JP7377084B2 - Key management device and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a key management device and an information processing method.

For example, in Patent Document 1, information identifying a storage unit that removably stores a key and a storage unit that has been left in an extraction state for more than a predetermined period of time is transmitted to a user who is asked whether or not the key has been returned to the storage unit. A key management device is disclosed that includes a notification section that provides notification.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-141306

Conventionally, it is known that the key management device itself notifies the operator of information through an alarm or the like. However, since the operator who should know that the notification has been made is often not around the key management device, even if the key management device itself makes a notification, the notification often does not reach the operator who should know that the notification has been made.
An object of the present invention is to provide a key management device that efficiently notifies an operator of information.

The invention according to claim 1 includes a storage member that is connected to a key and notifies information, and a storage part that removably stores the storage member, and the storage member is configured to allow the key to be removed from the storage part. This is a key management device that notifies the information when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the key is retrieved .
The invention according to claim 2 further includes an output unit that outputs information related to notification to the storage member, and the storage member communicates with the output unit when the storage member is stored in the storage unit. 2. The key management device according to claim 1, further comprising a first communication section capable of transmitting information, and broadcasting information based on information received from the output section by the first communication section.
The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the storage member includes a second communication unit capable of communicating remotely with other devices, and reports information based on information received by the second communication unit. 2. The key management device according to item 1 or 2.
The invention according to claim 4 includes a storage member that is connected to a key and notifies information, and a storage section that removably stores the storage member, and the storage member is configured to be used for measuring time or measuring time. The storage member receives instruction information indicating a time to notify the information or a time until the information is notified, and the measurement section measures the time or time specified by the instruction information and the measuring section. This is a key management device that broadcasts information based on time or time.
The invention according to claim 5 is the key management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the storage member transmits the information to a predetermined destination after notifying the information. be.
In the invention according to claim 6, the predetermined destination is a device that has been instructed to broadcast the information, and the storage member transmits information to the device that indicates that the information has been broadcast. , a key management device according to claim 5.
The invention according to claim 7 is the key management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the storage member includes a battery.
The invention according to claim 8 is the key management device according to claim 7, wherein the battery is a rechargeable secondary battery, and further includes a power output unit that outputs power supplied to the secondary battery. It is.
The invention according to claim 9 is the key according to claim 8, wherein the power output section outputs the power supplied to the secondary battery when the storage member is stored in the storage section. It is a management device.
The invention according to claim 10 is an invention relating to an information processing method in a key management device, which includes the steps of: setting a storage member having a storage section in a state capable of storing information; and transferring a key from the key management device to the storage member. This information processing method includes a step of storing information related to notification made by the storage member when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the storage member is taken out .
The invention according to claim 11 is the information processing method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of reporting information based on the stored information.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a key management device that efficiently notifies information to an operator.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a key management system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a key management device according to the present embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a key management device according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control unit of the key management device according to the present embodiment. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing an example of the external configuration of a key holder according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the key holder according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the key holder according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the procedure of the process by which a key holder alert|reports information. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of a process in which a key holder notifies information.

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

<Overall configuration of key management system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a key management system 1 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated, the key management system 1 includes a key management device 100, a management server 200, and an operation terminal 300. The key management device 100, management server 200, and operation terminal 300 are connected via a network 400.

The key management device 100 is a device that removably stores a key holder 500. In this key management device 100, if the operator is set with the authority to take out the key holder 500 to be taken out, the operator can take out the key holder 500. Further, a key can be attached to the key holder 500. When a key is attached to the key holder 500, the key is managed together with the key holder 500 in the key management device 100.
In this embodiment, a key holder 500 is used as an example of the storage member.

The management server 200 is a server device that manages keys and key holders 500. For example, the management server 200 generates and stores various information regarding the use of the key holder 500 (or the use of the key attached to the key holder 500), such as the authority to take out the key holder 500 and the usage period of the key holder 500. Then, the management server 200 transmits various information regarding the use of the key holder 500 to the key management device 100 as necessary. Although details will be described later, the various information related to the use of the key holder 500 includes information related to notifications by the key holder 500 (hereinafter referred to as "notification related information").

The operating terminal 300 is a terminal device used by an operator, and includes, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and the like.

