JP7432025B2 - key management machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a key management machine that manages keys.

Traditionally, financial institutions, distribution institutions, etc. have used multiple important keys, such as keys for operating processing equipment and keys for opening and closing management areas. In order to keep track of usage history, keys are managed electronically using a key management machine. For example, the key is managed by connecting the key to a removable key chain in a key management machine and registering the identification information of the key chain in the key management machine.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-257643

An object of the present invention is to provide a key management machine that can manage the return of key holders.

A key management machine of the present invention is a key management machine that includes a key management unit that manages keys, and includes a key holder that connects with the key, and a plurality of lock mechanisms into which the key holders are inserted, and the lock mechanism The presence or absence of return authentication that requires authentication when returning the key holder is set for each lock mechanism.

The apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores a history of return information including operator information.

The operator who performs the return authentication is the operator who performed the key lending operation.

The operator who performs the return authentication is a different operator from the operator who performed the key lending operation.

a return authentication setting section for setting for each lock mechanism whether or not there is a return authentication that requires authentication when returning the key holder to the lock mechanism, and a display section; A return authentication setting screen is displayed on the display unit, and on the return authentication setting screen, selection buttons with numbers pre-assigned to the lock mechanism are displayed, and among these selection buttons, a selection button with return authentication setting, The selection button without return authentication setting is displayed in a different display format.

The return authentication setting screen is displayed in different display formats depending on whether the return authentication can be performed by the operator himself or herself and when the return authentication must be performed by another operator.

According to the present invention, return of key holders can be managed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a key management machine showing an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the key and key holder of the key management machine same as the above. It is a block diagram of the key management machine same as the above. It is a block diagram of the key management system using the key management machine same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows the key exchange process of the same key management machine and key management system. It is a flowchart of the key holder registration process of the key management machine same as the above. It is an explanatory view of the key chain registration screen of the key management machine same as the above. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a journal in which the registration history of key holders by the key management machine is printed. It is an explanatory diagram of a return authentication setting screen of the key management machine same as the above.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the key management machine 10 includes a main body 11, which is a housing. A first door 12, a second door 13, and a display unit 14 are provided on the front surface of the main body 11 so as to be openable and closable. A key management section 16 that is opened and closed by a first door 12, a printer 17 and a key exchange section 18 that are opened and closed by a second door 13, a card reader 19, and the like are disposed on the front surface of the main body 11.

Then, the key management unit 16 manages the keys 23 each connected to the key holder 21 with a ring 22. The key management unit 16 is provided with a plurality of lock mechanisms 25 into which key holders 21 are inserted and which lock the key holders 21. The lock mechanisms 25 are provided, for example, in the panel section 26 of the key management section 16 in two stages, upper and lower, with five lock mechanisms in each stage. An insertion opening 27 into which the key holder 21 is inserted is formed at the position of each lock mechanism 25 on the panel portion 26. Each lock mechanism 25 includes a key holder detection section that detects that the key holder 21 has been inserted into the insertion slot 27 to a predetermined locked position, and a key holder locking section that locks the key holder 21 that has been inserted into the predetermined locked position. ing. The key holder locking unit locks the inserted key holder 21 with a locking member, and allows the locking by the locking member to be released by an electric drive unit such as a solenoid. Further, below each lock mechanism 25 of the panel section 26, a lock display section 28 is provided for displaying, for example, the position of the lock mechanism 25 where the key holder 21 is removed or inserted. Note that the number of key holders 21, lock mechanisms 25, etc. may be plural or one each, and the number is not limited.

Each lock mechanism 25 has a common insertion slot 27 and can be inserted into any key holder 21, but the association between each lock mechanism 25 and the key holder 21 managed by each lock mechanism 25 is registered in advance, and the association is Only the registered key chain 21 can be locked and managed.

The key holder 21 used for managing the keys 23 in the key management unit 16 includes, for example, a key holder main body, and a ring locking body that is locked to the key holder main body via a ring 22. The key holder main body and the ring locking body are combined via the ring 22 to which the key 23 is attached, and the ring 22 is locked so that the ring 22 cannot be removed. The locking between the keychain main body and the ring locking body for exchanging or adding a key 23 to the keychain 21 can be performed in the key exchange unit 18 by an authorized person who has the authority to exchange keys, such as an administrator. It becomes. Note that not only one key 23 is connected to one key holder 21, but also a plurality of keys 23 may be connected together depending on the purpose of use.

Each key holder 21 has a common shape and can be inserted into any lock mechanism 25, but the association between each lock mechanism 25 and the key holder 21 managed by each lock mechanism 25 is registered in advance, and the association is registered. It is locked only when it is inserted into the locking mechanism 25.

The printer 17 prints the history of the key management machine 10, including key extraction information, key exchange information, etc., on a paper such as a roll paper placed in the main body 11. The paper printed by the printer 17 is led out from the front of the main body 11, or is wound up by a winding unit inside the main body 11.

