JP2005188199A - Network key control system and key control server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rationalized key control operation system and an upgraded key application service system and improve safety against the illicit application of keys. <P>SOLUTION: A key control system 1 is provided to control and keep keys used for various facilities including conference rooms, etc. This key control system 1 is connected with users' terminals such as those of a control server 4, a reception terminal 5, a personal computer 6, a portable telephone 7, etc. via a network 3. The control server 4 receives users' appointments with key applications or their changes via users' terminals such as reception terminals 5, personal computers 6 or portable telephones 7, etc. When a user borrows a key, the control server 4 releases the key control section in the key controller 1 from lock and lends the appointed key to the appointed user. When the key lending comes to an end, the control server 4 registers the end of key lending in the condition control section. It also sends a user having borrowed a key e-mail for confirming that he/she has borrowed the key from the mail control section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a key management system that manages keys using a network and a management server that manages keys, and in particular, the present invention manages keys for conference rooms, vehicles, and the like in companies and public facilities. The present invention relates to a network key management system and a management server that manages keys.

When managing buildings in large-scale facilities, etc., the keys to be managed become enormous, and it is necessary to lend them to a person other than the facility manager, they are managed by filling in a handwritten transfer book created by the facility manager. .
In addition, there is also known one that manages a key by installing a “key management device” that can manage key lending. For example, Patent Document 1 describes the key management device.
The device described in Patent Document 1 includes a card management unit having a card reading unit, a key accommodation state lock operation unit, a control unit for controlling keying and unlocking by the lock operation unit, A personal computer communicable with the control means is provided, and the rental of keys and the like are managed by the personal computer.
Japanese Patent No. 2665751

Key management work is complicated, and when managing keys manually, it is enough to manage lending and returning, and it is not possible to make advance reservations and detailed management in units of hours.
In addition, as described in Patent Document 1, a key management machine and a computer for managing the key management machine are provided, and key lending and the like are managed by the computer. There has been a problem that convenience is lacking in cases where a plurality of persons use the same key in time units, such as inability to lend in time units.
For example, when using a conference room, it is desirable to be able to reserve an available time zone and reserve the use of a key. However, with a conventional key management device, the key lending status is simply managed. However, it was not possible to carry out detailed management including management of facility use schedules such as such use reservations and lending in hourly units.
Also, if you do not go to the place where the computer or key management machine that manages the key is installed, you will not be able to grasp the key usage status and make a reservation for the key usage from a mobile terminal or user's personal computer. The key usage status could not be grasped.
Furthermore, the conventional key management apparatus has not been sufficient in measures against unauthorized use of keys.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and it is possible to rationalize key management work and to make use of a network or the like to make key reservations, grasp key usage statuses, and confirm key usage. The purpose of this is to improve the level of service for using keys, and to improve the security against unauthorized use of keys.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the present invention, a key management machine for managing keys and a computer (management server) are installed, and these are connected to a reception terminal and a user terminal via a network, so that the use of keys can be performed. Manage reservations, loans, returns, etc.
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, a key management machine 1 for managing keys of various facilities and equipment such as conference rooms and company cars is provided, and the key management machine 1 holds the keys. The key manager 1 is connected to a user terminal such as a management server 4, a reception terminal 5, a personal computer 6, and a mobile phone 7 via a network 3 (Internet / Intranet). Then, key lending management is performed as follows.
(1) The key management unit 1 is provided with a key management unit that controls the lending of keys, and the management server 4 has a key management unit control unit that controls the key management unit of the key management unit, and information that specifies a user and usage User management unit that manages the user's email address, reservation management unit that manages key reservation status, status management unit that manages key lending status, and mail that controls sending and receiving of mail between user terminals A control unit is provided.
The management server 4 accepts a user's key usage reservation or reservation change via a reception terminal 5 connected via the network 3 or a user terminal such as a personal computer 6 or a mobile phone 7, and the key reservation Register with the management department. When the key is borrowed by the user, the lock of the key management unit of the key management machine 1 is released, the key lending control is performed for the user who has reserved the key use, and the key lending is completed. Register that the key rental has been completed in the status management section. Then, an e-mail indicating that the key has been lent from the e-mail control unit is transmitted to the user who borrowed the key.
(2) In the above (1), when the mail control unit receives an email indicating that the key lent to the user from the key user has been delivered to another key user, the mail control unit Then, a delivery confirmation mail is transmitted to the other key user. Then, when a delivery approval mail from another key user is received, the status management unit registers that the key has been delivered to another user. The mail control unit transmits a delivery completion mail to the key user and other key users.
(3) In the above (1) or (2), users who have made reservations for using a plurality of keys are distributed and managed from the receiving terminal 5 or the user terminals 6 and 7 to a plurality of key managers 1. When a plurality of key lending operations are performed, the key manager control unit of the management server 4 controls the plurality of key managers to release the locks of the plurality of key managers and make a reservation for use. Lend multiple keys to.
(4) In the above (1), (2) or (3), the key manager 1 manages the same primary key and secondary key, and the key manager control unit of the management server 4 determines that the primary key is the reservation end time. If the key management unit of the key management machine 1 is unlocked and the key is reserved, the sub key is lent to the user who made a reservation for using the key having the primary and secondary keys.

