Business management system

The wireless switch device generates power through electromagnetic induction to transmit seating and disconnection signals, addressing battery issues in existing systems and enabling efficient seat management and security features on commercial chairs.

JP2025011848APending Publication Date: 2025-01-24ECHO GENERAL PLANNING CO LTD
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023114214
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-07-12
Publication Date
2025-01-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing business management systems that detect seating and separation require battery-powered wireless switch devices, which are cumbersome due to battery replacement needs and maintenance, making them impractical for continuous operation in commercial chairs.

Method used

A wireless switch device that generates power through electromagnetic induction using a magnetic generating member and electromagnetic induction coil, transmitting seating and disconnection signals without batteries, and is easily attachable to existing chairs.

Benefits of technology

Enables seamless detection of seating and disconnection on commercial chairs, allowing for efficient management of seat usage and security features like automatic screen locking and real-time status display without battery maintenance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2025011848000001_ABST
    Figure 2025011848000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a business management system that simply and easily performs desired business management by wirelessly transmitting a detection signal based on power generation caused by sitting and leaving a seat while using a commercially available or existing chair as it is.SOLUTION: In a business management system, a wireless switch device 14 is placed in front of a seat 1010 of a chair 10, generates electric power and transmits a seating detection signal when a person sits down, and generates electric power and transmits a seat-leaving detection signal when a person leaves the seat. When a processing device 18 receives the seating detection signal via a receiver 16, it switches a screen of an information device in use to a locked screen after a predetermined free time has elapsed, and ensures security. When the processing device 18 receives the seating detection signal from the wireless switch device 14 via the receiver 16 in the locked state, it releases the locked screen after the predetermined free time has elapsed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a business management system that ensures the security of information devices and manages seat usage status by wirelessly transmitting a detection signal from a wireless switch device that generates power automatically when people sit on or leave a chair. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known business management systems that detect when employees sit or leave their desks in a work environment such as an office, and control the screens of information devices, as well as manage when operators leave their desks in call centers (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] In such business management systems, it is necessary to install a wireless switch device on the chair that detects whether a person is sitting or leaving the chair and transmits the signal wirelessly. However, such a wireless switch device requires a battery power source and needs to be replaced when the battery runs out of life, which makes maintenance time-consuming and difficult to operate permanently.

[0004] To solve this problem, a device has been proposed in which an occupancy sensor with a built-in DC generator and wireless transmitter is installed at the joint between the legs of the chair and the seat, and when the seat moves up and down due to the person sitting down or leaving the seat, the generator generates electricity and wirelessly transmits detection signals for sitting and leaving the seat (Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-035696 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-296478 [Patent Document 3] JP 2006-237911 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the device in Patent Document 3 that detects sitting and leaving without the need for a battery power source by generating electricity has a generator at the joint between the legs of the chair and the seat, and electricity is generated as the seat moves up and down when sitting and leaving the chair. This makes it difficult to apply this to existing chairs used in offices and other workplaces, or to commercially available chairs, making it difficult to build an operations management system that detects sitting and leaving the chair using a wireless switch device that does not require a battery power source and performs desired operations management.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an operation management system that uses commercially available or existing chairs as they are, and enables the creation of desired operation management by simply and easily wirelessly transmitting detection signals generated by power generation when sitting down and leaving a seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (Business Management System) The present invention provides a business management system, a wireless switch device that is disposed on the seat of a chair, and generates electricity and transmits a unique seating detection signal when a person sits on the chair, and generates electricity and transmits a unique leaving detection signal when the person leaves the chair; a receiver that distinguishes between a seating detection signal and a leaving detection signal transmitted from a wireless switch device that is associated with the wireless switch device in advance and receives the signal; a processor that performs a predetermined task processing based on the seating detection signal and the absence detection signal received by the receiver; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0009] (Wireless Switch Device Configuration) The wireless switch device is a power generating unit that generates power by relative movement with a magnetic field generating member and / or an electromagnetic induction coil; a power supply unit that rectifies power generated by the power generation unit and supplies power; a power generation mechanism that operates the power generation unit to generate power when the power generation unit is pressed when the user sits down and when the power generation unit is released when the user leaves the seat; a signal processing unit that transmits a seating detection signal in response to a positive power generation polarity of the power generation unit caused by pressing the power generation mechanism and a power supply from the power supply unit, and transmits an absence detection signal in response to a reverse power generation polarity of the power generation unit caused by releasing the pressing of the power generation mechanism and a power supply from the power supply unit; Equipped with.

[0010] (Structure of the power generation mechanism) The power generation mechanism is A horizontally long rectangular base plate having a power generating unit mounted at its center; a curved switch plate that is fixed to the upper side of the base plate, has an upward curved shape, and generates electricity in the power generating unit by displacing from an upward curved state to a flat state when pressure is applied when the user sits down, and generates electricity in the power generating unit by displacing from the flat state to an upward curved state when pressure is released when the user leaves the seat; a power generating operation part that transmits the displacement of the curved switch plate caused by sitting to the power generating part and operates the power generating part, the power generating operation part protruding downward from the inner surface of the curved switch plate; a stopper portion that restricts the displacement of the curved switch plate to a flat state due to sitting at a predetermined position and that protrudes from both or either of the inner surface of the curved switch plate and the base plate; Equipped with.

[0011] (Spring parts) In the power generating mechanism, a spring member is disposed between the base plate and the curved switch plate for biasing them in a direction to open the gap between them.

[0012] (Shape and location of wireless switch device) The wireless switch device has a rectangular shape whose width is longer than its front-to-back width when placed on the seat of a chair, and is used by placing it on the front side of the seat corresponding to the thighs of a person sitting in the chair.

[0013] (Wireless switch device built into the seat cushion) The wireless switch device is provided inside a seat cushion that is placed on the seat of a chair, at a predetermined position on the front side corresponding to the thighs of a person sitting in the chair.

[0014] (Wireless switch device built into the chair seat) The wireless switch device is provided inside the seat cover of the chair at a predetermined position on the front side corresponding to the thighs of a person sitting in the chair.

[0015] (Screen lock control by detecting when you are away from the computer) The processing device sets a predetermined free time (interval time) when the receiver receives an absence detection signal, and switches the screen display to a locked state with the locked screen when the free time has elapsed without receiving a seating detection signal.

[0016] (Screen unlock by detecting seating) The processing device sets a predetermined second vacant time when the receiver receives a seating detection signal in the locked state, and releases the locked state when the second vacant time has elapsed without receiving a leaving-seat detection signal.

[0017] (Seat occupancy status display control) A wireless switch device is provided in a work environment in which a plurality of chair and desk pairs are arranged, the wireless switch device transmitting a unique seating detection signal and a unique leaving detection signal to each chair; The processing device includes: Whether or not a seat is occupied in the work environment is displayed on a screen for management. a predetermined vacant time is set when the receiver receives a seating detection signal, and when the vacant time has elapsed without receiving an absence detection signal from the same transmitter, a message is displayed indicating that the chair on which the wireless switch device corresponding to the seating detection signal is located is in use; When the receiver receives an absence detection signal, a predetermined second vacant time is set, and when the second vacant time has elapsed without receiving a seating detection signal from the same sender, a message is displayed indicating that the chair equipped with the wireless switch device corresponding to the absence detection signal is available for use.