The key exchange unit 18 is for releasing the connection between the key holder 21 and the key 23, and can only be used by an authorized person who has the authority to exchange keys, such as an administrator. The key exchange unit 18 includes an insertion slot 30 into which any key holder 21 can be inserted, a cover 31 that opens and closes this insertion slot 30, and a key holder for the key holder 21 inserted to a predetermined unlocking position in the insertion slot 30. A release member that releases the lock between the main body and the ring locking body so that the ring 22 can be removed, and a release member that allows an administrator to release the lock from the key chain 21 and also allows a person other than the administrator to lock the key chain 21. It has a key exchange restriction section that makes it impossible to release the lock, and a key exchange detection section that detects that the key holder 21 is unlocked. The key exchange regulating section uses, for example, a stopper mechanism that advances and retreats a stopper into the insertion slot 30 using an electric drive unit such as a solenoid.Normally, the stopper advances into the insertion slot 30 and the key holder 21 moves to a predetermined position in the insertion slot 30. The key holder 21 is prevented from being inserted to the unlocked position, and the stopper is retracted from the insertion slot 30 only when operated by the administrator, and the key holder 21 is inserted to the predetermined unlocked position of the insertion slot 30. make it possible to

The card reader 19 is disposed in a reading groove 33 that is provided in a slit shape along the vertical direction on the front surface of the main body 11. By passing the magnetic storage band of the card from top to bottom along the reading groove 33, the card reader 19 reads information from the magnetic storage band of the card.

Further, the first door 12 is attached to the main body 11 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge 35, and is locked in a closed state with respect to the main body 11 by a first door locking mechanism disposed in the main body 11. The main body 11 can be opened by unlocking the mechanism.

Further, the second door 13 is attached to the main body 11 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge 36, and is locked in a closed state with respect to the main body 11 by a second door locking mechanism arranged on the main body 11, and the second door is locked. The main body 11 can be opened by unlocking the mechanism.

Furthermore, the display unit 14 includes an operation section 38 and a display section 39. The operation section 38 uses a touch panel 38a provided on the front surface of the display section 39. The display section 39 uses, for example, a color liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a key 23 connected to a key holder 21 with a ring 22.

The key 23 is provided with a first wireless tag 41. The first wireless tag 41 is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. The first wireless tag 41 has first information that is unique identification information. To provide the first wireless tag 41 on the key 23, for example, the first wireless tag 41 of a sticker type may be pasted on the key 23, or the first wireless tag 41 may be embedded in the key 23. , the first wireless tag 41 may be connected to the key 23, or the first wireless tag 41 may be provided on a keycap that can be attached to the head of the key 23.

The key holder 21 is provided with a second wireless tag 42 that is a wireless tag. The second wireless tag 42 is, for example, an RFID tag. The second wireless tag 42 has second information that is unique identification information. To provide the second wireless tag 42 on the key holder 21, for example, a sticker-type second wireless tag 42 may be attached to the key holder 21, or the second wireless tag 42 may be provided inside the key holder 21. good.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, each lock mechanism 25 of the key management machine 10 acquires second information from the second wireless tag 42 of the key holder 21 inserted into each lock mechanism 25, and also acquires second information from the second wireless tag 42 of the key holder 21 inserted into each lock mechanism 25. An acquisition unit 44 that acquires first information from the first wireless tag 41 of the key 23 connected to the key 21 is arranged. The acquisition unit 44 is provided close to the lock mechanism 25 or is provided in the lock mechanism 25. The acquisition unit 44 is, for example, an RFID reader. Note that in order to prevent the acquisition unit 44 of a certain lock mechanism 25 from accidentally acquiring radio waves from the wireless tags 41 and 42 of the key holder 21 and the key 23 inserted into the adjacent lock mechanism 25, A shielding plate or the like may be provided between the locking mechanism 25 to shield radio waves.

Further, the key exchange unit 18 of the key management machine 10 acquires second information from the second wireless tag 42 of the key holder 21 inserted into the key exchange unit 18, and also acquires the second information from the second wireless tag 42 of the key holder 21 inserted into the key exchange unit 18. An acquisition unit 45 that acquires first information from 23 first wireless tags 41 is arranged. The acquisition unit 45 is provided close to the key exchange unit 18 or is provided in the key exchange unit 18. The acquisition unit 45 is, for example, an RFID reader. Note that the acquisition unit 45 provided in the key exchange unit 18 is not essential, and may be provided selectively depending on the specifications and necessity of the key management device 10.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the control system of the key management machine 10.

The key management machine 10 has a control unit 50 that controls the key management machine 10. The control unit 50 includes an operation unit 38 and a display unit 39, a card reader 19, each lock mechanism 25 (including the acquisition unit 44), a printer 17, a key exchange unit 18 (including the acquisition unit 45), a storage unit 51, and an output unit. A communication section 52 and the like are connected thereto. The communication unit 52 communicates with the outside.

The control unit 50 includes functions such as an authentication unit 53, a registration unit 54, an identification unit 55, and a verification unit 56.

