JP6383613B2 - Goods management system - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an article management system that manages whether or not an article to be managed exists at a predetermined location.

  Business entities that handle many electronic devices perform so-called inventory, which periodically checks whether or not electronic devices are placed in a predetermined place. Conventional inventory is performed by a person in charge using a management ledger or the like of an electronic device to collate the device management number unique to the electronic device with the location where the electronic device is placed. For this reason, much labor and time have been spent on inventory work. In addition, if the electronic device has been moved to another location, there is a problem that it cannot be found immediately.

  Incidentally, the device management number of an electronic device is usually displayed on a display label attached to the device. In addition, instead of the display label, a display terminal that digitally displays information received via a wireless network may be used as a display medium such as a device management number. This type of display terminal is generally called an electronic shelf label. The electronic shelf label is attached to the merchandise shelf of the retail store, and displays the name, price, etc. of the merchandise displayed on the shelf. In recent years, electronic shelf labels equipped with short-range wireless communication chips such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) have been developed separately from the communication function of wireless networks.

Special table 2009-501987

  A problem to be solved by an embodiment of the present invention is to reduce labor and time required for inventory work of articles such as electronic devices.

  In one embodiment, an article management system includes a plurality of display terminals attached to each article to be managed, and a display terminal attached to an article identified by the article code associated with the article code identifying each article. It includes a server that manages a database in which a terminal code to be identified and information on a place where the article exists are set, and a portable terminal that includes an input device and a display device. The server is connected to each display terminal via a first communication network via a relay provided at each location, and is connected to the portable terminal via a second communication network different from the first communication network. The portable terminal and each display terminal are mounted with a short-range wireless communication chip. In such an article management system, the display terminal transmits the terminal code of the display terminal or the article code of the article attached to the display terminal to the portable terminal close to the display terminal via the short-range wireless communication chip. To do. The portable terminal transmits the terminal code or the article code received from any one of the display terminals via the short-range wireless communication chip to the server via the second communication network. The server acquires information on a location associated with the terminal code or the article code received from the mobile terminal via the second communication network from the database, and transmits the information to the mobile terminal via the second communication network. When the portable terminal displays information on the location received from the server via the second communication network on the display device and receives a confirmation input via the input device, the portable terminal transmits a confirmation signal to the server via the second communication network. Send. When the server receives the confirmation signal from the portable terminal via the second communication network, the server registers in the database that the presence of the article specified by the terminal code or the article code has been confirmed.

The schematic diagram which shows the management system of an electronic device. The front view of a display terminal. The block diagram which shows the structure of a display terminal. The block diagram which shows the structure of a portable terminal. The block diagram which shows the structure of a server. The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the data preserve | saved at an apparatus database. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a place table and a relay machine table. The flowchart which shows the information processing procedure which CPU of a portable terminal performs when inventory mode is selected. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the process step "movement procedure process" shown in FIG. 8 concretely. The flowchart which shows the information processing procedure which CPU of a server performs when inventory mode is selected. 11 is a flowchart specifically showing a procedure of a processing step “movement application process” shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a flowchart specifically showing a procedure of a processing step “device search processing” shown in FIG. 10. The flowchart which shows the information processing procedure which CPU of a portable terminal performs when search mode is selected. The flowchart which shows the information processing procedure which CPU of a server performs when search mode is selected. The flowchart which shows the information processing procedure which CPU of a display terminal performs. The figure which shows an example of the apparatus information screen displayed on the touch panel of a portable terminal. The figure which shows an example of the movement management screen displayed on the touch panel of a portable terminal. The figure which shows an example of the application completion screen displayed on the touch panel of a portable terminal. The figure which shows an example of the apparatus detection screen displayed on the touchscreen of a portable terminal. The figure which shows an example of the apparatus unknown screen displayed on the touchscreen of a portable terminal.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an article management system will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an electronic device is an article to be managed. The articles to be managed are not limited to electronic devices. Even if it is an article other than an electronic device, when performing so-called inventory that periodically checks whether or not it is placed in a predetermined place, the electronic device of this embodiment is replaced with the article to be managed. Can be applied.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an article management system (hereinafter referred to as the present system) 1 of the present embodiment. In the system 1, a plurality of electronic devices (four electronic devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 in FIG. 1) are distributed into a plurality of rooms (two rooms of the first room R1 and the second room R2 in FIG. 1). It is built on the corporate body to be installed. The electronic devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 may be any model, such as a server computer, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a multifunction device. In FIG. 1, the electronic devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 are shown in a simplified manner. Incidentally, it goes without saying that the number of electronic devices and the number of rooms in which the electronic devices are placed are not limited to those of the present embodiment.

  The system 1 includes a plurality of display terminals 10 attached to each of the electronic devices M1, M2, M3, and M4, a device management server (hereinafter referred to as a server) 20, a plurality of relay devices 30, and a portable terminal 40. Including. The server 20 can access the device database 50. The device database 50 will be described later.

