JP7346271B2 - Key management device, key management system, and key management method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention provides a key management device, a key management device, and a key management device that can prevent a decrease in usage efficiency due to incorrect return of a key holder when returning a key holder with a key connected to a ring (hereinafter collectively referred to as a "key holder"). Regarding systems and key management methods.

Traditionally, stores such as financial institutions and distribution institutions have multiple keys, such as keys to operate the equipment installed in the store and keys to open and close the management area, so these keys are connected to a ring. In many cases, key holders are managed by a key management device. In such a case, the user may make a return error by attempting to return the key or key holder to the wrong storage unit.

For this reason, conventional techniques are known that issue an alarm when a key is returned incorrectly. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a key storage device that is configured to sound an alarm buzzer if a return destination number is input using a numeric keypad and the key number is incorrect.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-189152

However, the conventional technology described above simply sounds an alarm buzzer when a key is returned incorrectly, so the problem is that the user does not know which storage unit to return the key to. There is.

In particular, if the key management device that retrieves the key is different from the key management device that returns the key, the user will not know which key management device to visit to return the key, resulting in confusion for the user. becomes. Further, until the key is returned normally, other users cannot use the device using the key, resulting in a problem that the efficiency of using the device decreases.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a key management device, a key management system, and a key management system that can prevent a decrease in usage efficiency due to incorrect return of a key chain when returning a key chain. The purpose is to provide a key management method.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, the present invention provides a plurality of storage units that each store a keychain, a management unit that manages information related to at least the storage unit in which each keychain is stored, and a management unit that manages information related to at least the storage unit in which each keychain is stored. a determining unit that determines whether the key holder has been returned to a storage unit that is different from the storage unit to which the key holder is to be returned managed by the management unit; a notification unit that notifies information regarding a storage unit in which the key chain is stored based on information managed by the management unit when it is determined that the key chain has been returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit in which the key chain is stored. If it is determined that the key holder to be returned requires approval for return, the notification unit notifies that approval for return is required when returning the key holder.

Further, in the above invention, the present invention further includes an acquisition section that acquires key information including identification information of the key holder stored in a storage section of the key holder to be returned, and the determination section is configured to Based on the identification information of the key chain included in the key information acquired by the management unit, the identification information of the storage unit in which the key chain to be returned is stored, and the information related to the storage unit managed by the management unit, It is determined whether the key holder managed by the department has been returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit to which it is returned.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the acquisition section is provided in at least one of the storage sections, and acquires the key information from the storage section of the key holder stored in the storage section by contactless communication.

Further, in the above invention, the present invention provides that when the determining unit determines that the key holder to be returned has been returned to the key holder storage unit managed by the management unit, , to notify that the item was returned correctly.

Further, in the above invention, the present invention provides that the management section manages the key holder information of each key holder and the information related to the storage section in which the key holder is stored, and the notification section manages the key holder information of each key holder and the information related to the storage section in which the key holder is stored. If the determination unit determines that the keychain to be returned is not managed by the management unit based on the keychain information, a notification is sent that the keychain is not managed by the key management device. .

The present invention also provides a key management system including a plurality of key management devices each having a plurality of storage sections each accommodating a key holder, in which at least one key management device is removed from another key management device. The key holder includes a notification unit that notifies that a return error has occurred when a key holder to be returned is returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit to which the key holder is returned.

The present invention also provides a key management system including a plurality of key management devices each having a plurality of storage sections each storing a key holder, the management device managing information related to the storage section in which each key holder is stored. The at least one key management device includes an inquiry unit that inquires of the management device about information related to the storage section of the key holder to be returned; a determination unit that determines whether or not the target key holder has been returned to a storage unit that is different from the storage unit to which the key holder is returned managed by the management device; a notification unit that notifies information regarding a storage unit in which the key holder is stored based on information managed by the management device when it is determined that the key chain has been returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit in which the key chain is stored; have

Moreover, in the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the information related to the storage unit includes identification information of a key management device to which each key holder is returned.

Moreover, in the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the information related to the storage unit includes identification information of the storage unit to which each key holder is returned.