In the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The key management machine is connected to the management server, reception terminal, and user terminal via the network, and the management server manages key usage reservation, key lending / returning, etc. It is possible to inquire about the key lending status from the reception terminal and user terminal, make a key use reservation, and perform detailed management such as key lending on an hourly basis via the Web, e-mail, etc. Service level can be improved.
Further, since the confirmation email can be confirmed by sending a confirmation mail to the key user, unauthorized use can be prevented. Furthermore, if a one-time password is issued to a user who has made a key use reservation and the one-time password is confirmed and the key is lent out, the security can be further improved.
If the key is not returned even after the usage time has expired, it is possible to send a reminder email to the key user or accept a key usage cancellation wait by email.
(2) When a key user delivers a key to another key user, the fact is sent to the management server by e-mail, and the management server sends a delivery confirmation e-mail to the other key user. The key delivery can be confirmed.
Therefore, it is possible to pass the key to the next key user without returning the key to the key management machine, and the service can be improved.
(3) A single access to the receiving terminal or user terminal enables the lending of a plurality of keys distributed and managed to a plurality of key management machines, so a plurality of keys can be borrowed with a simple operation. can do.
(4) Let the key management machine manage the same primary key and secondary key, and if the primary key is not returned even after the reservation end time has passed, if the secondary key is lent, The reserved user can immediately use the reserved facility even if the primary key is not returned.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a key management machine having a key management unit that holds a plurality of keys, a numeric keypad, a display unit, and the like. (Internet, intranet, etc.) 3 is connected.
4 is a management server that manages key use reservation, key lending, etc. 5 is a reception terminal that accepts key use reservation and key lending, 6 is a user's personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC), 7 is a mobile phone, etc. (In the following description, the mobile terminal is assumed to be a mobile phone).
The management server 4, the reception terminal 5, the user's PC 6, and the mobile terminal 7 are connected to the key management machine 1 via the network 3. The control box 2 is provided with an interface for connecting the key management machine 1 and the network 3 and a control unit for notifying the management server 4 of the state of the key management machine 1.
The key manager 1, the management server 4, and the receiving terminal 5 may be connected via an intranet, and the user's PC 6 and mobile phone 7 may be connected to the management server 4 via the Internet. It can be a format.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the key management machine 1. The key management machine 1 is provided with a key management unit 11 that holds a plurality of keys 1a. Each key 1a is provided with a key holder, and the key management unit 11 is provided with a key holding unit 1b into which the key holder is inserted and holds the inserted key holder.
The holding unit 1b is normally locked so that the key holder cannot be removed, and when the key 1a is lent out, the lock is released and the user can remove the key holder from the holding unit 1b and remove the key 1a. When the user inserts the key holder of the key 1a into the holding unit 1b after using the key 1a, the holding unit 1b is locked, and the key cannot be removed until the next time the key is lent.
FIG. 2 shows a state in which the door 1c is opened, but the door 1c is normally closed, and at the time of lending / returning the key, the door 1c can be unlocked and the door 1c can be opened. And
Above the key management unit 11, a key operation unit 12 having a numeric keypad for inputting a password and the like, a display unit 13, and a printing unit 14 for printing a key usage time and the like are provided. When the key is lent / returned, the key management machine 1 transmits to the management server 4 that the key has been rented / returned.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of the receiving terminal 5, the management server 4, the key management machine 1, and the like.
As shown in the figure, the key management machine 1 is provided with the key management unit 11, the key operation unit 12, the display unit 13, and the printing unit 14.
The management server 4 includes a state management unit 41 that manages the key lending state, a key management unit control unit 42 that controls the key management unit 11 of the key management unit 1, a reservation management unit 43 that manages the key reservation status, A mail control unit 44 that controls transmission / reception of mail with a user terminal, a Web screen control unit 45 that transmits a Web screen and receives data input on the Web screen, and a usage for managing user information A person information management unit 46 is provided.
The state management unit 41 has a key lending state table 41a for managing the key lending state, and updates the state table 41a when there is a key lending / returning.
As will be described later, when the primary key and the secondary key cannot be managed with one key and the primary key and the secondary key are required, the state management unit 41 is provided with a primary and secondary key management table 41b for managing the primary and secondary key information.

