the mobile terminal 4.

The short-range communication unit 42 is controlled by the control unit 41 to communicate with the communication unit 31 of the division terminal 3, and receives the tag ID and the division terminal ID collected by the division terminal 3. In this case, the short-range communication unit 42 transmits the transmission request signals of these IDs, and in response to the request signals, receives the tag ID and the compartment terminal ID sent from the compartment terminal 3.

The storage unit 43 stores the mobile OS and the application program. Further, the storage unit 43 is controlled by the control unit 41 and stores the tag ID acquired through the short-range communication unit 42 in association with the partition terminal ID.

The communication unit 46 is controlled by the control unit 41 to communicate with the location management device 6 and the maintenance management device 7 via the communication network 5, and transmits the tag ID and the partition terminal ID collected from the partition terminal 3. To do.

(Configuration of location management device 6)
The location management device 6 includes a control unit 61, a storage device 62, and a communication unit 63.

The control unit 61 is composed of a CPU, a RAM that is a work memory area during operation, a program that realizes a function peculiar to the present invention, and a ROM that stores various data, and the location management is performed by the CPU executing this program. The overall control of the device 6 is performed.

The storage device 62 includes a first storage unit 62a that stores location management information of devices installed in all affiliated stores S. FIG. 3 shows the data structure of the location management information stored in the first storage unit 62a, and the devices installed in each store S of each store number code are stored in the machine number code.

Further, the storage device 62 contrasts the tag ID set in the RFID tag attached to the devices installed in each store S with the machine number code assigned to the devices, as described above. A second table in which the above-mentioned table that compares the table and each division terminal ID set in the division terminal 3 arranged in each store S with the store number code of the store S is stored in advance. The storage unit 62b is included.

The communication unit 63 receives the tag ID and the compartment terminal ID transmitted from the mobile terminal 4 and the compartment terminal 3, respectively. When the tag ID and the division terminal ID received by the communication unit 63 are transmitted from the division terminal 3, the control unit 61 associates with the store number code acquired by referring to the table at this time and the first storage unit 62a. Delete the machine number code stored in, and rewrite all the machine number codes acquired at this time to update.

On the other hand, when the tag ID and the partition terminal ID received by the communication unit 63 are transmitted from the mobile terminal 4, the control unit 61 uses the machine number code acquired by referring to the table as the first storage unit. It is determined whether or not all the machine number codes stored in association with the store number code in 62a match, and if they do not match, the machine number code stored in association with the store number code in the storage unit 62a is deleted. Then, rewrite all the machine number codes obtained at this time.

That is, the data structure of the acquired store number code and the machine number code is shown in FIG. 4 (b), and the data structure of the location management information stored in the storage unit 62a corresponding to the “store number 1” is shown in FIG. 4 (a). ), It means that "machine number 1" is missing, and the location management information of the equipment has changed in the store S of "store number 1". Therefore, the data structure of the location management information regarding the “store number 1” of the storage unit 62a is rewritten to the data structure of FIG. 4 (b).

(Configuration of maintenance management device 7)
The maintenance management device 7 includes a control unit 71, a storage device 72, and a communication unit 73.

The control unit 71 is composed of a CPU, a RAM which is a work memory area during operation, a program that realizes a function peculiar to the present invention, and a ROM that stores various data, and the CPU executes this program for maintenance management. The overall control of the device 7 is performed.

The communication unit 73 receives the maintenance / inspection information transmitted from the mobile terminal 4 in association with the tag ID. The maintenance / inspection information shows the maintenance / inspection results of the equipment installed in the store S, and the maintenance / inspector encodes and inputs the inspection results of the maintenance management items carried out at the site from the input unit 44 of the mobile terminal 4. It is generated by doing.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 72 stores the tag ID and maintenance / inspection information in association with the inspection execution date data sent at the same time. As the maintenance and inspection information, the inspection results of the maintenance management items encoded as the maintenance history are stored in chronological order in the order of date data. Further, the storage device 72 stores device information such as a machine number code corresponding to each tag ID and a device model / specification of the machine number code. Therefore, when the maintenance inspector inquires about the device information by the machine number code by the mobile terminal 4, the control unit 71 transmits the corresponding information from the communication unit 73 to the mobile terminal 4 via the communication network 5.