The present invention also provides a key management method in a key management device having a plurality of storage sections each storing a key holder, which includes a management step of managing information related to the storage section in which each key holder is stored, and a process of managing information regarding the storage section in which each key holder is stored. a determination step of determining whether the key holder has been returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit to which the key holder managed in the management step is to be returned; and a determination step to which the key holder is returned by the determination step and a notification step of notifying information regarding the storage unit in which the key holder is stored based on the information managed in the management step when it is determined that the key chain has been returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit. In the notification step, when it is determined that the key holder to be returned requires approval for return, it is notified that approval for return is required at the time of returning the key holder.

The present invention also provides a key management method in a key management system including a plurality of key management devices each having a plurality of storage sections each storing a key holder, the key management device including a storage section in which each key holder is stored. an inquiry step of inquiring information relating to the storage destination device and storage unit of the key holder to be returned to a management device that manages information related to the key chain; a determination step of determining whether the key holder to be returned has been returned to a storage unit that is different from the storage unit to which the key holder is to be returned, which is managed by the management device, based on the key management device; and the key management device However, if it is determined in the determination step that the key chain has been returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit to which the key chain is to be returned, the storage unit to which the key chain is to be stored is determined based on the information managed by the management device. and a notification step of notifying information related to the department.

According to the present invention, when returning a key holder, it is possible to prevent a decrease in usage efficiency due to an error in returning the key holder.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a concept when a key holder is returned by a key management device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the key management device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the key management device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display when the key holder is returned to the key management device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of key information and registered key information according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for confirming whether a proper return has been made according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a key management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the key management device shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the management device shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display when the key holder is returned to the key management device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for confirming whether a proper return has been made according to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a key management device, a key management system, and a key management method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Overview of the key management device 10 according to the first embodiment>
First, an overview of the key management device 10 according to the first embodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of when a key holder is returned by the key management device 10 according to the first embodiment. Stores such as financial institutions and distribution institutions have multiple keys, such as keys to operate the equipment installed in the store and keys to open and close the management area, so these keys are connected with a ring etc. The key holder is managed by the key management device 10. Although the key management device 10 can also manage a single key, a case will be described in which the key management device 10 manages a key holder in which one or more keys are connected to a ring or the like.

A key user takes out a desired key holder from the key management device 10 and returns it to the key management device 10 after use. The key management device 10 has a storage section 16 that stores key chains, and the key management device 10 has a fixed one-to-one correspondence between key chains and the storage section 16, so that only a specific key chain can be stored in a certain storage section 16. are doing. If the key holder is not properly returned to the storage section 16, a buzzer is sounded to indicate that the return destination is incorrect.

However, if a key holder is returned incorrectly, simply sounding the alarm buzzer does not allow the user to know to which storage section 16 of which key management device 10 the key holder should be returned. In particular, if the key management device from which the key holder is taken out is different from the key management device from which the key holder is returned, the user will not know which key management device to visit to return the key holder, resulting in confusion for the user. becomes. Further, until the key holder is returned normally, other users cannot use the device using the key holder, which reduces the efficiency of using the device.

For this reason, in the key management device 10 according to the first embodiment, if an error occurs in returning the key holder when returning the key holder to the key management device 10, by notifying information regarding the return destination of the key holder, It is configured to prevent a decrease in usage efficiency due to incorrect return of the key holder.

As shown in FIG. 1, a key management device 10 is installed in a store such as a financial institution or a distribution institution, and connects keys for operating equipment installed in the store and keys for opening and closing the management place with a ring or the like. It is a device for storing a key holder, and has an operation display section 13, an R/W section 14, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, when an operator holds a card in his possession over the R/W section 14, the R/W section 14 reads the card ID from the card (step S1). Thereafter, the key management device 10 authenticates the operator based on the card ID read by the R/W unit 14, and determines whether the operator has the authority to take out the key holder (step S2). As a result, if it is determined that the operator has the authority to take out the key holder, the door of the key storage (not shown) is unlocked and can be opened (step S3). A plurality of key holders are stored in the key storage. Further, each key holder is stored in the storage section 16 corresponding to the key holder.

After that, when the key holder is inserted into the storage section 16 of the key management device 10 (step S4), the key information stored in the RFID in the key holder is read (step S5), and the key information and the key information stored in the key management device 10 are stored. It is compared with the stored registered key information (step S6), and the comparison result is displayed on the operation display section 13 (step S7). For example, a message such as "Return error. Please return to storage unit No. 13." is displayed on the operation display section 13.