[0018] (Change availability) The processing device is capable of changing the settings of the free time and the second free time. Effect of the Invention

[0019] (Effects of business management systems) The present invention is a business management system comprising a wireless switch device that is placed on the seat of a chair and generates electricity and transmits a unique seating detection signal when a person sits on the chair, and generates electricity and transmits a unique seating detection signal when a person leaves the chair, a receiver that distinguishes between the seating detection signal and the seating absence detection signal transmitted from a pre-associated wireless switch device and receives them, and a processing device that performs specified business processing based on the seating detection signal and the seating absence detection signal received by the receiver.Therefore, by simply placing the wireless switch device on the seat of a commercially available chair or an existing chair, when a person sits on the wireless switch device, pressure is generated by placing the wireless switch device on the wireless switch device with the thigh, and the seating detection signal is transmitted when the person leaves the chair, and power is generated and the seating absence detection signal is transmitted when pressure on the wireless switch device is released, making it possible to simply and easily perform desired business management based on the detection of sitting and leaving the chair using the battery-less wireless switch device.

[0020] (Effect of the wireless switch device configuration) In addition, the wireless switch device is equipped with a power generation unit that generates electricity through relative movement with a magnetic generating member and / or an electromagnetic induction coil, a power supply unit that rectifies the electricity generated by the power generation unit and supplies power, a power generation mechanism that operates the power generation unit to generate electricity when the power generation unit is pressed when the power generation mechanism is pressed and when the pressure is released when the user leaves the seat, and a signal processing unit that transmits a seating detection signal in response to the positive polarity of electricity generated by the power generation unit when the power generation mechanism is pressed and the power supply from the power supply unit, and transmits an absence detection signal in response to the reverse polarity of electricity generated by the power generation unit when the pressure on the power generation mechanism is released and the power supply from the power supply unit.As a result, the power generation unit outputs a positive voltage when electricity is generated when the user is pressed while sitting, and outputs a reverse voltage when the pressure is released when the user leaves the seat, making it possible to determine whether the user is sitting from the positive polarity of the electricity generation and transmit a seating detection signal, and to determine whether the user is leaving the seat and transmit an absence detection signal from the reverse polarity of the electricity generation.

[0021] (Effect of the power generation mechanism structure) In addition, the power generation mechanism of the wireless switch device comprises a horizontally elongated rectangular base plate with the power generation unit placed in the center, a curved switch plate fixed to the upper side of the base plate and having an upwardly curved shape, which generates electricity in the power generation unit by displacing from an upwardly curved state to a flattened state when pressed by sitting down, and generates electricity in the power generation unit by displacing from the flat state to an upwardly curved state when pressure is released when leaving the seat, a power generation operating unit that transmits the displacement of the curved switch plate due to sitting down to the power generation unit and operates it, and a stopper unit that protrudes downward from both or either of the curved switch plate and the inner surface of the base plate and restricts the displacement of the curved switch plate to a predetermined position when sitting down.Therefore, the wireless switch device is a horizontally elongated rectangular device having a sandwich structure in which the base plate and the curved switch plate are overlapped, and can be placed on the front of the seat of an existing chair or a commercially available chair for simple and easy use.

[0022] In addition, when a person is seated, the wireless switch device allows the person's thighs to rest on the curved switch plate, pressing the curved switch plate from its curved state with their body weight, displacing it into a flat state, and the power generating operating section protruding downward from the inner surface of the curved switch plate presses the power generating section, generating electricity through electromagnetic induction and enabling the seating detection signal to be reliably transmitted.

[0023] In addition, when the person leaves their seat, the pressure on the curved switch plate is released, and the curved switch plate, which was in a flat state, returns to a curved state due to its rigidity. By releasing the pressure on the power generating unit by the power generating operating unit, power generation is resumed by electromagnetic induction, making it possible to reliably transmit the absence detection signal.

[0024] In addition, a stopper portion is disposed between the base plate and the curved switch plate, thereby regulating the pressing distance between the curved state of the curved switch plate and the flattened state so as not to exceed the power generation displacement required for the power generation unit, thereby enabling reliable power generation operation without damaging the power generation unit.

[0025] (Effect of spring members) In addition, the power generation mechanism has a spring member disposed between the base plate and the curved switch plate that biases the plate in a direction opening the gap between them, ensuring that the curved switch plate returns from a flat state to a curved state when the user leaves the seat, and ensuring that the curved switch plate returns to a curved state even if the rigidity of the curved switch plate to return to its curved state decreases.

[0026] (Effect of shape and location of wireless switch device) The wireless switch device has a rectangular shape with a long width compared to the front-to-back width when placed on the seat of a chair, and is placed in front of the seat corresponding to the thighs of a person sitting on the chair, so that the width and depth of the wireless switch device can be any width and depth, for example, the width is about half the width of the seat, 20 to 25 cm, and the depth is about several cm, and by placing it on the front of the seat of the chair, when the person sits down, the person's thighs rest on the wireless switch device, which reliably presses it and generates power to transmit a seating detection signal. The wireless switch device is located under the thighs when sitting on the chair, and the height of the wireless switch device is less than 5 cm, for example, about 2 to 3 cm, so that the person is hardly aware that their thighs are resting on the wireless switch device, and the wireless switch device can be placed on the front of the seat of the chair without feeling uncomfortable.

[0027] (Wireless switch device built into the seat cushion) The wireless switch device is provided inside a seat cushion that is laid on the seat of a chair at a predetermined position on the front side corresponding to the thighs of a person sitting on the chair, and by simply placing the seat cushion with the built-in wireless switch device on the seat of the chair, it is possible to simply and easily detect whether a person is sitting or leaving the chair by the wireless switch device, regardless of the shape or type of chair, not to mention commercially available or existing chairs, as long as there is a seat available.

[0028] (Effect of the wireless switch device built into the chair seat) In addition, the wireless switch device is provided in a predetermined position on the front side inside the seat cover of the chair corresponding to the thighs of both feet of a person sitting in the chair, so that the wireless switch device can be incorporated into the chair and used by a relatively simple modification of the chair, such as removing the seat cover of the chair, fixing the wireless switch device to the entire seat, and then replacing the seat cover to cover and conceal it.

[0029] (Effect of screen lock control by detecting absence from desk) In addition, the processing device sets a predetermined free time (interval time) when the receiver receives an absence detection signal, and switches to a locked state in which the screen display is a locked screen if the free time has elapsed without receiving a presence detection signal, and sets a predetermined second free time when the receiver receives a presence detection signal in the locked state, and releases the locked state if the second free time has elapsed without receiving an absence detection signal.Therefore, when the user leaves the desk, the screen of the information device, for example a business personal computer, automatically switches to the locked screen after the predetermined free time without the user needing to operate it, and by switching the business screen to the locked screen, it is possible to reliably prevent people other than the person involved from viewing the business screen while the user is away, thereby increasing the security of business processing.

