JP7640396B2 - Item management device, program, and item management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an item management device, a program, and an item management system.

Conventionally, there is known an item management system that uses a wireless authentication technology called RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification).

In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a management device that reads management information from an RFID tag attached to paper media or electronic media, and manages the lending, return status, location, or frequency and time of use of paper media or electronic media based on the read management information and pre-registered management information.

JP 2012-3318 A

However, with the invention described in Patent Document 1, the lending and return status of paper and electronic media is simply displayed on the screen as "on loan" or "not yet loaned," and there is a problem in that it is not possible to know who has taken out the paper or electronic media.

The objective of the present invention is to provide an item management device, program, and item management system that can realize a display that allows the management status of items to be visually recognized easily.

In order to solve the above problems, the article management device of the present invention described in claim 1 is:
a first acquisition unit that acquires information written in a first IC chip of an RFID tag attached to an item to be managed;
a generation unit that generates an image related to the article, which is identified as the article for which the information written in the first IC chip can be acquired and the article for which the information written in the first IC chip cannot be acquired, based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit and pre-registered information;
An identification unit capable of identifying a person who has taken the article;
a display control unit that causes a display unit to display the image generated by the generation unit and information about the taker identified by the identification unit in association with each other;
Equipped with.

The present invention relates to an article management device comprising:
The article storage device further includes a registration unit that registers, as the registration information, information that associates the information written in the first IC chip with an image related to the article.

The present invention relates to an article management device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention,
a second acquisition unit that acquires information written in a second IC chip of an RFID tag carried by a user who uses the item,
If the identification unit is able to acquire the information written in the second IC chip by the second acquisition unit within a specified time before or after the time when the information written in the first IC chip by the first acquisition unit becomes unable to be acquired, the identification unit identifies the user corresponding to the information written in the second IC chip as the taker.

The present invention relates to an article management device comprising:
When the identification unit identifies the taker, the generation unit generates an image that combines an image related to the item corresponding to the information written in the first IC chip and an image related to the user's personal name corresponding to the information written in the second IC chip.

The present invention relates to an article management device comprising:
The generation unit generates an image by combining an image captured of the item from which the information written in the first IC chip could be obtained and a processed image in which an image captured of the item from which the information written in the first IC chip could not be obtained is processed into a specific color.

The present invention relates to an article management device comprising:
When the identification unit identifies the person who has taken the photograph, the generation unit generates an image by combining a first processed captured image, and when the person who has taken the photograph is not identified, the generation unit generates an image by combining a second processed captured image having a different color from the first processed captured image.

The present invention relates to an article management device comprising:
a notification unit that notifies by any one of sound, light, and vibration;
and a notification control unit that notifies the notification unit when the taker is not identified by the identification unit.

The present invention relates to an article management device comprising:
a determination unit that determines, when a predetermined time has elapsed, whether or not there is an article for which information written in the first IC chip could not be acquired based on the registration information,
When the determination unit determines that there is an article for which the information written in the first IC chip could not be acquired, the display control unit causes the display unit to display that effect.

The present invention relates to an article management device comprising:
The article is a tool.

The program according to claim 10,
Computer,
a first acquisition unit that acquires information written in a first IC chip of an RFID tag attached to an item to be managed;
a generation unit that generates an image related to the article, which is identified as the article for which the information written in the first IC chip can be acquired and the article for which the information written in the first IC chip cannot be acquired, based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit and pre-registered information;
An identification unit capable of identifying the person who took the article;
a display control unit that causes a display unit to display the image generated by the generation unit and information about the taker identified by the identification unit in association with each other;
Function as.

The article management system according to claim 11 further comprises:
An RFID tag attached to an item;
An RFID tag carried by a user who uses the item;
a reading device that reads information written in a first IC chip of an RFID tag of the article and information for identifying the person who took the article out, and transmits the information to an external device;
The article management device according to claim 1 , which acquires the information from the reading device;
Equipped with
The reading device includes a sheet antenna having a sheet-like shape, and the article is placed on the sheet antenna.

The item management device, program, and item management system of the present invention can provide a display that allows the user to easily visually recognize the item management status.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an article management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an article registration process according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a color image of an article in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a white-washed image of an article in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an alert image of an article in an embodiment of the present invention. 13 is an example of a correspondence table of item IDs, variables, item images, and Bitmaps. 13 is an example of a correspondence table between bitmaps, position coordinates, and magnifications. 10 is a flowchart showing an individual registration process according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13 is an example of a correspondence table of personal IDs, names, personal name images, and email addresses. 4 is a flowchart showing an item management process according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an item management process according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen of an RFID reader according to the embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which all articles are placed on a sheet antenna on a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which an article that is not placed on the sheet antenna is present on the display screen in the embodiment of the present invention, and the user who has taken it out is identified. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which an article is not placed on the sheet antenna on the display screen in the embodiment of the present invention, and the user who has taken it out cannot be identified. FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an article management system according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

(Item Management System)
An embodiment and a modification of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. First, Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of an item management system 100 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, an item management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes items 10a, 10b, 10c, etc. (hereinafter referred to as items 10 when no distinction is made between them) equipped with RFID tags 11a, 11b, 11c, etc. (hereinafter referred to as RFID tags 11 when no distinction is made between them), an RFID reader 20 which is a reading device, an item management device 30, and personal cards 40a, 40b, etc. (hereinafter referred to as personal cards 40 when no distinction is made between them) equipped with RFID tags 41a, 41b, etc. (hereinafter referred to as RFID tags 41 when no distinction is made between them).
The personal card 40 is a card possessed by each user who uses the item 10 .

