JP7252085B2 - Key management system and key management method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a key management device, a key management system, and a key management method that facilitate the return of a key holder by a user.

Conventionally, in stores such as financial institutions and distribution institutions, there are multiple keys such as keys for operating equipment installed in the store and keys for opening and closing the management area. is known.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a key management device that enables remote control of a key holder. In the conventional key management device represented by Patent Document 1, there is a one-to-one relationship between the storage section of the key management device and the key holder, and the key holder taken out from a certain storage section is always returned to the same storage section. It is

JP 2013-127196 A

However, according to the conventional technology, there is a problem that the key holder can only be returned to a predetermined lock mechanism. For example, when a user takes out a key holder from the key management device and goes on a business trip, the key holder cannot be stored in the key management device, and the key holder cannot be strictly managed. In addition, when foreigners visiting Japan (inbound) enter Tokyo and leave Osaka, they can borrow a key holder containing car keys from an unmanned rental car shop in Tokyo, but they cannot return this key holder in Osaka. As a result, it is not possible to use a rental car.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a key management system and a key management method that facilitate the return of a key holder by a user.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a key management system comprising a plurality of key management devices each having a plurality of housing portions for housing key holders, wherein at least one key management device comprises: , on the condition that the key holder to be returned taken out from another key management device is registered in association with the own device, the storage unit that is in an empty state among the plurality of storage units is It has a control unit that controls the key holder to be returned so that it can be returned.

In the above invention, the present invention further includes a management device capable of communicating with the plurality of key management devices, and each key management device communicates with an empty storage section among the plurality of storage sections. A return information notifying unit that notifies the management device of information related to the return of the key holder when the key holder to be returned is returned, wherein the management device receives information on the key holder notified from each key management device. The return history of the key holder is managed based on the return information.

In the present invention, in the above invention, the key management device further includes a reservation information notifying unit that notifies the management device of reservation information including information related to a storage unit of the key management device to which the key holder is to be returned. The management device notifies a key management device that manages a key holder to be returned of information related to a storage unit of the key management device that returns the key holder included in the reservation information.

In the above-described invention, the present invention further includes a terminal device capable of communicating with the management device, wherein the terminal device manages the reservation information including information related to the storage section of the key management device for returning the key holder. The management device notifies the key management device that manages the key holder to be returned of the information related to the storage unit of the key management device that returns the key holder included in the reservation information.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the management device holds data relating to the limited number of key holders that can be returned to at least one key management device, and based on the data relating to the limited number, Limiting the number of returnable key holders to be returned to the key management apparatus.

In the present invention, in the above invention, at least one key management device includes a return deadline management unit that manages the return deadline of the key holder, and a return deadline management unit that manages the return deadline of the key holder, It further comprises a reporting unit that reports that the device is to be returned.

Further, the present invention is a key management method in a key management system provided with a plurality of key management devices having a plurality of housing units each housing a key holder, wherein at least one key management device a registration step of registering a key holder to be returned that has been taken out from another key management device in association with its own device; and a control step of controlling the key holder to be returned to an empty storage unit among the plurality of storage units so that the key holder can be returned to the empty storage unit.

According to the present invention, a key holder taken out from a certain key management apparatus can be returned to another key management apparatus while strictly managing the key holder.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a key management system according to this embodiment. 2 is a perspective view showing an overview of the key management device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the key management device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the management device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for notifying return destination information among a plurality of key management apparatuses according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure for notifying the return destination information from the terminal device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure for returning the key holder according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure in the case of notifying that the return deadline has passed according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the concept of take-out/return authority setting according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a key management system according to modification 2. As shown in FIG. 12A and 12B are a perspective view showing the appearance of a key management device according to Modification 3 and a diagram showing the shape of a small door. 13 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a key management device according to Modification 4. FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the system configuration and the like of a key management device according to modification 5. As shown in FIG.

Preferred embodiments of the key management system and key management method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Overview and system configuration of the key management system>
First, an overview of the key management system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a key management system according to this embodiment. Here, a case is shown in which the key management devices 10A and 10B are respectively arranged at two different locations. The key management device can also manage single keys, but in the following embodiments, the key management device manages key holders in which one or more keys are linked in a ring or the like.