The key management machine control unit 42 unlocks and locks the holding unit 1b with respect to the key management unit 11 of the key management machine 1 at the time of lending / returning the key. In addition, the key is lent and the key management unit 41 and the reservation management unit 43 are notified of the key return.
The reservation management unit 43 has a key reservation table 43a for managing key reservation information. When there is a key use reservation from the reception terminal 5, the PC 6, or the mobile phone 7, the reservation management unit 43 registers the key reservation table 43a, and lends and returns the key. If there is, the reservation table 43a is updated.
The mail control unit 44 transmits a reservation confirmation mail, a key rental confirmation mail, a return reminder mail when there is no key return, etc. to the user's mail address, a reservation mail from the user, a reservation cancellation mail, etc. Receive.
The Web screen control unit 45 displays a Web screen on the display unit of the reception terminal 5, the PC 6, and the mobile phone 7 or receives data input on these screens.
When there is a usage status inquiry from the reception terminal 5, the PC 6, or the mobile phone 7, the Web screen control unit 45 or the mail control unit 44 uses the status table 41a and the key reservation table 43a to make a key reservation / lending status. Is transmitted to the reception terminal 5, the PC 6, and the mobile phone 7. The user information management unit 46 includes a user information table 46a for managing information (user number, name, password, etc.) of a user who is permitted to use the key. User information is read from the table and used for user qualification authentication. Further, at the time of mail transmission, mail is transmitted to the mail address.

The reception terminal 5 includes a touch panel unit 51 and a display unit 52. The reception terminal 5 displays a Web screen sent from the Web screen control unit 45 of the management server 4, and the user can touch the touch panel unit. 51, a key use reservation can be made.
If the reception terminal 5 is installed near the key management machine 1, a key borrowing / returning operation from the key management machine 1 can be performed by the reception terminal 5.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the user information table, the key lending status table, the key reservation table, and the primary / secondary key management table.
As shown in FIG. 5A, a user number, a user name, an address, a telephone number, a mail address, a password, and the like are registered in the user table.
In the key lending status table, a key number, a key management device number, a key lending status, etc. are registered as shown in FIG.
In the key reservation table, as shown in FIG. 5C, the key number, the reservation number, the one-time password that is given at the time of key reservation and used at the time of lending, the user's mobile phone number, the mail address, the key borrowing The start date / time, key borrowing end time, scheduled return date / time, etc. are registered.
In the primary / secondary key management table, the primary key number and the secondary key number are registered as shown in FIG.

Each function of the key management system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
(1) E-mail notification when key usage reservation and usage status change FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing e-mail notification processing when a key usage reservation and usage status changes.
When making a key use reservation, the PC 6 uses a Web screen to refer to the reservation screen. The management server 4 displays the reservation information managed by the reservation management unit 43 on the PC 6 through the Web screen control unit 45 (step S1).
The user makes a key use reservation on the reservation screen (step S2).
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen display example when a key use reservation is made from the PC 6. After entering the user's password and logging in, the facility to be used is selected, the date is specified, and the reservation status is displayed as shown in FIG. In FIG. 6A, the hatched horizontal line on the facility selection screen shows a state where a reservation is made, and the white horizontal line shows a vacant state.
Next, on the facility selection screen in FIG. 6A, the horizontal line of the vacant time zone of the facility to be used is clicked.
As a result, the reservation acceptance screen shown in FIG. 6B is displayed. On this reservation acceptance screen, the use date, use time, use purpose, etc. are input, the user ID and password of the reservation person are input, and the reservation button is clicked.

