JP2024044781A - Information delivery method - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To more appropriately transmit alert information when there is a risk that an item used in daily life may be diverted to a crime. [Solution] An information distribution method for distributing alert information regarding the bringing in of a specific item, comprising: a step in which a processor executes a first determination to determine the start of monitoring of the specific item; and a step in which the processor executes a second determination to determine the start of a distribution period for alert information targeted at the specific item after the processor determines to start monitoring of the specific item. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an information distribution method.

Items used in daily life may be used in criminal activities in facilities or public transportation. For example, a kitchen knife is normally used for cooking at home or in a store, but it is sometimes used as a knife in criminal activities. In addition, although gasoline cans are normally used to refuel engine-equipped equipment such as agricultural machinery, they are sometimes used for criminal acts such as arson using flammable liquids such as gasoline.

Laws and regulations regarding public transportation generally prohibit dangerous items that are used in daily life but can be diverted to criminal activities, but may be permitted depending on how they are packaged. As these are items used in daily life, there are cases where the items are carried for legitimate purposes. Therefore, it is not easy to determine whether items used in daily life that can be diverted to criminal activities have been brought in with malicious intent for criminal activities or for legitimate purposes.

Note that Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for tracing an article.

JP 2005-234628 A

From the above perspective, there is a need to more appropriately send out alert information when there is a risk that items used in daily life may be misused for criminal purposes.

According to the present invention, an information distribution method of the following aspects is provided. This information distribution method is a method of distributing alert information regarding bringing in specific items. This information distribution method includes a step in which a processor makes a first determination to determine whether to start monitoring a specific article; and executing a second determination to determine the start of a distribution period of alert information.

According to the present invention, alert information can be sent more suitably when there is a possibility that an item used in daily life may be diverted to a crime.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the entire system. It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management server. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of determination processing by the management server when information is received from an information processing terminal. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of monitoring period start conditions. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of alert information distribution period start conditions. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an alert information delivery exemption condition.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and are omitted and simplified as appropriate for clarity of explanation. The present invention can also be implemented in various other forms. Unless specifically limited, each component may be singular or plural.

In this embodiment, articles that are used in daily life, such as kitchen knives, knives, and gasoline cans, but which may be used in criminal acts, are referred to as specific articles.

In this embodiment, RF tags are embedded in these specific items from the time of sale. The RF tag records information such as individual identification information and information on the type of a specific article, and is a tag that can acquire this information using radio waves such as an RFID method. In this embodiment, passage of the RF tag can be detected by a security gate installed in a vehicle or facility. The security gate transmits a radio wave as a carrier wave, receives a reflected wave from the RF tag, and performs individual identification of the RF tag. Note that the individual identification information is information for distinguishing and identifying each specific article. Therefore, even if the specific articles are of the same type, their individual identification information is different.

[Overall system description]
An example of the entire system will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, security gates are installed in, for example, train stations and banks. Each security gate (S gates 1 to 4) is connected to an information processing terminal, and the information processing terminal connected to the security gate can communicate with a management server 100 via a network such as the Internet.

The management server 100 controls the entire security system according to this embodiment. The management server 100 can communicate with an information processing terminal connected to a security gate via a network such as the Internet.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management server 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the management server 100 includes a CPU 201, a storage 202, a storage section 203, and a communication section 204. The management server 100 is connected to a network such as the Internet via a communication unit 204 that is an interface. In the management server 100, the CPU 201 executes a program developed in the storage unit 203 to perform various processes. The management server 100 records various information in the storage 202 and constructs a database. The management server 100 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices via the communication unit 204 using a program developed in the storage unit 203 .

Furthermore, the management server 100 has a timer 205 capable of time management and period management. Furthermore, the management server 100 is capable of communicating with a purchase recording device that records the purchase history and purchase date and time of specific items via a network such as the Internet. Here, an example of a purchase recording device is a store's POS system in the case of store sales. Further, an example of a purchase recording device is an electronic commerce server having a database of purchase history in the case of mail order sales or online shopping via the Internet.

Specifically, the management server 100 receives from the purchase recording device the purchase history of a specific item, purchase date and time, purchase store information, purchase store location information, delivery date and time, delivery destination location information, delivery receipt date and time information, information on the type of specific item, and individual identification information of the specific item purchased. Note that "purchase" here is an expression from the purchaser's perspective. From the seller's perspective, it may also be expressed as "sale." In the following explanation of this embodiment, we will use "purchase," which is an expression from the purchaser's perspective, but it may also be changed to "sale," which is an expression from the seller's perspective.

The management server 100 communicates with information processing terminals connected to security gates installed at facilities such as stations, shopping malls, department stores, banks, public facilities, and government offices, and on vehicles such as trains, buses, taxis, and rental cars, and receives information indicating that a specific item has passed through the security gate. This information may be referred to as specific item carry-in information, as it is information that a specific item has been brought into these facilities or vehicles. The carry-in information includes individual identification information and/or information on the type of specific item read by the security gate from the RF tag.