  Each repeater 30 is installed for each of the rooms R1 and R2. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a case where one relay device 30 is installed in each of the rooms R1 and R2 is illustrated, but the number of relay devices 30 for one room is not limited to one. .

  Each relay machine 30 relays data communication between the server 20 and each display terminal 10 existing in each room R1, R2. Data communication between each relay device 30 and each display terminal 10 uses a wireless network (first communication network) such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Data communication between each relay machine 30 and the server 20 uses a wired or wireless network (first communication network). Each repeater 30 is set with a unique repeater ID. Such a repeater 30 is also referred to as a radio base station.

  The portable terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal that combines an input device and a display device with a touch panel. The portable terminal 40 may be a computer device that includes an input device such as a keyboard and a pointing device and a display device such as a liquid crystal display independently. The portable terminal 40 is connected to the server 20 via a communication network (second communication network) using a mobile network or the Internet. The portable terminal 40 is used, for example, by an administrator who manages an electronic device of a business entity.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the display terminal 10. In the display terminal 10, a display device 11 and a speaker 12 of a buzzer 17 (see FIG. 3) are arranged on the front of a terminal body having a rectangular bill shape. The display device 11 is, for example, electronic paper. A color LED (liquid crystal display), a segment display, or the like can be used as the display device 11.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the display terminal 10. The display terminal 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 14, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 15, a wireless circuit 16, a display device 11, a buzzer 17, and an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip 18. These are connected by a bus line BL such as an address bus and a data bus. Although not shown, the display terminal 10 is equipped with a battery as a driving power source. Such a display terminal 10 is called an electronic shelf label, and is used in a merchandise shelf in a retail store, a storage shelf in a warehouse, or the like.

  The CPU 13 corresponds to the central part of the computer. CPU13 controls each part in order to implement | achieve the various functions as the display terminal 10 according to an operating system or an application program.

  The ROM 14 corresponds to a main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 14 stores the above operating system and application programs. The ROM 14 may store data necessary for the CPU 13 to execute processing for controlling each unit. The ROM 14 stores a shelf label ID (terminal code) that is a unique identification code assigned to the display terminal 10. The ROM 14 may be a flash ROM capable of electrically rewriting data.

  The RAM 15 corresponds to a main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 15 stores data necessary for the CPU 13 to execute processing. The RAM 15 is also used as a work area where information is appropriately rewritten by the CPU 13.

  The radio circuit 16 performs two-way radio communication with the relay machine 30 identified by the set relay machine ID using a predetermined radio frequency.

  The NFC chip 18 performs data communication according to the NFC standard with other NFC chip-equipped devices that are close to the display terminal 10.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the mobile terminal 40. The mobile terminal 40 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, an auxiliary storage device 44, a touch panel 45, a communication device 46, and an NFC chip 47, which are connected by a bus line BL such as an address bus or a data bus.

  The CPU 41 corresponds to the central part of the computer. CPU41 controls each part in order to implement | achieve various functions as the portable terminal 40 according to an operating system or an application program.

  The ROM 42 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 42 stores the above operating system and application programs. The ROM 42 may store data necessary for the CPU 41 to execute processing for controlling each unit.

  The RAM 43 corresponds to a main storage part of the computer. The RAM 43 stores data necessary for the CPU 41 to execute processing. The RAM 43 is also used as a work area where information is appropriately rewritten by the CPU 41.

  The auxiliary storage device 44 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 44 is, for example, a flash memory card. The auxiliary storage device 44 stores data used when the CPU 41 performs various processes and data generated by the process in the CPU 41. The auxiliary storage device 44 may store the above application program.

  The touch panel 45 is a device device in which a touch sensor that is an input device is arranged on a screen of a panel-type display that is a display device.

  The communication device 46 controls bidirectional data communication performed with the server 20 via the second communication network.

  The NFC chip 47 performs data communication according to the NFC standard with other NFC chip-equipped devices that are close to the mobile terminal 40.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 20. The server 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an auxiliary storage device 24, a network interface 25, and a relay interface 26, which are connected by a bus line BL such as an address bus and a data bus.

  The CPU 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 21 controls each unit to implement various functions as the server 20 according to the operating system and application programs.

  The ROM 22 corresponds to a main storage part of the computer. The ROM 22 stores the above operating system and application programs. The ROM 22 may store data necessary for the CPU 21 to execute processing for controlling each unit.

  The RAM 23 corresponds to a main storage part of the computer. The RAM 23 stores data necessary for the CPU 21 to execute processing. The RAM 23 is also used as a work area where information is appropriately rewritten by the CPU 21.

  The auxiliary storage device 24 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 24 is, for example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 24 stores data used when the CPU 21 performs various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 21. The auxiliary storage device 24 may store the above application program.

  The network interface 25 controls bi-directional data communication with a communication device such as the portable terminal 40 via the second communication network.