(RFID tag)
The RFID tag 11a will be described below. Note that the configurations of the RFID tags 11b, 11c, ... and the RFID tags 41a, 41b, ... are the same as that of the RFID tag 11a, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The RFID tag 11a is a passive RFID tag that does not include a built-in battery, and includes an antenna unit 111a and a first IC chip 112a as shown in Fig. 1. Similarly, the RFID tag 41a includes an antenna unit 411a and a second IC chip 412a.
The antenna unit 111a receives a first radio wave RW1 transmitted from a sheet antenna 22 (described later) of the RFID reader 20. Then, the antenna unit 111a converts the received first radio wave RW1 into power and supplies the power to the first IC chip 112a.
The first IC chip 112a has an internal memory that stores the unique identification number, and when it receives the first radio wave RW1, the first IC chip 112a controls the antenna unit 111a to radially transmit a second radio wave RW2 that includes information about the unique identification number. The second radio wave RW2 is received by the RFID reader 20, and the RFID reader 20 transmits the received information about the unique identification number to the item management device 30.
The unique identification number in the RFID tag 11 included in the item 10 is an item ID for identifying the item 10. The unique identification number in the RFID tag 41 included in the personal card 40 is a personal ID for identifying the individual who possesses the personal card.

(RFID reader)
The RFID reader 20 includes a reader body 21 and a sheet antenna 22 that communicates with the RFID tags 11 and 41. The reader body 21 and the sheet antenna 22 are connected by a communication cable 23. The communication cable 23 is, for example, a coaxial cable.
The reader body 21 reads information of the article ID or personal ID from the second radio wave RW2 acquired by the sheet antenna 22.
The reader main body 21 also includes a communication unit 211 that communicates with the item management device 30. The communication between the communication unit 211 and the item management device 30 is performed, for example, by USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication. Other communication methods may also be used for the communication between the communication unit 211 and the item management device 30.
The sheet antenna 22 is, for example, in the form of a rectangular sheet, and is large enough to allow the article 10 to be placed on the sheet antenna 22. When using the article 10, the user holds the personal card 40 he or she possesses over the sheet antenna 22 to have the personal ID read, and then takes out the article 10 placed on the sheet antenna 22 within a predetermined time, and returns the article 10 to the sheet antenna 22 after use. Alternatively, when using the article 10, the user holds the personal card 40 he or she possesses over the sheet antenna 22 within a predetermined time to have the personal ID read, and returns the article 10 to the sheet antenna 22 after use.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the RFID reader 20 includes one sheet antenna 22 , but the RFID reader 20 may include a plurality of sheet antennas 22 .

(Item management device)
The item management device 30 includes a control unit 31 , a memory unit 32 , a display unit 33 , an operation reception unit 34 , a communication unit 35 , and an alarm unit 36 .

The control unit 31 is a part that controls the operation of the item management device 30, and specifically includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and controls each part of the item management device 30 through cooperation between the CPU and the computer program stored in the ROM deployed in the working area of the RAM and the memory unit 32.

Furthermore, the control unit 31 acquires information (item ID) written in the first IC chip 112 of the RFID tag 11 attached to the item 10 to be managed from the RFID reader 20. Here, the control unit 31 functions as a first acquisition unit.
Further, based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit and pre-registered information described later, an image related to the identified article 10 is generated, which distinguishes between the article 10 from which the information written in the first IC chip 112 has been acquired and the article 10 from which the information written in the first IC chip 112 has not been acquired. The image related to the article 10 is a composite image 337 described later. Here, the control unit 31 functions as a generation unit.
The control unit 31 can also identify the person who has taken out the article 10. Here, the control unit 31 functions as an identification unit.
Furthermore, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 33 to display the image generated by the generation unit and the information on the taker identified by the identification unit in association with each other. Here, the control unit 31 functions as a display control unit.
The control unit 31 also registers, as registration information, information that associates the information written in the first IC chip 112 with an image related to the article 10. The image related to the article 10 is a captured image and a processed captured image (a first processed captured image and a second processed captured image) that will be described in detail later. Here, the control unit 31 functions as a registration unit.
Furthermore, the control unit 31 acquires information (personal ID) written in the second IC chip 412 of the RFID tag 41 carried by the user who uses the item 10 from the RFID reader 20. Here, the control unit 31 functions as a second acquisition unit.
Furthermore, when the identification unit has not identified the taker, the control unit 31 issues a notification using the notification unit 36, which will be described later. Here, the control unit 31 functions as a notification control unit.
Furthermore, when a predetermined time has been reached, the control unit 31 determines, based on the registration information, whether there is any article 10 for which the information written in the first IC chip 112 has not been obtained. Here, the control unit 31 functions as a determination unit.

The storage unit 32 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor memory, etc., and is a storage unit to which data and programs can be written and read out. The storage unit 32 also stores a program 32a and the like.
The programs 32a include various system programs, application programs, and a management application program (hereinafter, referred to as a management application) for managing the items 10, which are executed by the control unit 31.