[0030] (Effect of seat occupancy display control) In addition, a wireless switch device that transmits a unique seating detection signal and an absence detection signal is arranged on each chair in a work environment where multiple sets of chairs and desks are arranged, and the processing device manages whether or not seats in the work environment are in use by displaying on a screen, and when the receiver receives a seating detection signal, a predetermined free time is set, and when the free time has elapsed without receiving an absence detection signal from the same transmission source, a message is displayed indicating that the chair on which the wireless switch device corresponding to the absence detection signal is arranged is in use, and when the receiver receives an absence detection signal, a predetermined second free time is set, and when the second free time has elapsed without receiving a seating detection signal from the same transmission source, a message is displayed indicating that the chair on which the wireless switch device corresponding to the absence detection signal is arranged is available. Therefore, when a business style is adopted in which dedicated desks and chairs are not provided, the usage status of chairs, whether they are in use or not, can be remotely grasped and managed, and users can grasp the usage status in real time by looking at the usage status display screen, enabling efficient use of chairs and desks.

[0031] (Effect of changing availability) In addition, since the processing device is capable of changing the settings of the free time and second free time, for example, when detecting an absence from one's desk and locking the screen, it is possible to change the setting of the free time between detecting an absence from one's desk and locking the screen to the optimal time from the user's perspective in order to prevent the screen from being locked even when it is not necessary, as people often leave their desks temporarily during work. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an installation environment of a business management system that performs screen lock control. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the business management system of FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a wireless switch device; [Figure 4] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a curved switch plate of the wireless switch device of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5]4 is an explanatory diagram showing a base plate of the wireless switch device of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a power generating unit of the wireless switch device of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit configuration of the wireless switch device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a chair with a wireless switch device installed on the seat surface. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a chair in which a wireless switch device is embedded in the seat surface. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a seat cushion incorporating a wireless switch device. [Figure 11] 3 is a flowchart showing screen lock control by the service management system of FIG. 2. [Figure 12] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an installation environment of a business management system that controls seat occupancy status display. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the functional configuration of the business management system of FIG. [Figure 14] 14 is a flowchart showing seat occupancy status display control by the business management system of FIG. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a business management system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0034] [Basic Concept of the Embodiment] The embodiment generally relates to a work management system that detects and processes when someone sits down or leaves a desk during work using a wireless switch device.

[0035] The embodiment is composed of a wireless switch device, a receiver, and a processing device. Here, the "wireless switch device" is a device that is placed on the seat of a chair, generates electricity and transmits a unique seating detection signal when a person sits on the chair, and generates electricity and transmits a unique leaving detection signal when a person leaves the chair. Note that the "unique seating detection signal" and the "unique leaving detection signal" are signals in a predetermined format that include at least the wireless switch device on the transmitting side and a code that can identify whether someone is sitting or leaving their seat, such as a seating ID or leaving ID.

[0036] The "receiver" is a device that distinguishes between a seating detection signal and a seating absence detection signal transmitted from a wireless switch device that is associated with the device in advance and receives the signal. The communication method between the wireless switch device and the receiver is arbitrary, but for example, a specific low-power radio in the 928.85 MHz band is used.

[0037] The "processing device" is a device that performs a predetermined task processing based on the seating detection signal and absence detection signal received by the receiver. The "predetermined processing task" includes all tasks that detect and process seating and absence, and examples thereof include screen lock control of a computer device and seat occupancy status display control that shows whether a seat is occupied or vacant.

[0038] With this type of business management system, simply by placing the wireless switch device on the seat of a commercially available chair or an existing chair, when a person sits down, the wireless switch device generates electricity and transmits a seat-presence detection signal when pressed, and when a person leaves the seat, the wireless switch device generates electricity and transmits an absence detection signal when pressed and released, making it possible to simply and easily perform desired management tasks based on the detection of sitting and leaving the seat using the battery-less wireless switch device.

[0039] The "wireless switch device" of the embodiment is composed of a power generation unit, a power supply unit, a power generation mechanism, and a signal processing unit.

[0040] Here, the "power generating unit" refers to a unit that generates power by changing the magnetic flux passing through the electromagnetic induction coil through relative movement with the magnetic field generating member and / or the electromagnetic induction coil. The "magnetic field generating member" refers to a permanent magnet, a yoke made of a magnetic material, or the like that generates magnetism and passes the magnetic flux through the electromagnetic induction coil.

[0041] In addition, the "power supply unit" rectifies the power generated by the power generation unit and supplies power. For example, the generated power is full-wave rectified using a diode bridge or the like, and converted to a predetermined constant voltage using a constant voltage circuit or the like.

[0042] The "signal processing unit" transmits a seating detection signal in response to the positive power generation polarity of the power generation unit caused by pressing the power generation mechanism and the power supply from the power supply unit, and transmits an absence detection signal in response to the reverse power generation polarity of the power generation unit caused by releasing the pressing of the power generation mechanism and the power supply from the power supply unit. Here, "positive power generation polarity" means that the power generation unit outputs a positive voltage when pressed when seated, and "reverse power generation polarity" means that the power generation unit outputs a reverse voltage when pressed when seated and releasing the pressing. For this reason, the "signal processing unit" is capable of determining whether a person is seated from the positive power generation polarity and transmitting a seating detection signal, and determining whether a person is absent from their seat from the reverse power generation polarity and transmitting an absence detection signal.

[0043] The power generating mechanism of the wireless switch device is composed of a base plate, a curved switch plate, a power generating unit, and a stopper unit. Here, the base plate is a horizontally elongated rectangular plate member with the power generating unit placed in the approximate center.

[0044] In addition, the "curved switch plate" is fixed to the upper side of the base plate, has an upwardly curved shape, and when pressed by sitting down, causes the power generating unit to generate electricity by displacing from an upwardly curved state to a flat state, and when the pressure is released by leaving the seat, causes the power generating unit to generate electricity by displacing from the flat state to an upwardly curved state.

[0045] The "power generating operation part" is, for example, a shaft-shaped member that protrudes downward from the inner surface of the curved switch plate and transmits the displacement of the curved switch plate to a flattened state due to sitting down to the power generating part, and the "stopper part" is a protrusion that protrudes from both or either of the inner surfaces of the curved switch plate and the base plate and restricts the displacement of the curved switch plate to a flattened state due to sitting down to a predetermined position.

[0046] Furthermore, the "power generation mechanism" may be configured so that a spring member is disposed between the base plate and the curved switch plate for biasing them in a direction that opens the gap between them.

[0047] In this way, the "wireless switch device" is a thin, horizontally elongated rectangular device with a sandwich structure in which a base plate and a curved switch plate are layered on top of each other, making it possible to use it simply and easily by placing it on the front side of the seat of an existing chair or a commercially available chair.

[0048] The "wireless switch device" has a rectangular shape with a long width compared to the front-to-back width when placed on the seat of a chair, and is placed in front of the seat corresponding to the thighs of both feet of a person sitting on the chair. Generally, the width and depth of a chair seat are usually about 40 to 45 cm, so the width and depth of the wireless switch device can be any width and depth, but for example, the width is about 20 to 25 cm, which is about half the width of the seat, and the depth is about a few centimeters. By placing it on the front of the chair seat, the thighs of a person rest on the wireless switch device and push it down when sitting, so that it can reliably generate electricity and transmit a seating detection signal. In addition, the wireless switch device is located under the thighs when sitting on the chair, and the height of the wireless switch device is, for example, about 2 to 3 cm, so that the person is hardly aware of the state in which the thighs rest on the wireless switch device, and the wireless switch device can be placed on the front of the chair seat and used without any discomfort.