In addition, the management server 100 determines whether or not predetermined conditions are met when the CPU 201 executes the program expanded to the storage unit 203 to receive carry-on information from the information processing terminal connected to the security gate. Performs judgment processing. The determination process is a process in which the management server 100 determines whether or not to transmit alert information based on the predetermined condition. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the management server 100 transmits alert information as a response to the information processing terminal connected to the security gate. The alert information indicates that the specific item may be being carried for a reason other than its legitimate use, and is information for urging vigilance in the facility or vehicle where the security gate is installed.

[Example of movement of specific goods and alert information distribution period]
An example of the movement of a specific article and the alert information distribution period will be described with reference to parts (1) and (2) of FIG. Assume that a kitchen knife is sold as a specific item at a store. An RF tag is embedded in the specific article. Individual identification information is recorded on the RF tag. Furthermore, information such as "kitchen knife" or "cutlery" is recorded on the RF tag as information on the type of the specific article.

First, when a specific item such as a knife is purchased at a store, a POS system, which is an example of a purchase recording device, or an information processing terminal connected to a POS system, transmits information related to the purchase of the specific item to management server 100 via the Internet. The information related to the purchase of the specific item transmitted to management server 100 includes the purchase history of the specific item, the purchase date and time, purchase store information, purchase store location information, information on the type of specific item, and individual identification information of the purchased specific item.

The management server 100 receives information regarding the purchase of a specific item and starts a monitoring period for the specific item having the individual identification information. At this time, the program deployed in the memory unit 203 of the management server 100 transitions to monitoring period mode. In the example of this figure (Fig. 1), the management server 100 uses the timer 205 to measure the elapsed time from the start time of the monitoring period.

Next, if a kitchen knife is purchased at a store as the specific item, the purchaser enters a station and boards train 1 to go home. A security gate (S gate 1) installed at the station or on train 1 detects the passage of an RF tag embedded in the specific item, and an information processing terminal connected to the security gate transmits carry-in information indicating that the specific item has been brought in to management server 100.

Here, until the elapsed time from the start time of the monitoring period reaches a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours), the management server 100 sends alert information to the information processing terminal connected to the security gate (S gate 1). do not. These processes based on the management of elapsed time are performed by a program developed in the storage unit 203 of the management server 100 and executed by the CPU 201. Note that the predetermined period during which the management server 100 does not transmit alert information is referred to as an alert information distribution grace period.

By providing a grace period for alert information distribution for a predetermined period from the start time of the monitoring period, it is possible to suppress the transmission of alert information targeting a person who has purchased a specific item for normal use. For example, a person who purchases a kitchen knife for normal use in cooking at home takes the purchased knife home. It is not suitable to send out alert information even if a knife is brought into the vehicle during the trip, as it is excessive alert information. Therefore, by providing a predetermined period, such as 24 hours, as the alert information distribution grace period, it is possible to suppress such excessive transmission of alert information. In addition, for vehicles such as trains that operate with a day's service end time such as the last train time, the alert information delivery grace period ends earlier than the 24-hour predetermined period, and the alert information delivery grace period ends at the day's service end time. It may also end with . This is because if the purpose of the person who brought in the knife was to travel home, it is assumed that the person would board the train by the time of the last train.

Note that the start of the monitoring period and the management of the alert information distribution grace period are performed for each individual item identified by individual identification information obtained from an RF tag embedded in a specific item. In other words, various periods are managed for each specific item.

Next, in managing the monitoring period for the specific item (knife), the alert distribution period begins after the grace period for alert information distribution has ended. If the specific item (knife) is brought into a station or train 2 after the grace period for alert information distribution for the specific item has ended, a security gate (S gate 2) installed at the station or train 2 detects the passage of the RF tag embedded in the specific item, and an information processing terminal connected to the security gate 2 transmits bring-in information indicating that the specific item has been brought in to the management server 100.

Here, since the grace period for alert information distribution has expired and the alert distribution period has already started, the management server 100 transmits alert information to the information processing terminal connected to the security gate (S gate 2). These processes based on the management of elapsed time are performed by a program that is deployed in the memory unit 203 of the management server 100 and executed by the CPU 201. The information processing terminal connected to the security gate (S gate 2) that received the alert information performs various processes to encourage caution at the station or train 2. Here, the various processes to encourage caution include a process of informing station staff such as station staff and drivers of caution information, a process of instructing monitors and speakers equipped at the station or train 2 that transmit caution information to transmit caution information, or a process of informing the operation system to which the train 2 is connected via a network about the occurrence of an alert incident.

Next, if the person who brought in the specific item (knife) leaves the train 2 and then brings the specific item into facility 1, which is a bank, the security gate (S Gate 3) detects the passage of the RF tag embedded in a specific item, and an information processing terminal connected to the security gate (S Gate 3) manages the brought-in information indicating that the specific item has been brought in. Send to server 100.