In this way, the key management device 10 according to the first embodiment collates the key information in the key holder with the registered key information in the key management device 10, so that even if the key holder is returned to the wrong storage unit 16, , it becomes possible to display the appropriate return destination.

<External configuration of key management device 10>
Next, the appearance of the key management device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the key management device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the key management device 10 includes a key storage section 19 that is opened and closed by a door locking section 12, an operation display section 13, an R/W section 14, a holder lamp 15, and a storage section 16.

The door locking section 12 is a mechanism for locking the door of the key storage section 19. The operation display section 13 includes an operation display section 13, an R/W section 14, and the like. The operation display unit 13 is a touch panel display or the like, and is a processing unit that receives operation inputs from an operator and displays various information.

The R/W unit 14 is a reader/writer unit that reads data such as a card ID from the card or writes data to the card through contactless communication when the card carried by the operator is exposed. . Here, we will explain the case of reading data from a contactless IC (integrated circuit) card that stores the card ID in internal memory, but it is also possible to read data from a contact type IC card or a magnetic card that magnetically records the card ID. You can also do it.

The storage section 16 removably stores a key chain in which a key is connected to a ring or the like. Each storage section 16 is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) to allow or prohibit removal of the key holder. The key management device 10 controls the permission or prohibition of taking out the key holder by controlling the lock mechanism for each storage section 16. Further, each storage section 16 is provided with a sensor section 17 that reads a wireless ID tag built into a key holder. Based on the key information read from the key holder by the sensor unit 17, it is possible to detect whether the key holder has been returned correctly or is being taken out. Furthermore, one main return storage section and one or more sub-return storage sections can be specified for one key holder. At this time, the main return storage section is controlled so that the key holders do not overlap each other, and the sub return storage section allows overlap. In addition, when there are multiple return destinations for the key holder, it is also possible to configure the notification unit to notify two or more return destinations among the plurality of return destinations. Further, it is also possible to notify the main return storage section and the sub return storage section so that they can be distinguished.

Further, a holder lamp 15 is provided near each storage section 16. When the user takes out the key holder or when the user replaces the key holder, the holder lamp 15 is turned on to inform the operator of the position of the key holder. The holder lamp 15 can be an LED capable of emitting light in a plurality of modes, such as emitting light in a plurality of colors, continuous lighting, or flashing light, for example. This allows the main return storage section and the sub return storage section to be designated with different colors of emitted light. Although a case is shown in which the holder lamp 15 is provided near each storage section 16, the holder lamp 15 can be provided at any position on the key management device 10, and can also be provided on the key holder itself.

<Internal configuration of key management device 10>
Next, the internal configuration of the key management device 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the key management device 10 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the key management device 10 includes a key management control section 11, a door lock section 12, an operation display section 13, an R/W section 14, a holder lamp 15, a storage section 16, a sensor section 17, and a storage section 18. has. Since the door lock section 12, operation display section 13, R/W section 14, holder lamp 15, and storage section 16 have been described in the external configuration of FIG. 2, their explanation will be omitted here.

The key management control unit 11 is a control unit that controls the entire key management device 10, and includes a reception unit 11a, a registration unit 11b, an authentication processing unit 11c, a key information reading unit 11d, a return suitability determination unit 11e, and a return determination display unit 11f. has. In reality, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and by loading these programs into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executing them, the reception unit 11a and the registration process are performed. The unit 11b, the authentication processing unit 11c, the key information reading unit 11d, the return suitability determination unit 11e, and the return determination display unit 11f are caused to execute corresponding processes, respectively.

The receiving unit 11a receives a key holder registration instruction for the key management device 10 input by the operator from the operation display unit 13, and notifies the registration unit 11b of the registration instruction. The registration unit 11b registers the registration instruction in the storage unit 18 as registration key information.

The authentication processing unit 11c is a processing unit that authenticates the operator based on the card ID read by the R/W unit 14 and determines whether the operator has the authority to take out the key holder. As a result, if it is determined that the operator has the authority to take out the key holder, the door of the key storage (not shown) is unlocked and can be opened. Here, a case will be described in which authentication is performed based on a card ID, but it is also possible for the user to input a preset code to authenticate the operator. It is also possible to perform authentication using biometric identification information such as a face, fingerprint, or palm print.