[0049] As another "arrangement of the wireless switch device", it is provided inside the seat cushion used by placing it on the seat of a chair, at a predetermined position on the front side corresponding to the thighs of a person sitting in the chair. In this case, by simply placing the seat cushion with the built-in wireless switch device on the seat of the chair, it becomes possible to simply and easily detect whether a person is sitting or leaving the chair using the wireless switch device, regardless of the shape or type of chair, not to mention commercially available chairs and existing chairs, as long as there is a seat.

[0050] As another "alternative arrangement of the wireless switch device", it is arranged by embedding it in a predetermined position on the front side of the seat cover of the chair corresponding to the thighs of a person sitting in the chair. In this case, the wireless switch device can be built into the chair and used by a relatively simple modification of the chair, such as removing the seat cover of the chair, fixing the wireless switch device to the entire seat surface, and then replacing the seat cover to cover and hide it.

[0051] The "processing device" also performs "screen lock control" as an example of business processing. Here, "screen lock control" refers to setting a predetermined free time when the receiver receives an absence detection signal, switching to a locked state in which the screen display is a locked screen when the free time has elapsed without receiving a seat detection signal, setting a predetermined second free time when the receiver receives a seat detection signal in the locked state, and releasing the locked state when the second free time has elapsed without receiving an absence detection signal. Note that "free time" includes the concepts of interval time and waiting time.

[0052] Therefore, when a user leaves his / her chair and desk, the screen of the information device, for example, a personal computer for business use, automatically switches to a lock screen after a specified free time without the user having to operate it, reliably preventing people other than the person in question from viewing the business screen while the user is away from the desk, thereby enhancing the security of business processing.

[0053] As another example of business processing, the "processing device" performs "seat occupancy status display control." Here, the "seat occupancy status display control" refers to a work environment in which multiple chair and desk pairs are arranged, and wireless switch devices are arranged to transmit unique seating detection signals and seat leaving detection signals to each chair, and whether or not a seat is being used in the work environment is displayed on a screen for management.

[0054] In this case, the "processing device" sets a specified vacant time when the receiver receives a seating detection signal, and if the vacant time has elapsed without receiving an absence detection signal from the same sender, displays that the chair in which the wireless switch device corresponding to the seating detection signal is located is in use.

[0055] In addition, the "processing device" sets a predetermined second available time when the receiver receives an absence detection signal, and when the second available time has elapsed without receiving a seating detection signal from the same sender, displays that the chair in which the wireless switch device corresponding to the absence detection signal is located is available for use.

[0056] Therefore, in cases where a business does not have dedicated desks and chairs, the chair usage status (whether in use or vacant) can be remotely grasped and managed, and users can check the usage status display screen to grasp the usage status in real time, enabling efficient use of chairs and desks.

[0057] In addition, the "processing device" can change the settings of the free time and the second free time. For example, when detecting an absence from the desk and locking the screen, it is common for a user to leave the desk temporarily during work, and in order to prevent the screen from being locked even when it is not necessary, the settings of the free time can be changed to an appropriate setting, thereby reliably preventing the screen from being locked due to a temporary absence from the desk.

[0058] In addition, when displaying the usage status of whether the desk is in use or available for a business type that does not have a dedicated desk and chair, changing to an appropriate available time setting can reliably prevent the display of availability when the user is away from the desk for a short time, thereby improving the reliability of the usage status display.

[0059] Specific embodiments will be described below. In the specific embodiments shown below, the "wireless switch device" is assumed to be "exposed on the seat of a chair", "built into the seat cushion", and "embedded in the seat of a chair", and the "processing device's business processing" will be described to perform "screen lock control" and "seat occupancy display control".

[0060] [Specific details of the embodiment] The embodiment of the business management system will be described in more detail below. The contents will be described in the following parts. a. Screen lock control business management system b. Wireless switch device b1. Structure of wireless switch device b2. Circuit configuration of wireless switch device c. Placement of wireless switch device c1. Chair seat arrangement c2. Chair seat recess arrangement c3. Built-in seat cushion d. Screen lock control e. Seat occupancy status display control business management system e1. Business management system installation environment e2. System function configuration e3. Seat occupancy status display control f. Modifications of the present invention

[0061] [a. Screen lock control business management system] An embodiment of a business management system that performs screen lock control will be described. In this description, reference will be made to Fig. 1 showing an installation environment of the business management system that performs screen lock control, and Fig. 2 showing a functional configuration of the business management system of Fig. 1.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the business management system that performs screen lock control targets a set of chairs 10 and a desk 12 installed in a work environment such as an office, and is composed of a wireless switch device 14, a receiver 16, and a processing device 18.

[0063] The wireless switch device 14 is disposed in front of the seat 1010 of the chair 10, and when a user such as an employee sits down, it detects that the user has sat down and wirelessly transmits a unique seating detection signal, and when the user leaves the seat, it detects that the user has left the seat and wirelessly transmits a unique leaving detection signal.

[0064] The receiver 16 corresponds to the unique seating detection signal or the unique absence detection signal transmitted from the wireless switch device 14, receives the unique seating detection signal or the unique absence detection signal via an antenna 1610, and outputs the reception result. The configuration and type of the receiver 16 are arbitrary, but in the embodiment, a receiver 16 known as a USB dongle that is used by connecting to a USB port of the processing device 18 is used.

[0065] Here, the communication method between the wireless switch device 14 and the receiver 16 is arbitrary, but for example, a specific low power radio in the 928.85 MHz band is used. Also, the unique seating detection signal and absence detection signal transmitted from the wireless switch device 14 are signals of a predetermined format including a unique ID as identification information, and for example, "xxxx xxxx xxxx A100" is used as the seating ID in hexadecimal, and "xxxx xxxx xxxx A101" is used as the absence ID, and are 6 to 12 byte long (48 to 96 bit long) signals consisting of the signal strength, checksum (CK) and delimiter code.

[0066] The processing device 18 is a personal computer used by a user to process an assigned task, and has the function of a screen lock control unit 20 implemented as an application program, as shown in Fig. 2. In addition, in accordance with the function of the screen lock control unit 20, a function of a free time setting unit 22 is provided.

[0067] The screen lock control unit 20 of the processing device 18 operates in response to a received output when the receiver 16 receives an absence detection signal from the wireless switch device 14, and performs control to switch the screen of the processing device 16 displaying the business contents to a locked state by switching it to a specified lock screen and concealing it when the free time T1 set by the free time setting unit 22 has elapsed without receiving a seating detection signal from the wireless switch device 14.

[0068] Here, the operation system of the processing device 18 using a personal computer, for example, Windows (registered trademark), has a known function of switching to a lock screen when a specified operation is performed, and in the embodiment, the screen lock control provided in the processing device 18 is performed by the receiving output of the receiver 16 that receives the absence detection signal from the wireless switch device 10.

[0069] In addition, the free time T1 that the processing device 18 sets when it receives an absence detection signal is a time to prevent the screen from switching to a locked screen when the user is away from the desk temporarily. The duration of the temporary absence varies from user to user, but for example, a free time T1 of several minutes is set as the default, and the user can change the free time T1 as necessary to set an optimal free time T1 that suits them.

[0070] In addition, the screen lock control unit 20 of the processing device 18 operates in response to a received output when the receiver 16 receives a seating detection signal from the wireless switch device 14 while the screen is switched to the locked screen, and when the free time T2 set by the free time setting unit 22 has elapsed without receiving an absence detection signal from the wireless switch device 14, the screen lock is released and the normal screen is restored, thereby enabling business processing to be resumed.