The network 400 is a communication means used for information communication between the key management device 100, the management server 200, and the operation terminal 300, and is, for example, the Internet, a public line, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like.

In this embodiment, after the key holder 500 is taken out from the key management device 100, the key holder 500 notifies the user of information by an alarm or the like if a predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, even if the operator who took out the key is not around the key management device 100, the key holder 500 notifies the operator of information.

<External configuration of key management device>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the key management device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the key management device 100 includes a key storage 102 that can be opened and closed by a door 101, a display operation section 103, and a card reader 104.

The key storage 102 is provided with a plurality of storage sections 105. The storage section 105 removably stores the key holder 500. Each storage section 105 is provided with a locking mechanism (not shown) to allow or prohibit removal of the key holder 500. The key management device 100 controls the permission or prohibition of taking out each key holder 500 by controlling the lock mechanism for each storage section 105. Further, the storage section 105 is provided with a terminal (not shown), and when the key holder 500 is stored in the storage section 105, information is exchanged between the key holder 500 and the key management device 100.
Note that the exchange of information between the key holder 500 and the key management device 100 is not limited to a configuration in which it is performed via a terminal (not shown) provided in the storage section 105. For example, information may be exchanged using RFID (Radio Frequency IDentifier). Specifically, for example, the key holder 500 includes an RF tag embedded with ID information, and the storage unit 105 includes a reading unit that reads information from the RF tag. You may also exchange information.

The display operation unit 103 is, for example, a touch panel display, and accepts operations by an operator and displays various information.
For example, the display operation section 103 displays information about the user who took out the key holder 500 from the storage section 105, the time when the key holder 500 was taken out, and the time when the key holder 500 was returned. Here, as information about the user who took out the key holder 500 from the storage section 105, the contact information (for example, a telephone number or an e-mail address) of this user may be displayed. For example, when the operator operating the key management device 100 presses a send button displayed on the screen of the display operation unit 103, the user ( For example, a message may be sent to the user's email address requesting that the key holder 500 be returned.

The card reader 104 is a reading device that reads information from a card carried by an operator. Examples of the card include a magnetic card, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, and the like. When the operator swipes the card through the card reader 104, the card reader 104 reads the ID from the card and authenticates the operator based on the read ID. As a result of this authentication, if the operator has the authority to take out the key holder 500, the door 101 of the key storage 102 is unlocked and the door 101 can be opened, and the key holder 500 corresponding to the authority can be taken out. becomes.

<Hardware configuration of key management device>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the key management device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the key management device 100 includes a display operation section 103, a card reader 104, a storage section 105, a door locking mechanism 111, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication I/F") 112, and a storage section 113. , a control section 114, a clock section 115, a power output section 116, and a speaker 117. Note that the display operation section 103, card reader 104, and storage section 105 have already been explained using FIG. 2, so their explanation will be omitted here.

The door locking mechanism 111 is a mechanism that locks the door 101 of the key storage 102.

The communication I/F 112 is an interface for communicating with other devices such as the management server 200. As a specific communication means, wired communication or wireless communication can be used.

The storage unit 113 is a storage device including a hard disk device, nonvolatile memory, and the like. The storage unit 113 stores, for example, information about the key holders 500 stored in each storage unit 105 and information about the keys attached to the key holders 500. Furthermore, the storage unit 113 stores various information related to the use of the key holder 500, such as notification related information.

The control unit 114 controls the entire key management device 100. The control unit 114 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is a calculation means, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which basic software, BIOS (Basic Input Output System), etc. are stored, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). Various functions of the key management device 100 are realized by reading programs stored in the ROM, storage unit 113, etc. into the RAM and executing them by the CPU.

The clock unit 115 measures time or time. For example, the clock unit 115 indicates the current time. Further, for example, the clock unit 115 operates a timer to measure the passage of a predetermined time (for example, one hour).

The power output unit 116 outputs the power supplied to the battery 534 of the key holder 500 (see FIG. 6) when the battery 534 (see FIG. 6) is a secondary battery. Here, the power output unit 116 outputs the power supplied to the battery 534 when the key holder 500 is stored in the storage unit 105. However, the method of supplying power to the battery 534 is not limited to this. For example, the key management device 100 may be provided with a charging case (not shown), and the power output unit 116 may output power when the key holder 500 is housed in the charging case. Further, for example, there may be a device other than the key management device 100 that can charge the battery 534.