The authentication unit 53 authenticates the operator by comparing the card information read by the card reader 19 and the password information input by the operation unit 38 with pre-registered authentication information.

The registration unit 54 associates and registers the unique information of the key 23 (including the key name, the key number engraved on the key 23, etc.) and the first information of the first wireless tag 41, and further registers the unique information of the key 23 (including the key name, the key number stamped on the key 23, etc.) The unique information (including the number of the insertable lock mechanism 25) and the second information of the second wireless tag 42 are associated and registered, and the information related to the key chain 21 (including the number of the insertable lock mechanism 25) (including the number, second information, etc.) and information related to the key 23 connected to this key holder 21 (including the key name, key number, first information, etc.) and are registered in association with each other. The registration unit 54 also stores information related to the lock mechanism 25 (number of the lock mechanism 25, etc.) and information related to the key holder 21 inserted into the lock mechanism 25 (number of the insertable lock mechanism 25, second information, etc.). ). Therefore, information related to the lock mechanism 25, information related to the key holder 21 that can be inserted into this lock mechanism 25, and information related to the key 23 connected to this key holder 21 are registered in association with each other.

The registration unit 54 registers the new (unregistered) key holder 21 having the second information acquired by the acquisition unit 44 as the key holder 21 to be managed by the key management machine 10 in the key holder registration mode. The registration unit 54 disallows registration of the key holder 21 that has already been registered. Further, the registration unit 54 registers the lock mechanism 25 into which the new key holder 21 is inserted as the lock mechanism 25 that manages the key holder 21. The registration unit 54 prevents the key holder 21 from being registered in the lock mechanism 25 even if another key holder 21, including a new one, is inserted into the lock mechanism 25 in which the key holder 21 has already been registered. If the key holder 21 is registered in all the lock mechanisms 25, the registration unit 54 disables registration of another key holder 21, including a new key holder 21, in the lock mechanism 25. Note that the registration unit 54 may register the key 23 having the first information acquired by the acquisition unit 44 as the key 23 to be managed by the key management machine 10.

The identification unit 55 identifies the key holder 21 and the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 based on the first information and second information acquired by the acquisition units 44 and 45. The identification unit 55 identifies the key holder 21 and the key holder 21 when the key holder 21 is inserted into the lock mechanism 25, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 38, and when the key exchange unit 18 performs key exchange processing. Identify the key 23 that is linked to. Note that the predetermined operation by the operation unit 38 includes, for example, when a button indicating completion of key exchange is pressed, when a confirmation button indicating completion of key exchange is pressed, and the like. Furthermore, the time of key exchange processing includes the period from exchanging the key 23 at the key exchanging unit 18 to inserting the key holder 21 into the lock mechanism 25 after the key exchange.

The collation unit 56 collates the information stored in the storage unit 51 (information registered by the registration unit 54) and the identification result by the identification unit 55. For example, the collation unit 56 determines whether the first information and the second information identified by the identification unit 55 match the information on the association between the first information and the second information stored in the storage unit 51. Verify whether or not.

Furthermore, the storage unit 51 stores information registered by the registration unit 54. That is, the storage unit 51 associates and stores the unique information of the key 23 (including the key name, the key number stamped on the key 23, etc.) and the first information of the first wireless tag 41, and further, The unique information of the key holder 21 (including the number of the insertable lock mechanism 25, etc.) and the second information of the second wireless tag 42 are stored in association with each other, and the information related to the key holder 21 (including the number of the insertable lock mechanism 25) is stored in association with the second information of the second wireless tag 42. (including the number of the mechanism 25, second information, etc.) and information regarding the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 (including the key name, key number, first information, etc.) are stored in association with each other.

Further, the operation unit 38 constitutes a return authentication setting unit 57 that sets for each lock mechanism 25 whether or not there is a return authentication that requires authentication when returning the key holder 21 to the lock mechanism 25.

Further, the display section 39 constitutes at least a part of the notification section 58. The notification section 58 notifies the notification information by displaying it on the display section 39. The notifying unit 58 is a key information notifying unit that notifies information about the key 23 that does not match when the matching by the matching unit 56 does not match, and also notifies the first information acquired by the acquiring units 44 and 45. On the other hand, if the unique information of the key 23 (including the key name, the key number stamped on the key 23, etc.) is not registered, the unique information of the key 23 (including the key name, the key number stamped on the key 23, etc.) is not registered. This is a registration notification unit that prompts users to register (including Note that, in addition to the display on the display unit 39, the notification unit 58 may notify by audio guidance or the like.

Then, if the key holder 21 and the key 23 inserted into the lock mechanism 25 are not matched by the matching unit 56, the control unit 50 controls the key holder 21 to be prohibited from being removed from the lock mechanism 25. That is, the lock mechanism 25 prohibits the key holder 21 from being removed if the verification performed by the verification unit 56 does not result in a match. Further, the control section 50 has a key holder registration mode in which the registration section 54 registers a new key holder 21, and allows the key holder registration mode to be selected using the operation section 38.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a key management system 60 using the key management machine 10.