[0071] In this case, the free time T2 set by the processing device 18 when it receives an absence detection signal is a time to prevent the lock screen from being unlocked when the user temporarily sits down. However, it is desirable to immediately unlock the lock screen when the user sits down. Taking both into consideration, for example, a default free time T2 of about 10 seconds is set, and the user can change the free time T2 as necessary to set an optimal free time T2 that suits them, including no free time at all.

[0072] On the other hand, unlocking the locked screen by the operation system of the processing device 18 requires a specific unlocking operation by inputting a unique password, and in the processing device 18, the locked screen may not be unlocked even if a seating detection signal is received in a locked state, but may be unlocked only by the unlocking operation by the operation system.

[0073] [b. Wireless Switching Device] Next, the wireless switch device to be placed on a chair will be described. In this description, reference will be made to Fig. 3 showing an embodiment of the wireless switch device, Fig. 4 showing the curved switch plate of the wireless switch device of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 showing the base plate of the wireless switch device of Fig. 3, Fig. 6 showing the power generating unit of the wireless switch device of Fig. 3, and Fig. 7 showing the circuit configuration of the wireless switch device. Note that Fig. 3(A), Fig. 4(A), Fig. 5(A), and Fig. 6(A) show the front (front surface), Fig. 3(B), Fig. 4(B), Fig. 5(B), and Fig. 6(B) show the plan (top surface), and Fig. 3(C), Fig. 4(C), Fig. 5(C), and Fig. 6(C) show the right side surface.

[0074] (b1. Structure of wireless switch device) First, we will explain the structure of the wireless switch device 14. The wireless switch device 14, which is placed on the front side of the seat of a chair, has a rectangular shape with a width (left-right width) that is longer than the depth (front-to-back width) when placed on the seat of a chair, as shown in Fig. 3, and is used by being placed on the front side of the seat corresponding to the thighs of a person sitting in the chair.

[0075] Here, since the width (left to right) and depth (front to back) of a chair seat are usually about 40 to 45 cm, the width L and depth W of the wireless switch device 14 can be any value, but for example, the width L is set to a predetermined value in the range of 20 to 25 cm, which is about half the width of the seat, for example 20 cm, and the depth W is set to a few centimeters, for example 5 cm.

[0076] Furthermore, the wireless switch device 14 is positioned at the front of the chair seat so that when a person sits down, their thighs place on the wireless switch device 14 and press against it, generating electricity and transmitting a seating detection signal. The wireless switch device 14 is positioned so that it is located under the user's thighs when seated in the chair, and the maximum height H of the centre of the wireless switch device 14 is around 2 to 3 cm, for example 2.1 cm, so as to enable the user to sit in the chair without feeling uncomfortable.

[0077] 3A, the wireless switch device 14 has a sandwich structure in which a base plate 24 and a curved switch plate 26 are overlapped. An electromagnetic induction type power generating unit 44 is disposed approximately in the center of the inside of the base plate 24.

[0078] As shown in Figure 4, the curved switch plate 26 has an upwardly curved shape, and a rectangular power generating operating section 34 is formed facing downward from the central inner surface corresponding to the power generating section 44 arranged on the base plate 24.

[0079] In addition, locking claws 2610 are formed on the inner surfaces of both sides of the curved switch plate 26, which engage with engagement receiving portions 2410 formed on the upper surface of both sides of the base plate 24 shown in Figure 5.As shown in Figure 3(A), both ends of the curved switch plate 26 are locked to both ends of the base plate 24, and the central portion of the curved switch plate 26 is supported so as to be freely pushed into the base plate 24.

[0080] As shown in Figure 5, the base plate 24 has a power generation fixing portion 2412 formed in the center of the upper surface for attaching and fixing the power generation unit 44, and the power generation unit 44, shown in Figure 6, is attached and fixed to the power generation fixing portion 2412 as shown in Figure 3(A).

[0081] 5(B), stopper portions 36 stand upward at four positions on the left, right, front and rear of the rectangular power generation fixing portion 2412. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the stopper portions 36 are disposed with a predetermined distance between them and the lower surface (inner surface) of the curved switch plate 26, and when the curved switch plate 26 is pressed in, they come into contact with the stopper portions 36, restricting the amount of pressing (pressing stroke) of the power generation operating portion 34 protruding downward from the central inner surface of the curved switch plate 26 to a predetermined value, thereby applying an appropriate vertical displacement to the power generation lever provided on the power generation portion 44.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6, the power generation unit 44 is a box-shaped unit equipped with a power generation main body 4412 and a power generation lever storage section 4414. Inside the power generation main body 4412, a magnetic generating member and an electromagnetic induction coil are arranged for generating power by relative movement as is well known, and a power generation lever is stored in the power generation lever storage section 4414 for moving the magnetic generating member relative to, for example, a fixed electromagnetic induction coil.

[0083] A rectangular power generation push-in hole 4410 is opened at the top of the power generation lever storage section 4414, and the power generation operating section 34 formed downward on the central inner surface of the curved switch plate 26 is located above the power generation opening hole 4410 as shown in Fig. 3(A). When the curved switch plate 26 is pushed into a flat state, the power generation operating section 34 is pushed into the power generation push-in hole 4410 of the power generation section 44, and power generation is performed. When the curved switch plate 26 is released from being pushed, the curved switch plate 26 returns to a curved state due to its rigidity, and the power generation operating section 34 that was pushed into the power generation push-in hole 4410 of the power generation section 44 returns to its initial position, thereby performing power generation. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5(B), a groove sandwiched between partitions is formed as an antenna fixing section 2414 at the left rear of the upper surface of the base plate 24, and a linear antenna (line antenna) having a length of about several centimeters can be stored therein.

[0084] The power generation mechanism of this embodiment is constituted by the base plate 24, curved switch plate 26, power generation operating portion 34 and stopper portion 36, and the power generation mechanism of this embodiment operates the power generation portion 44 to generate electricity when the power generation portion is pressed by taking a seat and when the power generation portion is released by leaving the seat.

[0085] More specifically, when the curved switch plate 26 is pressed by the user sitting down, it is displaced from an upward curved state to a flat state, and in response to this displacement, the generator operating unit 34 instantly presses down the generator lever of the generator unit 44 to generate electricity, producing a generated output that is a positive polarity generated voltage. When the user leaves the seat, the pressure on the curved switch plate 26 is released, and the curved switch plate 26 is displaced from the flat state back to an upward curved state due to its rigidity, and in response to this, the generator operating unit 34 releases the depression of the generator lever of the generator unit 44 and returns it to its original position, generating electricity and producing a generated output that is a generated voltage of the opposite polarity.

[0086] When pressure on the curved switch plate 26 is released, the curved switch plate 26 returns from the flat state to the curved state due to the rigidity of the curved switch plate 26. In addition, a biasing member such as a coil spring may be disposed between the base plate 24 and the curved switch plate 26 to push it back.

[0087] (b2. Circuit configuration of wireless switch device) Next, the circuit configuration of the wireless switch device will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, the wireless switch device 14 is composed of a power generation mechanism 42, a power generation unit 44, a diode bridge 46, a constant voltage circuit unit 48, a polarity determination unit 50, a signal processing unit 52 and a transmission unit 54 to which an antenna 56 is connected.