The storage unit 32 also stores registration information. Specifically, the storage unit 32 stores the item ID of the RFID tag 11 provided on the item 10 to be managed by the item management system 100. The storage unit 32 also stores, as registration information, a captured image and a processed captured image of the item 10, which are images related to the item 10, in association with the item ID.
The storage unit 32 also stores the personal ID of the RFID tag 41 attached to the personal card 40 possessed by the user who uses the managed item 10. The storage unit 32 also stores personal information such as a personal name image and an email address of the user, which will be described later, in association with the personal ID.
In addition, the memory unit 32 stores the time when the item 10 was taken out from the sheet antenna 22, and if a personal ID is read by the sheet antenna 22 within a predetermined time before or after the time when the item 10 was taken out, the memory unit 32 stores the time when the item 10 was taken out, the item ID of the item 10, and the personal ID of the user (taker) who took the item out in correspondence with each other.

The display unit 33 is composed of a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 33 displays various screens according to the instructions of a display control signal input from the control unit 31.

The operation reception unit 34 includes, for example, a keyboard having character input keys, number input keys, and other keys associated with various functions, a pointing device such as a mouse, and the like, and receives operation input from the user and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 31. The operation reception unit 34 may be a touch panel formed integrally with the display unit 33, or the like.

The communication unit 35 performs data communication with the RFID reader 20 and external devices using a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the control unit 31. Specifically, the communication unit 35 is a communication interface having a communication IC (Integrated Circuit) and a communication connector, etc.

The notification unit 36 notifies the user with light, sound, vibration, etc. under the control of the control unit 31.

(Item registration processing)
Next, a description will be given of an item registration process for registering an item 10 to be managed by a management app running in the item management device 30. The control unit 31 of the item management device 30 executes the item registration process shown in Fig. 2 when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when an item registration screen (not shown) in the management app is displayed by a user).

In the item registration process, first, the control unit 31 of the item management device 30 accepts input of the item ID of the RFID tag 11 equipped on the item 10 to be managed, a color image which is a captured image of the item 10, a whitened image which is a first processed captured image, and an alert image which is a second processed captured image via the operation reception unit 34 (step S1). The whitened image is an image in which the part of the item 10 in the captured image is painted white. The alert image is an image in which the part of the item 10 in the captured image is painted red, for example.
Here, FIG. 3A shows an example of a color image of a tool, which is the item 10. The color image of the item 10 is an image in which the item 10 portion is cut out along the shape of the item 10 in a captured image of the item 10. FIG. 3B shows an example of a white-painted image of a tool, which is the item 10. The white-painted image of the item 10 is an image in which the item 10 portion is cut out along the shape of the item 10 in a captured image of the item 10, the outline of the item 10 is outlined with a solid line, and the inside is painted white. FIG. 3C shows an example of an alert image of a tool, which is the item 10. The alert image of the item 10 is an image in which the item 10 portion is cut out along the shape of the item 10 in a captured image of the item 10, the outline of the item 10 is outlined with a solid line, and the inside is painted red, for example.
Next, the control unit 31 associates the color image, the whitened image, and the alert image of the item 10 with the item ID of the item 10 accepted in step S1, and stores them in the memory unit 32 (step S2), thereby registering them as registration information.

4 shows an example of a correspondence table of the item ID, the variable, the color image of the item 10, the whitened image, the alert image, and the bitmap. Also, column A in FIG. 4 shows the background image used in the composite image 337 and its bitmap correspondence.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, column B is a white-painted image of a hammer with an item ID of "1111", its variables, and the corresponding bitmap. Column C is a color image of a hammer with an item ID of "1111", its variables, and the corresponding bitmap. Column D is an alert image of a hammer with an item ID of "1111", its variables, and the corresponding bitmap. Column E is a white-painted image of a wrench with an item ID of "2222", its variables, and the corresponding bitmap. Column F is a color image of a wrench with an item ID of "2222", its variables, and the corresponding bitmap. Column G is an alert image of a wrench with an item ID of "2222", its variables, and the corresponding bitmap.

Next, the control unit 31 accepts settings of position coordinates and magnification indicating the position of each item 10 in the composite image 337 of the color image, whitened image or alert image, stores the settings in the memory unit 32 (step S3), and terminates this process.
5 shows an example of a correspondence table of the bitmap, position coordinates, and magnification of the article 10. In the example shown in FIG. 5, column H shows the bitmap of a color image of a hammer, its position coordinates, and magnification, with the position coordinates being (0,0) and the magnification being 620,868. Column I shows the bitmap of a white-painted image of a hammer, its position coordinates, and magnification, with the position coordinates being (0,0) and the magnification being 620,868. Column J shows the bitmap of an alert image of a hammer, its position coordinates, and magnification, with the position coordinates being (0,0) and the magnification being 620,868.

(Personal registration processing)
Next, a description will be given of an individual registration process for registering a user who uses an item 10 that is managed by a management application running in the item management device 30. The control unit 31 of the item management device 30 executes the individual registration process shown in Fig. 6 when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when a user displays an individual registration screen (not shown) in the management application).

In the personal registration process, first, the control unit 31 of the item management device 30 accepts input of personal information such as the personal ID of the RFID tag 41 attached to the personal card 40 held by the user, a personal name image which is an image displaying the user's personal name, and the user's email address via the operation acceptance unit 34 (step S11).
Next, the control unit 31 associates the individual name image and personal information with the individual ID accepted in step S11, stores them in the storage unit 32 (step S12), and ends this process.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a correspondence table between personal IDs, names which are personal names of users, personal name images, and email addresses.
7, column K corresponds to the personal name image "Name_xxxxxx" of a user whose personal ID is "111" and whose name is "xxxxxx" and the email address "xxxxxx@zzzzz." Column L corresponds to the personal name image "Name_yyyyyy" of a user whose personal ID is "222" and whose name is "yyyyyy" and the email address "yyyyyy@zzzzz."