When the key holder is inserted into the storage unit 16, the key information reading unit 11d reads the key information in the key holder using the sensor unit 17. The return suitability determination unit 11e compares the key information with the registered key information stored in the storage unit 18, and determines whether the storage unit 16 is appropriate as a return destination for the key holder. The return determination display section 11f displays the result of the determination on the operation display section 13.

The sensor section 17 is installed in the storage section 16, and when the keychain is inserted into the storage section 16, it reads the key information inside the keychain. The storage unit 18 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory, and stores registration key information.

<Example of display when returning keychain>
Next, a display example will be described in which the result of matching the key information and registered key information is displayed when the key holder shown in FIG. 1 is returned. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display when the result of matching the key information and registered key information is displayed when the key holder shown in FIG. 1 is returned.

If the key chain was returned properly, "Return accepted." will be displayed on the operation display section 13. If the key chain was returned to the wrong location, "Return was made in error. Please return it.'' and the appropriate return address will be displayed.

In addition, if the key information of the returned key holder does not correspond to the registered key information and is unregistered, "This key holder is unregistered." is displayed on the operation display unit 13, and the key information is set to return approval "required." If so, "Return requires approval." is displayed on the operation display section 13. Note that such approval can also be provided by the administrator.

<Example of key information and registered key information>
Next, an example of the key information and registered key information that are collated when the key holder shown in FIG. 1 is returned will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of key information and registered key information that are collated when the key holder shown in FIG. 1 is returned.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the key information stored in the key holder includes the key holder ID, key usage, return destination key management device ID, handler, and whether return approval is required. Here, key information is set as key holder ID "1002", key usage "store front entrance key", return destination key management device ID "A01", employee number "12345" for handler, and "required" for return approval. The situation is shown below.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), the registered key information stored in the key management device 10 includes a key holder ID, an assigned storage unit ID, and the like. Here, a situation is shown in which the key holder ID "1002" and the assigned storage unit ID "013" are set as registered key information.

Then, the key holder ID "1002" included in the key information is compared with the key holder ID "1002" included in the registered key information. Here, a situation where the two match is shown. Thereafter, the storage unit ID (for example, "014") of the storage unit into which this key holder is inserted is compared with the assigned storage unit ID "013" included in the registered key information. In this case, since the two do not match, it will be determined that the return is incorrect. As a result, the message "Return was incorrect. Please return it to storage section No. 13." is displayed on the operation display section 13.

<Processing procedure to confirm whether the return has been made properly>
Next, a description will be given of a processing procedure for confirming whether the key holder has been returned properly when the key holder is returned to the key management device 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for confirming whether the key holder has been returned properly when the key holder is returned to the key management device 10 shown in FIG. Note that it is assumed here that the authentication process using the card ID has been completed.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the key holder is inserted into the storage section 16 of the key management device 10 (step S101; Yes), the sensor section 17 reads the key information inside the key holder and determines whether the return destination is appropriate ( Step S102). If the return destination is appropriate (step S103; Yes), "Return accepted" is displayed on the operation display unit 13 (step S104), and the process ends.

If the return destination is not appropriate (step S103; No), it is determined whether the keychain has been registered (step S105). If the key holder is unregistered (step S105; No), "This key holder is unregistered" is displayed on the operation display unit 13 (step S106), and the process ends.

If the keychain has been registered (step S105; Yes), it is determined whether approval is required for return (step S107). If return approval is required (step S107; Yes), "Approval is required for return" is displayed on the operation display unit 13 (step S108), and the process ends.

If return approval is not required (step S107; No), the operation display unit 13 displays the correct return address as "The return address is incorrect. Please return it to the storage unit No. 13." (step S109) ).

As described above, in the first embodiment, the key management device 10 verifies the key information in the key holder with the registered key information in the key management device 10, so that the key holder can be returned to the wrong storage unit 16. It is possible to display the appropriate return destination even in the case of

In addition, in the above-mentioned Example 1, a case was shown in which the key information includes the key holder ID, key usage, return destination key management device ID, handler, and return approver, but the present invention is limited to this. Instead, it is also possible to control the take-out and return of the key holder by including information on the time period in which the key can be used.

By the way, in the above-described first embodiment, a case has been described in which, in a single key management device, when a key holder is returned to the wrong storage section 16, the correct storage section 16 is displayed. When operating a key management device, there may be a case where the correct return destination when a key is returned to the wrong storage unit 16 is another key management device, and it is necessary to provide information including its installation location. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the key management system provides return destination information including the installation location of the appropriate key management device.