The key management system 60 includes a key management machine 10, a terminal 61 connected to the key management machine 10, a server 62, and the like. The key management machine 10 and the terminal 61 are connected inline, and the key management machine 10 and the server 62 are connected through a network 63.

Note that the key management machine 10 and the terminal 61 may also be connected through the network 63.

The key management machine 10 outputs the identification result by the identification unit 55 to the terminal 61 and the server 62 through the communication unit 52. Further, the key management device 10 outputs information stored in the storage unit 51 (such as the relationship between the positions of the key holder 21, the key 23, and the lock mechanism 25) in case new management data is created. Good too.

The terminal 61 is composed of, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. The terminal 61 has management data related to the key 23 managed by the key management device 10. The terminal 61 updates the management data based on the identification result output by the communication unit 52 of the key management machine 10. Note that, like the terminal 61, the server 62 may also have management data.

Next, the operation of the key management machine 10 will be explained.

First, the operation to take out the key 23 will be explained.

The operator who takes out the key 23 passes his card through the card reader 19, and then enters a password on the input screen displayed on the display section 39. When the operator's information is authenticated by the authentication unit 53, a selection screen for the lock mechanism 25 from which the key holder 21 can be removed is displayed on the display unit 39.

On the selection screen of the display unit 39, a list of selection buttons arranged corresponding to the actual arrangement of the locking mechanisms 25 and numbered for each locking mechanism 25 is displayed. The selection button corresponding to the key 23 is displayed in a different display form from the selection button corresponding to the key 23 for which there is no extraction authority. Further, among the keys 23 that are authorized to be taken out, the selection button for the lock mechanism 25 from which the key 23 is in the taken out state and the selection button for the lock mechanism 25 from which the key 23 can be taken out are displayed in different colors. At this time, the display form of the lock display section 28 of each lock mechanism 25 is synchronized with the display of the display section 39.

When the operator selects the selection button on the selection screen of the display section 39 and then performs a confirmation operation, the selected lock mechanism 25 is unlocked. The operator takes out the key holder 21 from the selected lock mechanism 25, takes out the key 23 together with the key holder 21 from the key management machine 10, and uses it.

Note that when taking out the key 23, there is no need to make a selection on the selection screen of the display unit 39, and the operator may unlock the removable lock mechanism 25 of the key holder 21 all at once by authenticating the card information and password. good.

By detecting that the key holder 21 has been removed from the selected lock mechanism 25 by the key holder detection part of the lock mechanism 25, information regarding the removal date and time, operator information, key holder 21 (number of insertable lock mechanism 25, number 2) and information related to the key 23 (including the key name, key number, first information, etc.), etc., is stored in the storage unit 51. Alternatively, when the key holder 21 is pulled out from the lock mechanism 25 and the key holder 21 and the key 23 go out of the wireless communication range with the acquisition unit 44 of the lock mechanism 25, a change in the information state of the acquisition unit 44 is detected. The control unit 50 determines that the key holder 21 has been removed from the lock mechanism 25, and extracts the date and time of removal, operator information, information related to the key holder 21 (including the number of the lock mechanism 25 that can be inserted, second information, etc.), and the key 23. A history of retrieval information including information related to (including key name, key number, first information, etc.) may be stored in the storage unit 51.

Next, the operation for returning the key 23 will be explained.

There are two types of key 23 return operation: normal operation that does not require operator authentication, and return authentication operation that requires operator authentication, and these operations are set for each lock mechanism 25. There is.

First, in the case of normal operation, the operator inserts the key holder 21 of the key 23 to be returned into the insertion slot 30 of the corresponding lock mechanism 25. When this key holder 21 is inserted to a predetermined locking position of the lock mechanism 25, the key holder 21 is locked by the key holder locking portion of the lock mechanism 25.

The key holder detection section of the lock mechanism 25 detects that the key holder 21 is inserted into the lock mechanism 25 and locked, and the acquisition section 44 of the lock mechanism 25 to which the key holder 21 is returned detects the second wireless tag 42 of the key holder 21. and the first information from the first wireless tag 41 of the key 23 linked to this key holder 21. From this acquired information, the identification section 55 of the control section 50 identifies the key holder 21 and the key 23, and the verification section 56 of the control section 50 checks this identification information against the information stored in the storage section 51. When this verification matches, the control unit 50 confirms that the key holder 21 has been returned to the lock mechanism 25, and includes the return date and time, information related to the key holder 21 (number of insertable lock mechanism 25, second information, etc.). A history of return information including information related to the key 23 (including the key name, key number, first information, etc.) is stored in the storage unit 51.

Furthermore, in the case of return authentication operation, the operator specifies return of the key 23 using the operation unit 38, swipes the card held by the card reader 19, and inputs a password using the operation unit 38. By authenticating the operator's information by the authentication unit 53, the return operation becomes possible as in the normal operation described above, and the history of the return information including the operator information is stored in the storage unit 51. Note that the operator who performs this return authentication may be the operator who performed the key lending operation, or may be a different user from the operator.