At this point, since the grace period for alert information distribution has expired and the alert distribution period has already begun, the management server 100 transmits alert information to the information processing terminal connected to the security gate (S Gate 3). The information processing terminal connected to the security gate (S Gate 3) that received the alert information performs various processes to encourage vigilance in the facility 1 (bank). Here, the various processes to encourage vigilance include a process of informing staff at the bank such as bank clerks of the vigilance information, a process of instructing monitors and speakers provided by the bank that transmit vigilance information to transmit vigilance information, or a process of informing a security company affiliated with the bank of the occurrence of an alert incident.

Next, if the person who brought in the specific item (knife) leaves facility 1 (bank) and then brings the specific item onto bus 1, the security gate (S Gate 4) installed on bus 1 will detect the passage of the RF tag embedded in the specific item, and the information processing terminal connected to the security gate (S Gate 4) will transmit information indicating that the specific item has been brought in to management server 100.

Here, since the alert information distribution grace period has been exceeded and the alert distribution period has already started, the management server 100 transmits the alert information to the information processing terminal connected to the security gate (S gate 4). The information processing terminal connected to the security gate (S gate 4) that has received the alert information performs various processes to urge vigilance on the bus 1. Here, the various processes to promote vigilance include the process of communicating warning information to the driver of the bus concerned, the process of instructing the monitor or speaker equipped with the bus that transmits warning information to transmit warning information, or This includes the process of notifying the operation system to which the bus is connected via the network about the occurrence of a warning incident.

As described above, in this embodiment, the management server 100 starts the monitoring period, manages the grace period for alert information distribution, and manages the alert distribution period for each individual identification information of a specific item. Each time the management server 100 receives information on the bringing in of a specific item from each security gate, it determines whether the monitoring period for the specific item is the grace period for alert information distribution or the alert distribution period based on the individual identification information of the specific item. If it is determined that the period is the grace period for alert information distribution, it does not transmit alert information. If it is determined that the period is the alert distribution period, it transmits alert information. This determination process makes it possible to suppress excessive alert information and more appropriately transmit alert information. In addition, as will be described in detail later, if it is determined that the period is the alert distribution period and other conditions for alert distribution are met, the management server 100 may transmit alert information.

In FIG. 1, the information processing terminals connected to each security gate communicate with the management server 100 via a network. However, the information processing terminals connected to each security gate may communicate with a facility management system that manages the security of each facility, or a transportation management system that manages vehicles. The facility management system or transportation management system may communicate with the management server 100. In this case, when the information processing terminals connected to each security gate transmit carry-in information to the management server 100, the facility management system or transportation management system relays this. When the management server 100 transmits alert information, the facility management system or transportation management system may receive the alert information, and the facility management system or transportation management system may perform various processes to alert the user. In this case, it is not necessary to transmit the alert information to each security gate.

[Management Server Decision Processing]
Next, a description will be given of the judgment process performed when the management server 100 receives information based on carry-in information regarding a specific article transmitted from an information processing terminal connected to a security gate. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the judgment process.

First, the communication unit 204 of the management server 100 receives the carry-in information transmitted from the information processing terminal connected to the security gate (step 301). In this case, the program that is deployed in the storage unit 203 of the management server 100 and executed by the CPU 201 performs the various processes that follow.

As a first judgment, the program of the management server 100 judges whether or not the monitoring period for the specific item has already started based on the individual identification information of the specific item included in the carry-in information (step 302). Details of the judgment as to whether or not the monitoring period for the specific item has already started in step 302 will be described later. If the monitoring period for the specific item has not already started (NO), the program proceeds to step 305 and does not send alert information (step 305). If the monitoring period for the specific item has already started (YES), the program proceeds to step 303.

Next, in step 303, the program of the management server 100 determines, as a second judgment, whether the alert distribution period start condition is met for the specific item. Details of the judgment in step 303 as to whether the alert distribution period start condition is met will be described later. If the alert distribution period start condition is not met for the specific item (NO), the program proceeds to step 305 and does not transmit alert information (step 305). If the alert distribution period start condition is met for the specific item (YES), the program proceeds to step 304.

Next, in step 304, the program of the management server 100 makes a third determination as to whether or not the specific article corresponds to the alert information distribution exemption condition. In the explanation using FIG. 1 above, the explanation of the alert information delivery exemption conditions for the specific item was omitted, but this will be explained in detail. In other words, the alert information distribution exemption condition means that even if the monitoring period has started for the specific item and the conditions for starting the alert distribution period for the specific item are met, alert information cannot be sent. This is a condition for determining that there is a reason for exemption.