Note that a light emitting section such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) may be provided in the storage section 105 or the like, and the light emitting mode of the light emitting section may be changed depending on the charging status of the key holder 500. For example, different lighting modes may be used during charging and when charging is complete.
Further, the charging rate and remaining battery level of the key holder 500 stored in the storage section 105 may be displayed on the display operation section 103. Furthermore, a display section may be provided in each storage section 105 to display the charging rate and remaining battery level of the key holder 500 stored in the storage section 105 for each storage section 105.

Speaker 117 outputs sound. The output sound is, for example, a warning sound or voice.

Here, the operator may take out the key holder 500 from the storage section 105 in order to replace the key attached to the key holder 500. Processing in the event that an abnormal operation is performed or the power of the key management device 100 is turned OFF/ON during such a key exchange operation will be described. Note that the abnormal operation during the key exchange operation is, for example, an operation to open an emergency door (not shown) or an operation to take out the key holder 500 in a state where taking out the key holder 500 is not permitted. Further, the power OFF/ON operation of the key management device 100 is an operation of turning the power of the key management device 100 OFF and then powering it ON again.
If an abnormal operation is performed during the key exchange operation, the key management device 100 continues the key exchange operation. Specifically, the key management device 100 does not accept any other operations until the key holder 500 that was undergoing the key exchange operation is returned. Further, a screen indicating that a key exchange operation is in progress is displayed on the display operation unit 103. Here, when the key holder 500 is returned to the storage unit 105, the key management device 100 begins to accept operations other than key exchange operations, and the display operation unit 103 has a standby screen that accepts operations from the operator. Is displayed.
Furthermore, even if the key management device 100 is powered off/on during a key exchange operation, the key management device 100 will not perform any other operations until the key holder 500 that was undergoing the key exchange operation is returned. Don't accept it. Here, when the key management device 100 is started by performing a power OFF/ON operation, it notifies the user of an error state with a sound or a screen. Next, for example, when any operator performs an operation on the screen to approve the cancellation of the error, a screen indicating that a key exchange operation is in progress is displayed on the display operation unit 103. When the key holder 500 is returned to the storage unit 105, the key management device 100 begins to accept operations other than key exchange operations, and a standby screen is displayed on the display operation unit 103.

<Functional configuration of the control unit of the key management device>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 114 of the key management device 100 according to the present embodiment. The control section 114 includes a notification-related information transmission section 121 , an operation reception section 122 , and a display control section 123 .

The notification-related information transmitting unit 121, which is an example of an output unit, transmits notification-related information to the key holder 500.
For example, when a key holder 500 is stored in the storage unit 105, the notification related information transmitting unit 121 obtains notification related information corresponding to the key holder 500 from the storage unit 113, and transfers the obtained notification related information to the key holder 500. Send.
Further, the notification-related information transmitting unit 121 may transmit the notification-related information to the key holder 500 after the key holder 500 is taken out from the storage unit 105. In this case, the key holder 500 receives the notification-related information transmitted via the network 400 or directly receives the notification-related information from the key management device 100 by wireless communication.

The operation reception unit 122 receives an operation performed by the operator on the display operation unit 103.

The display control unit 123 generates a control signal for controlling the display on the display operation unit 103 and controls the display on the display operation unit 103.

Each functional unit constituting the key management device 100 is realized by cooperation of software and hardware resources. Specifically, for example, when the key management device 100 is implemented with the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 3, various programs stored in the ROM of the control unit 114, the storage unit 113, etc. By doing so, functional units such as the notification-related information transmitting unit 121, the operation receiving unit 122, and the display control unit 123 shown in FIG. 4 are realized.

<External appearance of key holder>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a key holder 500 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5(A), the key holder 500 includes a main body portion 510 and a fastener 520.