Note that when the key holder 21 is brought close to a certain lock mechanism 25 to be inserted, or when the key holder 21 is inserted into a certain lock mechanism 25, the acquisition unit 44 of the lock mechanism 25 acquires information from the second wireless tag 42 of the key holder 21. At least one of the second information and the first information from the first wireless tag 41 of the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 is acquired, and based on this acquired information, the identification unit 55 of the control unit 50 connects the key holder 21 and At least one of the keys 23 is identified, and based on this identification information, a verification unit 56 of the control unit 50 verifies whether the lock mechanism 25 into which the key holder 21 is inserted is correct. If the verification result is correct, the control unit 50 accepts the return of the key holder 21, and locks and manages the key holder 21 with the lock mechanism 25. If the result of the verification is incorrect, the key holder 21 is not locked by the lock mechanism 25, and the display unit 39 (notification unit 58) notifies that the return destination is incorrect.

Next, you can replace the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 with another key 23, add another key 23 to the key holder 21, or select one of the multiple keys 23 connected to the key holder 21. The key exchange process for the key holder 21, such as removing the key 23, will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

After authentication by entering the card information and password in the same manner as described above, the administrator who is authorized to exchange keys selects the key exchange mode by operating the operation unit 38, and selects the key displayed on the display unit 39. Select the key holder 21 for key exchange on the exchange mode screen. By this operation, the lock mechanism 25 of the selected key holder 21 is unlocked, and the key holder 21 can be inserted into the insertion slot 30 up to the unlocked position in the key exchange section 18.

The administrator extracts the selected key holder 21 from the lock mechanism 25 and inserts the extracted key holder 21 into the insertion slot 30 of the key exchange section 18. When the key holder 21 is inserted into the insertion slot 30 to the unlocked position, the key holder 21 is unlocked by the release member inside the insertion slot 30, and the ring 22 can be removed.

The key exchange detection section of the key exchange section 18 detects that the key holder 21 has been inserted into the insertion slot 30 to the unlocked position, and the acquisition section 45 of the key exchange section 18 into which the key holder 21 has been inserted detects that the key holder 21 has been inserted into the insertion slot 30 to the unlocked position. The second information from the second wireless tag 42 and the first information from the first wireless tag 41 of the key 23 connected to this key holder 21 are acquired, and from this acquired information, the identification unit 55 of the control unit 50 The key holder 21 and the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 are identified by the key holder 21, and this identification information is compared with the information stored in the storage unit 51 by the matching unit 56 of the control unit 50. , the control unit 50 checks the key holder 21 and key 23 for which the key exchange process is to be performed, and stores in the storage unit 51 a history of key exchange information including the exchange date and time, operating administrator information, key holder information, key information, etc. do.

The administrator removes the unlocked key holder 21 from the key exchange unit 18, removes the ring 22 from the key holder 21, and replaces the ring 22 with another key 23, or inserts another key 23 into the ring 22. After adding or removing some of the keys 23 from among the plurality of keys 23 attached to the ring 22, the key holder 21 is locked in a state where the ring 22 cannot be removed by combining the key holder 21 and the ring 22. Then, the key exchange operation for the key holder 21 is completed (step S1).

Then, the key holder 21 after the key exchange operation is inserted into the original lock mechanism 25 and returned (step S2).

The acquisition unit 44 of the lock mechanism 25 to which the key holder 21 has been returned acquires the first information from the first wireless tag 41 of the key 23 connected to the key holder 21, and acquires the first information from the second wireless tag 42 of the key holder 21. The second information is acquired from (YES in step S3).

The identification unit 55 of the control unit 50 identifies the key 23 and the key holder 21 connected to the key holder 21 based on the first information and second information acquired by the acquisition unit 44 (step S4).

The collation unit 56 of the control unit 50 compares information related to the key holder 21 (including the number of the insertable lock mechanism 25, second information, etc.) and information related to the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 (key name, key information stored in the storage unit 51 in association with the identification number, first information, etc.) and the identification result by the identification unit 55 (step S5).

If the key holder 21 is returned to the original lock mechanism 25 without replacing or changing the key 23, the verification by the verification unit 56 will result in a match (YES in step S6), and the key exchange process will end. .

Then, if the verification by the verification unit 56 does not match and the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 is not associated (NO in step S6), the notification unit (key information notification unit) 58 determines that the newly acquired The key information (first information) of the key 23 and the key information (key name, key number, first information, etc.) of the missing key 23 are notified (step S7). Further, if the verification does not match, removal of the key holder 21 from the lock mechanism 25 is prohibited (step S8).

Here, a case will be described in which the key holder 21 is replaced with a key 23 with no information associated with it or a new key 23 is added.

The administrator checks the notification by the notification unit (key information notification unit) 58, that is, the key information displayed on the display unit 39, and confirms the key name of the new key 23 for which the key information was notified and the name engraved on the key 23. Information unique to the key 23, such as the key number, is input using the operation unit 38 (step S9).