(Processing operation of equipment management system 1)
6 and 7 show the operation flow of the equipment management system 1. First, in FIG. 6, the compartmentalized terminal 4 sets the tag ID from each RFID tag 2 attached to each device installed in the store S at the time of initial setting when it is first installed in the store S. Collect and store in the storage unit 33 (step S1).

After that, the partition terminal 4 periodically, for example, every day or week, receives a tag ID from each RFID tag 2 attached to each device installed in the store S from the RF transmitter 32. Collect (step S2). Then, the collected tag ID is stored in the storage unit 33, and by determining whether or not the tag ID has changed from the tag ID that has been grasped so far, changes in the devices installed in the store S can be determined. Determine (step S3).

Memory when new equipment is additionally installed in store S, equipment is moved between stores S or moved to a warehouse, or equipment is replaced and there is a change. Since the tag ID stored in the unit 33 has changed, the contents of the storage unit 33 are all rewritten into a series of collected tag IDs (step S4). Therefore, even if the stored contents of the storage unit 33 are rewritten, the tag ID for which the match is detected remains in the storage unit 33.

Then, the control unit 31 transmits the series of tag IDs and the partition terminal code stored this time stored in the storage unit 33 to the location management device 6 (step S5). After that, the partition terminal 3 returns to the process of step S2 at the next tag ID collection timing.

When the location management device 6 receives the partition terminal ID and the tag ID in the communication unit 63, the control unit 61 refers to the table stored in the second storage unit 62b and acquires the store number code and the machine number code. (Step S6). Then, the control unit 61 updates the store S with new location management information by rewriting all the machine number codes stored in the first storage unit 62a with the machine number code acquired this time. (Step S7).

In this way, when a change in the tag ID is detected by carrying in or out of the equipment in each store S, each division terminal 3 transmits the tag ID collected at that time to the location management device 6, thereby locating the location. In the management device 6, the new location status of the equipment of each store S can be grasped by the machine number code. Therefore, for example, when the equipment is relocated from one store S to another store S, the equipment moved by the division terminal ID and the tag ID sent from the division terminal 3 of each store S. You can ensure the same kind of traceability.

Next, the operation of the equipment management system 1 by the operation of the mobile terminal 4 by the maintenance inspector will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

When the maintenance inspector visits the store S at the site, he first operates the mobile terminal 4 and transmits a tag ID acquisition request from the short-range communication unit 42 to the compartmentalized terminal 3 (step S10).

Upon receiving this request, the compartmentalized terminal 3 collects the tag ID from each RFID tag 2 attached to each device installed in the store S from the RF transmission unit 32 and stores it in the storage unit 33 ( Step S11). Then, the compartment terminal 3 transmits the stored contents (compartment terminal ID and tag ID) including the compartment terminal ID stored in the storage unit 33 to the mobile terminal 4 (step S12). Therefore, in addition to the periodic collection of tag IDs described above, the compartmentalized terminal 3 also collects tag IDs according to instructions from the mobile terminal 3.

The mobile terminal 4 temporarily stores the compartment terminal ID and the tag ID acquired from the compartment terminal 3 in the storage unit 43, and transmits the compartment terminal ID and the tag ID from the communication unit 46 to the location management device 6 via the communication network 5 (step S13). .. By acquiring the compartment terminal ID and the tag ID from the compartment terminal 3, the mobile terminal 4 can grasp the devices installed in the store S.

On the other hand, in the location management device 6, the control unit 61 acquires the store number code and the machine number code by referring to the table stored in the second storage unit 62b (step S14). Then, by confirming whether or not the machine number code stored in the first storage unit 62a in association with the store number code matches the machine number code acquired from the tag ID received this time, the store S is reached. The fluctuation of the installed equipment is determined (step S15).

When the control unit 61 determines that the installed devices have changed, the control unit 61 rewrites all the machine number codes stored in the first storage unit 62a with the store number code to the machine number code acquired this time. , The store S is updated with new location management information (step S16). The division terminal ID and the tag ID to which the division terminal ID and the tag ID are transmitted from the mobile terminal 4 indicate the installation status of the devices in real time when the maintenance inspector visits the store S. If it does not match the memory of the first storage unit 62a, the machine number code acquired this time is rewritten.

Therefore, when there is a change in the devices installed in the store S, there is a time lag until the location management device 6 grasps the tag ID collection timing according to the tag ID collection timing. However, when the maintenance inspector operates the mobile terminal 4 to obtain the tag ID from the compartmentalized terminal 3, the mobile terminal 4 transmits the acquired tag ID to the location management device 6, so that the location management device 6 You can get the latest location management information in real time.