When the reservation operation is performed, the reservation management unit 43 of the management server 4 refers to the user information of the user information management unit 46 and confirms the user ID and password, if the reservation is possible. The table 43a is updated (step S4).
That is, a new record is added to the reservation information table 43a shown in FIG. 4C, and the key number, reservation number, reservation user number, one-time password, mobile phone number, e-mail address, for which use reservation has been made, Register borrowing start date and time. A one-time password is a password for accessing a key management machine when borrowing a key. Even for the same user, the one-time password differs depending on the rented key, usage date, and usage time zone. A one-time password is given as access information when used.
When the reservation operation is performed, the reservation management unit 43 notifies the user's e-mail address through the mail control unit 44 that the reservation has been made correctly, and access information (one-time password) used at the time of use. , Reservation number, etc.) (step S5).
When the reservation information is changed, an e-mail indicating that the reservation information is changed is transmitted to the e-mail address of the user who made the reservation via the e-mail control unit 44.
In addition, although the case where the key use reservation is performed from the PC 6 has been described above, the reservation can also be performed from the reception terminal 5 through the same operation through the Web. It is also possible to make a reservation by e-mail from the mobile phone 7 or the like.

(2) When borrowing or returning keys When borrowing a key, the user operates the numeric keypad of the key operation unit 12 of the key management machine 1 to use the necessary information (user number, reservation number, one-time password, etc.) Enter.
The management server 4 receives the input information via the key manager control unit 42 (step S6). The received user number, reservation number, one-time password and the like are checked against the reservation information managed by the reservation management unit 43 and the user information managed by the user management unit 46. Then, a key lending instruction is issued to the key management unit 11 of the key management machine 1 (steps S7 and S8). In response to this, as described above, the key management unit 11 unlocks the door 1c and unlocks the key holding unit 1b, and lends the key to the user.
When the key lending is completed, the key management unit 11 of the key management machine 1 notifies the management server 4 that the key lending has been completed. Further, a receipt printed with the key use end time is output from the printing unit 14 provided in the key management machine 1 as necessary. The user can confirm how long the key can be used with this receipt.
On the other hand, when receiving the notification, the management server 4 updates the key state managed by the state management unit 41 and the reservation information managed by the reservation management unit 43 (step S9). When the key usage information is updated, a mail is transmitted to the user via the mail control unit 44.
The user receives the e-mail with the PC 6 or the mobile phone 7. In the unlikely event that you receive a usage notification email that you are not using, you know that the key has been used illegally. For example, if another person steals a password or the like and borrows a key, the user receives an e-mail without borrowing the key.
When the key is returned, the information necessary for the return is input by operating the numeric keypad of the key operation unit 12 of the key management machine 1 as described above.
The management server 4 receives the input information via the key manager control unit 42. Then, the received information is compared with the reservation information managed by the reservation management unit 43, and a key return instruction is issued to the key management unit 11 of the key management machine 1.
The key management unit 11 operates in conjunction with this, and the key can be returned. That is, when the door of the key management machine 1 is unlocked and the key holder of the key returned by the user is inserted into the holding unit 1b of the key management machine 1, the key is locked so that it cannot be removed.
When the key is returned, the key management unit 11 of the key management machine 1 notifies the management server 4 that the key has been returned. Upon receiving this notification, the management server 4 updates the key state managed by the state management unit 41 and the reservation information managed by the reservation management unit 43.

Further, when the reception terminal 5 is installed in the vicinity of the key management machine 1, the key borrowing operation can be performed by the reception terminal 5.
7 and 8 show examples of screens displayed on the reception terminal when borrowing keys.
First, on the login screen shown in FIG. 7A, the buttons 0 to 9 are touched to input the login password and press the OK button. Next, a message to enter your password appears. Enter your password and press the OK button. Similarly, when the reservation number and the one-time password are input, the key management system screen shown in FIG. 7B is displayed, and the borrowed / returned state of the borrowable key is displayed. When borrowing a key, touch the illustration of the borrowed key. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8C, the background of the key is inverted, indicating that it has been selected. If you touch the OK button, a message will be displayed indicating that you should remove the key and return it. Press the OK button. In cooperation with this, the key management machine 1 operates and the key can be borrowed.
When returning a key, the key management system screen is displayed by the same operation as described above, and the key is selected by touching the illustration of the key to be returned. When you touch the OK button, a message will be displayed indicating that you should remove the key and return it. Press the OK button. In cooperation with this, the key management machine 1 operates and the key can be returned.
In the above key lending / returning, the user can not borrow the key at the reception terminal etc. until the reserved start time is reached, and the key cannot be borrowed at the reserved end time. .
Further, a key lent after the reserved start time can be returned at the reception terminal or the like at any time after that time.