The main body part 510 is made of a material such as synthetic resin or metal, and has a connector part 511. The connector section 511 is an example of a first communication section, and is an interface that can communicate with the key management device 100 when the key holder 500 is stored in the storage section 105 of the key management device 100. In addition, for example, when the key holder 500 is stored in the storage section 105 and the connector section 511 is connected to a terminal provided on the key management device 100, information is exchanged between the key holder 500 and the key management device 100. will be carried out.
In this embodiment, the main body portion 510 may be used as an example of a storage member.

The fastener 520 is formed in an annular shape and is attached to the main body portion 510. Examples of the fastener 520 include a metal ring, a resin ring, and the like. For example, the key is attached to the key holder 500 by passing the fastener 520 through a hole provided in the key, and the key holder 500 and the key are connected. Note that the number of keys attached to the fastener 520 is not limited. A single key or multiple keys may be attached to the fastener 520.

Note that the configuration, shape, material, size, etc. of the key holder 500 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5. For example, the key holder 500 may be stored in the storage section 105, and the main body section 510 may have any shape, such as a rectangular shape or a triangular shape. Further, for example, the shape of the fastener 520 may be, for example, a rectangular shape or a triangular shape other than an annular shape, and the shape is arbitrary.

In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the key holder 500 and the key are connected by passing the main body portion 510 and the key through the fastener 520. However, for example, the key holder 500 and the key may be connected to each other by directly attaching the key to the main body 510 without the key holder 500 including the fastener 520. More specifically, for example, the key holder 500 and the key may be connected by providing a groove for storing the key in the key holder 500 and storing the key in this groove. In this case, when the key holder 500 is stored in the storage section 105, the key is also stored in the storage section 105 together with the key holder 500. Therefore, compared to, for example, a configuration in which the key is exposed to the outside, the key is less likely to be stolen, and this serves as a security measure for the key.

Further, in this embodiment, other members may be attached to the key holder 500 as a storage member along with the key. In the example shown in FIG. 5(B), another member 600 is attached to the fastener 520. In this case, it is also possible to make the key holder 500 (or the main body part 510) function as a storage member stored in the storage part 105, and make the other member 600 function as a tool for bundling keys (i.e., a key holder).
Further, another member 600 may have a notification function to notify information to the operator. Specifically, for example, the other member 600 includes a communication unit in addition to the notification function, and exchanges information with the key management device 100 via the communication unit. Then, the notification related information is transmitted from the key management device 100 to other members 600 by wireless communication. The other member 600 stores notification-related information received from the key management device 100, and reports information to the operator based on the notification-related information, similar to the information notification section 541 described later.

<Keychain hardware configuration>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of key holder 500 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the key holder 500 includes a connector section 511, a CPU 531 that is a calculation means, a memory 532 that stores various information and programs, a position information acquisition module 533, a battery 534, a communication I/F 535, a clock section 536, It has a speaker 537. Note that since the connector portion 511 has already been described using FIG. 5, its description will be omitted here.

The CPU 531 controls the entire key holder 500, and various functions of the key holder 500 are realized by, for example, executing a program stored in the memory 532 by the CPU 531. Further, the memory 532 stores information about the key holder 500 and information about the keys attached to the key holder 500. Further, the memory 532 stores notification related information. In addition, when the key holder 500 is stored in the storage section 105, the key holder 500 becomes in a state where information can be stored in the memory 532 via the connector section 511.

The position information acquisition module 533 is a module for acquiring position information of the key holder 500. As the position information acquisition module 533, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor that receives radio waves from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite and measures the position of the key holder 500 is exemplified. Further, the location information acquisition module 533 is, for example, a module that measures the location using a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) access point, or a module that measures the location based on the cell ID assigned to the base station of the mobile phone network. It may be.

The battery 534 is an example of a power source, and supplies power to each part of the key holder 500. Examples of the battery 534 include a primary battery, a secondary battery, and a fuel cell.

The communication I/F 535, which is an example of the second communication unit, is an interface that can remotely communicate with other devices such as the key management device 100 and the management server 200 by wireless communication. Compatible with communication standards, etc. In addition, when wireless communication becomes possible through the communication I/F 535, the key holder 500 enters a state in which information can be stored in the memory 532 via the communication I/F 535.

A clock unit 536, which is an example of a measuring unit, measures time or time. For example, the clock section 536 indicates the current time. Further, for example, the clock unit 536 operates a timer to measure the passage of a predetermined time (for example, one hour).