[0088] The power generating mechanism 42 operates the power generating unit 44 by pressing and releasing the curved switch plate 26 shown in Fig. 3, to generate power by itself using the electromagnetic induction method. More specifically, the power generating unit 44 is provided with a permanent magnet and / or an electromagnetic induction coil, which is a magnetic generating unit, that is movable relative to the power generating unit, and although any structure or mechanism for the relative movement is possible, for example, when the curved switch plate 26 is pressed as a result of sitting down, the permanent magnet moves relative to the fixedly arranged electromagnetic induction coil in one predetermined direction by pressing down the generator lever, and the magnetic flux passing through the electromagnetic induction coil is changed to generate power and output the generated power as a positive voltage.

[0089] Subsequently, when the pressure on the curved switch plate 26 is released as the user leaves the seat, the generator lever is pushed back to its initial position, and the permanent magnet moves relative to the fixedly positioned electromagnetic induction coil in the opposite direction to a predetermined direction, causing the magnetic flux passing through the electromagnetic induction coil to change in the opposite direction, thereby generating electricity and outputting the generated power as a voltage of the opposite polarity.

[0090] Here, the diode bridge 46 and the constant voltage circuit unit 48 constitute the power supply unit, and the generated voltage output when the power generation unit 44 is pressed or released is rectified by the diode bridge 46, which constitutes a full-wave rectifier circuit, and converted into a power supply of a predetermined constant voltage by the constant voltage circuit unit 48, which supplies it to the polarity discrimination unit 50, the signal processing unit 52 and the transmission unit 54 to operate them, and the polarity discrimination unit 50, the signal processing unit 52 and the transmission unit 54 operate twice in response to the pressing and releasing of the power generation unit 44.

[0091] The polarity discrimination unit 50 may have any configuration or function, but it discriminates the positive voltage polarity of the power generation output when the power generation unit 44 is pressed and outputs the determination result to the signal processing unit 52, and also discriminates the reverse voltage polarity of the power generation output when the power generation unit 44 is released and outputs the determination result to the signal processing unit 52.

[0092] The signal processing unit 52 operates by receiving power supply generated by pressing the power generating unit 44, and at this time, a discrimination output of positive voltage polarity is obtained from the polarity discrimination unit 50, and outputs a unique seating detection signal. The signal processing unit 52 also operates by receiving power supply generated by pressing the power generating unit 44 and at this time, a discrimination output of reverse voltage polarity is obtained from the polarity discrimination unit 50, and outputs a unique absence detection signal. Here, as described above, the seating detection signal is a signal of a predetermined format including "xxxx xxxx xxxx A100" as the seating ID, and the absence detection signal is a signal of a predetermined format including "xxxx xxxx xxxx A101" as the absence ID.

[0093] When the transmitting unit 54 receives power supply in response to the pressing or releasing of the power generating unit 44 and operates, it modulates the seating detection signal or the leaving detection signal output from the signal processing unit 52 and transmits it wirelessly, using a specified channel frequency in the 928.85 MHz band, which is a specific low-power communication, and transmits it, for example, by FSK modulation.

[0094] [c. Placement of wireless switch device] Next, the placement of the wireless switch device relative to the chair will be described. In this description, reference is made to Fig. 8, which shows a chair with a wireless switch device installed on the seat, Fig. 9, which shows a chair with a wireless switch device embedded in the seat, and Fig. 10, which shows a seat cushion with a built-in wireless switch device. Figs. 8(A) and 9(A) show the right side of the chair, Figs. 8(B) and 9(B) show the front (front side) of the chair, and Figs. 8(C) and 9(C) show the plan (top) of the chair. Fig. 10(A) shows the plan (top) of the seat cushion, and Fig. 10(B) shows a cross section along the cutting line bb in Fig. 10(A).

[0095] (c1. Chair seat arrangement) As shown in Fig. 8, in this embodiment, the wireless switch device 14 is disposed in the center of the front part of the seat 1010 of the chair 10 with the longitudinal direction in the left-right direction. The fixing structure of the wireless switch device 14 to the seat 1010 is arbitrary, but for example, it is fixed using a double-sided adhesive tape, a hook-and-loop fastener, or the like. Since the wireless switch device 14 is disposed exposed on the seat 1010, it is usually covered and concealed using a thin seat cushion 40. It is also preferable to attach a cover made of a flexible cloth or the like to the wireless switch device 14 so that the wireless switch device 10 is not disposed exposed on the seat 1010.

[0096] When a user sits on a chair with the wireless switch device 14 arranged on the seat 1010 in this manner, the wireless switch device 14 is positioned under the user's thighs and the highest central part of the wireless switch device 14 is positioned between the thighs, making it possible to sit on the chair 10 without feeling uncomfortable even with the wireless switch device 14 arranged on the seat.

[0097] (c2. Recessed seat placement) As shown in Fig. 9, in this embodiment, the wireless switch device 14 is embedded in the seat 1010 of the chair 10. The seat arrangement position of the wireless switch device 14 is the front center of the seat 1010, similar to the case of Fig. 8, but in this embodiment, as shown in the enlarged cross section of part a in Fig. 9(A), an embedded part 1014 of a predetermined depth is formed in the front center of a seat structure 1012 such as a wooden frame, and the wireless switch device 14 is arranged in the embedded part 1014, which is then covered with a seat cover 1016.

[0098] The embedding depth of the wireless switch device 14 is set to, for example, approximately half the maximum height of the center of the curve, since it is necessary to press the curved switch plate 26 shown in FIG. 3 to make it flat.

[0099] In this embodiment, the wireless switch device 14 is built into the seat 1010 covered with the seat cover 1016, and the presence of the wireless switch device 14 is not recognized from the outside. It is recognized only as chair 10 with a bulge in the front of the seat 1010, as shown in FIG. 9(B). Since the wireless switch device 14 is built into the seat 1010, the chair 10 is easy to handle, and the wireless switch device 14 is also protected by being built in, which improves durability.

[0100] (c3. Built-in seat cushion) As shown in Fig. 10(A), in this embodiment, the wireless switch device 14 is built into the seat cushion 40. The seat arrangement position of the wireless switch device 14 is the center of the front of the seat cushion 40, and as shown in the cross section of Fig. 10(A), the wireless switch device 14 is arranged in the center of the front of an elastic member 4020 such as a sponge, and is covered with a cushion cover 4010 after arrangement.

[0101] In this embodiment, the wireless switch device 14 is built into the seat cushion 40, and by simply placing the seat cushion 40 with the built-in wireless switch device 14 on the seat of a chair, it is possible to simply and easily detect whether the person is sitting or leaving the seat using the wireless switch device 14, regardless of the shape or type of chair, including commercially available chairs and existing chairs, as long as there is a seat.

[0102] [d. Screen lock control] Next, a description will be given of screen lock control by the processing device 18 in Fig. 2. In this description, reference will be made to Fig. 11 which is a flowchart showing screen lock control by the service management system in Fig. 2.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 11, when the screen lock control unit 20 provided in the processing device 18 in FIG. 2 determines whether or not a leaving detection signal transmitted from the wireless switch device 14 has been received when the user stands up from the chair 10 based on the receiving output from the receiver 16 (step S1), it sets a predetermined free time T1 and determines whether or not it has elapsed (step S2). Until the free time T1 has elapsed, it determines whether or not a sitting detection signal transmitted from the wireless switch device 14 has been received from the receiver 16 when the user sits down on the chair 10 (step S3).