  The relay interface 26 controls bidirectional data communication performed between the first communication network and each display terminal 10 connected via the relay 30.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure example of data stored in the device database 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the device database 50 stores device data records including at least a management number, a device name, a management department, an administrator, a shelf label ID, a location ID, a location name, and a shelf label flag.

  In the item of the device data record, the management number, the device name, the management department, and the administrator are information on each of the electronic devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 that are articles to be managed. The management number is a unique code (article code) uniquely set for each electronic device M1, M2, M3, M4.

  In the item of the device data record, the shelf label ID is a code for identifying the display terminal 10 attached to the electronic devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 specified by the corresponding management number. The place ID and the place name are information regarding the rooms R1 and R2 in which the electronic devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 specified by the corresponding management numbers are arranged. Each room R1, R2 has a unique place ID and place name set in advance.

  In the item of the device data record, the inventory flag is set or reset in the inventory mode processing described later. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the shelf label flag of the device data record corresponding to the electronic device for which inventory has not been completed is reset to “0”. The shelf label flag of the device data record corresponding to the electronic device for which inventory has been completed is set to “1”.

  The device database 50 is formed in the auxiliary storage device 24 of the server 20, for example. The server 20 may include an external interface (not shown), and the device database 50 may be formed in a storage device connected via the external interface.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the data tables 51 and 52 formed in the auxiliary storage device 24.
The data table 51 stores the relay machine ID and the map address in association with the place ID and the place name. The relay machine ID is information of the relay machine 30 arranged in each of the rooms R1 and R2 specified by the corresponding place ID and place name. The map address is information indicating the positions of the rooms R1 and R2 specified by the corresponding place ID and place name on the map representing the layout of the rooms R1 and R2. Hereinafter, the data table 51 is referred to as a location table 51.

  The data table 52 stores one or more shelf label IDs in association with the relay machine ID. The shelf label ID is information on the display terminal 10 existing in the rooms R1 and R2 in which the relay device 30 specified by the corresponding relay device ID is installed. Hereinafter, the data table 52 is referred to as a relay table 52.

  The system 1 having such a configuration is realized by mounting an application program dedicated to device management (hereinafter referred to as a device management program) on the portable terminal 40. The device management program causes the computer of the mobile terminal 40 to realize the function as the inventory mode and the function as the search mode. First, functions as the inventory mode will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 to 12 and 15 and display examples of the touch panel 45 shown in FIGS.

  8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the information processing procedure executed by the CPU 41 of the portable terminal 40 when the inventory mode is selected. FIGS. 10 to 12 show the information processing procedure executed by the CPU 21 of the server 20. It is a flowchart shown. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure executed by the CPU 13 of the display terminal 10. Note that the contents of the processes illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 12 and 15 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  The administrator activates a device management program in the portable terminal 40 when taking inventory of the electronic devices M1, M2, M3, and M4. Then, the administrator selects the inventory mode.

  When the inventory mode is selected, the CPU 41 transmits an inventory start command to the server 20 via the communication device 46 (Act 1). Next, the CPU 41 waits for near field communication to be performed via the NFC chip 47 (Act 2). During this standby, the CPU 41 monitors whether or not the end of the inventory mode has been declared (Act 3).

  For example, the administrator goes to the first room R1 and brings the mobile terminal 40 closer to the display terminal 10 attached to the electronic device, for example, the electronic device M1, placed there. Then, near field communication is performed between the NFC chip 47 mounted on the mobile terminal 40 and the NFC chip 18 mounted on the display terminal 10. Through this communication, the display terminal 10 transmits a shelf label ID unique to the display terminal 10 to the portable terminal 40 (code transmission means).

  When the CPU 41 of the portable terminal 40 confirms that short-range wireless communication has been performed via the NFC chip 47 (YES in Act 2), it confirms whether or not the shelf label ID has been acquired from the display terminal 10 ( Act 4). When the shelf label ID is acquired (YES in Act 4), the CPU 41 transmits the shelf label ID to the server 20 via the communication device 46 (Act 5: code transfer means).

  On the other hand, the CPU 21 of the server 20 waits for a command from the portable terminal 40 (Act 31). When the command is received via the network interface 25 (YES in Act 31), the CPU 21 confirms whether or not the command is an inventory start command (Act 32). When the command is an inventory start command (YES in Act 32), the CPU 21 resets the inventory flag of all device data records registered in the device database 50 to “0” (Act 33).

  Thereafter, the CPU 21 waits for receiving a shelf label ID from the portable terminal 40 or receiving an inventory end command (Act 34, 35). When the shelf label ID is received via the network interface 25 (YES in Act 34), the CPU 21 searches the device database 50 with the shelf label ID (Act 36). And CPU21 confirms the presence or absence of the equipment data record containing the said shelf label ID (Act37). When a corresponding device data record is detected (Act 38), the CPU 21 acquires a management number, device name, management department, administrator, shelf label ID, location ID, and location name from the record. Further, the CPU 21 acquires a map address associated with the location ID from the location table 51. The CPU 21 transmits the acquired information (device information) to the portable terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the shelf label ID via the network interface 25 (Act38: location information transmission unit).