Speaker 537 outputs sound. The output sound is, for example, a warning sound or voice.

<Functional configuration of key holder>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of key holder 500 according to the present embodiment. The key holder 500 includes an information notification section 541, a notification-related information acquisition section 542, a notification-related information storage section 543, an information reply section 544, an operation reception section 545, a connector control section 546, and a wireless communication control section 547.

The information notification unit 541 reports information to the operator based on notification related information. Examples of methods for notifying information include, for example, making a sound or outputting a voice. Further, for example, notification may be made by displaying an image on a display section (not shown) provided on the key holder 500. Further, for example, the notification may be made by emitting light from a light emitting unit such as an LED provided on the key holder 500. Further, a plurality of notification means may be combined. For example, an image may be displayed on the display unit while outputting sound, or a light emitting unit may emit light while outputting sound. Note that the information is notified regardless of whether or not there is an operator around the key holder 500.

The notification-related information acquisition unit 542 acquires notification-related information from the key management device 100.
For example, when the key holder 500 is stored in the storage unit 105, the notification-related information acquisition unit 542 acquires notification-related information from the key management device 100 using the connector unit 511. Specifically, the notification-related information acquisition unit 542 acquires the notification-related information, for example, at the timing when the key holder 500 is stored in the storage section 105 or at the timing when the key holder 500 is taken out from the storage section 105.
For example, the notification-related information acquisition unit 542 may acquire notification-related information transmitted from the key management device 100 by wireless communication using the communication I/F 535 after the key holder 500 is taken out from the storage unit 105. good.

The notification-related information storage unit 543 stores the notification-related information acquired by the notification-related information acquisition unit 542.

The information reply unit 544 transmits the information to a predetermined destination after the information notification unit 541 reports the information.
The predetermined destination is, for example, a provider of notification-related information, in other words, a device that has been instructed to notify the information. Specifically, for example, it is the key management device 100 and the management server 200. Further, for example, when the information reply unit 544 receives a status confirmation inquiry from another device, it may transmit information to that device. In this case, the predetermined destination is the device that made the status confirmation inquiry.
Further, the information transmitted by the information replying section 544 is, for example, information notified by the information notifying section 541. Specifically, for example, information indicating that the information notifying unit 541 has notified the information, information regarding the time at which the information notifying unit 541 has reported the information, and information indicating that the operator has performed an operation to stop the information notifying are provided. Illustrated. The operation of stopping the notification of information is, for example, an operation of pressing an alarm stop button (not shown) provided on the key holder 500.

The operation reception unit 545 receives an operation from an operator. For example, the operation accepting unit 545 accepts an operation of pressing an alarm stop button (not shown) provided on the key holder 500. Further, for example, if the key holder 500 is provided with a display section (not shown) of a touch panel display, the operation reception section 545 may receive an operation by the operator on this display section.

Connector control section 546 controls connector section 511. For example, the connector control unit 546 controls the connector unit 511 to communicate with the key management device 100 when the key holder 500 is stored in the storage unit 105.

The wireless communication control unit 547 controls the communication I/F 535. For example, the wireless communication control unit 547 controls the communication I/F 535 to perform wireless communication with another device located away from the key holder 500.

Each functional unit constituting the key holder 500 is realized by cooperation of software and hardware resources. Specifically, for example, when the key holder 500 is implemented using the hardware configuration shown in FIG. , a notification-related information acquisition unit 542, an information reply unit 544, an operation reception unit 545, a connector control unit 546, a wireless communication control unit 547, and other functional units are implemented. Further, the notification-related information storage section 543 is realized by, for example, the memory 532.

<Explanation of notification-related information>
Next, the notification related information will be explained in detail. Examples of the notification-related information include command information for instructing notification, instruction information for instructing the timing of notification, setting information for setting the presence or absence of notification, and setting information for setting the mode of notification.

The command information for commanding notification is information that commands the key holder 500 to notify the information, and the key holder 500 reports the information immediately upon receiving this information. For example, when the key holder 500 receives command information at a timing when the expiration date of the key has reached or at a specific timing before the expiration date, the key holder 500 notifies the user of the information. Further, for example, when a reservation is made to use the key attached to the key holder 500 and the key holder 500 receives information indicating that the reservation has been made, the key holder 500 notifies the user that the command information has been received. Further, for example, when the key holder 500 receives a notification that a disaster such as a fire, an earthquake, or a tsunami has occurred or a notification that tells the user to go home immediately, the key holder 500 issues the information as having received command information.