(Item management processing)
Next, a description will be given of an item management process for displaying management status information of the items 10 to be managed by a management app running in the item management device 30. The control unit 31 of the item management device 30 executes the item management process shown in Figs. 8A and 8B when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when a setting screen 331 shown in Fig. 9 in the management app is displayed by a user).

In the item management process, first, the control unit 31 of the item management device 30 accepts settings of the RFID reader 20 by the user on the setting screen 331 via the operation acceptance unit 34 (step S21).
For example, in a setting field 332 of a setting screen 331 shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 31 accepts a user's selection of a COM port (COMmunication Port) which is a communication port of the communication unit 35 to which the RFID reader 20 is connected.
Furthermore, the control unit 31 accepts, in a setting field 333, a setting by the user of the output level of the first radio wave RW1 outputted by the sheet antenna 22 of the RFID reader 20 connected to the communication unit 35. The output level of the first radio wave RW1 may be set to a level that can be received by the article 10 placed on the sheet antenna 22 or the personal card 40 held over the sheet antenna 22.
In addition, when the RFID reader 20 is equipped with multiple sheet antennas 22, the control unit 31 accepts a user selection in the setting field 334 for which sheet antenna 22 to display management status information indicating whether the item 10 is on the sheet antenna 22 or not, and if not, who has taken it.
Furthermore, when the user presses the “Cancel” button 335 , the control unit 31 closes the setting screen 331 .
Furthermore, when the user presses the "Next" button 336, the control unit 31 shifts the process to step S22.

Next, the control unit 31 acquires the article ID of the article 10 placed on the sheet antenna 22 from the sheet antenna 22 of the RFID reader 20 selected in the setting field 334 of the setting screen 331 in step S21 (step S22).
Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the item ID stored in the storage unit 32, that is, registered in the management application, has been acquired (step S23).
For the article 10 for which the article ID has been acquired (step S23; YES), the control unit 31 acquires a color image of the article 10 associated with the article ID from the memory unit 32 (step S24).

Furthermore, for an item 10 for which the item ID could not be acquired (step S23; NO), the control unit 31 stores the current time in the storage unit 32 as the time when the item 10 was taken out (step S25). The time when the item 10 was taken out is the time when the information (item ID) written in the first IC chip 112 of the item 10 by the first acquisition unit could no longer be acquired.
Next, the control unit 31 judges whether or not the personal ID was acquired during a predetermined time before or after the time when the article 10 stored in step S25 was taken out (step S26). The predetermined time may be set to the time when the user can take out the article 10 after holding the personal card 40 over the sheet antenna 22 to have the personal ID read, or the time when the user can take out the article 10 after holding the personal card 40 over the sheet antenna 22 to have the personal ID read.
If a personal ID is obtained between a predetermined time before and after the time the item 10 is taken out (step S26; YES), the control unit 31 identifies the user corresponding to the obtained personal ID (information written in the second IC chip) as the taker, and stores the item ID of the taken item 10 in association with the personal ID of the user who took the item 10 at the time it was taken out (step S27).
Next, the control unit 31 acquires from the storage unit 32 a white-out image associated with the item ID of the item 10 and a personal name image associated with the acquired personal ID (step S28).
In addition, if a personal ID is not obtained within a specified time before or after the time the item 10 is taken out (step S26; NO), that is, if the person who took the item out has not been identified, the control unit 31 obtains an alert image associated with the item ID of the item 10 that was taken out from the memory unit 32 (step S29).
The control unit 31 performs steps S23 to S24, steps S23 to S28, or steps S23 to S29 for each of all item IDs registered in the management application.

Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is an alert target article 10 for which an alert image has been obtained in step S29 (step S30).
If there is no item 10 to be alerted (step S30; NO), the control unit 31 generates a composite image 337 shown in Figure 10A or 10B by combining the color image of the item 10 acquired in step S24, the whitened image of the item 10 acquired in step S28, and the personal name image of the user who took the item 10, and displays it on the display unit 33 (step S31).
Furthermore, if there is an item 10 to be alerted (step S30; YES), the control unit 31 generates a composite image 337 shown in FIG. 10C by combining the color image of the item 10 acquired in step S24, the whitened image of the item 10 acquired in step S28, the personal name image of the user who took out the item 10, and the alert image of the item 10 acquired in step S29, and displays it on the display unit 33 to issue an alert (step S32). Note that the example shown in FIG. 10C is a case where only the color image of the item 10 and the alert image are combined. The control unit 31 controls the alarm unit 36 to issue an alert by light, sound, vibration, or the like.