  The CPU 41 of the portable terminal 40 that transmitted the shelf label ID in Act 5 waits for device information to be sent from the server 20 (Act 6). When device information is received via the communication device 46 (YES in Act 6), the CPU 41 edits the device information screen 60 from the device information and displays it on the touch panel 45 (Act 7).

  An example of the device information screen 60 is shown in FIG. As illustrated, the device information screen 60 displays a management number, a device name, a management department, an administrator, and a location name included in the device information. In addition, a map 61 representing the layout of each room R1, R2 is displayed. And the area | region (1st room R1 in the case of FIG. 16) specified by the map address linked | related with place ID on this map 61 is identified and displayed. For example, it is displayed in a different color from other areas. Further, a confirmation button 62 and a move button 63 are displayed on the device information screen 60.

  Therefore, the administrator can confirm the name of the electronic device M1 and the original installation location from the device information screen 60. For example, in the display example of FIG. 16, when the administrator performs an inventory of the electronic device M1 in the first room R1, the electronic device M1 is in the correct location because the original location of the electronic device M1 is the first room R1. Can be recognized. However, when the administrator performs an inventory of the electronic device M1 in the second room R2, since the electronic device M2 that should be in the first room R1 is in the second room R2, it is recognized that the electronic device M1 has been moved illegally. it can.

  When the installation location of the electronic device M1 is correct, the administrator touches the confirmation button 62. If the installation location is not correct, the administrator touches the movement button 63. Also, the administrator touches the movement button 63 when moving the electronic device M1 with the correct installation location to another location, for example, the first room R1 to the second room R2.

  The CPU 41 displaying the device information screen 60 in Act 7 waits for the confirmation button 62 to be touched (Act 8) or the movement button 63 to be touched (Act 9). When it is detected that the confirmation button 62 has been touched (YES in Act 8), the CPU 41 transmits a confirmation signal to the server 20 via the communication device 46 (Act 10: confirmation transmission means). This confirmation signal includes the shelf label ID acquired in the process of Act4. Subsequently, the CPU 41 notifies confirmation completion (Act 11). For example, the CPU 41 notifies the confirmation completion by deleting the confirmation button 62 and the movement button 63 from the device information screen 60. Thereafter, the CPU 41 returns to the process of Act2.

  Note that the processing procedures of Act10 and Act11 may be reversed. Further, the confirmation completion notification means is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a completion sound may be generated from a buzzer mounted on the mobile terminal 40. In short, it is sufficient that the administrator can confirm the completion of confirmation of the electronic device M1.

  On the other hand, if it is detected that the movement button 63 is touched after the device information screen 60 is displayed in Act 7 (YES in Act 9), the CPU 41 performs the movement procedure process specifically shown in FIG. Execute (Act12). That is, the CPU 41 transmits a movement application signal to the server 20 via the communication device 46 (Act 21). This movement application signal includes the shelf label ID acquired in the process of Act4.

  The CPU 21 of the server 20 that has transmitted the device information in Act 38 waits for a confirmation signal or a movement application signal from the portable terminal 40 (Act 39, 40). If the signal received via the network interface 25 is a confirmation signal (YES in Act 39), the CPU 21 sets the inventory flag of the device data record in which the shelf label ID included in the confirmation signal is set to “1”. Set (Act 41: Existence registration means). Thereafter, the CPU 21 returns to the process of Act34.

  On the other hand, when the received signal is a movement application signal (YES in Act 40), the CPU 21 executes a movement application process specifically shown in FIG. 11 (Act 42). That is, the CPU 21 creates destination list data from each place name set in the place table 51 (Act 51). Then, the CPU 21 transmits a permission response including the destination list data to the mobile terminal 40 that is the source of the movement application signal via the network interface 25 (Act 52).

  The CPU 41 of the portable terminal 40 that has transmitted the movement application signal in Act 21 waits for a permission response from the server 20 (Act 22). When the permission response is received via the communication device 46 (YES in Act 22), the CPU 41 edits the movement management screen 70 using the destination list data included in the permission response and displays the movement management screen 70 on the touch panel 45 (Act 12). .

  An example of the movement management screen 70 is shown in FIG. This example is a case where the move button 63 is touched on the device information screen 60 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, a movement destination selection button 72 and a confirmation button 73 are displayed on the movement management screen 70 together with a map 71 similar to the device information screen 60. The destination selection button 72 has a pull-down list of location names to be moved by touch input, so the administrator touches the location name as the destination from this list and touches the confirm button 73. . Thereafter, the administrator moves the electronic device M1 to a location selected as the destination, for example, the second room R2.

  The CPU 41 waits for the confirmation button 73 to be touched (Act 24). When it is detected that the confirmation button 73 is touched (YES in Act 24), the CPU 41 sends the server 20 via the communication device 46 to the server 20 and the shelf label acquired in Act 4 processing. A permission application signal including the ID is transmitted (Act 25: destination transmission means).