For example, a kitchen knife is a specific item that can be used as a blade in the commission of a crime, and it is entirely possible that a chef with a chef's license would bring it into a facility or vehicle multiple times for a legitimate reason, such as moving between stores. Also, a gasoline can is a specific item that can be used in the commission of a crime such as arson, and it is entirely possible that a mechanic or the like would carry it for work as necessary. These conditions are therefore registered in advance in a database configured in the storage of the management server 100 as information relating to the exemption conditions for alert information distribution, and the program of the management server 100 can check this information to determine whether or not the specific item satisfies the exemption conditions for alert information distribution.

Therefore, regarding step 304, specifically, the program of the management server 100 distributes alert information about the specific item in the database configured in the storage 202 of the management server 100 based on the individual identification information of the specific item. Check whether information regarding exemption conditions is recorded. Information regarding the alert information distribution exemption conditions for the specific item is recorded, and if it is determined that the alert information distribution exemption conditions are satisfied (YES), the process proceeds to step 305 and alert information is not transmitted (step 305). If it is determined that the alert information distribution exemption conditions are not satisfied (NO), the process proceeds to step 306, and the management server 100 transmits the alert information to the information processing terminal connected to the security gate and the facility where the security gate is installed. or the management system of the transportation facility to which the vehicle to which the security gate is installed belongs. Note that the details of the determination in step 304 as to whether or not the alert information distribution exemption condition is met will be described later.

According to the judgment process according to the flowchart of the judgment process described above, it is possible to more appropriately judge whether or not to send alert information. Note that various suitable modes can be considered for the judgment in step 302 of whether the monitoring period has already started (first judgment), the judgment in step 303 of whether the alert distribution period start condition is met (second judgment), and the judgment in step 304 of whether or not the alert information distribution exemption condition is met (third judgment). These responses will be explained below using Figures 4, 5, and 6.

FIG. 4 shows an example of monitoring period start conditions. As an example of the monitoring period start condition, there are several possible conditions as shown in the figure.

Condition example 1 is when a specific item is purchased at a store. As described in FIG. 1, this is an example in which the monitoring period start condition is when information indicating that a specific item has been purchased, such as the item's individual identification information and purchase date and time, is sent to the management server 100 from a purchase recording device such as a POS system in a store sale. This is suitable for monitoring after the purchase of a specific item sold in a store.

Condition example 2 is an example in which, when a specific item is purchased in mail order or online shopping via the Internet, the monitoring period start condition is the purchase and receipt of the item. More specifically, an electronic commerce server that has a database of purchase history of mail order sales, online shopping via the Internet, etc. receives information regarding completion of receipt from a delivery company and records it in the database. The information from the electronic commerce server includes individual identification information of the specific item and/or information on the date and time of receipt of the delivered item. The condition for starting the monitoring period may be the fact that information indicating that a specific item has been purchased is transmitted to the management server 100.

Condition example 3 is an example in which the monitoring period start condition is set by the operator of the management server 100 to start the monitoring period for the specific item in question. This is a method in which the monitoring period start condition can be started for a specific item having certain individual identification information by manual operation of the operator. For example, in a store or warehouse, a specific item may be lost due to theft or the like, and a person in a public place may carry the specific item due to exceptional circumstances other than normal sales or purchase processing. If a POS system of a store or the like has a database of product management IDs and individual identification information of the specific item, in the event of such a loss, the individual identification information of the specific item can be grasped from the database in the POS system of the store or the management server 100, etc., based on the product management ID of the lost specific item managed by the manager of the store or warehouse. When the manager of the store or warehouse contacts the operator of the management server 100 with the individual identification information of the lost specific item, the monitoring period start condition can be started for the specific item having the individual identification information by manual operation of the operator as an exception processing different from the usual.

Specifically, the operator's manual operation may be performed by inputting a predetermined command into the operating software of the management server 100 or by rewriting information stored in the storage unit 203 or storage 202 of the management server 100. , an operation to change the monitoring period start condition to a starting state, etc. This also applies to "operator's manual operation" described below.

Note that any of these example conditions may be used alone, or it may be determined that the monitoring period start condition is met if any of these conditions are met.

FIG. 5 shows an example of alert information distribution period start conditions. As examples of the alert information distribution period start conditions, there are several possible conditions as shown in the figure.

Condition example 1 is an example in which the alert information distribution period starts when the alert distribution grace period ends due to the passage of a predetermined time from the start of the monitoring period. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 24 hours (one day). It may also be set to 48 hours (two days). This condition is based on the prediction that it is natural for a person who purchases a specific item for normal use to travel to a place where they will use the item for normal purposes (home or store) to take the purchased specific item home, and that this travel will be completed within 24 hours. By using the above-described condition example 1, it is possible to reduce the probability of targeting a person who purchases and carries a specific item for normal use with alert information, and to prevent excessive alert information from being sent.