In addition, when there are a large number of keys to be managed and a plurality of key management machines 1 are installed, a plurality of keys can be managed by operating the receiving terminal 5 arranged in the vicinity thereof and inputting access information once. It can be performed by displaying the lending / returning status of a plurality of keys managed by the machine 1 and the lending / returning operation.
In this case, when logging in on the screen of FIG. 7A, the screen of FIG. 7B is displayed, and a plurality of keys that can be borrowed by the user can be selected. When a necessary key is selected here, a plurality of key management machines 1 are unlocked, and the key can be borrowed. In the case of key return, the key can be returned by the same operation.
Thereby, the lending / returning operation of the keys distributed and managed in the plurality of key management machines 1 can be smoothly realized by the operation of the user.

If the key cannot be managed depending on the usage status, two keys of “primary key” and “sub key” may be prepared in the key management machine. In this way, a user who has reserved the next time zone can immediately use the reserved facility even if the primary key has not been returned.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the key lending process when there is a primary key and a secondary key.
When borrowing a key, the user operates the key manager 1 or the reception terminal 5 as described above, and inputs information necessary for use (user number, reservation number, and one-time password).
The management server 4 receives the input information (step S1). The information received as described above is collated with the reservation information managed by the reservation management unit 43 and the user information managed by the user management unit 46 (step S2).
If it can be lent, it is checked whether or not the reserved key is still lent by referring to the key lending status table 41a (step S3). If the key is not being lent, the key management machine 1 is instructed to rent the key (step S7).
If the key is being lent, the primary / sub key management table 41b is referred to determine whether there is a sub key. If there is a sub key, the reservation information managed by the reservation management unit 43, the user management unit If it is possible to lend the user information managed by 46, the sub-key lending instruction is given to the key management machine 1 (steps S4, S5, S6).
Next, as described above, the key reservation table 43a managed by the reservation management unit 43 is updated (step S8).
When the primary key and the secondary key are prepared, for example, on the key management system screen shown in FIG. 7B, the keys with the same room number are displayed so that “primary” and “secondary” can be recognized. The The user can borrow the sub key by selecting the displayed sub key.
By preparing the primary key and secondary key as described above, even if the key is not returned, the next user can use it immediately, and even if the primary key is lost, it can respond immediately. .
In the above description, the case where the key is borrowed / returned using the key management device 1 or the reception terminal 5 has been described. However, a similar operation is performed by accessing the management server from a portable terminal such as a cellular phone. It is also possible to borrow / return keys.
In addition, when using a portable terminal such as a mobile phone with an infrared communication function, an infrared communication function is also provided in the key management machine and the like. Send the mail to the mobile terminal, and use the infrared communication function to transmit the data received by the mail from the mobile terminal to the key manager, etc., and perform the key lending operation, etc. Also good.

(3) Reference of Key Usage Status FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing when referring to the reservation / use status of a facility (key) via the Web or email.
When referring to the facility reservation / usage status from the PC 6, log in to the key management system as described above, and enter the facility, date, time, etc. to be referred to on the facility designation screen (steps S1, S2).
The Web screen control unit 45 of the management server 4 refers to the key reservation table for the input facility, date, and time, acquires the reservation status and usage status of the facility, and transmits the reservation / use status screen to the PC 6. Thereby, for example, the facility reservation / use status screen shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the PC 6 of the user.
The facility reservation / usage status can be referred from the reception terminal 5. In this case, as described above, the reception terminal 5 logs in to the key management system and inputs the facility to be referred to. Thereby, for example, a reservation status screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the reception terminal 5. When the facility reservation / use status screen is displayed, it is also possible to make a reservation for facility use by designating the use facility and date and time as described above.
On the other hand, when referring to the facility usage status by e-mail, the e-mail is transmitted from the mobile phone 7 or the like to the e-mail control unit 44 of the management server 4 by designating the facility to be referred to, date and time, etc. (step S5 ).
The mail control unit 44 of the management server 4 refers to the key reservation table for the facility, date, and time sent by mail (step S6), acquires the reservation status and usage status of the facility, and sends the reservation / use status via email. Send to mobile phone etc.