When the unique information of the key 23 is input, the registration unit 54 of the control unit 50 combines the input unique information of the key 23 with the first information acquired from the first wireless tag 41 of the key 23. are associated and automatically registered (step S10). Furthermore, the registration unit 54 of the control unit 50 stores information regarding the key holder 21 (including the number of the insertable locking mechanism 25, second information, etc.) and information regarding the key 23 connected to this key holder 21 (the key (including name, key number, first information, etc.) are automatically registered in association with each other (step S11).

Upon completion of these registrations, the key management machine 10 outputs information such as identification results and registration information to the terminal 61 and server 62, which are higher-level devices (step S12), and the key exchange process is completed.

Then, the terminal 61 and the server 62 update the management data based on the identification result and registration information output by the communication unit 52 of the key management device 10.

Furthermore, when some keys 23 are removed from among the plurality of keys 23 connected to the key holder 21 through a key exchange operation, the administrator can check the key information of the missing keys 23 displayed on the display unit 39. Confirm and perform an operation to delete the registration using the operation unit 38.

Next, the process of registering a new (unregistered) key holder 21 to the key management machine 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6.

For example, if the key holder 21 is lost or damaged, replace it with a new key holder 21. Note that if the key 23 is lost together with the key holder 21, a new key 23 is prepared in place of the lost key 23, and the new key 23 is attached to a new key holder 21. Furthermore, if the key holder 21 is damaged, the damaged key holder 21 is unlocked by the key exchange operation described above, the key 23 is removed from the damaged key holder 21, and the key 23 is attached to a new key holder 21. In the new key holder 21, the key holder body and the ring locking body are separated, and by combining the key holder body and the ring locking body through the ring 22 to which the key 23 is attached, the key 23 cannot be removed. Note that if the key holder main body and ring locking body of the new key holder 21 are not separated, even if the notification unit 58 notifies you to prompt you to change the key to attach the key 23 to the key holder 21 after registering the key holder 21. good.

Then, after authentication by entering the card information and password described above, the administrator who is authorized to register the key holder 21 operates the operation unit 38 to select the key holder registration deletion mode, and deletes the lost or damaged key holder. Delete 21 registrations.

Next, the administrator operates the operation unit 38 to select the keychain registration mode (step S21).

When the key holder registration mode is entered, a key holder registration mode screen is displayed on the display unit 39, as shown in FIG. On this key holder registration mode screen, among the selection buttons with numbers assigned to the plurality of lock mechanisms 25 in advance, selection buttons with numbers corresponding to the lock mechanisms 25 that can be registered are displayed. In this case, only the lock mechanism 25 from which the key holder 21 has been removed is displayed as a select button that can be registered. The administrator selects the selection button (that is, the lock mechanism 25) of the number to be registered from among the selection buttons on the keychain registration mode screen (step S22). In FIG. 7, for example, selection buttons No. 6, No. 7, No. 13, and No. 19 are displayed as selectable buttons that can be registered, and an example of operating the selection button No. 7 from among these registrable selection buttons is shown. show.

Subsequently, the new key holder 21 is inserted into the lock mechanism 25 of the selected number (step S23), and the registration button on the key holder registration mode screen is pressed (step S24).

By pressing the registration button, the acquisition unit 44 of the selected lock mechanism 25 acquires the second information from the second wireless tag 42 of the key holder 21 inserted into the lock mechanism 25 (step S25). (This is the acquisition step of the management method). At this time, if the key 23 is linked to the key holder 21, the acquisition unit 44 may obtain the first information from the key 23 linked to the key holder 21.

In the keychain registration mode, the registration unit 54 of the control unit 50 registers the new keychain 21 having the second information acquired by the acquisition unit 44 as the keychain 21 to be managed by the key management machine 10 (step S26). (This is a registration step of the key management method), the lock mechanism 25 into which the new key holder 21 has been inserted is associated and registered as the lock mechanism 25 that manages the key holder 21 (step S27). At this time, if information related to the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 has been acquired, the key 23 may also be registered in association with the key holder 21 and the lock mechanism 25.

Note that the registration unit 54 cannot register the key holder 21 that has already been registered. Further, the registration unit 54 disables registration of the key holder 21 in the lock mechanism 25 even if another key holder 21, including a new key holder 21, is inserted into the lock mechanism 25 in which the key holder 21 has already been registered. Further, if the key holder 21 is registered in all the lock mechanisms 25, the registration unit 54 disables registration of another key holder 21, including a new key holder 21, in the lock mechanism 25. Note that instead of disabling registration as described above, it may be possible to allow overwriting registration.

Then, the history of registered information such as registration date and time, operator information, information related to the lock mechanism 25, information related to the key holder 21, information related to the key 23, etc. is stored in the storage unit 51 and printed by the printer 17 (step S28). , the key holder 21 registration process ends. FIG. 8 shows a journal of registration history printed by the printer 17. In the registration history journal, for example, general NO. at 21:45. After the operator of 00000001 took out the key 23, he lost or damaged the key chain 21, so the operator of NO. This indicates that the administrator of 00000003 has performed the registration operation for the key holder 21. In addition, the reason for deleting the registration (such as losing the key chain 21) and the reason for new registration (such as replenishing the lost key chain 21) can be entered manually on the operation unit 38, and the manually input reasons can be entered manually. It may be stored (output) as a history.