10A to 10C show an example of a display screen 338 that displays a composite image 337. In the example shown in Figures 10A to 10C, the articles 10a to 10e are tools.
10A shows an example in which all registered articles 10 are placed on the sheet antenna 22. In the example shown in FIG. 10A, color images of the articles 10a to 10e are displayed in the composite image 337. This is the case in which the article IDs of the articles 10a to 10e have been acquired in step S22, that is, the articles 10a to 10e are placed on the sheet antenna 22.
FIG. 10B shows an example in which there is an article 10 that is not placed on the sheet antenna 22 among the registered articles 10, and the user who took the article 10 out is known, that is, the taker is identified. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, for the article 10a, a white-washed image of the article 10a and a personal name image 339 of the user who took the article 10a out on the white-washed image are displayed in the composite image 337. This is the case in which the article ID of the article 10a cannot be obtained in step S22, and it is determined in step S26 that a personal ID has been obtained within a predetermined time before or after the time when the article 10a was taken out. In other words, this is the case in which the article 10a was taken out from the sheet antenna 22, and the sheet antenna 22 was able to read the personal ID of the user who took the article out. Furthermore, for the articles 10b to 10e, color images of the articles 10b to 10e are displayed in the composite image 337. This is the case in which the article IDs of the articles 10b to 10e have been obtained in step S22, that is, the articles 10b to 10e are placed on the sheet antenna 22.
FIG. 10C shows an example in which an article 10 that is not placed on the sheet antenna 22 is present among the registered articles 10, and the user who took the article 10 cannot be grasped, that is, the person who took the article 10 cannot be identified. In the example shown in FIG. 10C, an alert image of the article 10a is displayed in the composite image 337. This is the case in which the article ID of the article 10a cannot be acquired in step S22, and it is determined in step S26 that the personal ID has not been acquired within a predetermined time before and after the time when the article 10a was taken out. In other words, the article 10a is taken out from the sheet antenna 22, and the sheet antenna 22 cannot read the personal ID of the user who took the article 10a out. In addition, color images of the articles 10b to 10e are displayed in the composite image 337. This is the case in which the article IDs of the articles 10b to 10e have been acquired in step S22, that is, the articles 10b to 10e are placed on the sheet antenna 22.

4. Moreover, the background image in FIGS. 10A to 10C is "bmpBack" shown in column A of FIG.
10A to 10C, the item 10a is a hammer. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 10A, the image of the item 10a is "bmpHammerColor" in column H of FIG. 5, the position coordinates are (0,0), and the magnification is 620,868. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, the image of the item 10a is "bmpHammerWhiteout" in column I of FIG. 5, the position coordinates are (0,0), and the magnification is 620,868. In the example shown in FIG. 10C, the image of the item 10a is "bmpHammerRedout" in column J of FIG. 5, the position coordinates are (0,0), and the magnification is 620,868.
As shown in Figures 10A to 10C, if the user who took the item 10 off the sheet antenna 22 is known, a white-out image and a personal name image are displayed, and if the user who took the item is not known, an alert image is displayed, and for items 10 placed on the sheet antenna 22, a color image is displayed, so that the user can easily visually recognize the management status of the item 10.

Here, it is preferable that the magnification of the items 10 in the composite image 337 is set to a size ratio of the actual items 10. This makes it easier for the user to visually recognize whether or not each item 10 is placed on the sheet antenna 22.

Next, the control unit 31 judges whether or not a predetermined time, which is a preset time, has been reached (step S33). Here, the preset time may be set to the closing time of the workplace, for example, when the item management system 100 is installed in the workplace of the user who uses the item 10.
If the predetermined time has been reached (step S33; YES), the control unit 31 determines whether or not there is any item ID that could not be acquired in step S22 among the item IDs registered in the management application (step S34).
If there is an item ID that could not be obtained among the registered item IDs, that is, if there is an item 10 that has not been returned on the sheet antenna 22 (step S34; YES), the control unit 31 displays on the display unit 33 that there is an item 10 that has not been returned, and controls the alarm unit 36 to issue an alert using light, sound, vibration, etc. (step S35).
Next, the control unit 31 notifies the user who took out the unreturned item 10 (step S36). For example, the control unit 31 sends an email to the email address of the user stored in association with the personal ID associated with the item ID of the unreturned item 10, notifying the user that the item 10 has not been returned.
When the set time is reached, the sheet antenna 22 displays that there is an unreturned item 10, an alert is issued, and the user who took the item out is notified, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to return the item 10.

Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the management application has been terminated by the user (step S37).
If the management application is not terminated (step S37; NO), the control unit 31 waits for a predetermined time (step S38) and moves the process to step S22. The predetermined time may be set to a time that allows the management status information to be updated accurately, for example, several seconds. In other words, the management status information is updated and displayed on the display unit 33 until the management application is terminated.
Moreover, when the management application is terminated (step S37; YES), the control unit 31 terminates this process.

Furthermore, if there are no registered item IDs that could not be obtained, that is, if all registered items 10 have been returned to the sheet antenna 22 (step S34; NO), the control unit 31 transitions the process to step S37.
If the predetermined time has not been reached (step S33; NO), the control unit 31 transitions the process to step S37.

(Variation 1)
Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an item management system 100 according to this modified example.

In this modification, the item management system 100 includes an item RFID reader 20a and a personal RFID reader 20b, which are reading devices. The other configurations are the same as those of the item management system 100 of the above embodiment.
The article RFID reader 20a includes a reader body 21a and a sheet antenna 22a that communicates with the RFID tag 11. The reader body 21a and the sheet antenna 22a are connected by a communication cable 23a. The communication cable 23a is, for example, a coaxial cable.
The reader main body 21a reads information about the article ID from the second radio wave RW2 acquired by the sheet antenna 22a.
The sheet antenna 22a is, for example, in the form of a rectangular sheet, and is sized so that the article 10 can be placed on the sheet antenna 22a.
The personal RFID reader 20b includes a reader body 21b and a sheet antenna 22b that communicates with the RFID tag 41. The reader body 21b and the sheet antenna 22b are connected by a communication cable 23b. The communication cable 23b is, for example, a coaxial cable.
The reader body 21b reads the personal ID information from the second radio wave RW2 acquired by the sheet antenna 22b.
The sheet antenna 22b is, for example, a rectangular sheet, and is sized to allow the personal card 40 to be held over the sheet antenna 22b. The shape of the sheet antenna 22b is not limited to a rectangular sheet, and may be any shape that allows the personal card 40 to be held over it.