Condition Example 2 is an example in which, for carrying an item onto a vehicle that has an operation end time for that day, such as the last train time, on the day the monitoring period starts, the alert delivery grace period ends when that operation end time for that day arrives, and the alert information delivery period starts at that time. In other words, this condition is based on the prediction that it is natural for a person who purchases a specific item for normal use to travel to a place where the specific item is used for normal purposes (home or store) to take the purchased specific item home, and that this travel will be completed by the time the operation end time for that day. By using the above-described Condition Example 2, it is possible to reduce the probability of targeting a person who purchases and carries a specific item for normal use with an alert information transmission, and to prevent excessive transmission of alert information.

Condition example 3 is an example in which the alert information distribution period starts when the operator of the management server 100 sets the start of the alert information distribution period for a target specific article. This is a method that allows an operator to manually operate to start an alert information distribution period for a specific item having certain individual identification information.

For example, as explained in condition example 3 in Figure 4, a specific item may be found in a public place due to exceptional circumstances other than normal sales or purchase processing, such as when the specific item is lost due to theft at a store or warehouse. If the device is carried by another person, there is a higher risk that the device will be used for purposes other than its normal purpose. Therefore, until such a case, it may not be appropriate to provide an alert delivery grace period for the specific item. Therefore, as explained in condition example 3 in FIG. As a process, it is preferable that the operator manually operates to start the monitoring period start condition for the specific item having the individual identification information, and then subsequently sets the start of the alert information distribution period for the specific item.

In addition, even if the monitoring period start condition is satisfied by a normal purchase action, such as condition example 1 or condition example 2 in FIG. 4, there are cases where it is desirable to manually start the alert information distribution period for a specific item having certain individual identification information. For example, when a specific item is purchased by a normal purchase action and a person who was planning to use it for a normal purpose loses the specific item due to theft or the like while carrying it during the alert distribution grace period. If a database or the like that links the purchase history and the individual identification information of a specific item in a POS system is provided, the individual identification information of the specific item purchased by the person who was planning to use it for normal purposes can be obtained by checking the purchase history at a store or the like of the person who was planning to use it for normal purposes with the POS system or the like. When a communication about the individual identification information of a specific item lost by a person who was planning to use it for normal purposes is conveyed to the operator of the management server 100, it is desirable for the operator of the management server 100 to set the start of the alert information distribution period for the specific item as an exception processing that is different from the usual processing. In this way, if the operator of the management server 100 sets the start of the alert information distribution period for the specific item as the alert information distribution period start condition, the start of the alert information distribution period can be controlled more appropriately.

Condition example 4 is an example in which, when the bringing in of a specific item is prohibited without exception in a facility or transportation facility where a security gate is installed, the alert information distribution period is started when an information processing terminal connected to the security gate transmits to the management server 100 bringing-in information indicating that a specific item has been brought in.

The reason for providing an alert delivery grace period in the security system of this embodiment is that even specific items that could be used for criminal acts may be brought into a facility or vehicle for legitimate reasons while traveling for daily use. In contrast, if the bringing of the specific item in question into the facility or transportation is prohibited without exception, there is no possibility of it being brought in for legitimate reasons in the first place. Therefore, there is no need to provide an alert delivery grace period until such a case, and it is desirable to start the alert information delivery period for the security gate.

Whether or not the specific item in question is prohibited without exception varies depending on the facility or transportation. Therefore, it is desirable to store information on the type of specific item that is prohibited without exception for each facility and transportation where a security gate is installed in advance in the database of the management server 100. When information on the type of specific item is sent to the management server 100 from an information processing terminal connected to the security gate, the program executed by the CPU 201 of the management server 100 uses the above database to check whether or not the type of specific item is prohibited without exception in the facility and transportation where the security gate is installed, based on the information on the type of specific item included in the information on the type of specific item. If the program executed by the CPU 201 of the management server 100 determines that the type of specific item is prohibited without exception in the facility and transportation where the security gate is installed, the management server 100 starts the period of alert information distribution to the security gate for the specific item.

When the alert information distribution period starts based on condition example 4, the alert information distribution period may also be started at all subsequent security gates. However, since bringing in a specific item of the same type is not necessarily prohibited without exception at other facilities or other means of transportation, the start of the alert information distribution period in condition example 4 may be limited to the security gate that issued the bring-in information that satisfies the conditions of condition example 4.

If the alert information distribution period has not started under conditions other than condition example 4, the alert information distribution period will be started at security gates installed in facilities or transportation facilities where the bringing in of specific items of that type is prohibited without exception, but the alert information distribution period will remain not started at security gates installed in facilities or transportation facilities where the bringing in of specific items of that type is not prohibited without exception. In this way, it is possible to realize alert information distribution control that more appropriately reflects the security policy of each facility or each transportation facility.

Note that any one of these example conditions may be used alone, or it may be determined that the alert information distribution period start condition is met if any one of these conditions is met.

FIG. 6 shows an example of alert information distribution exemption conditions. As examples of alert information distribution exemption conditions, several examples of conditions can be considered as shown in the figure.