In stores such as financial institutions and distribution institutions, there are multiple keys such as keys to operate the equipment installed in the store and keys to open and close the management area, so these keys are connected with rings etc. A key holder is managed by a key management device. In the key management device, key holders and storage units are fixedly associated on a one-to-one basis so that only specific key holders can be stored in a certain storage unit.

However, in such a conventional key management device, a key holder taken out of a key management device at a certain location cannot be returned to a key management device at another location, which hinders the provision of services using key holders. It is a factor. For example, when a user takes out a key holder from the key management device and goes on a business trip, the key holder cannot be stored in the key management device, and the key holder cannot be strictly managed. In addition, when foreigners visiting Japan (inbound) enter Tokyo and leave Osaka, they can borrow a key holder for their car key at an unmanned rental car shop in Tokyo, but they cannot return the key holder in Osaka. As a result, rental cars cannot be used. Furthermore, if the key holder can be returned to any key management device, there arises a problem that the return destination is congested. In other words, if an attempt is made to return to the key management apparatus more key holders than the storage capacity, the storage capacity will be exceeded.

In addition, in the conventional key management device, since a key holder taken out from a storage section in one key management device cannot be returned to another storage section in the same key management device, efficient operation of key holders is required. It is a hindrance to the future.

For this reason, in the key management apparatus according to the present embodiment, on the condition that the key holder to be returned is registered in association with the own device, It is configured to control the key holder to be returned so that it can be returned. As a result, it is possible to strictly manage the key holders and return the key holder taken out from one key management device to another key management device.

As shown in FIG. 1, this key management system includes key management devices 10A and 10B (hereinafter referred to as "key management devices 10") installed in stores such as financial institutions and distribution institutions, and arranged at a plurality of different locations. collectively), the management device 20, and the terminal device 30 are connected via the network N.

The key management device 10 is installed in a store such as a financial institution or a distribution institution, and stores a key holder in which a key for operating equipment installed in the store or a key for opening/closing a management place is connected with a ring or the like. It has an operation display unit, an authentication unit, etc., which will be described later. The operation display unit is a touch panel display or the like, and receives operation inputs from the operator and displays various information. The authentication unit reads identification information and the like from the card carried by the operator and performs authentication processing.

Specifically, when the operator holds up the card held by the operator to the authentication unit, the authentication unit reads the card ID from the card, authenticates the operator based on the card ID, and takes out the key holder. Determine whether or not you have authority. As a result, if it is determined that the operator has the authority to take out the key holder, the door of the key storage, which will be described later, is unlocked and can be opened. A plurality of key holders are stored in the key storage. Further, each key holder is housed in a housing corresponding to the key holder.

The management device 20 stores the number of storage units held by each key management device 10 and the number of storage units in use. If it is determined that the key can be returned, the key management apparatus 10 of the return destination is notified of the return destination information.

The terminal device 30 inputs a key holder to be taken out or a key holder that has already been taken out and its return destination, and notifies the management device 20 as return destination information.

As shown in FIG. 1, after the operator has been authenticated by the key management device 10A, if the key holder is taken out of the storage section of the key management device 10A and the return destination information is entered (step S1), key management is performed. Information on the device 10A and the key management device 10B, which is the return destination, is notified to the management device 20 as return destination information (step S2). The management device 20 determines whether or not there is space in the storage section of the return destination key management device 10B and the key holder can be returned (step S3). 10B (step S4). After that, the operator is authenticated by the key management device 10B, and the key holder is returned (step S5).

It should be noted that the return destination information can be configured to be input from the terminal device 30 instead of being input from the key management device. In the terminal device 30, the key holder, the information of the key management device 10A from which the key holder is taken out, and the information of the key management device 10B as the return destination are input, and notified to the management device 20 as return destination information (step S2'). The management device 20 determines whether or not the key holder can be returned to the return destination key management device 10B (step S3). is notified to the key management device 10B (step S4). After that, the operator returns the key holder (step S5).

As described above, the key management system according to the present embodiment notifies the key management device 10B of the return destination information input in the key management device 10A or the terminal device 30 via the management device 20, thereby It is possible to return the key holder taken out from the storage unit of the key management device to the storage unit of another key management device.