The first radio wave RW1 transmitted by the sheet antenna 22a and the sheet antenna 22b may have different frequency bands. For example, the frequency band of the first radio wave RW1 transmitted by the sheet antenna 22a is 900 MHz, which is the UHF band (ultra-high frequency), and the frequency band of the first radio wave RW1 transmitted by the sheet antenna 22b is 13.56 MHz, which is the HF band (short wave). The antenna unit 111 of the item 10 and the antenna unit 411 of the personal card 40 transmit the second radio wave RW2 in a corresponding frequency band. Since the UHF band RFID tag 11 is less expensive, it is possible to prevent an increase in costs even when many items 10 are equipped with them. Furthermore, since communication in the HF band is more stable, the sheet antenna 22b can read the information of the personal ID more accurately.

In this modified example, when the user uses the item 10, the user holds the personal card 40 in his/her possession over the sheet antenna 22b to have his/her personal ID read, then takes the item 10 placed on the sheet antenna 22a within a predetermined time, and returns the item 10 to the sheet antenna 22a after use. Alternatively, when the user uses the item 10, the user holds the personal card 40 in his/her possession over the sheet antenna 22b within a predetermined time to have his/her personal ID read, and returns the item 10 to the sheet antenna 22a after use.

(effect)
The item management device 30 provided in the item management system 100 described in the above embodiment comprises a first acquisition unit (control unit 31) that acquires information (item ID) written in the first IC chip 112 of the RFID tag 11 attached to the item 10 to be managed, a generation unit (control unit 31) that generates an image (composite image 337) related to the item 10 in which items 10 for which the information written in the first IC chip 112 was acquired and items 10 for which the information written in the first IC chip 112 was not acquired based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit and pre-registered registration information, an identification unit (control unit 31) that can identify the person who took the item 10, and a display control unit (control unit 31) that causes the image generated by the generation unit to correspond to information regarding the person identified by the identification unit and to be displayed on the display unit 33.
Therefore, a display that allows the management status of the items to be visually recognized easily can be realized.

In addition, the item management device 30 provided in the item management system 100 described in the above embodiment has a registration unit (control unit 31) that registers information that corresponds the information written in the first IC chip 112 to images related to the item 10 (captured image, processed captured image (first processed captured image and second processed captured image)) as registration information.
Therefore, a display that allows easy visual recognition of the management status of the items can be realized based on the registration information.

In addition, the item management device 30 provided in the item management system 100 described in the above embodiment is equipped with a second acquisition unit (control unit 31) that acquires information written in the second IC chip 412 of the RFID tag 41 carried by the user who uses the item 10, and when the identification unit is able to acquire the information written in the second IC chip 412 by the second acquisition unit within a specified time before or after the time when the information written in the first IC chip 112 by the first acquisition unit can no longer be acquired, the identification unit identifies the user corresponding to the information written in the second IC chip 412 as the taker.
Therefore, the person who took out the item 10 can be easily identified.

In addition, in the item management device 30 provided in the item management system 100 described in the above embodiment, when the identification unit identifies the taker, the generation unit generates an image (composite image 337) that is a composite of an image related to the item 10 corresponding to the information written in the first IC chip 112 and an image related to the user's personal name corresponding to the information written in the second IC chip 412.
Therefore, a display can be realized that allows the user who has taken out the article 10 to be visually and easily recognized.

In addition, in the item management device 30 provided in the item management system 100 described in the above embodiment, the generation unit generates an image (composite image 337) that is a composite of an image captured of an item 10 from which the information written in the first IC chip 112 could be obtained, and a processed image in which an image captured of an item 10 from which the information written in the first IC chip 112 could not be obtained is processed into a specific color.
Therefore, for items 10 that are not placed on the sheet antenna 22, a white image or an alert image is displayed, and for items 10 that are placed on the sheet antenna 22, a color image is displayed, so that the user can easily visually recognize the management status of the items 10 that are placed on the sheet antenna 22.

In addition, in the item management device 30 equipped in the item management system 100 described in the above embodiment, when the identification unit identifies the person who has taken the item, the generation unit generates an image (composite image 337) synthesized with the first processed image (whitened image), and when the person who has taken the item is not identified, the generation unit generates an image (composite image 337) synthesized with the second processed image (alert image) having a different color from the first processed image.
Therefore, the user who has taken out the article 10 can easily visually distinguish between the article 10 that he or she has recognized and the article 10 that he or she has not recognized.

In addition, the item management device 30 provided in the item management system 100 described in the above embodiment includes an alarm unit 36 that provides an alarm by either sound, light, or vibration, and an alarm control unit (control unit 31) that provides an alarm by the alarm unit 36 if the carry-out person is not identified by the identification unit.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from taking out the article 10 without having his/her personal ID read by the sheet antenna 22, that is, without permission.