<Overview of key management system according to Example 2>
First, an overview of the key management system according to the second embodiment will be explained. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the key management system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in this key management system, key management devices 20A and 20B (hereinafter collectively referred to as "key management devices 20") arranged at a plurality of different locations and a management device 40 are connected to a network N The system configuration is connected via.

If the key holder is returned to the wrong storage unit 16 and the key management device 20 determines that the correct return destination is not the device itself, the key management device 20 instructs the management device 40 to determine the correct return destination for the key holder. Inquire about appropriate return destination information indicating the key management device 10.

The management device 40 stores information related to the location where each key management device 20 is installed as return destination information, and responds to inquiries from the key management device 20 about proper return destination information. The appropriate return destination information is notified to the key management device 20.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the user inserts the key holder into the key management device 20A in order to return it (step S11), the key management device 20A determines whether it is an appropriate return destination (step S12). . Note that each key management device 20A, 20B uses the same number (for example, No. 1 to No. 30) as the identification information (storage unit ID) of the storage unit 16, and uses the same number (for example, No. 1 to No. 30) as the identification information (key management If only the storage unit ID (apparatus ID) is different, the storage unit 16 cannot be specified just by reading the storage unit ID. Therefore, in step S12 described above, it is also possible to inquire of the management device 40 about appropriate return destination information. Further, the proper return destination information including the key management device ID can be configured to be stored in a storage section provided within the key holder. In this case, there is no need to make an inquiry to the management device.

If there is no proper return destination within the own device, the management device 40 is inquired about proper return destination information (step S13). On the other hand, the management device 40 searches for a proper return destination (step S14), and notifies the key management device 20A of the search result as proper return destination information (step S15). The key management device 20A displays the appropriate return destination information on the operation display unit 13 (step S16).

In this manner, the key management system according to the second embodiment can display return destinations other than the own device as appropriate return destination information by inquiring from the key management device 20 to the management device 40 about proper return destination information. It becomes possible to do so.

<Internal configuration of key management device 20>
Next, the internal configuration of the key management device 20 shown in FIG. 7 will be explained. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the key management device 20 shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the key management device 20 includes a key management control section 21, a door lock section 12, an operation display section 13, an R/W section 14, a holder lamp 15, a storage section 16, a sensor section 17, and a storage section 18. and a communication section 22. The door lock section 12, operation display section 13, R/W section 14, holder lamp 15, storage section 16, sensor section 17, and storage section 18 are the same as those in Example 1, so their explanation will be omitted here. .

The key management control unit 21 is a control unit that controls the entire key management device 20, and includes a reception unit 11a, a registration unit 11b, an authentication processing unit 11c, a key information reading unit 11d, a return suitability determination unit 11e, and a return determination display unit 11f. and an appropriate return destination information inquiry section 23. In reality, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the reception unit 11a, the registration unit 11b, and the authentication process are executed. The unit 11c, the key information reading unit 11d, the return suitability determining unit 11e, the return determination display unit 11f, and the appropriate return destination information inquiry unit 23 are caused to execute corresponding processes, respectively.

Each functional unit other than the appropriate return destination information inquiry unit 23 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. If it is determined that the key holder is not a proper return destination when inserted into the own device, and there is no proper return destination in the own device, the proper return destination information inquiry unit 23 informs the management device 40 of the appropriate return destination. Inquire for return address information.

The communication unit 22 is an interface unit for data communication with the management device 40 via the network N.

<Internal configuration of management device 40>
Next, the internal configuration of the management device 40 shown in FIG. 7 will be explained. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the management device 40 shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the management device 40 includes a control section 41, an input section 42, a display section 43, a communication section 44, and a storage section 45.

The control unit 41 is a control unit that controls the entire management device 40, and includes a return destination management unit 41a and a proper return destination information notification unit 41b. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the return destination management unit 41a and appropriate return destination information are stored. The notification unit 41b is caused to execute the corresponding process.

The return destination management unit 41a stores return destination information related to the installation location of each key management device 20 inputted from the input unit 42 in the storage unit 45, and also responds to inquiries from the key management device 20 about appropriate return destination information. Then, search for an appropriate return destination. Note that the return destination information may be specified on the key management device 20 side, and the information may be received from the key management device 20 and stored in the storage unit 45.