In this embodiment, an IC (integrated circuit) card that stores a card ID in an internal memory is used, but a magnetic card that magnetically records the card ID can also be used for authentication. Also, the operator can be authenticated by inputting a code set in advance by the user. Furthermore, authentication using biometric identification information such as face, fingerprint, and palm print can also be performed.

<External Configuration of Key Management Device 10>
Next, the appearance of the key management device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the key management device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, this key management device 10 has a key storage section 19 that is opened and closed by a door lock section 12, an operation display section 13, an authentication section 14, a holder lamp 15, and a storage section 16. FIG.

The operation display unit 13 is a touch panel display or the like, and receives an operation input by an operator and displays various information. The authentication unit 14 is a reading device that reads identification information and the like from a card carried by an operator. Here, a case where the card is an IC card will be described, but a magnetic card may be used. Further, the door locking section 12 is a mechanism for locking the door of the key storage section 19 .

The housing portion 16 detachably houses a key holder in which a key is connected to a ring or the like. Each accommodating portion 16 is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) so as to permit or prohibit taking out of the key holder. The key management device 10 controls the permission or prohibition of taking out the key holder by controlling the lock mechanism for each storage section 16 . Further, each storage unit 16 can detect whether the key holder has been correctly returned or is being taken out by reading the wireless ID tag embedded in the key holder. Also, one main return container and one or more sub-return container can be specified for one key holder. At this time, the main return container is controlled so that the key holders do not overlap each other, and the sub return container is allowed to overlap.

A holder lamp 15 is provided in the vicinity of each housing portion 16 . When the user takes out the key holder or replaces the key holder, the operator is informed of the position of the key holder by turning on the holder lamp 15 . The holder lamp 15 can be an LED capable of emitting light in a plurality of light-emitting modes such as light emission in multiple colors, continuous lighting, or blinking lighting. Thereby, it is possible to specify different colors of light emitted from the main return container and the sub-return container.

<Internal Configuration of Key Management Device 10>
Next, the internal configuration of the key management device 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the key management device 10 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the key management device 10 has a key management control section 11, a door locking section 12, an operation display section 13, an authentication section 14, a holder lamp 15, a storage section 16, a communication section 17 and a storage section 18. . Since the door lock unit 12, the operation display unit 13, the authentication unit 14, the holder lamp 15, and the storage unit 16 have been described in the external configuration of FIG. 2, the description thereof will be omitted here.

The key management control unit 11 is a control unit that controls the entire key management device 10, and includes a return control unit 11a, a reception unit 11b, a registration unit 11c, a return information notification unit 11d, a reservation information notification unit 11e, and a return deadline management unit 11f. and a notification unit 11g. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed, whereby the return control unit 11a, The receiving unit 11b, the registering unit 11c, the return information notification unit 11d, the reservation information notification unit 11e, the return deadline management unit 11f, and the notification unit 11g are caused to execute corresponding processes.

The return control unit 11a determines whether or not there is an empty storage unit in response to the return instruction to the own device received by the reception unit 11b and whether the return is possible.

The accepting unit 11b accepts a return instruction input from the operation display unit 13 by the user, notifies the return control unit 11a of the return instruction, and notifies the registration unit 11c of the return destination information received from the management device 20. The registration unit 11 c associates the key holder determined to be returnable by the return control unit 11 a or the key holder in the return destination information received from the management device 20 with the storage unit 16 of the return destination, and registers it in the storage unit 18 .

The return information notification unit 11d notifies the management device 20 of the return information related to the return when the key holder is returned to the storage unit. If the return instruction input by the user from the operation display unit 13 is for a key management device other than the own device, the reservation information notification unit 11e notifies the management device 20 of the return destination information.

The return deadline management unit 11f manages the return deadline of the key holder to its own device. The notification unit 11g notifies that the item has not been returned when the return deadline has passed.

The communication unit 17 is an interface unit for data communication with the management device 20 via the network N. FIG. The storage unit 18 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores registered key holder information, key holder information including the return deadline determined to be returnable, and already returned key holder information.