As explained using FIG. 3, the alert information distribution exemption condition means that even if the alert information distribution period has started, if the program of the management server 100 determines that the alert information distribution exemption condition is satisfied, This is a condition for processing so that alert information is not sent. That is, it is sufficient to set a condition in which there is a sufficient reason for not transmitting alert information even if the alert information distribution period has started.

Condition example 1 is an example in which a person who has the legal qualification to hold and move a specific item is registered in the database as an owner is exempted from alert information distribution. For example, for a chef who holds a chef's license, a knife is a work tool that is used not only at home but also at a store or other location other than the home. It is not appropriate to distribute alert information even in a situation where a chef's license holder is carrying a knife, which is a work tool, while traveling for legitimate reasons.

In such a case, a database configured in storage 202 of management server 100 may be configured to store individual identification information of a specific item in association with information indicating that the owner of the specific item has legitimate qualifications. For a specific item that is stored in association with information indicating that the owner has legitimate qualifications, management server 100 may determine that the alert information delivery exemption condition is met.

A specific example of a method for storing information indicating that the owner of a specific item has legitimate qualifications in a database configured in the storage 202 of the management server 100 in association with the individual identification information of the specific item is as follows: , the following methods are possible. For example, an owner's smartphone's camera function can be used to take a picture of identification documents and documents proving qualifications, and the resulting image can be managed via the network using the smartphone's communication function. Send to server 100. After confirmation based on the image sent to the management server 100, the operator of the management server 100 manually operates to associate and retain information indicating that the owner of the specific item has legitimate qualifications. Just do it like this. By using Condition Example 1 described above, it is possible to reduce the probability that alert information will be sent to a person who carries a specific item for a legitimate reason, and it is possible to suppress sending of excessive alert information.

Condition example 2 is that (1) a person with legal qualifications to hold and move the specific item is registered in the database as the owner, and (2) there is a place near the security gate of the owner. This is an example of an exemption from alert information distribution if two conditions are met: the location information of the mobile information terminal held is recognized.

(1) The requirement that a person with the rightful qualification to hold and move the specific item be registered in the database as the owner is the same condition as Condition Example 1 in Figure 6, and the purpose of using that condition is also Since this has already been explained, repeated explanation will be omitted. In contrast, in condition example 2, (2) the condition that the location information of the portable information terminal owned by the owner is recognized near the location of the security gate is added. Here, even if (1) a person who has the rightful qualification to hold and move the specified item is registered in the database as the owner, the person who actually possesses and moves the specified item may not be able to do so. It is possible that the person holding the item is a different person than the above-mentioned owner. For example, there may be a case where a person other than the owner takes out the specific item that was kept in the home of the owner who has a legitimate qualification. In this case, there is a high possibility that the specific item cannot be said to be in possession for a legitimate reason.

Therefore, when performing a process to store information indicating that the owner of a specific item has legitimate qualifications in a database configured in storage 202 of management server 100 in association with the individual identification information of the specific item, a process can also be performed that allows the location information of the owner's smartphone to be obtained from the management server 100.

The process of enabling the location information of the owner's smartphone to be obtained from the management server 100 includes a process of setting up the owner's smartphone to allow a response to a communication from the management server 100 inquiring about the location information. In this process, information on the source from which the management server 100 obtains information about the smartphone is also recorded in a database configured in the storage 202 of the management server 100.

After that, when carry-in information indicating that a specific item has been brought in is sent to the management server 100 from an information processing terminal connected to the security gate, the management server 100 accesses the source of information about the smartphone associated with the individual identification information of the specific item recorded in the database configured in the storage 202, and acquires the location information of the smartphone. If the acquired location information of the smartphone is in the vicinity of the location of the security gate that transmitted the carry-in information indicating that a specific item has been brought in to the management server 100, it can be determined that the above-mentioned condition "(2) The location information of the mobile information terminal held by the owner has been recognized in the vicinity of the location of the security gate" is satisfied. Note that "in the vicinity" can be set to within 100 m, for example.

If Condition Example 2 explained above is used, even if a person with legitimate qualifications (owner) has sent information about a specific item registered in the database to the management server 100. If a person other than a person with proper qualifications is carrying the specific item, the management server 100 will send alert information to the information processing terminal connected to the security gate. In other words, if condition example 2 is used, the effect of lowering the probability that alert information will be sent to a person who carries a specific item for a legitimate reason can be achieved with higher precision than condition example 1 in FIG. This makes it possible to more appropriately transmit necessary alert information and more appropriately suppress transmission of excessive alert information.

Condition example 3 is an example in which the alert information distribution is exempted when the operator of the management server 100 sets alert information distribution exemption for a target specific item. This is a method that allows a specific article having certain individual identification information to be exempted from alert information distribution through manual operation by an operator.