(4) Sending a reminder email when the key is not returned after the key use end time has passed.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of transmitting a return reminder mail when the use end time has passed.
The state management unit of the management server 4 refers to the use end time of the key being lent out from the use reservation for the key registered in the key reservation table 43a managed by the reservation management unit 43 (step S1).
If the rented key is not returned even after the usage end time has elapsed, a reminder mail is created. At that time, a URL for replying to the system or a mail reply parameter is included in the mail. The created mail is transmitted from the mail control unit 44 to the user of the key, and is also transmitted to the system administrator as necessary (steps S2 and S3).
The user who has received the reminder mail accesses the URL described in the mail and inputs the scheduled return time of the key on the facility designation screen (steps S4 and S5).
When receiving the key return time, the Web screen control unit 45 updates the key reservation table 43a of the reservation management unit 43 if the key use can be extended, and the key use time can be extended to the user. Notification of permission is given (steps S6, S7, S8).
In addition, when extension of the scheduled return time is not permitted (when other usage is affected, etc.), a warning is given to the user on the Web screen and an email is transmitted to the system administrator.
In addition, in the above, when the user cannot access the URL notified by e-mail, an e-mail with the scheduled return time can be returned to the reminder e-mail. The mail control unit 44 that has received the reply mail sets the scheduled return time for the reservation management unit 43 as described above if the key use can be extended.
If the scheduled return time is not allowed, a warning mail is sent to the user and a mail is sent to the system administrator.

(5) Case of Passing Used Key to Other User FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing in the case of passing the used key to another user. In the case where the used key is directly handed over to the next user without being returned to the key management machine 1, the following processing is performed.
The user who has finished using the key (current user) transmits a mail with a notice that the key will be handed over to the next user in response to the mail received at the time of lending the key (step S1).
When receiving the mail, the mail control unit 45 of the management server 4 refers to the reservation table of the reservation management unit 43 and transmits a delivery confirmation mail to the next user (steps S2 and S3).
The next user who has received the confirmation mail adds that the delivery has been accepted, and returns an acknowledgment mail to the mail control unit 45 (step S4).
The mail control unit 45 updates the key reservation table 43a and the state table 41a of the reservation management unit 43 and the state management unit 41 when receiving a reply mail that acknowledges delivery. In other words, the current user is used, and the next user starts use. In addition, a delivery completion mail is transmitted to the current user and the next user (steps S5 and S6).
Also, if the next user who received the delivery confirmation email in step 3 above cannot accept the delivery (if the key has not actually been delivered), it will reply that it will not accept it. .
When the mail control unit 44 of the management server 4 receives a reply mail not accepting the delivery, the mail control unit 44 transmits a delivery rejection mail to the current user and does not change the state (steps S7 and S8).
(6) When waiting for cancellation.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing when waiting for cancellation of a key reserved by another user.
When making a reservation for use of the key, if the reservation screen is referred to from the PC 6 or the like as described above, the management server 4 sends the reservation information managed by the reservation management unit 43 to the PC 6 or the like via the Web screen control unit 45. Transmit (step S1).
If the user has already made a reservation for use at the time he / she wants to use, he / she inputs information about waiting for cancellation, and the reservation management unit 43 of the management server 4 stores that there is a waiting for cancellation (step S2).
If there is a cancellation for a reservation waiting for cancellation, the reservation management unit 43 sends an email to the user waiting for cancellation while maintaining the reservation state (steps S3 and S4).
Then, waiting for a reply from the user waiting for cancellation, and if there is no reply after a certain period of time, the reservation management unit 43 cancels the reservation of the corresponding facility / time and accepts another use reservation (step S5). ).
On the other hand, the user who has received the cancellation notification mail returns a mail with a notice to the effect that the user will use the cancellation notice.
When receiving a reply mail indicating that the user is using the reservation, the reservation management unit 43 of the management server 4 changes the reservation table 43a to a state reserved by the user waiting for cancellation, and also sends a reservation completion mail to the user waiting for cancellation. Is transmitted (steps S7 and S8).
In addition, the user who has received the cancellation notification mail returns a mail with a notice to that effect when not using it.
When receiving a reply mail not to use, the reservation management unit 43 cancels the reservation of the corresponding facility and the corresponding time, and accepts another use reservation.