Then, when the maintenance inspector carries out the prescribed maintenance and inspection of each device by the tag ID acquired from the compartmentalized terminal 3, and inputs the result to the input unit 44 of the mobile terminal 4, the control of the mobile terminal 4 is performed. The unit 41 generates maintenance / inspection information for each tag ID (step S17), and transmits the maintenance / inspection information together with the date data of the current day to the maintenance management device 7 (step S18).

The maintenance management device 7 stores the maintenance / inspection information sent in association with the tag ID in the storage device 72 in chronological order in the order of date data (step S19).

As described above, in the device management system 1 according to the present invention, when there is a relocation between stores S of the same convenience store affiliate, the division terminal 3 installed in each of the carried-out store S and the carried-in store S has a tag ID. And the partition terminal ID are transmitted to the location management device 6, so that the traceability of the devices can be managed accurately.

Then, in the equipment management system 1, when the patrol staff who patrols the store S or the person entrusted with the location confirmation work is a maintenance inspector, the maintenance inspector manages the location in advance with the mobile terminal 4 possessed by the maintenance inspector. After confirming the location of the equipment to be inspected by communicating with the device 6, the store S goes to the relevant store S, where the mobile terminal 4 receives the tag ID from the section terminal and is installed. Collects device information and sends it to the location management device 6. As a result, the location management device 6 verifies the received information, gives priority to the latest information by communication from the mobile terminal to the location management device, and updates the information in the storage device 62 of the location management device 6. Therefore, the mobile terminal 4 of the maintenance inspector who directly visits the store S transmits the tag ID and the division terminal ID collected in real time from the division terminal 3 to the location management device 6, and thus the equipment of the store S. You can grasp the latest location status of.

In the above-described embodiment, the division terminal ID and the store number code are set separately, but since both are "division identification codes" that identify the store S, the division terminal corresponding to the store number code as the division terminal ID is used as it is. It can also be set on the machine 3. Similarly, the tag ID and the machine number code are set separately, but since both are "device identification codes" that identify the devices, the machine number code should be set as the tag ID in the RFID tag 2. You can also.

Further, the location management device 6 is managed by the headquarters of the convenience store, whereas the maintenance management device 7 is generally managed by the maintenance manager, so that the examples are given in separate systems. The device may be operated in one system.

1 Equipment management system 2 Transmitter (RFID tag)
3 Sectional terminal 4 Mobile terminal 5 Communication network 6 Location management device 7 Maintenance management device 62 Storage device

Claims (6)

It is a device management system that manages devices installed in multiple sections.
A transmitter that is attached to each of the devices and transmits a unique device identification code for each device.
It is arranged for each section and stores the section identification code of the section, collects the device identification code from the transmitter by wireless communication, and identifies the devices of the devices installed in the section. A partition terminal that manages the code and
A location that manages the locations of all the devices to which the transmitter is attached by associating the partition identification code sent from the partition terminal with the device identification code and storing it in a storage device. Management device and
With
The equipment management system, characterized in that, when the division terminal detects a change in the equipment identification code being managed, the division identification code and the equipment identification code are transmitted to the location management device. The device according to claim 1, wherein the section terminal transmits the section identification code and the device identification code to the location management device when the number of the device identification codes to be managed is increased or decreased. Kind management system. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein the division terminal transmits the division identification code and the equipment identification code to the location management device when the equipment identification code to be managed is replaced. Management system. A mobile terminal that wirelessly communicates with the compartmentalized terminal to acquire the compartmentalized identification code and the device identification code, and generates maintenance and inspection information for each acquired device identification code.
A maintenance management device that manages the maintenance / inspection information transmitted from the mobile terminal in association with the device identification code.
The equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising. The mobile terminal transmits the division identification code and the equipment identification code acquired from the division terminal to the location management device.
The location management device is transmitted when the device identification code stored in the storage device corresponding to the transmitted partition identification code and the transmitted device identification code do not match. The device management system according to claim 4, wherein the section identification code and the device identification code are newly associated with each other and updated and stored in the storage device. The device management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transmitter is an RFID tag that transmits the device identification code in response to radio waves in the RF band output from the compartmentalized terminal. ..

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