[0104] If the user temporarily leaves the seat, it is determined that a seating detection signal has been received before the vacant time T1 has elapsed (Yes in step S3), and the vacant time T1 is reset and the process returns to determining whether a new absence detection signal has been received (step S1).

[0105] If it is determined that the idle time T1 has elapsed (Yes in step S2) without receiving a seating detection signal from the wireless switch device 14 (No in step S3), the screen is switched to a locked state (step S4).

[0106] Next, when the user returns and sits down in the chair 10, and it is determined that a seating detection signal has been received from the wireless switch device 14 (Yes in step S5), if it is determined that a leaving detection signal has been received (No in step S7) and a predetermined free time T2 has elapsed (step S6), the screen lock is released (step S8) and the process returns to determining whether a new leaving detection signal has been received (step S1).

[0107] [e. Business management system for controlling seat occupancy display] Next, the seat occupancy status display control service management system will be described with reference to Fig. 12 showing the installation environment of the service management system that controls the seat occupancy status display, Fig. 13 showing the functional configuration of the service management system of Fig. 12, and Fig. 14 which is a flowchart showing the seat occupancy status display control by the service management system of Fig. 13.

[0108] (e1. Business management system installation environment) First, the installation environment of the business management system that controls the seat usage status display will be described. Fig. 12 shows an example of the installation environment of the business management system according to this embodiment, in which, for example, four sets of chairs 10 (10-1) to 10 (10-4) and desks 12 (12-1) to 12 (12-4) are arranged in a facility such as an office, and the usage status of the chairs 10 (10-1) to 10 (10-4) is displayed as "in use" or "available (vacant)".

[0109] For this purpose, wireless switch devices 14 (14-1) to 14 (14-4) are provided on the chairs 10 (10-1) to 10 (10-4), respectively, and a unique seating detection signal is transmitted when a user sits down, and a unique leaving detection signal is transmitted when the user leaves the seat.

[0110] Here, the wireless switch devices 14 (14-1) to 14 (14-4) transmit, as the unique seating detection signal and unique absence detection signal, signals in the same signal format as in the case of screen lock control, which include mutually different seating IDs and absence IDs.

[0111] For example, the seating ID of the wireless switch device 14 (14-1) is "xxxx xxxx xxxx B101" in hexadecimal, and the absent ID is "xxxx xxxx xxxx B102", the seating ID of the wireless switch device 14 (14-2) is "xxxx xxxx xxxx B103" and the absent ID is "xxxx xxxx xxxx B104", the seating ID of the wireless switch device 14 (14-3) is "xxxx xxxx xxxx B105" and the absent ID is "xxxx xxxx xxxx B106", and the seating ID of the wireless switch device 14 (14-4) is "xxxx xxxx xxxx B107" and the absent ID is "xxxx xxxx xxxx B108".

[0112] The receiver 16 is connected to the processing device 18 as a USB dongle, and the receiver 16 receives a unique seat presence detection signal or a unique seat absence detection signal from the wireless switching devices 14 (14-1) to 14 (14-4) and outputs the reception result to the processing device 18. The communication method between the wireless switching devices 14 (14-1) to 14 (14-4) and the receiver 16 is a specific low power radio in the 928.85 MHz band, as in the case of the screen lock control described above.

[0113] In addition, based on the seating detection signal and the leaving detection signal from the wireless switch devices 14 (14-1) to 14 (14-4), the processing device 18 displays the usage status of seats A, B, C, and D corresponding to the wireless switch devices 14 (14-1) to 14 (14-4) as “in use” or “available (vacant),” as shown in the seat usage status monitoring screen 1810.

[0114] (e2. System Functional Configuration) Next, the functional configuration of the business management system that controls the display of seat occupancy status will be described. As shown in Fig. 13, wireless switch devices 14 (14-1) to 14 (14-4) are provided on the chairs 10 (10-1) to 10 (10-4), respectively, and the structure is the same as that shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, and the arrangement with respect to the chairs 10 (10-1) to 10 (10-4) is the same as that shown in Fig. 7 to Fig. 9.

[0115] The processing device 18 is connected to the receiver 16, and is provided with a seat occupancy status display control unit 58 as a function realized by executing a program. The seat occupancy status display control unit 58 displays on a screen whether or not a seat is being used in the work environment as shown in Fig. 12, and manages this.

[0116] In more detail, the seat occupancy status display control unit 58 sets a predetermined vacant time T11 when the receiver 16 receives a seat occupancy detection signal, and when the vacant time T11 has elapsed without receiving an absence detection signal from the same sender, displays on the screen that the chair in which the wireless switch device corresponding to the seat occupancy detection signal is located is "in use."

[0117] In addition, the seat occupancy status display control unit 58 sets a predetermined vacant time T21 when the receiver 16 receives an absence detection signal, and when the vacant time T21 has elapsed without receiving a seat presence detection signal from the same sender, displays that the chair in which the wireless switch device corresponding to the absence detection signal is located is "available (vacant)."

[0118] The processing device 18 is also provided with an idle time setting unit 60, which allows the system administrator to change the idle time T11 from when a seating detection signal is received until it is confirmed, and the idle time T21 from when a seating absence detection signal is received until it is confirmed.

[0119] The free time T11 when a seat detection signal is received is the time required to determine that the seat is in use due to seating, and is set to, for example, a few minutes as the default, and can be changed as necessary.

[0120] In addition, the available time T21 when an absence detection signal is received is a time to prevent the system from judging the user's temporary absence as "available (available)". The time for temporary absence is arbitrary, but for example, the available time T21 is set to a default of several minutes, and the system administrator can change the available time T21 as necessary.

[0121] (e3. Seat occupancy status display control) Next, the seat occupancy status display control by the processor 18 in Fig. 13 will be described with reference to Fig. 14, which is a flowchart showing the seat occupancy status display control by the operation management system in Fig. 13.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 14, the seat occupancy status display control unit 58 provided in the processing device 18 in FIG. 13 initially displays “Available” on the screen in response to, for example, the availability of the chair 10 (10-1). In this state, when a new user sits down in, for example, the chair 10 (10-1), the seat occupancy detection signal transmitted from the wireless switch device 14 (14-1) is determined based on the reception output from the receiver 16 (step S11). A predetermined vacant time T11 is set and its passage is determined (step S12). Until the vacant time T11 has elapsed, the control unit 58 determines whether or not the receiver 16 receives the leave detection signal transmitted from the wireless switch device 14 (14-1) in response to the user leaving the chair 10 (10-1) (step S13).

[0123] If the user leaves the seat, it is determined that the absence detection signal has been received before the vacant time T11 has elapsed (Yes in step S13), and the vacant time T11 is reset, and the process returns to determining whether a new seating detection signal has been received (step S1).

[0124] If it is determined that the vacant time T11 has elapsed (Yes in step S12) without receiving an absence detection signal from the wireless switch device 14 (14-1) (No in step S13), the screen display corresponding to the chair 10 (10-1) is switched from "Available" to "In Use" (step S14).