(Supplementary Note 1) A network key management system including a management server, a key management machine that manages keys connected to the management server via a network, a reception terminal, and a user terminal,
The key management machine has a key management unit that controls key lending,
The management server
A key manager control unit that controls at least the key manager of the key manager;
A user management unit that manages information identifying the user and the user's email address;
A reservation manager for managing the key reservation status;
A status management unit that manages the lending status of the key;
It has a mail control unit that controls the sending and receiving of mail with user terminals,
The management server accepts a reservation of a user's key use or a change of a reservation via a reception terminal or a user terminal connected via the network, and registers in the key reservation management unit,
At the time of borrowing a user's key, the key management unit controller releases the lock of the key management unit of the key management unit, performs key lending control to the user who made a reservation for key use,
When the key lending is completed, register that the key lending has been completed in the state management unit,
A network key management system, wherein a mail indicating that a key has been lent from the mail control unit is transmitted to a user who borrows the key.
(Additional remark 2) The said management server is provided with the Web screen control part for displaying the reservation information of the said reservation table, A user reserves a key via this Web screen control part or the said mail control part. The network key management system according to appendix 1, wherein information can be referred to.
(Supplementary note 3) The key lending status table of the status management unit of the management server has a key usage end time set, and the status management unit returns the key even if the lending key has passed the usage end time. If not, the network control system according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein a mail that prompts the key user to return the key is transmitted from the mail control unit.
(Additional remark 4) When the said mail control part receives the mail to the effect that the mail control part handed over the key currently lent to the said user from the key user to the other key user, from the said mail control part, Send a delivery confirmation email to the other key users above,
When receiving the delivery approval email from the other key user, register that the key has been delivered to the other user in the status management unit,
The network key management system according to appendix 1, 2, or appendix 3, wherein a delivery completion mail is transmitted from the mail control unit to the key user and other key users.
(Supplementary Note 5) When the reservation management unit receives a key reservation from the user, if the key has already been reserved, the reservation management unit receives a reservation waiting for cancellation from the user,
When the key reservation is canceled, the user waiting for cancellation is notified from the mail control unit that the key reservation has been canceled. Appendix 4. Network key management system.
(Additional remark 6) The said management server accepts a user's key utilization reservation or reservation change in a time unit, and registers utilization start time and utilization end time in the said key reservation management part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. , 2, 3, 4 or Appendix 5 network key management system.
(Supplementary note 7) When a user who has made a reservation for using a plurality of keys performs a plurality of key lending operations distributed from a reception terminal or a user terminal to a plurality of key management machines,
The key management machine control unit of the management server controls a plurality of key management machines, releases the lock of the plurality of key management machines, and lends a plurality of keys to a user who made a use reservation. The network key management system according to appendix 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or appendix 6, which is characterized.
(Appendix 8) When the management server receives a reservation for key use or a change of reservation from the reception terminal or user terminal, the management server issues a one-time password that can be used only for lending the key to the user. Register a one-time password in the reservation manager,
When renting a key to a user, if the one-time password entered by the user matches the one-time password, the key manager control unit of the management server unlocks the key manager of the key manager. The network key management system according to appendix 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or appendix 7, wherein the key is lent out.
(Supplementary note 9) The key management machine manages the same primary key and secondary key,
When the primary key is not returned even after the reservation end time has elapsed, the key management unit control unit of the management server releases the lock of the key management unit of the key management unit and reserves the use of the key having the primary and secondary keys. The network key management system according to appendix 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or appendix 9, characterized in that a subkey is lent out to a user who has performed it.
(Supplementary Note 10) A management server for managing key lending,
The management server includes a key management unit controller that controls a key management unit of a key management unit that lends keys connected via a network;
A user management unit that manages information identifying the key user and the user's email address;
A reservation manager for managing the key reservation status;
A status management unit that manages the lending status of the key;
It has a mail control unit that controls the sending and receiving of mail with user terminals,
Accept the reservation of the user's key usage from the user terminal or change the reservation, register with the key reservation management unit above,
At the time of borrowing a user's key, the key management unit controller releases the lock of the key management unit of the key management unit, lends the key to the user who made a reservation for key use,
When the key lending is completed, register that the key lending has been completed in the state management unit,
A management server, wherein a mail indicating that a key has been lent from the mail control unit is transmitted to a user who borrows the key.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the system of the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the key management machine of the Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows functional structures, such as a reception terminal, a management server, and a key management machine. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a user information table, a key lending status table, a key reservation table, and a primary / secondary key management table. It is a flowchart which shows the mail use process at the time of the use reservation of a key, and a use status change. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display when performing key utilization reservation from PC. It is FIG. (1) which shows the example of a screen displayed on a reception terminal at the time of key borrowing. It is FIG. (2) which shows the example of a screen displayed on a reception terminal at the time of key borrowing. It is a flowchart of a key lending process when there are a primary key and a secondary key. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the case of referring the reservation / usage situation of a facility (key) by Web or mail. It is a figure which shows the reservation status screen displayed on the reception terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process which transmits the reminder mail of a return when use end time passes. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the case of passing the used key to another user. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the case of waiting for cancellation of the key which the other user reserved.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key management part 11 Key management part 12 Key operation part 13 Display part 14 Printing part 2 Control box 3 Network 4 Management server 41 Status management part 42 Key management machine control part 43 Reservation management part 44 Mail control part 45 Web screen control part 46 User Information Management Department 5 Reception terminal 6 Personal computer (PC)
7 Mobile devices