In addition, the item management device 30 provided in the item management system 100 described in the above embodiment has a judgment unit (control unit 31) that, when a specified time is reached, judges based on the registration information whether there is an item 10 for which the information written in the first IC chip 112 could not be obtained, and when the judgment unit judges that there is an item 10 for which the information written in the first IC chip 112 could not be obtained, the display control unit displays this on the display unit 33.
Therefore, when the set time arrives, a message indicating that there is an item 10 that has not been returned is displayed on the sheet antenna 22, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to return the item 10.

In addition, in the item management device 30 provided in the item management system 100 described in the above embodiment, the item 10 is a tool.
Therefore, a display that allows the tool management status to be visually recognized easily can be realized.

In addition, the item management system 100 described in the above embodiment comprises an RFID tag 11 attached to the item 10, an RFID tag 41 carried by the user who uses the item 10, a reading device (RFID reader 20) that reads the information written in the first IC chip 112 of the RFID tag 11 of the item 10 and the information for identifying the person who took the item 10 and transmits the information to an external device, and an item management device 30 that acquires the information from the reading device, and the reading device comprises a sheet antenna 22 having a sheet-like shape, and the item 10 is placed on the sheet antenna 22.
Therefore, the RFID reader 20 can easily read the item ID of the item 10 .

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in step S1 of the item registration process in the above embodiment, the control unit 31 of the item management device 30 accepts input of the item ID of the RFID tag 11 provided on the item 10 to be managed, the color image of the item 10, the whitened image, and the alert image via the operation reception unit 34, but this is not limited to this. Instead of accepting input of the color image, the whitened image, and the alert image of the item 10, an image of the item 10 captured may be accepted, and the control unit 31 may generate the color image, the whitened image, and the alert image from the image.
In addition, the first processed captured image is a white-washed image, but is not limited to this. The first processed captured image may be an image obtained by capturing an image of the item 10, cutting out the part of the item 10 along the shape of the item 10, outlining the outline of the item 10 with a solid line, and painting the inside of the outline with another color. Similarly, the second processed captured image may be an image processed by painting with a color other than red. In addition, the solid line outlining the outline of the item 10 may be omitted from the processed captured image.
In addition, in the item registration process, instead of the color image, which is the captured image, the whitened image, which is the processed captured image, and the alert image, other images may be registered in association with the item ID. The other images may be images that allow easy visual identification of the item 10 for which the item ID can be acquired, the item 10 for which the user who took out the item 10 cannot acquire the item ID and is aware of it, and the item 10 for which the user who took out the item 10 cannot acquire the item ID and is unable to recognize it.

The item management system 100 may also include a control device that controls one or more item management devices 30. The item management device 30 transmits management status information indicating whether an item 10 is on the sheet antenna 22 of the RFID reader 20 or not, and if an item 10 is not on the sheet antenna 22 of the RFID reader 20, who has taken the item, to the control device via the communication unit 35. The control device displays the management status information received from each item management device 30 on a display unit included in the control device.
This makes it possible to collectively recognize the management status information of the items 10 managed by multiple item management devices 30.

In addition, in the above embodiment and modified examples, the item 10 is a tool, but this is not limited to this. The item 10 may be anything that can be equipped with an RFID tag 11. Specifically, the item 10 may be a part, a medical instrument, etc.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the sheet antenna 22 of the RFID reader 20 is sheet-shaped, and the item 10 can be placed on the sheet antenna 22, but this is not limited to the above. The shape of the sheet antenna 22 may be other than sheet-shaped, and if the item 10 cannot be placed on the sheet antenna 22, the item 10 may be placed within a predetermined distance from the sheet antenna 22. The predetermined distance may be a distance that allows the first radio wave RW1 and the second radio wave RW2 to be transmitted and received between the item 10 and the sheet antenna 22.

In the above embodiment and modified examples, the RFID tag 41 carried by the user is provided on the personal card 40, but this is not limited to the above. The RFID tag 41 carried by the user may be provided on an object attached to a part of the user's body, for example, on a helmet, work clothes, gloves, shoes, etc. worn by the user.
If a UHF RFID tag 41 is attached to an item worn on a part of the user's body, an RFID gate can be provided that reads information from the RFID tag to identify personnel entering and exiting the controlled area, and the person taking the item can be identified by reading their personal ID at the RFID gate.
As described above, when the UHF band RFID tag 41 is attached to a part of the user's body, for example, on a helmet, the communication distance is 2 to 10 m, and the personal ID can be read when the user passes through an RFID gate, eliminating the need for the user to take actions such as holding the personal card 40 over the sheet antenna 22, improving the operability when taking out the article 10. The communication distance of the HF band is about 10 cm, which is shorter than the communication distance of the UHF band, and requires the user to take actions such as holding the personal card 40 over the sheet antenna 22, so in this case it is preferable to use a UHF band RFID tag 41.

In addition, in the above embodiment and modified example, if the identification unit is able to acquire information written in the second IC chip 412 by the second acquisition unit during a predetermined time period before or after the time when the information written in the first IC chip 112 by the first acquisition unit becomes unable to be acquired, the identification unit identifies the user corresponding to the information written in the second IC chip 412 as the taker, but this is not limited thereto. Instead of reading the information written in the second IC chip 412, a personal identification method may be face image recognition using a camera, biometric authentication such as fingerprint, voiceprint, or retina, or authentication by inputting an ID and password.