Next, a return authentication setting process for setting the presence or absence of return authentication for each lock mechanism 25 will be described with reference to FIG.

After authentication by inputting the card information and password described above, the administrator, who is an authorized person who has the authority to register the return authentication settings, operates the operation unit 38 to select the return authentication setting mode.

When the return authentication setting mode is entered, a return authentication setting screen is displayed on the display unit 39, as shown in FIG. On this return authentication setting screen, selection buttons with numbers assigned in advance to the plurality of lock mechanisms 25 are displayed, and among these selection buttons, a selection button with return authentication setting and a selection button without return authentication setting are displayed. Displayed in different display formats (eg, colors). Note that the color may be further changed depending on whether the return authentication is performed by the operator himself or herself and when the return authentication must be performed by another user.

The administrator selects and presses one or more of the selection buttons without return authentication setting, presses the button with settings, and presses the setting button to set the selected lock mechanism 25 to return authentication. Set to Yes. In addition, the administrator selects and presses one or more of the selection buttons with return authentication setting, presses the button without setting, and presses the setting button to activate the selected lock mechanism 25. It is set without return authentication.

Note that even when there is an unused lock mechanism 25 and a new key holder 21 to be managed by this lock mechanism 25 is added, it can be registered as described above.

Next, as another process, there is a closing process to check whether all keys 23 have been returned. In this case, when an administrator with valid authority selects and operates the key inspection process for all keys 23 on the operation unit 38, the information on the keys 23 connected to the key holder 21 is obtained through the acquisition unit 44 of all the lock mechanisms 25. is acquired, the identification unit 55 identifies the keys 23 from the obtained information, and confirms whether all keys 23 have been returned.

Further, there is a key inspection process to check whether the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 inserted into a specific lock mechanism 25 is normal. In this case, when an administrator with valid authority selects and operates the key examination process for the key 23 of a specific lock mechanism 25 using the operation unit 38, the acquisition unit 44 of the selected specific lock mechanism 25 connects it to the key chain 21. The identification unit 55 identifies the key 23 based on the acquired information, and confirms the key 23.

Note that the control unit 50 may automatically perform confirmation operations such as information acquisition by the acquisition unit 44 of all lock mechanisms 25 and identification by the identification unit 55 at predetermined intervals.

As described above, according to the key management machine 10 and the key management system 60, the second information of the key holder 21 is acquired by the acquisition unit 44, and the key holder 21 having this acquired second information is assigned to the key holder to be managed. 21, the new registration of the key holder 21 is automatically performed, there is no room for fraud, and the new registration of the key holder 21 can be performed more simply and strictly. Therefore, it becomes possible for the user to newly register the key holder 21, thereby reducing the burden on the key management device manufacturer.

By providing the second wireless tag 42 having identification information on the key holder 21, the acquisition unit 44 can easily acquire the identification information from the second wireless tag 42, so that the key holder 21 can be newly registered efficiently.

New registration of the key holder 21 can be performed by an administrator who has authority regarding registration, so that the key holder 21 can be newly registered in a strict manner. Furthermore, since new registration of the key holder 21 is possible in the key holder registration mode, erroneous registration of the key holder 21 can be prevented. Further, since the key holder 21 that has already been registered cannot be registered, duplicate registration can be prevented.

Since the acquisition unit 44 is provided in the lock mechanism 25, the second information can be acquired when the key holder 21 is inserted into the lock mechanism 25. Note that the acquisition unit 44 may acquire the second information when the key holder 21 is inserted into the lock mechanism 25, or after the key holder 21 is inserted into the lock mechanism 25, a predetermined acquisition button is pressed on the operation unit 38. The second information may be acquired when the button is pressed.

Even if another key holder 21, including a new key holder 21, is inserted into the lock mechanism 25 in which a key holder 21 has already been registered, the key holder 21 cannot be registered in the lock mechanism 25, so duplicate registration can be prevented. Furthermore, when the key holder 21 is registered in all the lock mechanisms 25, the registration unit 54 disables registration of another key holder 21, including a new key holder 21, in the lock mechanism 25, so that duplicate registration can be prevented.

Furthermore, the return authentication setting unit 57 can individually set for each lock mechanism 25 whether or not there is a return authentication that requires authentication when returning the key holder 21 to the lock mechanism 25. Authentication can be set to yes, and return authentication can be set to no for other keys 23, making it easy to return keys 23.

Further, the acquisition units 44 and 45 acquire the first information from the first wireless tag 41 of the key 23 connected to the key holder 21, and the identification unit 55 acquires the first information from the first wireless tag 41 of the key 23 connected to the key holder 21. Since the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 can be identified, the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 can be efficiently and strictly managed.