Next, the instruction information that instructs the timing of notification is, for example, information that instructs the time to notify the information or the time until the information is notified.
For example, when the key holder 500 is instructed to notify the time of information, the key holder 500 reports the information based on the specified time and the time measured by the clock unit 536. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the designated time has arrived based on the time indicated by the clock unit 536, the information notification unit 541 reports information. Further, for example, when the key holder 500 is instructed to give the time until the information is to be announced, the key holder 500 notifies the information based on the instructed time and the time measured by the clock unit 536. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the specified time has elapsed starting from the time when the key holder 500 was taken out from the storage section 105 based on the time measured by the clock section 536, the information notification section 541 broadcasts information.

Further, the setting information for setting whether or not to broadcast information is for switching between a setting to broadcast information (setting ON) and a setting to not broadcast information (setting OFF). For example, when the key holder 500 is set to broadcast information and receives setting information for setting not to broadcast the information, the key holder 500 switches the setting to not broadcast the information.
Furthermore, the setting information for setting the mode of notification is, for example, setting the loudness of the sound to be notified, the playback speed of the sound, the intensity of the light to be notified, and the like. Furthermore, it may be possible to set the type of notification mode, such as ``notification by sound only'', ``notification by display only'', ``notification by both sound and display'', etc.

Note that the notification-related information may be set by default (that is, initial setting) depending on the use of the key holder 500, or may be set or changed by the operator on a web page or the like. For example, when the key holder 500 is used, the time from when the key holder 500 is taken out from the storage section 105 until the information is notified may be set as "100 minutes" by default, or the operator may set it as "200 minutes". It may also be possible to set or change.

<Explanation of information reported by the keychain>
Next, the information notified by the key holder 500 will be explained in detail.

For example, if the key holder 500 has not been used for a long time (for example, 10 hours), in other words, if the key holder 500 to which the key is attached has been used for a long time, the key holder 500 will notify you that it will be used for a long time. to notify for the purpose. Specifically, for example, the key holder 500 outputs a voice saying "Long time use will start in 10 minutes" at a timing 10 minutes before the long time use. Also, for example, a warning sound is output 10 minutes before long-term use. Note that the usage time of the key (that is, the usage time of the key holder 500) is measured from the time when the key holder 500 is taken out from the storage section 105, or from a preset time, for example.

Further, for example, the key holder 500 may notify the user before the expiration date of the key, in other words, before the expiration date of the key holder 500, in order to forewarn that the expiration date will come. Specifically, for example, the key holder 500 outputs a voice saying "The usage time will be over in 10 minutes" at a timing 10 minutes before the expiration time. Further, for example, the key holder outputs a warning sound 10 minutes before the expiration date.

Further, for example, when the key holder 500 has reached its expiration date, in other words, when the expiration date of the key holder 500 has come, it may notify the user that the expiration date has expired. Specifically, for example, the key holder 500 outputs a voice saying "The usage period has expired. Please return it now" at the timing when the expiration date has reached. Further, for example, the key holder outputs a warning sound when the expiration date is reached.

Further, for example, when the amount of power in the battery 534 becomes low, the key holder 500 issues a notification to notify that the amount of power in the battery 534 is low. Specifically, for example, the key chain 500 may display messages such as "Battery is low" or "Battery has fallen below 30%" when the power of the battery 534 falls below 30% of the total power. Output audio. Further, for example, the key holder outputs a warning sound at a timing when the amount of power of the battery 534 falls below 30% of the total amount of power.

Here, when outputting a warning sound, the warning sound may be changed depending on the situation.
For example, the warning sound may be changed depending on whether the key has been used for a long time or when a notice is given before the expiration date of the key. Specifically, for example, the tone, pitch, volume, length, and number of times of the warning sound may be changed.
Further, for example, the remaining time may be notified by the number of warning sounds. For example, a warning sound may be sounded 10 times at a timing 10 minutes before the expiration date of the key, or a warning sound may be sounded once at a timing 1 minute before the expiration date of the key.