  The CPU 21 of the server 20 that has transmitted the permission response in Act 52 waits for a permission application signal from the portable terminal 40 (Act 53). When the permission application signal is received via the network interface 25 (YES in Act 53), the CPU 21 searches the device database 50 with the shelf label ID and the place name included in the permission application signal (Act 54). Then, the CPU 21 checks whether or not the location name of the device data record including the shelf label ID matches the location name included in the permission application signal (Act 55). If they do not match (NO in Act 55), the CPU 21 updates the location name and location ID of the record to the location name and location ID selected as the destination (Act 56), and sets the inventory flag of the record. Set to “1” (Act57: Location update registration means). Further, the CPU 21 acquires the relay machine ID associated with the place name included in the permission application signal from the place table 51. Then, the CPU 21 updates the relay table 52 so that the shelf label ID included in the permission application signal is set in association with the relay ID (Act 58).

  On the other hand, when the location name of the device data record including the shelf label ID matches the location name included in the permission application signal (YES in Act 55), CPU 21 does not execute the processing of Act 56 to Ac 58.

  When the electronic device M1 installed in the first room R1, which is the correct location at the time of inventory, is moved to the second room R2, which is the destination, the location names do not match in the processing of Act55. In this case, the system 1 considers that the inventory of the electronic device M1 has been completed. That is, the server 20 sets the inventory flag of the device data record related to the electronic device M1 to “1”. On the other hand, when the electronic device M1 installed in the second room R2 that is the wrong place is moved to the first room R1 that is the right place, the place names match in the processing of Act55. In this case, the system 1 regards the inventory of the electronic device M1 as incomplete. That is, the server 20 keeps the inventory flag of the device data record related to the electronic device M1 reset to “0”.

  If Act 58 is completed or if “YES” is determined in Act 55, the CPU 21 generates a permission response signal including a map address and a place name associated with the shelf label ID included in the permission application signal. Then, the CPU 21 transmits a permission response signal to the portable terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the permission application signal via the network interface 25 (Act 59), and then the CPU 21 returns to the process of Act 34.

  The CPU 41 of the portable terminal 40 that has transmitted the permission application signal in Act 25 waits for a permission response signal from the server 20 (Act 26). When the permission response signal is received via communication device 46 (YES in Act 26), CPU 41 edits application completion screen 80 and displays it on touch panel 45 (Act 27).

  An example of the application completion screen 80 is shown in FIG. This example is a case where the second room R2 is designated as the movement destination on the movement management screen 70 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the application completion screen 80 displays a place name included in the permission response signal. A map 81 representing the layout of each room R1, R2 is displayed. Then, the area specified by the map address included in the permission response signal on the map 81 (in the case of FIG. 18, the second room R2) is displayed as distinguished from other areas. For example, it is displayed in a different color from other areas.

Therefore, the administrator can confirm that the location where the electronic device M1 managed in the device database 50 of the server 20 is changed from the first room R1 to the second room R2 by checking the application completion screen 80. .
After displaying the application completion screen 80, the CPU 41 returns to the processing of Act2.

  The administrator who has finished the inventory work declares the end of the inventory mode. For example, the administrator touches an end button displayed on the touch panel 45. When the end of the inventory mode is declared (YES in Act 3), the CPU 41 transmits an inventory end command to the server 20 via the communication device 46 (Act 13), and ends the process of the inventory mode.

  When the CPU 21 of the server 20 receives an inventory end command from the portable terminal 40 via the network interface 25 (YES in Act 35), the CPU 21 executes the device search process specifically shown in FIG. 12 (Act 43). That is, the CPU 21 extracts a device data record in which the inventory flag is reset to “0” from the device database 50 (Act 61). The CPU 21 confirms whether or not the corresponding device data record has been extracted (Act 62).

  In the device data record of the electronic device for which the inventory has not been executed, the inventory flag remains reset to “0”. Further, as a result of the inventory, the inventory flag of the device data record of the electronic device installed in the wrong place remains reset to “0”.

  When the device data record in which the inventory flag is reset to “0” is extracted (YES in Act 62), the CPU 21 detects the shelf label ID and the location ID from the device data record (Act 63). Subsequently, the CPU 21 refers to the location table 51 and detects the relay machine ID associated with the location ID (Act 64). The CPU 21 transmits a call signal including the shelf label ID from the relay device 30 specified by the relay device ID (Act 65: call transmission means).

  Thereafter, the CPU 21 returns to the processing of Act 61. When the device data record in which the inventory flag is reset to “0” is further extracted, the CPU 21 executes the processes of Act63 to Act65. When CPU 21 has executed the above-described Act 63 to Act 65 for all device data records whose inventory flag has been reset to “0” (YES in Act 62), the device search process is terminated.

  As described above, when the device search process is executed, the call signal including the shelf label ID of the device data record whose inventory flag is reset to “0” is identified by the relay device ID associated with the location ID of the record. Is transmitted from the relay station 30 to be transmitted.