<Internal Configuration of Management Device 20>
Next, the internal configuration of the management device 20 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the management device 20 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 , the management device 20 has a control section 21 , an input section 22 , a display section 23 , a communication section 24 and a storage section 25 .

The control unit 21 is a control unit that controls the entire management device 20, and has a return history management unit 21a, a return destination information notification unit 21b, and a returnable number management unit 21c. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed. The corresponding processes are executed by the unit 21b and the returnable number management unit 21c.

The return history management unit 21a stores and manages the history returned to each key management device 10 in the storage unit 25 . The return destination information notification unit 21b notifies the return destination information to the return destination key management device 10 determined to be returnable by the returnable number management unit 21c.

The returnable number management unit 21c manages the returnable number of each key management device 10 based on the return information received from the key management device 10 . Also, based on the return destination information received from the key management device 10 or the terminal device 30, it is determined whether or not the return destination key management device 10 can be returned.

The input unit 22 is an input device such as a keyboard and mouse. The display unit 23 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The communication unit 24 is a communication interface that communicates with the key management device 10 and the terminal device 30 . The storage unit 25 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores the return history, the number of storage units of each key management device 10, and the number of returnable keys.

<Internal Configuration of Terminal Device 30>
Next, the internal configuration of the terminal device 30 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal device 30 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5 , the terminal device 30 has a control section 31 , an input section 32 , a display section 33 , a communication section 34 and a storage section 35 .

The control unit 31 is a control unit that controls the entire terminal device 30, and has a reservation information reception unit 31a and a reservation information notification unit 31b. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or a non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into the CPU and executed so that the reservation information receiving unit 31a and the reservation information notifying unit 31b to execute the corresponding processes.

The reservation information reception unit 31a is a processing unit that receives a return reservation of the key holder input by the user. The reservation information notification unit 31b is a processing unit that notifies the management device 20 of the return reservation received by the reservation information reception unit 31a as return destination information.

The input unit 32 is an input device such as a keyboard and mouse. The display unit 33 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The communication unit 34 is a communication interface that communicates with the management device 20 . The storage unit 35 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory, and stores information on acceptance and notification of reservation for return.

<Procedure for Notifying Return Destination Information Between Key Management Devices 10>
Next, a processing procedure for notifying return destination information between the key management apparatuses 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for notifying return destination information between the key management apparatuses 10 shown in FIG. Here, a case is shown in which the key holder taken out from the storage unit of the key management device 10A is returned to the storage unit of the key management device 10B.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the key holder is taken out by the key management device 10A (step S101; Yes), the user inputs return destination information to the key management device 10A (step S102). If the return destination included in the return destination information is the key management device 10A, that is, the self device (step S103; Yes), this process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the return destination included in the return destination information is the key management device 10B, that is, another device (step S103; No), the key management device 10A notifies the management device 20 of the return destination information. (Step S104).

When the return destination information is received from the key management device 10A, the management device 20 determines whether or not the key holder can be returned to the return destination key management device 10B included in the return destination information ( Step S105), if it is determined that the key can be returned (step S106; Yes), the management device 20 notifies the return destination key management device 10B of the return destination information (step S107).

On the other hand, if the key holder cannot be returned to the return destination key management apparatus 10B included in the return destination information (step S106; No), the process proceeds to step S102 to prompt the user to input the return destination again. The message is displayed on the operation display unit 13 of the key management device 10A, and the user is prompted to enter return destination information (step S102). Thereafter, the above series of processes are repeated until the key holder can be returned (step S103; Yes).

<Procedure for Notifying Return Destination Information from Terminal Device 30>
Next, a processing procedure for notifying the return destination information from the terminal device 30 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure for notifying the return destination information from the terminal device 30 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the return destination information is input in the terminal device 30 (step S201; Yes), the terminal device 30 notifies the management device 20 of the return destination information (step S202).

When receiving the notification of the return destination information from the terminal device 30, the management device 20 determines whether the key holder can be returned to the return destination key management device 10B (step S203), and determines whether the key holder can be returned. (Step S204; Yes), the management device 20 notifies the return destination key management device 10B of the return destination information (Step S205).