Furthermore, in this example, an example has been described in which the key holder 500 outputs a voice or a warning sound, but as information to be notified, for example, a message may be displayed on the display section (not shown) of the key holder 500, or a light emitting section such as an LED may be displayed. It may also emit light.

<Procedure for the key chain to notify information>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for the key holder 500 to notify information. Hereinafter, the processing step will be denoted by the symbol "S".

First, the notification-related information acquisition unit 542 acquires notification-related information from the key management device 100 (S101). The acquired notification-related information is stored in the notification-related information storage section 543. Next, the information notification unit 541 determines whether the timing to notify information has come based on the notification related information (S102).

If an affirmative determination (YES) is made in S102, the information notifying unit 541 notifies the operator of information (S103). Next, the information reply unit 544 transmits the information reported by the information notification unit 541 to the provider of the notification-related information acquired in S101 (for example, the key management device 100 or the management server 200) (S104 ). For example, information indicating that the information reporting unit 541 has reported information or information indicating that the operator has performed an operation to stop reporting information is transmitted. Then, this processing flow ends.
On the other hand, if a negative determination (NO) is made in S102, the process in S102 is continued without reporting the information. Then, this processing flow ends.

<Specific example of the process by which the key chain notifies information>
Next, the process by which the key holder 500 notifies information will be described using a specific example. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of a process in which the key holder 500 notifies information.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the key attached to the key holder 500A is lent to the operator. Specifically, the key holder 500A is selected from among the plurality of key holders 500 stored in the storage unit 105 of the key management device 100A.
Here, when the key holder 500A is stored in the storage section 105, the key holder 500A acquires notification related information from the key management device 100A via the connector section 511. This notification-related information is set to sound a preliminary alarm 90 minutes after the key holder 500A is taken out from the storage section 105, and to sound the main alarm 10 minutes later. That is, the usage period of the key holder 500 (that is, the usage period of the key) is 100 minutes.

Then, when 90 minutes have passed since the key holder 500A was taken out from the storage section 105, the information notification section 541 of the key holder 500A sounds a warning alarm. Further, the key management device 100A also sounds a warning alarm. Here, identification information for identifying the key holder 500A, information on the operator borrowing the key holder 500A, etc. may be displayed on the display/operation unit 103 of the key management device 100A.

Next, when the operator returns the key holder 500A and stores it in the storage section 105, the information notification section 541 of the key holder 500A stops the warning alarm. Further, the key management device 100A also stops the warning alarm. Furthermore, since the key holder 500A is stored in the storage section 105, the key holder 500 does not sound the main alarm even at the end of the period of use (that is, 10 minutes after the warning alarm sounds).

Here, the key management device 100A may output information by e-mail or the like to the operating terminal 300 of the administrator of the key management device 100A or the operator who is borrowing the key holder 500A.
For example, if a specific condition is not met even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the key holder 500A makes a notification, the key management device 100A determines whether the key holder 500 is borrowed by the administrator of the key management device 100A or if the key holder 500 is borrowed. A warning is output to the operator's operation terminal 300. Specifically, for example, when the key holder 500 does not send information indicating that the operator has performed an operation to stop the warning alarm even after a certain period of time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the warning alarm sounded. , the key management device 100A sends an e-mail to the operating terminal 300 of the operator who has borrowed the key holder 500A, warning the operator to return the key holder 500A. Further, for example, if the key holder 500A is not returned to the storage unit 105 even after a certain period of time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed after this alarm sounds, the key management device 100A is operated by the administrator of the key management device 100A. 300, an email is sent to notify that a certain period of time has elapsed since the alarm sounded.

Furthermore, the mode of notification may be changed depending on the operator's past return history.
For example, if the operator who borrowed the key holder 500A has returned the key holder 500A many times in the past while the warning alarm was sounding or the main alarm was sounding, the key holder 500A may have a different warning alarm or main alarm than other operators. You can ring it. Further, for example, if the operator who has borrowed the key holder 500A has returned the key holder 500A many times in the past while the warning alarm was sounding or while the main alarm was sounding, the key holder 500A may sound a warning alarm earlier than scheduled. . Specifically, for example, if the warning alarm is set to sound 90 minutes after the key holder 500A is taken out from the storage section 105, the warning alarm will sound 85 minutes after the key holder 500A is taken out from the storage section 105. may be sounded.