The proper return destination information notification unit 41b notifies the key management device 20 of the proper return destination searched by the return destination management unit 41a as proper return destination information.

The input unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The display unit 43 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The communication unit 44 is a communication interface that communicates with the key management device 20. The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or nonvolatile memory, and stores return destination information.

<Example of display when returning keychain>
Next, a display example will be described in which the result of matching the key information and registered key information is displayed when the key holder shown in FIG. 7 is returned. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display when the result of matching the key information and registered key information is displayed when the key holder shown in FIG. 7 is returned.

If the keychain has been returned properly, "Return accepted" is displayed on the operation display section 13. If the return location is incorrect and the return location is within the own device, "Return is incorrect. Please return to the storage section No. 13." will be displayed, and if the return location is outside the own device displays the correct return destination, saying, "The return device is incorrect. Please return it to the key management device on the 1st floor of Branch A." The information related to the return destination storage unit 16 includes (1) identification information of the key management device (key management device ID), (2) information indicating the location of the key management device (for example, the location of the key management device on the 1st floor of branch A). (key management device), and (3) identification information of the storage unit 16 (storage unit ID). Therefore, depending on the situation, any one of the above (1) to (3) may be included.

In addition, if the key information of the returned key holder does not correspond to the registered key information and is unregistered, "This key holder is unregistered" is displayed on the operation display unit 13, and return approval is set as "required" in the key information. If so, the message "Return requires approval." is displayed.

<Processing procedure to confirm whether the return has been made properly>
Next, a description will be given of a processing procedure for confirming whether the key holder is properly returned when the key holder is returned to the key management device 20 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for confirming whether the key holder has been returned properly when the key holder is returned to the key management device 20 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, if the key holder is inserted into the storage section 16 of the key management device 20 (step S201; Yes), the sensor section 17 reads the key information in the key holder and determines whether the return destination is appropriate ( Step S202). If the return destination is appropriate (step S203; Yes), "Return accepted" is displayed on the operation display unit 13 (step S204), and the process ends.

If the return destination is not appropriate (step S203; No), it is determined whether the keychain has been registered (step S205). If the key holder is unregistered (step S205; No), "This key holder is unregistered" is displayed on the operation display unit 13 (step S206), and the process ends.

If the keychain has been registered (step S205; Yes), it is determined whether approval is required for return (step S207). If return approval is required (step S207; Yes), "Approval is required for return" is displayed on the operation display unit 13 (step S208), and the process ends.

If return approval is not required (step S207; No), it is determined whether the return destination is the own device (step S209). If the return destination is the own device (step S209; Yes), the correct return destination is displayed on the operation display unit 13, saying "Return is incorrect. Please return to storage unit No. 13." (step S210 ), this process ends.

If the return destination is not the own device (step S209; No), the key management device 20 queries the management device 40 for appropriate return destination information (step S211), and the management device 40 searches for an appropriate return destination. The result is notified to the key management device 20 as appropriate return destination information (step S212).

Based on the appropriate return destination information, the key management device 20 displays the correct return destination on the operation display section 13, saying "The return device is incorrect. Please return the key to the key management device on the 1st floor of Branch A." Step S213).

As described above, in the second embodiment, the key management device 20 collates the key information in the key holder with the registered key information in the key management device 20, and when the appropriate return destination is outside the device itself, By inquiring about proper return destination information from the management device 40, it is possible to display proper return destinations including those outside the own device.

Further, the key chain may be configured to include a storage section that stores the key holder, and a notification section that notifies information about the cause of the return error when a return error occurs when the key holder is returned to the storage section.

It should be noted that each of the configurations illustrated in the first and second embodiments described above is a functional schematic, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of dispersion/integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the diagram, but all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed/integrated in arbitrary units depending on various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

The key management device, key management system, and key management method according to the present invention are useful in preventing a decrease in usage efficiency due to incorrectly returning a key or key holder.