Further, the key management machine 10 uses the acquisition units 44 and 45 to acquire second information from the second wireless tag 42 of the key holder 21, and uses the identification unit 55 to identify the key holder 21 based on the first information and the second information. Since the key 23 and key holder 21 connected to the key holder 21 can be identified, the key holder 21 and the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 can be efficiently and strictly managed.

The key management device 10 also stores information related to the key holder 21 (including the number of the insertable lock mechanism 25, second information, etc.) in the storage unit 51, and information related to the key 23 connected to the key holder 21. (including the key name, key number, first information, etc.), the key holder 21 and the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 can be managed more efficiently and strictly.

The collation unit 56 verifies the information stored in the storage unit 51 and the identification result by the identification unit 55, so that it can be checked whether or not the key holder 21 and the key 23 stored in the storage unit 51 are the same. 21 and the key 23 connected to this key holder 21 can be checked whether the relationship is correct or not.

If the verification by the verification unit 56 does not result in a match, the notification unit (key information notification unit) 58 reports the key information that does not match, so the information on the new key 23 that has been replaced or added to the key holder 21 or The administrator etc. can easily grasp the information of the missing key 23.

If the verification by the verification unit 56 does not result in a match, the removal of the key holder 21 from the lock mechanism 25 is prohibited, requiring a response by the administrator, and the keys 23 can be strictly managed.

Further, the key holder 21 and the key 23 connected to the key holder 21 are identified by the identification unit 55 when a predetermined operation (key inspection process, etc.) is performed at the operation unit 38 during the key exchange process by the key exchange unit 18. Since this is carried out at least when the key holder 21 is inserted into the lock mechanism 25, the key 23 can be strictly managed at all times.

In addition, since the wireless tags 41 and 42 are RFID tags, the acquisition units 44 and 45 are RFID readers, and the first information and second information are identification information of the RFID tags, the key 23 can be used efficiently. And strict management is possible.

In addition, when inserting the key holder 21 with the key exchanged into the lock mechanism 25, the unique information of the key 23 (including the key name, key number, etc.) is added to the first information of the key 23 acquired by the acquisition unit 44. ) is not registered, the administrator confirms the notification in order to prompt the notification unit (registration notification unit) 58 to register the unique information of the key 23 (including key name, key number, etc.). , information unique to the key 23 (including key name, key number, etc.) can be registered in association with the first information.

In this embodiment, the lock mechanism 25 into which the key holder 21 is inserted is determined, but even if the lock mechanism 25 into which the key holder 21 is inserted is incorrect, the return may be accepted. Alternatively, the lock mechanism 25 into which the key holder 21 is inserted may not be determined, and the return may be accepted no matter where the key holder 21 is inserted into the empty lock mechanism 25.

In addition, an acquisition unit (RFID reader unit) having functions such as an acquisition unit 44, a registration unit 54, and an identification unit 55 is provided separately from the key management machine 10, and this acquisition unit allows the second wireless tag of the key holder 21 to be read. 42 and the first information from the first wireless tag 41 of the key 23 linked to this key holder 21 may be processed.

Furthermore, the storage unit 51 may be provided in the key holder 21. In this case, when the key holder 21 is inserted into the lock mechanism 25 of the key management machine 10, the control unit 50 of the key management machine 10 acquires information such as registration information from the storage unit 51 of the key holder 21, and based on this information. The key 23 may be identified and verified using In this case, the control unit 50 and the key holder 21 are configured to be able to communicate through non-contact communication or contact communication.

Note that the term "key" includes not only a key that is operated by inserting it into a keyhole, but also other forms such as a key in the form of a card and a car key. Therefore, the key management machine can be replaced, for example, with a card management machine or a car key management machine (key box).

10 Key management machine
16 Key management section
21 key chain
23 keys
25 Lock mechanism
39 Display section
57 Return authentication setting section

Claims (6)

A key management machine comprising a key management unit that manages keys,
a key chain connected to the key;
a plurality of lock mechanisms into which the key holder is inserted;
Equipped with
A key management machine characterized in that the presence or absence of return authentication that requires authentication when returning the key holder to the lock mechanism is set for each lock mechanism. The key management machine according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores a history of return information including operator information. The key management machine according to claim 2, wherein the operator who performs the return authentication is the operator who performed the key lending operation. The key management machine according to claim 2, wherein the operator who performs the return authentication is a different operator from the operator who performed the key lending operation. a return authentication setting unit that sets for each lock mechanism whether or not there is a return authentication that requires authentication when returning the key holder to the lock mechanism;
It is equipped with a display section,
In the return authentication setting by the return authentication setting section, a return authentication setting screen is displayed on the display section,
On the return authentication setting screen, selection buttons with numbers pre-assigned to the lock mechanism are displayed, and among these selection buttons, the selection button with return authentication setting and the selection button without return authentication setting are displayed differently. The key management machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the key management machine is displayed in a form. The key management according to claim 5, wherein the return authentication setting screen is displayed in different display formats depending on whether the return authentication can be performed by the operator himself or herself and when the return authentication must be performed by another operator. Machine.

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