For example, when a restaurant store is relocated from one facility to another, a large number of specific items such as kitchen knives may pass through the security gate during the relocation process. Issuing alert information in such cases may cause unnecessary confusion. Furthermore, in such a case, the cooks using the knives do not necessarily move at the same time. Therefore, under condition example 2 in FIG. 6, it is not possible to suppress the transmission of the alert. Therefore, for example, if a staff member of a restaurant to be relocated informs the operator of the management server 100 of the individual identification information of a specific item that is scheduled to pass through the security gate of a predetermined facility due to the relocation, As an exception handling that is different from normal processing, it is preferable to exempt a specific article having the individual identification information from the distribution of alert information through manual operation by an operator.

The alert information distribution exemption may apply to all security gates, but it may also be set so that the alert information distribution exemption is applied only to those passing through security gates that are legitimately required to be passed through, such as when relocating a store. good. If information is sent from a security gate that does not originally require passage, there is a possibility that an unexpected abnormal situation has occurred, and it is considered appropriate for the management server 100 to send out alert information. It's for a reason. Furthermore, it is desirable to set an end time for exempting alert information distribution for specific items by manual operation by the operator. The time required for operations such as store relocation can be estimated in advance, and it is better to resume the necessary alert information distribution if the alert information distribution exemption ends without manual operation by the operator after the end time. It is. In this way, by setting the fact that the operator of the management server 100 has set alert information distribution exemption for the specific item as an alert information distribution exemption condition, alert information distribution exemption control can be more suitably realized.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various designs can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as described in the claims. Changes can be made. For example, the embodiments described above have been described in detail to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of each embodiment with other configurations.

[Modification 1]
A plurality of alert levels may be set for the alert information distributed by the management server 100. For example, alert levels such as alert level 1 (medium alert level) and alert level 2 (high alert level) may be set. Then, alert information in a form corresponding to the level of the alert level may be distributed.

If multiple specific items corresponding to S306 "Send alert information" in Figure 3 are brought in at the same time, the alert level is raised compared to the alert information sent when only one specific item is brought in. It may be configured to send alert information. For example, the alert information that is sent when only one specific item that corresponds to "Send alert information" is brought in will be alert information of alert level 1 (medium alert level), and the alert information that will be sent if only one specific item that corresponds to "Send alert information" is set as alert information of alert level 1 (medium alert level). The alert information that is transmitted when a plurality of applicable specific items are brought in at the same time may be alert information of alert level 2 (high alert level).

Additionally, if multiple different types of specified items are brought in at the same time, alert information with a higher level of alert will be sent compared to the alert information sent when the same type of specified items are brought in at the same time. may be configured. For example, if only a "kitchen knife" is brought in as a specific item that falls under "Send alert information", the alert information will be alert information of alert level 1 (medium alert level), and it will fall under "Send alert information". If a "kitchen knife" and a "gasoline can" are brought in at the same time as specific items, the alert information may be alert information of alert level 2 (high alert level).

In this way, by sending multiple types of alert information with different alert levels to each facility and each means of transport, each facility and each means of transport can be put on alert according to the alert level.

[Modification 2]
Information captured by the camera may be stored in the management server 100, and the management server 100 may use the information for processing.

For example, when making a purchase in a store, a camera captures an image of the purchaser, including their clothes and shoes, and the captured image is sent to the management server 100 together with the individual identification information of the specific item from the purchase recording device. The management server 100 then records the captured image of the purchaser in storage 202 in association with the individual identification information of the specific item.

Each security gate is also equipped with a camera that captures images of people passing through the gate. When the security gate detects that a specific item has been brought in, the camera captures an image of the person passing through the gate at that timing. When transmitting carry-on information to the management server 100, the information processing terminal also transmits a captured image of a person passing through the gate at the timing when the security gate detects the carry-in of a specific article.

An example condition for this process may be added. That is, as an example condition for step 303 in FIG. 3, Example Condition 5 may be added to FIG. 5 (Alert Information Distribution Period Start Condition). Example Condition 5 is "when the clothes of a person passing through the security gate at the time the security gate detects the bringing in of a specific item are different from the clothes of the purchaser, or when the shoes of a person passing through the security gate at the time the security gate detects the bringing in of a specific item are different from the shoes of the purchaser."

Even if condition example 1 or condition example 2 in Figure 5 is not met, if the clothes and shoes of the person passing through the gate at the time the security gate detects the bringing in of a specific item are different from those at the time of purchase, the person concerned may be the same person. If it is a person, there is a high possibility that he has returned home once. Therefore, you need to be careful if you are taking out specific items such as kitchen knives again after returning home. Furthermore, if it is a different person, this means that the specific item, such as a kitchen knife, is handed over to another person, which increases the possibility that the person is carrying it for reasons other than legitimate reasons. Therefore, in such a case, it is desirable to control the start of the alert information distribution period in order to be more vigilant.

In addition, condition example 5 may be "when the clothes of a person passing through the security gate at the time the security gate detects the bringing in of a specific item are different from the clothes of the purchasing person, and/or when the shoes of a person passing through the security gate at the time the security gate detects the bringing in of a specific item are different from the shoes of the purchasing person."