[0125] Next, when the user of the chair 10 (10-1) finishes work or the like and leaves the seat, it is determined that a seat-apart detection signal has been received from the wireless switch device 14 (14-1) (Yes in step S15), and without determining that a seat-occupancy detection signal has been received (No in step S17), if it is determined that a predetermined vacant time T21 has elapsed (step S16), the screen display corresponding to the chair 10 (10-1) is switched from "in use" to "available" (step S18), and the process returns to determining whether a next seat-occupancy detection signal has been received (step S11). Such seat occupancy display control is similarly performed for the other chairs 10 (10-2) to 10 (10-4).

[0126] [f. Modifications of the present invention] A description will now be given of modified examples of the business management system according to the present invention. In addition to the above-described embodiment, the business management system according to the present invention includes the following modifications.

[0127] The above embodiment takes as an example the placement of the wireless switch device on a chair for one person, but is not limited to this and includes placement on a bench used by multiple people. In the case of a bench, a wireless switch device is placed at each position where a person sits, and the seat usage status can be managed by displaying whether the seat is in use or available (vacant) on the screen, for example, in the same way as shown in Fig. 12.

[0128] (Applicable to wireless switch devices and control systems) The above embodiment uses a wireless switch device as an example of a business management system, taking screen lock control and seat occupancy display control, but is not limited to this and includes appropriate control and management based on whether a chair is sat or left.

[0129] (Screen saver control) In the above embodiment, screen lock control is performed to ensure the security of the processing device, but screen saver control may also be used. In this case, the processing device sets a predetermined free time when the receiver receives an absence detection signal, and switches the screen display to the screen saver screen when the free time has elapsed without receiving a seat detection signal. Also, when the receiver receives a seat detection signal while the screen display is switched to the screen saver screen, a predetermined free time is set, and when the free time has elapsed without receiving an absence detection signal, the screen saver screen is cancelled and the normal screen is restored.

[0130] (others) Furthermore, the present invention includes appropriate modifications that do not impair its objects and advantages, and is not limited to the numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 10,10(10-1)~10(10-4):Chair 1010: Seat 1012: Seat structure 1014: Embedded part 1016: Seat cover 12,12(12-1)~12(12-4):Desk 14, 14(14-1)~14(14-4): Wireless switch device 16: Receiver 1610,56:Antenna 18: Processing device 1810: Seat occupancy display screen 20: Screen lock control section 22,60: Free time setting section 24: Base plate 2410: Locking receiving part 2412: Fixed power generating unit 2414: Antenna fixing part 26: Curved switch plate 2610: Locking claw 34: Power generating unit 36: Stopper part 40: Seat cushion 4010: Cushion cover 4020: Elastic member 42: Power generation mechanism 44: Power generation section 4410: Power generation push hole 4412: Power generation unit 4414: Generator lever storage section 46: Diode bridge 48: Constant voltage circuit section 50:Polarity discrimination section 52: Signal processing section 54: Transmitter 58: Seat occupancy status display control unit

Claims

1. a wireless switch device that is disposed on a seat of a chair, generating electricity to transmit a unique seating detection signal when a person sits on the chair, and generating electricity to transmit a unique seating detection signal when a person leaves the chair; a receiver that distinguishes between the seating detection signal and the leaving detection signal transmitted from the wireless switch device that are associated in advance and receives the signal; a processor for performing a predetermined business process based on the seating detection signal and the absence detection signal received by the receiver; A business management system comprising:

2. 2. The business management system according to claim 1, The wireless switch device includes: a power generating unit that generates power by relative movement with a magnetic field generating member and / or an electromagnetic induction coil; a power supply unit that rectifies the power generated by the power generation unit and supplies power; a power generation mechanism that operates the power generation unit to generate electricity when the power generation unit is pressed when the user sits down and when the power generation unit is released when the user leaves the seat; a signal processing unit that transmits the seating detection signal in response to a positive power generation polarity of the power generation unit caused by pressing the power generation mechanism and a power supply from the power supply unit, and transmits the absence detection signal in response to a reverse power generation polarity of the power generation unit caused by releasing the pressing of the power generation mechanism and a power supply from the power supply unit; A business management system comprising:

3. 2. The business management system according to claim 1, The power generation mechanism includes: a horizontally long rectangular base plate having the power generating unit mounted at its center; a curved switch plate that is fixed to an upper side of the base plate, has an upward curved shape, and generates electricity in the power generating unit by displacing from an upward curved state to a flat state when pressure is applied when the user sits down, and generates electricity in the power generating unit by displacing from the flat state to an upward curved state when pressure is released when the user leaves the seat; a power generating operation part that transmits the displacement of the curved switch plate caused by sitting to the power generating part and operates the power generating part, the power generating operation part being protruded downward from an inner surface of the curved switch plate; a stopper portion that restricts the displacement of the curved switch plate to a flat state due to sitting at a predetermined position and that protrudes from both or either of the curved switch plate and the inner surface of the base plate; A business management system comprising:

4. 4. The business management system according to claim 3, The power generation mechanism includes a spring member disposed between the base plate and the curved switch plate for biasing the base plate and the curved switch plate in a direction that opens the gap between the base plate and the curved switch plate.

5. 2. The business management system according to claim 1, The wireless switch device has a rectangular shape with a width that is longer than its front-to-back width when placed on the seat of the chair, and is used by being placed at the front of the seat corresponding to the thighs of a person sitting on the chair.

6. 6. The business management system according to claim 5, The business management system is characterized in that the wireless switch device is provided inside a seat cushion that is placed on the seat of the chair, at a predetermined position on the front side corresponding to the thighs of both feet of a person sitting on the chair.

7. 6. The business management system according to claim 5, The business management system is characterized in that the wireless switch device is provided at a predetermined position on the front side within the seat cover of the chair, corresponding to the thighs of both feet of a person sitting in the chair.

8. 2. The business management system according to claim 1, The processing device is characterized in that when the receiver receives the absence detection signal, it sets a predetermined free time, and when the free time has elapsed without receiving the seating detection signal, it switches to a locked state with the screen display as a locked screen.

9. 9. The business management system according to claim 8, The processing device is characterized in that when the receiver receives the seating detection signal in the locked state, it sets a predetermined second free time, and releases the locked state when the second free time has elapsed without receiving the absence detection signal.

10. 2. The business management system according to claim 1, the wireless switch device is arranged in a working environment in which a plurality of chair and desk pairs are arranged, the wireless switch device transmitting the unique seating detection signal and the unique leaving detection signal to each of the chairs; The processing device includes: The seat occupancy status of the work environment is displayed on a screen and managed. a predetermined vacant time is set when the receiver receives the seating detection signal, and when the vacant time has elapsed without receiving the absence detection signal from the same sender, a message is displayed indicating that the chair on which the wireless switch device corresponding to the seating detection signal is installed is in use; This business management system is characterized in that when the receiver receives the absence detection signal, a predetermined second available time is set, and when the second available time has elapsed without receiving the seating detection signal from the same sender, a message is displayed indicating that the chair equipped with the wireless switch device corresponding to the absence detection signal is available for use.

11. 11. The business management system according to claim 8, The processing device is capable of changing settings of the free time and the second free time.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Seat leaving monitoring system

    JP1999296478A

  • Wireless transmitter for operating information

    JP2006237911A

  • Protection function control system, controller, input device, and protection function control method

    JP2016035696A