On the other hand, if the key holder cannot be returned to the key management apparatus 10B to which it is to be returned (step S204; No), a message to prompt the user to enter the return destination again is displayed on the display unit 33 of the terminal device 30. The return destination information is input again (step S201; Yes). Thereafter, the above series of processes are repeated until the key holder can be returned (step S204; Yes).

<Processing Procedure for Returning Key Holder to Key Management Device 10B>
Next, a processing procedure for returning a key holder to the key management device 10B shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure for returning a key holder to the key management device 10B shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the return destination information is notified from the management device 20 to the return destination key management device 10B (step S301), the return destination information is stored in the key management device 10B (step S302). ).

After that, if the return operation by the user is accepted (step S303; Yes), the holder lamp 15 of the returnable storage section 16 is turned on (step S304). The lighting of the holder lamp of the storage unit for returning the key holder taken out from the own device and the lighting of the holder lamp of the storage unit for returning the key holder taken out from the other device can be set to different lighting modes. When the return of the key holder is completed (step S305; Yes), all the holder lamps 15 are turned off (step S306).

<Procedure for overdue return period>
When the key holder is taken out from the key management apparatus 10, it is necessary to return the key holder within a certain period from the date and time. For this reason, when the return deadline has passed, a processing procedure for notifying that effect will be described. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure when the return deadline has passed.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the return destination information is notified from the management device 20 to the return destination key management device 10B (step S401), the return destination information is stored in the key management device 10B (step S402). ).

After that, if the key holder is returned (step S404; Yes) before the return deadline expires (step S403; No), the process ends. On the other hand, if the return of the key holder has exceeded the return deadline (step S403; Yes), the key management device 10B notifies that the return deadline has passed (step S405).

As described above, in this embodiment, the key management device 10 installed in a store such as a financial institution or a distribution institution and the management device 20 capable of communicating with the terminal device 30 for reserving return destination information are provided. Based on the return destination information notified from the key management device 10 or terminal device 30, 20 determines whether or not the key holder can be returned. Since the return destination information is configured to be notified, it is possible to return the key holder to any key management device 10 among a plurality of key management devices 10 .

Each key management device 10 has an empty storage unit among a plurality of storage units on the condition that a key holder to be returned taken out from another key management device 10 is registered in association with its own device. Control the key holder to be returned to the department so that it can be returned.

Further, each key management device 10 notifies the management device 20 of information related to the return of the key holder when a key holder to be returned is returned to an empty storage unit among the plurality of storage units. The management device 20 manages the return history of the key holder based on the information regarding the return of the key holder notified from each key management device 10 .

In addition, the key management device 10 notifies the management device 20 of reservation information including information related to the storage section of the key management device 10 to which the key holder to be returned is returned. The management device 10 is notified of information related to the storage section of the key management device to which the key holder is to be returned, which is included in the reservation information.

In addition, the terminal device 30 notifies the management device 20 of reservation information including information related to the storage section of the key management device 10 to which the key holder is to be returned. The device 10 is notified of information related to the storage section of the key management device to which the key holder to be returned is included in the reservation information.

In addition, the management device 20 holds data related to the limit number of key holders that can be returned to each key management device 10, and based on the data related to the limit number, determines the number of key holders to be returned to each key management device. Limit the number of items that can be returned.

In the above embodiment, the key holder is returned between a plurality of key management apparatuses 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to control the return of registered key fobs to empty receptacles 16 of the device.

The key management apparatus 10 selects a storage unit that is empty among a plurality of storage units on the condition that a plurality of storage units each storing a key holder and a key holder to be returned are registered in association with the own device. and a control unit that controls the key holder to be returned to the unit so that it can be returned. The key management device 10 also includes a reception unit 11b that receives a predetermined operation for storing and returning a key holder in one of the plurality of storage units. When a predetermined operation is accepted, a predetermined key holder can be returned to an empty storage section among a plurality of storage sections on the condition that the predetermined key holder is registered in association with the device itself. will be controlled to Further, the key management device 10 has a plurality of storage units each storing a key holder, and a registration unit 11c for registering a plurality of storage units to be returned for the key holder. It should be noted that a plurality of key holders to be returned can be registered in the storage unit.