  The call signal is received by the display terminal 10 when the display terminal 10 in which the shelf label ID included in the signal is set is present in the room where the repeater 30 is installed. At this time, the CPU 13 of the display terminal 10 executes the processing of Act 101 to Act 106 in FIG. That is, the CPU 13 waits for reception of a radio signal (Act 101). When a wireless signal transmitted via relay 30 is received (YES in Act 101), CPU 13 confirms whether or not the wireless signal is addressed to itself (Act 102). If the shelf label ID included in the wireless signal does not match the shelf label ID set for itself, the CPU 13 recognizes that it is not addressed to itself (NO in Act 102). When the wireless signal not addressed to itself is received, the CPU 13 waits for the next wireless signal (Act 101).

  If the shelf label ID included in the wireless signal matches the shelf label ID set for itself, the CPU 13 recognizes that it is addressed to itself (YES in Act 102). When receiving the radio signal addressed to itself, the CPU 13 checks the type of signal (Act 103, 107).

  If the received radio signal is a call signal (YES in Act 103), CPU 13 outputs an on signal to buzzer 17 (Act 104: call alarm means). By this process, the buzzer 17 sounds. After outputting the ON signal to the buzzer 17, the CPU 13 waits for short-range wireless communication to be performed (Act 105). When confirming that short-range wireless communication has been performed via the NFC chip 18 (YES in Act 105), the CPU 13 outputs an off signal to the buzzer 17 (Act 106). This process stops the buzzer 17.

  For example, when the person in charge forgets the inventory of the electronic device M2 installed in the first room R1 and declares the end of the inventory mode, the call including the shelf label ID of the display terminal 10 attached to the electronic device M2 A signal is transmitted from the repeater 30 provided in the first room R1. As a result, a buzzer sounds from the display terminal 10 attached to the electronic device M2. Therefore, the person in charge notices that the electronic device M2 forgot to take inventory exists in the first room R1. In this case, the person in charge brings the portable terminal 40 closer to the display terminal 10 that is generating the buzzer sound. Then, since the buzzer sound stops, the electronic device M2 may be inventoried.

  In addition, as a result of the inventory, the person in charge who returned the electronic device M1 installed in the incorrect location (for example, the second room R2) to the original location (for example, the first room R1) declared the end of the inventory mode. Assume a case. In this case, a call signal including the shelf label ID of the display terminal 10 attached to the electronic device M1 is transmitted from the repeater 30 provided in the first room R1. As a result, a buzzer sounds from the display terminal 10 attached to the electronic device M1. Therefore, the person in charge can confirm that the electronic device M1 has been returned to the correct location. Since the person in charge stops the buzzer sound when the portable terminal 40 is brought close to the display terminal 10, the inventory may be performed again for the electronic device M1. Incidentally, when the person in charge mistakenly declares that the electronic device M1 is returned to the correct location and declares the end, the buzzer sound is not emitted from the display terminal 10 attached to the electronic device M1. Therefore, the person in charge notices that the electronic device M1 has been moved to the wrong place.

Next, the function as the search mode will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 and display examples of the touch panel 45 shown in FIGS.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure executed by the CPU 41 of the portable terminal 40 when the search mode is selected, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure executed by the CPU 21 of the server 20. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure executed by the CPU 13 of the display terminal 10. The contents of the processes shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

When searching for an electronic device that has become unknown, for example, the electronic device M3, the administrator activates a device management program in the portable terminal 40. Then, the administrator selects a search mode.
When the search mode is selected, the CPU 41 transmits a search request command to the server 20 via the communication device 46 (Act 71).

  The CPU 21 of the server 20 waits for a command from the mobile terminal 40 (Act81). When a command is received via the network interface 25 (YES in Act 81), it is confirmed whether or not the command is a search request command (Act 82). When it is a search request command (YES in Act 82), the CPU 21 creates device list data from the device names of all device data records registered in the device database 50 (Act 83). Then, the CPU 21 transmits a permission response including the device list data to the mobile terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the search request command via the network interface 25 (Act84).

  The CPU 41 of the portable terminal 40 that has transmitted the search request command in Act 71 waits for a permission response from the server 20 (Act 72). When the permission response is received via the communication device 46 (YES in Act 72), the CPU 41 edits the device selection screen using the device list data included in the permission response and displays it on the touch panel 45 (Act 73). A list of device names is displayed on the device selection screen. In addition, a confirmation button is displayed. The person in charge selects the name of the electronic device M3 to be searched, touches the confirmation button, and selects the electronic device M3 to be searched.

  The CPU 41 waits until an electronic device to be searched is selected from the device selection screen (Act 74). When an electronic device is selected (Act 74), the CPU 41 transmits a search start signal including the management number of the selected electronic device to the server 20 via the communication device 46 (Act 75: search code transfer means). .