In the above embodiment and modified example, the registration information is registered by performing the item registration process, but this is not limited to the above. The registration information may be registered in advance in another external device together with items managed by other item management devices 30.
In the above embodiment and modified example, the user who uses the managed item 10 is registered by performing an individual registration process, but this is not limited to this. Information on the user who uses the managed item 10 may be obtained from an external employee information database or the like.

In addition, in step S26 of the item management process in the above embodiment, the control unit 31 determines whether or not a personal ID was acquired within a predetermined time period before or after the time the item 10 was taken out. Here, the time the item 10 was taken out and the time the personal ID was acquired may be the same.

In addition, in the composite image 337 displayed in step S31 of the item management process in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, if there is an item 10 among the registered items 10 that is not placed on the sheet antenna 22 and the user who took the item 10 is known, a whitened image of the item 10a and a personal name image 339 of the user who took the item 10a are displayed on the whitened image, but this is not limited to this. The personal name image may be displayed in an area other than on the whitened image. Also, the time when the item 10a was taken out may be displayed together with the personal name image.

In addition, in the above embodiment and modified examples, the personal name image is an image that displays the personal name of the user, but it is not limited to this as long as it is an indication that can identify the user (e.g., employee number, etc.).

In addition, in step S35 of the item management process in the above embodiment, if there is an item ID that could not be obtained from among the registered item IDs, that is, if there is an item 10 that has not been returned on the sheet antenna 22, the control unit 31 displays on the display unit 33 that there is an item 10 that has not been returned. Here, it may also be configured to notify the administrator of the item management system 100 that there is an item 10 that has not been returned.

The memory unit 32 of the item management device 30 may also store the authority in association with the user's personal ID. In this case, the item 10 may be placed in a locked box, and the control unit 31 may unlock the box only when the authorized personal ID is obtained.

100 Item management system 10 Item 11, 11a to 11c RFID tag 111a to 111c Antenna unit 112a to 112c First IC chip 20 RFID reader (reading device)
21 Reader body 211 Communication unit 22 Sheet antenna 23 Communication cable 20a Article RFID reader (reading device)
21a Reader body 211a Communication unit 22a Sheet antenna 23a Communication cable 20b Personal RFID reader (reading device)
21b Reader body 211b Communication unit 22b Sheet antenna 23b Communication cable 30 Item management device 31 Control unit (registration unit, first acquisition unit, second acquisition unit, generation unit, identification unit, display control unit, determination unit, notification control unit, computer)
32 Memory unit 32a Program 33 Display unit 34 Operation reception unit 35 Communication unit 36 Notification unit 40 Personal card 41, 41a, 41b RFID tag 411a, 411b Antenna unit 412a, 412b Second IC chip

Claims (11)

a first acquisition unit that acquires information written in a first IC chip of an RFID tag attached to an item to be managed;
a generation unit that generates an image related to the article, which is identified as the article for which the information written in the first IC chip can be acquired and the article for which the information written in the first IC chip cannot be acquired, based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit and pre-registered information;
An identification unit capable of identifying a person who has taken the article;
a display control unit that causes a display unit to display the image generated by the generation unit and information about the taker identified by the identification unit in association with each other;
An article management device comprising: The item management device according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit that registers, as the registration information, information written in the first IC chip that corresponds to an image related to the item. a second acquisition unit that acquires information written in a second IC chip of an RFID tag carried by a user who uses the item,
The item management device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the identification unit identifies the user corresponding to the information written in the second IC chip as the taker when the information written in the second IC chip by the second acquisition unit is able to be acquired within a predetermined time before or after the information written in the first IC chip by the first acquisition unit becomes unable to be acquired. The item management device according to claim 3, wherein the generating unit generates an image that combines an image related to the item corresponding to the information written in the first IC chip and an image related to the personal name of the user corresponding to the information written in the second IC chip when the taker is identified by the identifying unit. The item management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the generating unit generates an image by combining an image of the item from which the information written in the first IC chip could be obtained and an image of the item from which the information written in the first IC chip could not be obtained, processed into a specific color. The item management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the generating unit generates an image by combining a first processed captured image when the user is identified by the identifying unit, and generates an image by combining a second processed captured image having a different color from the first processed captured image when the user is not identified. a notification unit that notifies by any one of sound, light, and vibration;
The article management device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a notification control unit that, when the identification unit is unable to identify the taker, issues a notification using the notification unit. a determination unit that determines, when a predetermined time has elapsed, whether or not there is an article for which information written in the first IC chip could not be acquired based on the registration information,
The item management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the display control unit, when the judgment unit determines that there is an item for which information written in the first IC chip cannot be obtained, displays this fact on the display unit. An item management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the item is a tool. Computer,
a first acquisition unit that acquires information written in a first IC chip of an RFID tag attached to an item to be managed;
a generation unit that generates an image related to the article, which is identified as the article for which the information written in the first IC chip can be acquired and the article for which the information written in the first IC chip cannot be acquired, based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit and pre-registered information;
An identification unit capable of identifying the person who took the article;
a display control unit that causes a display unit to display the image generated by the generation unit and information about the taker identified by the identification unit in association with each other;
A program that functions as a An RFID tag attached to an item;
An RFID tag carried by a user who uses the item;
a reading device that reads information written in a first IC chip of an RFID tag of the article and information for identifying the person who took the article out, and transmits the information to an external device;
The article management device according to claim 1 , which acquires the information from the reading device;
Equipped with
The reading device is equipped with a sheet antenna having a sheet-like shape, and the item is placed on the sheet antenna.

Images