Furthermore, when returning the key holder 500A, the key holder 500A may be returned to a different key management apparatus 100B from the key management apparatus 100A from which the key holder 500A was taken out. Furthermore, if the key management device 100B is registered in advance to return the key, the return destination key management device 100B may sound a preliminary alarm or a main alarm.

<Modified example>
Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, the key holder 500 may notify information using the position information of the key holder 500 acquired by the position information acquisition module 533. For example, a range within which movement of the key holder 500 is permitted is determined in advance. Information on the permitted range is stored in the key holder 500 via the connector section 511 or the communication I/F 535. Then, the key holder 500 notifies information when it is determined that the key holder 500 has moved outside the permitted range based on the position information of the key holder 500 itself. Specifically, for example, it outputs a voice saying "This is an out-of-range action" or sounds a warning sound.

Further, in the above example, the key management device 100 transmits the notification related information to the key holder 500, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the management server 200, the operating terminal 300 of the administrator of the key management device 100, and the operating terminal 300 of the operator who borrows the key holder 500 (or the key) may transmit notification-related information to the key holder 500.
Furthermore, in the example described above, the management server 200 generates the notification-related information, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the key management device 100, the operation terminal 300 of the administrator of the key management device 100, and the operation terminal 300 of the operator who borrows the key holder 500 (or the key) may generate the notification related information.

Further, in the above example, the key management device 100 and the management server 200 are provided separately, but the functions of the key management device 100 and the management server 200 may be realized by one device. Furthermore, the key management device 100 may implement some of the functions of the management server 200, or the management server 200 may implement some of the functions of the key management device 100. Specifically, for example, the key management device 100 may generate various information regarding the use of the key holder 500 (or the use of the key) instead of the management server 200.

Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, it is of course possible to combine these embodiments and modifications.
Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Key management system, 100... Key management device, 105... Storage part, 114... Control part, 116... Power output part, 122... Notification related information transmission part, 200... Management server, 500... Key holder, 511... Connector part, 531...CPU, 532...Memory, 534...Battery, 535...Communication I/F, 536...Clock section, 537...Speaker, 541...Information notification section, 544...Information reply section

Claims (11)

a storage member that is connected to the key and reports information;
a storage section that removably stores the storage member ;
The storage member is a key management device that notifies the information when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the key is taken out from the storage section. further comprising an output unit that outputs information related to notification to the storage member,
The storage member includes a first communication unit capable of communicating with the output unit when the storage member is stored in the storage unit, and the first communication unit performs communication based on the information received from the output unit by the first communication unit. , broadcast information,
The key management device according to claim 1. The storage member includes a second communication unit capable of communicating remotely with other devices, and reports information based on information received by the second communication unit.
The key management device according to claim 1 or 2. a storage member that is connected to the key and reports information;
a storage section that removably stores the storage member;
Equipped with
The storage member further includes a measurement unit that measures time or time,
The storage member receives instruction information that instructs the time to notify the information or the time until the information is notified, and the storage member receives the instruction information indicating the time to notify the information or the time until the information is notified, and the storage member is configured to match the time or time specified by the instruction information and the time or time measured by the measurement unit. A key management device that broadcasts information based on the following information. The storage member notifies the information and then transmits the information to a predetermined destination.
A key management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The predetermined destination is a device that has been instructed to broadcast the information, and the storage member transmits information indicating that the information has been broadcast to the device.
The key management device according to claim 5. The storage member includes a battery.
A key management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The battery is a rechargeable secondary battery,
further comprising a power output unit that outputs power supplied to the secondary battery;
The key management device according to claim 7. The power output unit outputs power to be supplied to the secondary battery when the storage member is stored in the storage unit.
The key management device according to claim 8. An invention related to an information processing method in a key management device,
putting a storage member having a storage section into a state where information can be stored;
storing information related to a notification made by the storage member when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the key is taken out, from the key management device to the storage member;
Information processing methods including. further comprising the step of broadcasting information based on the stored information;
The information processing method according to claim 10.