Claims (5)

A network key management system including a management server, a key management machine that manages keys connected to the management server via a network, a reception terminal, and a user terminal,
The key management machine has a key management unit that controls key lending,
The management server
A key manager control unit that controls at least the key manager of the key manager;
A user management unit that manages information identifying the user and the user's email address;
A reservation manager for managing the key reservation status;
A status management unit that manages the lending status of the key;
It has a mail control unit that controls the sending and receiving of mail with user terminals,
The management server accepts a reservation of a user's key use or a change of a reservation via a reception terminal or a user terminal connected via the network, and registers in the key reservation management unit,
When borrowing a user's key, the key management unit controller controls the key management unit of the key management unit to perform key lending control for a user who made a reservation for key use,
When the key lending is completed, register that the key lending has been completed in the state management unit,
A network key management system, wherein a mail indicating that a key has been lent from the mail control unit is transmitted to a user who borrows the key. When the mail control unit receives an email indicating that the key being lent to the user from the key user is delivered to another key user, the management server receives the other key from the mail control unit. Send a delivery confirmation email to the user,
When receiving the delivery approval email from the other key user, register that the key has been delivered to the other user in the status management unit,
2. The network key management system according to claim 1, wherein a delivery completion mail is transmitted from the mail control unit to the key user and other key users. When a user who has made a reservation for using multiple keys performs a plurality of key lending operations distributed and managed from the reception terminal or user terminal to a plurality of key management machines,
The key management machine control unit of the management server controls a plurality of key management machines so that a plurality of keys can be borrowed from the plurality of key management machines. Network key management system. The key management machine manages the same primary key and secondary key,
When the primary key is not returned even after the reservation end time has elapsed, the key management unit control unit of the management server performs subkey lending control for a user who has made a reservation for use of the key having the primary and secondary keys. 4. The network key management system according to claim 1, wherein the network key management system is performed. A management server for managing key lending,
The management server includes a key management unit controller that controls a key management unit of a key management unit that lends keys connected via a network;
A user management unit that manages information identifying the key user and the user's email address;
A reservation manager for managing the key reservation status;
A status management unit that manages the lending status of the key;
It has a mail control unit that controls the sending and receiving of mail with user terminals,
Accept the reservation of the user's key usage from the user terminal or change the reservation, register with the key reservation management unit above,
When borrowing a user's key, the key management unit controller controls the key management unit of the key management unit to perform key lending control for a user who made a reservation for key use,
When the key lending is completed, register that the key lending has been completed in the state management unit,
A key management server, wherein a mail indicating that a key has been lent from the mail control unit is transmitted to a user who borrows the key.

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