  The CPU 21 of the server 20 that has transmitted the permission response signal in Act 84 waits for a search start signal from the portable terminal 40 (Act 85). If the search start signal is received via network interface 25 (YES in Act 85), CPU 21 searches device database 50 for the management number included in the search start signal, and from the device data record including the management number. The shelf label ID is acquired (Act 86). And CPU21 transmits the inquiry signal containing the shelf label ID from all the relay machines 30 (Act87: inquiry transmission means).

  After sending the inquiry signal, the CPU 21 checks whether or not a response signal from the display terminal 10 has been received (Act 88). When the response signal is received via relay device 30 (YES in Act 88), CPU 21 detects the relay device ID of relay device 30 that has received the response signal (Act 89). Subsequently, the CPU 21 searches the location table 51 to obtain the location name and map address associated with the relay machine ID (Act 90). And CPU21 transmits the apparatus detection response signal containing a place name and a map address to the portable terminal 40 of a search request command transmission origin via the network interface 25 (Act91: Location information transmission means).

  On the other hand, if the response signal from the display terminal 10 cannot be received even after the predetermined time has elapsed (NO in Act 88), the CPU 21 sends a device unknown response signal to the mobile terminal 40 that has transmitted the search request command via the network interface 25. Is transmitted (Act92).

  The inquiry signal transmitted in the process of Act 87 is received by the display terminal 10 in which the shelf label ID included in the inquiry signal is set. At this time, the CPU 13 of the display terminal 10 executes the processes of Act101 to Act103 and Act107 to Act111 in FIG. That is, the CPU 13 waits for reception of a radio signal (Act 101), and receives a radio signal transmitted via the repeater 30 (YES in Act 101), confirms whether the radio signal is addressed to itself. (Act102). If the shelf label ID included in the wireless signal does not match the shelf label ID set for itself, the CPU 13 recognizes that it is not addressed to itself (NO in Act 102). In that case, the CPU 13 waits for the next radio signal (Act 101).

  If the shelf label ID included in the wireless signal matches the shelf label ID set for itself, the CPU 13 recognizes that it is addressed to itself (YES in Act 102). When receiving the radio signal addressed to itself, the CPU 13 checks the type of signal (Act 103, 107).

  If the received radio signal is an inquiry signal (YES in Act 107), the CPU 13 transmits a response signal to the server 21 that is the source of the inquiry signal (Act 108: inquiry response means). Subsequently, the CPU 13 outputs an ON signal to the buzzer 17 (Act 109: inquiry alarm means). By this process, the buzzer 17 sounds. After outputting the ON signal to the buzzer 17, the CPU 13 waits for short-range wireless communication to be performed (Act 110). When confirming that short-range wireless communication has been performed via the NFC chip 18 (YES in Act 110), the CPU 13 outputs an off signal to the buzzer 17 (Act 111: alarm stop means). This process stops the buzzer 17.

  CPU41 of the portable terminal 40 which transmitted the search start signal by Act75 waits for the response signal from the server 21 (Act76). If the response signal is a device detection response signal (YES in Act 76), the CPU 41 edits the device detection screen 90 and displays it on the touch panel 45 (Act 77: location display means). If the response signal is a device unknown response signal (NO in Act 76), the CPU 41 edits the device unknown screen 95 and displays it on the touch panel 45 (Act 78).

  An example of the device detection screen 90 is shown in FIG. An example of the device unknown screen 95 is shown in FIG. On the device detection screen 90 and the device unknown screen 95, the management number, device name, management department, administrator, and location name set in the device database 60 are displayed for the electronic device M3 selected as the search target. Each room R1. A map 91 representing the layout of R2 is displayed. In the device detection screen 90, the region (second room R2 in FIG. 19) specified by the map address included in the device detection response signal is displayed as distinguished from other regions. Further, a next button 92 and an end button 93 are displayed on the device detection screen 90 and the device unknown screen 95.

  Therefore, the administrator who has confirmed the device detection screen 90 can confirm that the electronic device M3 that has made the search request is installed in the second room R3. At this time, since the buzzer of the display terminal 10 attached to the electronic device M3 is sounding, the administrator can easily specify where the electronic device M3 is in the second room R2. Moreover, in order to turn off the buzzer sound, it is necessary to bring the portable terminal 40 closer to the display terminal 10, so that the administrator can reliably recognize the presence of the electronic device M3.

  On the other hand, the administrator who has confirmed the device unknown screen 95 does not indicate that the electronic device M3 that has made the search request exists in the rooms R1 and R2, or that the display terminal 10 attached to the electronic device M3 has failed. I can guess it.

  The administrator who has confirmed the device detection screen 90 or the device unknown screen 95 touches the next button 92 when searching for another electronic device. To end the search, the administrator touches the end button 93.

  The CPU 41 of the portable terminal 40 that has displayed the device detection screen 90 or the device unknown screen 95 in Act 77 or Act 78 waits for the next button 92 to be touched (Act 79). When it is detected that the next button 92 is touched (YES in Act 79), the CPU 41 returns to the processing of Act 73. Therefore, the search process for the electronic device having the device name selected from the device selection screen is executed again.