In the above embodiment, the management device 20 manages the number of returnable key holders for each key management device 10, determines whether or not the key holder can be returned to the key management device 10 to which the key holder is to be returned, and manages the return history. Although the case of performing is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and each function can be performed by one of the plurality of key management apparatuses 10 .

In the above embodiment, if the key holder cannot be returned to the key management apparatus 10 to which it is to be returned, the user is required to re-enter the return destination, but the present invention is not limited to this. display information of the returnable key management device 10 on a display unit operated by the user, and allow the user to select the key management device 10 to which the key holder is to be returned from among the displayed key management devices 10. can also

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the return destination information is input from the terminal device 30 and notified to the management device 20 was shown, but after the return destination information is notified to the management device 20, the return destination information is canceled or Corrections can also be made.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the return deadline has passed, the return destination key management device 10B notifies that the return deadline has passed, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can be configured so that the notification is made in the key management device 10A from which it is retrieved. Also, it is possible to simultaneously notify the key management device 10A and the key management device 10B.

Also, in the above embodiment, the case where the return destination information is input in the key management device 10 or the terminal device 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the QR code (registered trademark) can be sent from the mobile terminal. It is also possible to read by a two-dimensional bar code such as.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the return destination information is entered in the key management device 10 or the terminal device 30, the input contents can be confirmed on the respective display units. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, it is also possible to connect a printer to the key management device 10 or the terminal device 30 and print out the input contents.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the key holder with the key connected to the ring or the like is stored in the storage unit 16 of the key management device 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the key itself can be stored. It can also be accommodated in the department.

Also, when a plurality of key management devices 10 are provided, at least one key management device 10 may have the configuration according to the present embodiment instead of all key management devices having the same configuration. . For example, a system in which an existing key management device and a new key management device according to this embodiment coexist is conceivable.

In addition, each configuration illustrated in the above embodiment is a functional schematic, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the form of distribution/integration of each device is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed/integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

<Modification 1>
By the way, in the above embodiment, a user who has been authenticated by an IC card or the like can both take out and return the key holder. may take place. For this reason, in Modification 1, a case will be described in which the authority to take out and return the key holder is divided.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of take-out/return authority setting according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. Here, a key management device 10A and a key management device 10B are installed in business offices A and B, respectively. The key management devices 10A and 10B can set authorization for taking out and returning key holders.

As shown in FIG. 10, the key management device 10A authorizes the user R1 to take out and return the key holder 1, and the key management device 10B authorizes the user R1 to return the key holder 1. It shows a situation in which only privileges are granted. In addition, a situation is shown in which only the right to take out the key holder 1 in the key management device 10B is granted to the user R2. It should be noted that only the key management device having return authority may be displayed on the screen for specifying the return destination of the key holder.

When user R1 takes out key holder 1 from key management device 10A at business office A at 10:00 am and returns key holder 1 to key management device 10B at business office B at 10:00 pm, both actions are approved. are set and can be taken out and returned respectively. On the other hand, when the user R2 tries to return the key holder 1 at the business office B, the user R2 cannot return the key holder 1 because he/she is not authorized to return the key holder 1. FIG.

As described above, in Modification 1, each user is individually given the authority to take out and return the key holder, so that the user can directly access the key holder in the key management device 10 while maintaining security. can be returned. Also, if only the return authority is granted, the key holder can be returned even outside business hours when the manager of the business office is absent.

In the above modification 1, the case of taking out and returning the key holder has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. You can also trace the physical movement of

<Modification 2>
By the way, in the above embodiment, the key management apparatus to which the key holder is to be returned is set in advance, and the key holder is returned to the key management apparatus. There are times when you want to temporarily return the key holder. Therefore, in Modification 2, a case will be described in which the key management device temporarily accepts return of the key holder without reservation.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, this key management system has a system configuration in which key management devices 10A and 10B and a management device 20 are connected via a network N. As shown in FIG.

The key management device 10 has a storage unit that can accept the return of a key holder that has not been registered in advance in its own device. Inquire about user information with handling authority. In response to an inquiry about user information from the key management device 10, the management device 20 notifies the key management device 10 of user information that has the right to handle the key holder.