10 Key management device 11 Key management control section 11a Reception section 11b Registration section 11c Authentication processing section 11d Key information reading section 11e Return suitability judgment section 11f Return judgment display section 12 Door locking section 13 Operation display section 14 R/W section 15 Holder lamp 16 storage section 17 sensor section 18 storage section 19 key storage section 20, 20A, 20B key management device 21 key management control section 22 communication section 23 proper return destination information inquiry section 40 management device 41 control section 41a return destination management section 41b proper Return destination information notification section 42 Input section 43 Display section 44 Communication section 45 Storage section N Network

Claims (11)

Multiple storage compartments each storing a keychain,
a management unit that manages information related to at least the storage unit where each key chain is stored;
a determining unit that determines whether the key holder to be returned has been returned to a storage unit that is different from the storage unit to which the key holder is to be returned, which is managed by the management unit;
If the determination unit determines that the key chain has been returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit to which the key chain is to be returned, the key chain is returned to the storage unit to which the key chain is to be stored based on information managed by the management unit. It is equipped with a notification section that broadcasts such information , and
The notification department is
If it is determined that the key holder to be returned requires approval for return, a notification is sent that approval for return is required when returning the key holder.
Key management device. further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires key information including identification information of the keychain stored in the storage unit of the keychain to be returned;
The determination unit includes:
Based on the identification information of the key holder included in the key information acquired by the acquisition unit, the identification information of the storage unit in which the key holder to be returned is stored, and the information related to the storage unit managed by the management unit. The key management device according to claim 1 , wherein the key management device determines whether the key holder managed by the management unit is returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit to which the key holder is returned. The acquisition unit includes:
The key management device according to claim 2 , wherein the key management device is provided in at least one storage section and acquires the key information from a storage section of a key holder stored in the storage section through non-contact communication. The notification department is
Any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein when the determining unit determines that the key holder to be returned has been returned to a storage unit for the key holder managed by the management unit, a notification that the key holder has been returned correctly is notified. The key management device described in one of the above. The management department is
Manages key holder information for each key holder and information related to the storage section where the key holder is stored,
The notification department is
If the determining unit determines that the key chain to be returned is not managed by the management unit based on the key chain information managed by the management unit, the key chain is not managed by the key management device. The key management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , which notifies the user that the key management device is outside. A key management system comprising a plurality of key management devices each having a plurality of storage sections each accommodating a key holder, the key management system comprising:
At least one key management device is
If a return error occurs in which a key chain to be returned that has been taken out from another key management device is returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit to which the key chain is returned, a notification will be sent to notify that a return error has occurred. A key management system having a notification section and a key management system. A key management system comprising a plurality of key management devices each having a plurality of storage sections each accommodating a key holder, the key management system comprising:
Equipped with a management device that manages information related to the storage section where each key chain is stored,
At least one key management device is
an inquiry unit that inquires of the management device about information related to the storage section of the key chain to be returned;
Based on the inquiry result by the inquiry unit, it is determined whether the key holder to be returned has been returned to a storage unit managed by the management device that is different from the storage unit to which the key holder is returned. a determination unit to
When the determination unit determines that the key chain has been returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit to which the key chain is returned, the key chain is returned to the storage unit to which the key chain is stored based on information managed by the management device. A key management system comprising: a reporting unit that reports such information; 8. The key management system according to claim 7 , wherein the information related to the storage unit includes identification information of a key management device to which each key holder is returned. 9. The key management system according to claim 7 , wherein the information related to the storage unit includes identification information of the storage unit to which each key holder is returned. A key management method in a key management device having a plurality of storage parts each storing a key holder, the method comprising:
A management process for managing information related to the storage section where each key chain is stored;
a determination step of determining whether the key holder to be returned has been returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit to which the key holder is returned managed in the management step;
If it is determined in the determination step that the key chain has been returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit to which the key chain is to be returned, the key chain is returned to the storage unit to which the key chain is stored based on the information managed in the management step. and a notification step of notifying such information,
The notification step includes:
If it is determined that the key holder to be returned requires approval for return, a notification is sent that approval for return is required when returning the key holder.
Key management method. A key management method in a key management system including a plurality of key management devices each having a plurality of storage sections each accommodating a key holder, the key management method comprising:
an inquiry step in which the key management device inquires information related to the storage device and storage unit of the key holder to be returned to a management device that manages information related to the storage device in which each key holder is stored;
The key management device returns the key holder to be returned to a storage unit that is different from the storage unit to which the key holder is returned, which is managed by the management device, based on the inquiry result in the inquiry step. a determination step of determining whether or not the
When the key management device determines in the determination step that the key holder has been returned to a storage unit different from the storage unit to which the key holder is returned, the key management device stores the key holder based on information managed by the management device. and a notification step of notifying information related to the storage unit to be stored.

Images