In the above explanation, an example has been described in which the CPU 201 is used as the processor. However, other types of semiconductor devices may be used as the processor as long as they are capable of executing a specified process. The storage 202 may be configured using an appropriate storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 203 may be configured using, for example, a random access memory (RAM).

In the above explanation, an example of a system using a security gate as equipment installed at the boundary of an area was described. However, other types of equipment installed at the boundary of an area may also be used. Such equipment may be, for example, an automatic ticket gate installed at the boundary between inside and outside the ticket gates at a station, a gate installed at the entrance or exit of a store or public institution, or a gate installed at the boarding or alighting entrance of a vehicle.

These facilities may be equipped with devices that detect the passage of RF tags. These facilities may also be connected to an information processing terminal. The information processing terminal may also be connected to a facility management system or a transportation system, and the system to which the information processing terminal is connected may communicate with the management server 100.

Moreover, in the alert information distribution period start condition and the alert information distribution exemption condition, examples of conditions targeting these facilities may be set. For example, in the alert information distribution exemption conditions, regarding these facilities, it is stated that ``a person who is legitimately qualified to hold and move specific items is registered in the database as the owner, and that there are An example condition may be set such that the location information of the mobile information terminal owned by the owner has been recognized. In addition, if the equipment is installed in a facility or vehicle where bringing in the specified items is prohibited without exception, the conditions for starting the alert information distribution period will include the following: ``The bringing in of the specified items is prohibited without exception.'' An example of a condition may be set such that "When carry-on information is transmitted from equipment installed in a facility or a vehicle."

100 Management server 201 CPU
202 Storage 203 Storage unit 204 Communication unit 205 Timer

Claims (15)

An information distribution method for distributing alert information regarding the bringing in of a specific item, comprising:
performing a first determination by the processor to determine whether to begin monitoring a particular item;
After the processor determines that monitoring of the specific item should be started, the processor executes a second determination to determine a start of a distribution period for alert information targeted at the specific item;
13. An information distribution method comprising: 2. The information distribution method according to claim 1,
The processor executes the first determination on the condition of whether or not the specific item has been purchased at the store.
1. An information distribution method comprising: 2. The information distribution method according to claim 1,
The processor executes the first determination on the condition of whether or not the specific item has been purchased and received through online shopping.
1. An information distribution method comprising: The information distribution method according to claim 1,
The processor executes the first determination based on whether or not there is a setting by an operator.
An information distribution method characterized by: The information distribution method according to claim 1,
The processor executes the second determination based on whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of monitoring the specific article.
An information distribution method characterized by: 2. The information distribution method according to claim 1,
The processor executes the second determination on the condition of whether or not the operation end time of the vehicle has arrived.
1. An information distribution method comprising: The information distribution method according to claim 1,
The processor executes the second determination based on whether or not there is a setting by an operator.
An information distribution method characterized by: 2. The information distribution method according to claim 1,
The processor executes the second determination on the condition of whether or not the specific article has been brought into a facility or a vehicle where the specific article is prohibited.
1. An information distribution method comprising: The information distribution method according to claim 1,
If the processor determines that the period for distributing alert information targeting the specific article has started, the processor further includes the step of executing a third determination of determining whether to exempt the alert information regarding the specific article from being distributed. include,
An information distribution method characterized by: The information distribution method according to claim 9,
The processor executes the third determination on the condition that the person holding and moving the specific item is a person with proper qualifications.
An information distribution method characterized by: 10. The information distribution method according to claim 9,
The processor,
executing the third determination on the condition that location information of a mobile information terminal carried by a person who is legitimately qualified to carry and move the specific item at the time of the movement is recognized in the vicinity of a location of a facility installed on the boundary of the area;
1. An information distribution method comprising: 10. The information distribution method according to claim 9,
The processor,
executing the third determination on the condition of whether or not a setting has been made by an operator;
1. An information distribution method comprising: 2. The information distribution method according to claim 1,
The processor,
Delivering the alert information in different modes depending on the alert level.
1. An information distribution method comprising: 2. The information distribution method according to claim 1,
The processor,
The second judgment is executed under the condition that whether or not the clothes of the person who purchased the specific item, which are captured by a camera when the specific item is purchased, are different from the clothes of a person who passed through a gate at the time when the specific item was brought in, which are captured by a camera when the specific item passed through a facility installed at the boundary of an area, and/or whether or not the shoes of the person who purchased the specific item, which are captured by a camera when the specific item was purchased, are different from the shoes of a person who passed through a gate at the time when the specific item was brought in, which are captured by a camera when the specific item passed through a facility installed at the boundary of an area.
1. An information distribution method comprising: 9. The information distribution method according to claim 8,
The processor,
executing the second determination based on carry-on information of the specific article transmitted from a security gate;
1. An information distribution method comprising:

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