As shown in FIG. 11, the user takes out the key holder from the key management device 10A (step S11) and returns the key holder to the key management device 10B that has not made a return reservation (step 12).

The key management device 10B inquires of the management device 20 about user information that has the right to handle the key holder (step 13), and the management device 20 notifies the key management device 10B of the user information (step 14).

As described above, in Modified Example 2, when a key holder is to be temporarily returned to a key management device for which no reservation has been made, the key management device can grasp the information of the user who has the right to handle the key holder. allows for temporary returns.

In the modification 2, the user information is inquired of the management device 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to permit only the user who has the key holder to take out the key holder. Alternatively, a retrieval code may be issued when the key holder is temporarily returned, and retrieval of the key holder may be permitted on condition that the retrieval code is input. In addition, it is possible to grant retrieval authority to an administrator or the like who has authority over the key management system.

<Modification 3>
By the way, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when the door locking unit 12 of the key management device 10 is opened, all the key holders managed can be seen, so it is possible to touch key holders without authorization. and may pose a security problem. For this reason, in Modification 3, the security is improved by attaching a small door to the storage portion for storing the key holder.

The appearance of the key management device 10 according to Modification 3 will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the key management device 10 according to Modification 3. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, a small door is attached to one of two adjacent storage units in the key management device 10, and installed so as to serve as a lid for the other storage unit. The opening and closing of the small door is controlled in accordance with the usage authority of the key holder, and the opening and closing of the small door is detected by a sensor in the storage section (not shown).

As described above, in Modification 3, a small door is attached to one of the two adjacent storage portions for storing key holders, and is installed so as to serve as a lid for the other storage portion for security. can be improved.

In addition, although the case where the small door is installed in all the accommodating parts was shown in this modification 3, this invention is not limited to this, and a door locking part can be removed. In addition, it is possible to mix a normal storage section and a storage section with a small door.

<Modification 4>
By the way, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the key management apparatus 10 has one key storage unit 19, but some key management apparatuses may have a plurality of key storage units. For example, in the case of having two key storage units, the door locking unit of the first key storage unit is usually kept open during business hours in order to store the key holder of the key, and the door lock unit of the second key storage unit is used. is always closed to store the key holder of the important key, and permission of the administrator is required to open it.

If the key holder for the important key is used frequently during business hours, the manager's permission is required each time, which reduces work efficiency. For this reason, in the present embodiment 4, the key holder of the important key can be stored in the key storage section for storing the key holder of the normal key during business hours, subject to permission from the manager.

The appearance of the key management device according to Modification 4 will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the key management device according to Modification 4. As shown in FIG. The key management device shown in FIG. 13 has a key storage unit K1 for storing key holders for normal keys and a key storage unit K2 for storing key holders for important keys.

The same key holder can be accommodated in both the key storage part K1 and the key storage part K2, and individual use authorization and available time zone can be set for each key holder.

As a result, the key holder of the important key can be stored in the key storage unit K2 outside business hours and in the key storage unit K1 during business hours, so it is necessary to obtain permission from the administrator to take out the important key during business hours. disappears.

In addition, by setting the time during which the important key can be taken out from the key storage unit K1 during business hours, the user may forget to move the key holder of the important key from the key storage unit K1 to the key storage unit K2. However, unauthorized use of the key holder of the important key can be prevented.

As described above, in Modification 4, the same key holder can be accommodated in both the key storage section K1 and the key storage section K2, and each key holder can be individually set with usage authority and available time. By doing so, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the time and effort involved in permitting extraction of the important key and to improve the security of fraud prevention.

Note that in Modification 4 above, control is performed for a plurality of key storage units within one key management device, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to check whether or not the important key is present or where it is by using the sensor in the storage unit.

<Modification 5>
Conventionally, a setting called "sampling holder" is known. This extraction holder is a key used by guards or the like when closing the front door of the store. If the removal holder is not removed from the key management device when closing the store, the front door cannot be closed and the closing process cannot be completed.