  On the other hand, when it is detected that end button 93 is touched instead of next button 92 (NO in Act 79), CPU 41 deletes the screen of touch panel 45 (Act 80), and ends the search mode processing. To do.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the inventory of the electronic device is performed, the person in charge uses the electronic device management ledger and the device management number unique to the electronic device and the electronic device are placed. Since there is no need to collate with the place, labor can be reduced. In addition, the time required for the inventory work can be shortened.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, when an electronic device that has been inventoried has been moved to another location, it can be found immediately. In addition, when an electronic device that has been inventoried is intentionally moved to another location, the location information of the electronic device managed in the device database 50 is automatically updated, which is a burden on the person in charge. There is no.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily search for an electronic device that has been lost. When the electronic device is found, the person in charge can surely confirm the presence of the electronic device.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the embodiment, the display terminal 10 transmits the shelf label ID in the short-range wireless communication with the portable terminal 40. Instead of the shelf label ID, the management number of the electronic device to which the display terminal 10 is attached is used. You may send it.

  In the above-described embodiment, a case where a destination is selected from a list of place names displayed in a pull-down display on the movement management screen 70 has been shown. May be.

  In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Display terminal, 20 ... Equipment management server, 30 ... Relay machine, 40 ... Portable terminal, 50 ... Equipment database, 18, 47 ... NFC chip, 51 ... Location table, 52 ... Relay machine table.

Claims (5)

A plurality of display terminals attached to each article to be managed, a terminal code for identifying the display terminal attached to the article identified by the article code in association with the article code for identifying each article, and the article Including a server that manages a database in which information on the location of the mobile phone is set, and a mobile terminal that includes an input device and a display device,
The server is connected to each display terminal via a relay provided at each location via a first communication network, and the second communication network is different from the portable terminal and the first communication network. Connect with
The portable terminal and each display terminal are an article management system in which a short-range wireless communication chip is mounted,
The display terminal transmits the terminal code of the display terminal or the article code of the article to which the display terminal is attached to the portable terminal close to the display terminal via the short-range wireless communication chip. Means,
A code transfer means for transmitting the terminal code or the article code received from any of the display terminals via the short-range wireless communication chip to the server via the second communication network; Have
The server acquires information on a location associated with the terminal code or article code received from the portable terminal via the second communication network from the database, and transmits the portable information via the second communication network. A location information transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal,
When the portable terminal causes the display device to display the location information received from the server via the second communication network and receives a confirmation input via the input device, the portable terminal receives a confirmation signal. Confirmation transmission means for transmitting to the server via a communication network,
When the server receives the confirmation signal from the mobile terminal via the second communication network, the server registers in the database that the presence of the article specified by the terminal code or the article code has been confirmed. An article management system further comprising registration means. The server further includes call transmission means for transmitting a call signal including the terminal code of the display terminal attached to the article whose existence is not confirmed, from the repeater,
2. The display terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a call alarm unit that issues an alarm when the display terminal receives the call signal including its terminal code from the repeater via the first communication network. The article management system described. The portable terminal receives a destination of the article whose location information is displayed on the display device from the input device, and transmits information about the received destination to the server via the second communication network. A destination transmission means for
When the server receives information about the destination of the article from the portable terminal via the second communication network, the server associates the article code of the article with the terminal code of the display terminal attached to the article. If the location information set in the database does not match the destination information, the location information is updated to the destination information and the presence of the article is registered in the database. The article management system according to claim 1, further comprising a location update registration unit for performing the update. A plurality of display terminals attached to each article to be managed, a terminal code for identifying the display terminal attached to the article identified by the article code in association with the article code for identifying each article, and the article Including a server that manages a database in which information on the location of the mobile phone is set, and a mobile terminal that includes an input device and a display device,
The server is connected to each display terminal via a relay provided at each location via a first communication network, and the second communication network is different from the portable terminal and the first communication network. Connect with
The portable terminal and each display terminal are an article management system in which a short-range wireless communication chip is mounted,
The portable terminal has search code transfer means for transmitting an article code for identifying an article to be searched to the server via the second communication network,
The server causes the repeater to transmit an inquiry signal including the terminal code for identifying the display terminal attached to an article identified by the article code received from the portable terminal via the second communication network. Inquiry transmission means,
The display terminal receives an inquiry signal including its own terminal code from the repeater via the first communication network and issues an inquiry alarm means for issuing an alarm, and short-range wireless communication with the portable terminal is performed. An article management system comprising: an alarm stop means for stopping the alarm when it is called. The display terminal further includes inquiry response means for returning a response signal to the server when receiving the inquiry signal including its own terminal code from the repeater via the first communication network,
When the server receives a response signal from the display terminal via the relay device, the server transmits location information where the relay device is provided to the portable terminal via the second communication network. Means,
5. The article management system according to claim 4, wherein the portable terminal further includes a location display unit that displays the location information received from the server via the second communication network on the display device. .