However, when implementing such specifications, if the extraction holder extracted from the key management device is not properly managed, a problem arises in ensuring the security of the store. Therefore, in this modified example 5, two key management devices are provided when the front door is closed in accordance with the closing process of the store, and the extraction holder taken out from one key management device is returned to the other key management device. It is configured so that closing processing of the store can be performed on the condition that it is

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, a key management device 10A that manages the extraction holder and a key management device 10B are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network). It should be noted that storage units for storing extraction holders in the key management devices 10A and 10B are determined in advance, and it is assumed that the key management device 10A can perform the closing operation of the front door.

Here, if the state of the storage unit for storing the extraction holder in the key management device 10A is "absent" and the state of the storage unit for storage of the extraction holder in the key management apparatus 10B is "present", the key The closing operation of the front door can be performed from the management device 10A. In other words, if the removal holder is not removed from the key management device 10A, and if the removal holder is not returned to the key management device 10B, the front door cannot be closed from the key management device 10A.

As described above, in this modification 5, the security of the store can be enhanced when closing processing of the store is performed. It should be noted that this modification 5 is effective not only when closing the store, but also when accepting various operations on the condition that the key holder is taken out from the key management device.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The key management system and key management method according to the present invention are useful for facilitating the return of key holders by users.

A, B Sales office R1, R2 User 10, 10A, 10B Key management device 11 Key management control unit 11a Return control unit 11b Reception unit 11c Registration unit 11d Return information notification unit 11e Reservation information notification unit 11f Return deadline management unit 11g Notification Section 12 Door Locking Section 13 Operation Display Section 14 Authentication Section 15 Holder Lamp 16 Storage Section 17 Communication Section 18 Storage Section 19 Key Storage Section 20 Management Device 21 Control Section 21a Return History Management Section 21b Return Destination Information Notification Section 21c Number of Returnable Items Management Unit 22 Input unit 23 Display unit 24 Communication unit 25 Storage unit 30 Terminal device 31 Control unit 31a Reservation information reception unit 31b Reservation information notification unit 32 Input unit 33 Display unit 34 Communication unit 35 Storage unit

Claims (7)

A key management system comprising a plurality of key management devices each having a plurality of housing units for housing key holders,
At least one key management device
On the condition that the key holder to be returned taken out from the other key management device is registered in association with the own device, the return object is returned to the storage unit that is in an empty state among the plurality of storage units. A key management system having a control unit that controls the key holder so that it can be returned. further comprising a management device capable of communicating with the plurality of key management devices;
Each key management device
a return information notifying unit that, when the key holder to be returned is returned to an empty storage unit among the plurality of storage units, notifies the management device of information related to the return of the key holder. prepared,
The management device
2. The key management system according to claim 1 , wherein the return history of key holders is managed based on the information regarding the return of key holders notified from each key management device. The key management device
further comprising a reservation information notifying unit that notifies the management device of reservation information including information related to a storage unit of the key management device to which the key holder is to be returned;
The management device
3. The key management system according to claim 2 , wherein a key management device that manages a key holder to be returned is notified of information related to a storage section of the key management device that returns the key holder included in the reservation information. Further comprising a terminal device capable of communicating with the management device,
The terminal device
notifying the management device of reservation information including information related to a storage unit of the key management device to which the key holder is to be returned;
The management device
3. The key management system according to claim 2 , wherein a key management device that manages a key holder to be returned is notified of information related to a storage unit of the key management device that returns the key holder included in the reservation information. The management device
holding data relating to the limited number of key holders that can be returned to at least one key management device;
5. The key management system according to any one of claims 2 to 4 , wherein the number of returnable key holders to be returned to the key management apparatus is limited based on data relating to the limited number. At least one key management device
a return deadline management unit that manages the return deadline of the key holder;
6. The key management system according to any one of claims 2 to 5 , further comprising: a notification unit that, when the key holder is not returned within the return deadline, notifies that the key holder has not been returned. A key management method in a key management system provided with a plurality of key management devices having a plurality of housing units each housing a key holder,
a registration step in which at least one key management device registers a key holder to be returned taken out from another key management device in association with its own device;
On the condition that the key holder to be returned taken out from the other key management device in the registration step is registered in association with the own device, for the storage unit that is in an empty state among the plurality of storage units and a control step of controlling the key holder to be returned so that it can be returned.

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